Imagine this: you’re ready to relax after a long day, pop in some popcorn, and stream your favorite movie on Plex. But then you hit a snag. Your media library is scattered across different hard drives, and finding that one specific show feels like a treasure hunt gone wrong. Does this sound familiar?
Setting up Network Attached Storage (NAS) for Plex can feel overwhelming. You want a smooth streaming experience, but the world of NAS drives, RAID configurations, and transfer speeds can be confusing. Many people struggle to find the perfect NAS that fits their budget and offers enough space for their growing movie and TV show collection. It’s a common problem for media enthusiasts!
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a NAS great for Plex. We’ll break down the important features, explain the jargon in simple terms, and help you choose the NAS that will make your Plex server shine. Get ready to say goodbye to storage headaches and hello to effortless streaming.
Our Top 5 Nas Storage For Plex Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Nas Storage For Plex Detailed Reviews
1. Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL
Rating: 9.5/10
The Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL is a neat little box that helps you keep your digital stuff safe and sound. It’s a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, meaning you can plug in hard drives (though it doesn’t come with any!) and store all your photos, videos, and documents in one place. You can access these files from any computer or device connected to your home network, making it super convenient.
What We Like:
- It has a speedy 1.7GHz quad-core processor that makes things run fast.
- You can watch your movies and shows in amazing 4K quality thanks to its 4K transcoding.
- It’s easy to set up. You don’t need any tools to put the hard drives in!
- It has a special feature called Btrfs/iSCSI Snapshots that helps protect your files.
- You can even turn it on remotely using Wake on LAN (WOL).
What Could Be Improved:
- It only comes with 1GB of RAM, which might be a bit low for some advanced tasks.
- The 1GbE port is standard, but faster ports would be even better for very large files.
This Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite is a solid choice for anyone wanting to back up their files and enjoy their media. It offers good performance and features for its price point.
2. BUFFALO LinkStation 210 6TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of scattered files and the constant worry of losing important photos or documents? The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 6TB 1-Bay NAS is a smart solution for your home. This device acts like your own personal cloud, letting you store, back up, and access all your videos, music, and photos from any device, without any monthly fees. It’s like having a super-organized digital filing cabinet that you can reach from anywhere.
What We Like:
- It offers a generous 6TB of storage, perfect for a family’s media collection.
- You get subscription-free personal cloud storage, saving you money.
- It securely centralizes all your data, making it easy to find what you need.
- The NAS is built with data security in mind, featuring a closed system and SSL encryption.
- You can back up multiple computers and devices automatically.
- Sharing files with family and friends is easy and secure with individual access controls.
- It comes with a 2-year warranty and 24/7 US-based support.
- The device is made in Japan, suggesting good quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a 1-bay NAS, meaning it only has one drive slot, so there’s no built-in RAID for extra data protection if the drive fails.
- The LS200 model is described as having “enhanced features” and “up to 7x faster performance” for the LS 700 model, suggesting this version might be slower or less feature-rich compared to newer options.
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 6TB is a solid choice for easy, centralized home storage and backups. It provides a secure and cost-effective way to manage your digital life.
3. TERRAMASTER F2-424 NAS Storage 2Bay – N95 Quad-Core CPU
Rating: 8.5/10
The TERRAMASTER F2-424 NAS Storage 2Bay is a powerful and fast way to store and manage your digital files. It uses a strong N95 quad-core CPU and speedy DDR5 RAM to make your applications run much quicker. With two 2.5GbE ports, it offers super-fast network speeds, perfect for sharing files or streaming media. This NAS is designed for easy setup, with tool-free hard drive installation and simple M.2 SSD access.
What We Like:
- Super-fast performance with its N95 CPU and DDR5 RAM.
- Two 2.5GbE ports for quick network connections and Link Aggregation up to 5Gb.
- Easy to install M.2 SSDs and hard drives with tool-free designs.
- Plenty of backup options to keep your data safe.
- Quiet operation thanks to its special sound-absorbing features.
- Upgradable RAM for future needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- It comes diskless, so you need to buy your own hard drives.
- While the basic RAM is 8GB, upgrading to 32GB will cost extra.
The TERRAMASTER F2-424 NAS is an excellent choice for anyone needing fast, reliable network storage. It offers a great blend of performance, ease of use, and data protection.
4. TERRAMASTER F8 SSD NAS Storage – 8Bay All SSD NAS Server N95 QuadCore CPU
Rating: 9.0/10
The TERRAMASTER F8 SSD NAS Storage is a super-fast and small storage device for your home or office. It uses all SSDs, which makes it really quick. It’s about the size of a book, so it won’t take up much space. This NAS is great for businesses and people who need to store a lot of files and want them protected.
What We Like:
- Super fast thanks to its SSDs and 10GbE port.
- Very compact and lightweight, easy to place anywhere.
- It runs very quietly, so it won’t bother you.
- Comes with tools to protect your data, like backup and ransomware protection.
- Easy to install SSDs and memory without tools.
- Plenty of storage space with support for eight SSDs.
What Could Be Improved:
- It doesn’t come with SSDs, so you have to buy them separately.
- The price might be a bit high for some users.
This TERRAMASTER F8 SSD NAS offers impressive speed and excellent data protection in a tiny package. It’s a powerful solution for anyone needing reliable and fast storage.
