Discover the Top 4 NAS Devices and RAID Storage Solutions
When it comes to managing your data efficiently and securely, choosing the right NAS device and RAID storage solution is essential. You rely on these technologies to protect your important files, improve access speeds, and expand your storage capabilities seamlessly.
Understanding the best options available, including devices like the Ugreen NASync DXP2800, empowers you to make informed decisions that can enhance your digital life, whether for personal use, professional projects, or media storage.
Top Picks
Category |
Product |
Score |
|---|---|---|
🏆 Best Overall |
94/100 |
|
⚡ Best Performance |
90/100 |
|
💰 Best Value |
88/100 |
|
💡 Best Innovation |
85/100 |
How We Selected These NAS Devices
You want a NAS that offers a perfect balance of performance, reliability, and ease of use. We prioritized devices with strong RAID capabilities, fast networked SSD storage options, and flexible expandability to fit various needs. Considerations included processor power, RAM capacity, network connectivity (such as 2.5GbE or higher), and user-friendly interfaces.
We also examined customer reviews to understand real-world experiences and ensure the products deliver on their promises. Devices like the Ugreen NASync DXP2800 were selected for their efficient quad-core CPUs, DDR5 RAM, and dual M.2 NVMe slots, which support advanced RAID configurations and faster data access.
UGREEN NASync DXP2800
If you’re looking for a solid NAS that balances power and ease of use, the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 is worth a look. It packs a 12th Gen Intel quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR5 RAM, so handling backups or streaming 4K content feels smooth and responsive. The two bays can hold up to 24TB each, plus you get two M.2 NVMe slots for fast cache storage, which really helps if you’re juggling large files or multiple users at once. The built-in 2.5GbE port means your transfers won’t hold you back, and the dedicated app makes managing your files super straightforward from just about any device.
Whether you need a reliable home setup or a backup for your creative projects, this NAS can fit right in, especially if you’ve checked out options like the Synology DiskStation DS1522+ or the QNAP TS-464 and want something a bit different.
What People Say
Users appreciate the solid build quality and cooling, plus the fast speeds when using NVMe caching. The app gets good marks for ease of use, and many find the setup straightforward.
Some mention that if you’re new to NAS, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but overall, it’s reliable and efficient.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Bru Huf
I needed a rugged NAS for off-site backup of an 18TB music library and more. The metal housing and large fan keep things cool, and the dual NVMe drives for caching plus RAID0 setup deliver solid 180MB/s speeds on my 2.5 Gb network. Setup was easy and the software is surprisingly good for a newer NAS brand.
🗣️ David
Just started using this and it was easy to install drives and set up on my network. The app works great on my Android phone too. Pro tip: enable the DLNA app if you want to use it as a media server. Overall, very smooth experience.
Ease of Use
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
Drive Installation |
Easy |
Network Setup |
Moderate |
App Interface |
Easy |
Firmware Updates |
Moderate |
RAID Configuration |
Moderate |
Platform Compatibility
Platform |
Compatibility Level |
|---|---|
Windows |
High |
macOS |
High |
Android |
High |
iOS |
High |
Linux |
Moderate |
What’s New Here
The inclusion of dual M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching alongside traditional SATA bays gives this NAS a performance edge, especially for those used to the likes of Synology DiskStation DS1522+ or QNAP TS-464. Plus, the 2.5GbE port is a nice upgrade for faster network speeds in a desktop NAS.
Why You'll Like It
- Powerful 12th Gen Intel quad-core CPU for smooth multitasking
- Supports up to 64TB total with 2 SATA bays and NVMe slots
- Fast 2.5GbE network port for speedy file transfers
- User-friendly dedicated app for easy management
- Robust data security with advanced encryption
Rating: 4.4 (total: 39+)
Shop NowSynology DiskStation DS1522+
If you want a NAS that grows with you, the Synology DiskStation DS1522+ is a solid pick. It’s got five bays ready for your hard drives, plus enough muscle with 8GB DDR4 RAM to handle everything from daily backups to running multiple apps.
The four 1GbE ports cover most home and small office setups, and if you’re into faster speeds, there’s an option to add 10GbE connectivity down the line. What’s cool is you can expand storage on the fly using Synology’s DX517 units, boosting your capacity up to 15 drives when you need it. Whether you’re organizing family photos, managing work files, or looking for a reliable RAID networked SSD storage solution, this NAS blends power and flexibility without making things complicated.
What People Say
People love how easy it is to set up and use, even if you’re not a tech expert. The flexible RAID options and upgrade paths make it a trustworthy choice for both home and small office use.
Users also appreciate the strong community and plenty of tutorials available online.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Brit French
Synology really feels like the Apple of NAS devices. The interface is user-friendly, and the flexible BTRFS and SHR1 features make protecting your data against drive failure or ransomware simpler. I love that you can upgrade drives one by one for more space, and the option for NVMe SSD caching is a nice touch. Just a heads up, upgrading to 10GbE networking takes some extra hardware, but it’s worth it if you want that speed boost.