5. AMBER X Smart Personal Cloud Storage Device Data and Media Files
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the AMBER X, your new smart personal cloud storage. This device lets you keep all your important data and media files safe at home. It has a fast 512GB SSD built right in, and you can even add more storage using a USB drive. You can access your files from anywhere, and share them easily. It works with all your smart devices and is super easy to set up.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to set up and use, making it simple for everyone.
- You own all your data and have complete control, with no monthly fees or memberships needed.
- Access your files and share them from anywhere, anytime.
- It comes with 512GB of fast SSD storage, and you can add more with USB.
- It’s a private and secure way to store your files, unlike regular cloud services.
- Installing Plex and Home Assistant is a breeze with just one click.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 512GB built-in storage might be limiting for users with massive media libraries.
- While it’s private, the initial setup still requires an internet connection.
The AMBER X is a fantastic way to take charge of your digital life. It offers a secure, user-friendly, and flexible solution for all your storage needs.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your NAS for Plex
Why You Need a NAS for Plex
Plex is a fantastic way to organize and stream your movies, TV shows, and music. It turns your computer into a media server. However, relying on your main computer can slow it down. A Network Attached Storage (NAS) device is a better solution. A NAS is like a mini-computer dedicated to storing and serving your media. It keeps your files safe and accessible from any device on your network.
Key Features to Look For
Storage Capacity
This is the most important feature. How many movies and shows do you have? Think about future growth too. Most NAS devices can hold multiple hard drives, so you can add more space later.
Number of Drive Bays
NAS devices come with different numbers of bays for hard drives. A 2-bay NAS is good for starters. A 4-bay NAS offers more flexibility and storage. More bays mean more potential storage and better data protection options.
Processor and RAM
These affect how smoothly Plex runs, especially if you’re streaming to multiple devices or transcoding media. Transcoding is when Plex converts a file to a format your device can play. A faster processor and more RAM mean better performance.
Network Connectivity
Look for Gigabit Ethernet ports. This ensures fast and reliable connections for smooth streaming. Some higher-end NAS devices have faster ports like 2.5GbE or 10GbE, but Gigabit is usually enough for most home users.
RAID Support
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) protects your data. If one hard drive fails, your media is still safe. Common RAID levels are RAID 0 (no protection, faster), RAID 1 (mirroring, good protection), and RAID 5 (stripping with parity, good balance of space and protection).
Important Materials
NAS devices are usually made of durable plastic or metal. Metal casings can offer better heat dissipation, which is good for the internal components. The quality of the internal components, like the motherboard and power supply, also matters for long-term reliability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Improves Quality:
- Powerful Processor: Allows for smooth transcoding and multiple streams.
- Ample RAM: Helps with multitasking and running Plex smoothly.
- Fast Network Ports: Ensures quick data transfer and buffer-free streaming.
- Good Cooling: Prevents overheating and extends the life of components.
What Reduces Quality:
- Underpowered Processor: Leads to stuttering playback and slow transcoding.
- Limited RAM: Can cause the NAS to lag when running Plex and other apps.
- Slow Network Speeds: Results in buffering and poor streaming quality.
- Poor Build Quality: May lead to component failure and shorter lifespan.
User Experience and Use Cases
A NAS for Plex offers a great user experience. You can access your entire media library from any device – your smart TV, phone, tablet, or computer. It’s perfect for families who want to share movies and music. Gamers can store their game libraries. Photographers can back up and access their photos easily. It’s a central hub for all your digital content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of a NAS for Plex?
A: A NAS for Plex acts as a dedicated media server, allowing you to store, organize, and stream your media library to various devices without slowing down your main computer.
Q: How much storage capacity do I need?
A: This depends on the size of your media library. Start by estimating your current needs and add extra for future growth. Many NAS devices allow you to expand storage later.
Q: Do I need to buy hard drives separately?
A: Yes, most NAS devices are sold as diskless units. You will need to purchase compatible hard drives to install in the drive bays.
Q: Is RAID necessary for a Plex NAS?
A: RAID is highly recommended. It protects your data from drive failure, ensuring your media library remains intact if one hard drive malfunctions.
Q: Can I use my NAS for more than just Plex?
A: Absolutely! Most NAS devices can be used for file storage, backups, cloud syncing, and running other applications, making them versatile home servers.
Q: Will a NAS improve my Plex streaming quality?
A: Yes, a NAS with a capable processor and sufficient RAM can handle Plex tasks more efficiently, leading to smoother streaming and better transcoding performance.
Q: How do I set up a NAS for Plex?
A: Setting up usually involves installing hard drives, connecting the NAS to your network, and then installing and configuring the Plex Media Server software on the NAS.
Q: What’s the difference between a 2-bay and a 4-bay NAS?
A: A 2-bay NAS has two drive bays, offering less storage and fewer RAID options. A 4-bay NAS has four drive bays, providing more storage potential and greater flexibility with RAID configurations.
Q: Do I need a powerful NAS to transcode video?
A: Yes, if you plan to stream media to devices that don’t support your media’s original format, you’ll need a NAS with a processor powerful enough for transcoding. Plex Pass features like hardware transcoding can also help.
Q: How do I access my Plex library when I’m away from home?
A: Plex allows remote access. Once your NAS and Plex Media Server are set up correctly, you can stream your media from anywhere with an internet connection.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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