🗣️ MYazan
Setup was pretty straightforward, and it met all our household needs. I had to be patient organizing years of scattered digital files, but the NAS handled it well. The wireless and ethernet setup was easy, though speeds depend on your network. Upgrading RAM made a noticeable difference, and watching family videos organized on it has been a fun experience. Definitely recommend for basic home use.
Ease of Use
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
Drive Installation |
Easy |
Network Setup |
Moderate |
User Interface |
Easy |
RAID Configuration |
Moderate |
Firmware Updates |
Moderate |
Platform Compatibility
Platform |
Compatibility Level |
|---|---|
Windows |
High |
macOS |
High |
Linux |
High |
Android |
High |
iOS |
High |
Standout Features
What sets the DS1522+ apart is the balance between traditional mechanical drives and the option to add NVMe SSD caching, which can seriously speed up your RAID networked SSD storage experience. The modular expansion via DX517 means you’re not stuck when your storage needs grow.
Why You'll Appreciate It
- Five drive bays with hot-swappable trays for flexible storage
- 8GB DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking and app handling
- Four 1GbE ports standard with optional 10GbE upgrade
- Expandable up to 15 drives using DX517 units
- Built-in BTRFS and SHR1 RAID options for data protection
Rating: 4.7 (total: 8692+)
Shop NowQNAP TS-464
The QNAP TS-464 is a powerful little workhorse that fits neatly on your desk but packs a punch with its Intel Celeron quad-core processor. Whether you’re backing up family photos, streaming media, or running multiple apps, this NAS handles it all smoothly. The dual 2.5GbE network ports mean faster file transfers, especially if your home or office network supports it, so you won’t be left waiting around. Plus, the M.2 PCIe slots let you boost performance with SSD caching or extra storage without swapping out your main drives.
It’s great for everyday backups and serious enough if you’re running a home Plex server or managing work files. If you want something reliable that won’t slow down as you add more drives or users, the TS-464 makes the process pretty painless.
What People Say
Users appreciate the TS-464’s strong performance and flexibility, especially for media streaming and backups. The faster network ports and SSD caching options get highlighted often, along with the surprisingly high RAM capacity supported.
People also mention the straightforward setup and reliable data protection.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ OGBear
The QNAP TS-464-8G-US is a remarkable addition to my home network setup. Installation was straightforward, and the interface is user-friendly. The quad-core processor and M.2 PCIe slots really deliver on performance, and the dual 2.5GbE ports have noticeably sped up my transfers. It’s reliable and gives me peace of mind for data security.
🗣️ Ordinary Customer
I was impressed that the TS-464 supports up to 64GB RAM, even though official specs say 16GB max. I installed 32GBx2 without any issues, which really boosted performance. The ability to install other OSes like Proxmox is a huge plus for me. Only minor complaints are about PCIe slot airflow and card length limitations, but overall it’s very customizable and powerful.
Ease of Use
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
Drive Installation |
Easy |
Network Setup |
Moderate |
User Interface |
Easy |
RAID Configuration |
Moderate |
Firmware Updates |
Moderate |
Platform Compatibility
Platform |
Compatibility Level |
|---|---|
Windows |
High |
macOS |
High |
Linux |
High |
Android |
High |
iOS |
High |
Notable Features
What really makes the TS-464 stand out is its combination of dual 2.5GbE ports for faster networking and M.2 PCIe slots that let you add SSD caching or extra storage pools without hassle. The unexpected support for up to 64GB of RAM also gives you plenty of headroom to run multiple apps or virtual machines if you want.
Why You'll Like It
- Intel Celeron quad-core processor for smooth multitasking
- Dual 2.5GbE ports speed up network file transfers
- Two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for SSD caching or storage pools
- Supports up to 64GB RAM for future-proofing performance
- User-friendly interface makes setup and management easy
Rating: 4.4 (total: 278+)
Shop NowAsustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2
The Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2 is the kind of NAS that feels like it just gets what you need without fuss. It’s great for everyday storage tasks like backing up your photos and videos, but also packs enough muscle for more demanding jobs like running a home Plex server or managing your work files. Thanks to those four M.2 NVMe slots, you get the flexibility to add fast SSDs for caching or extra storage, which really speeds things up. The dual 2.5GbE ports help push data around quickly if your network supports it, so you won’t be stuck waiting on transfers.
Whether you’re setting it up for family memories or a small office, it balances power and ease nicely, keeping things straightforward while letting you expand as you grow.
What People Say
Users value the Lockerstor 2 Gen2 for its fast transfers, especially when leveraging the dual 2.5GbE ports and M.2 SSD slots. Many appreciate the balance of power and usability, with several highlighting how easy it is to set up backups and multimedia servers.
Some advise careful setup of RAID and recommend using a UPS to avoid data loss.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ JohnR
I’m an IT pro with over 25 years of experience and this unit offers excellent specs for the price. I upgraded the RAM to 16GB without too much trouble and the UPS support is a lifesaver to protect your data. The dual 2.5GbE ports deliver solid network speed and the app selection covers most needs. Just be cautious with RAID choices and remote access settings for safety.
🗣️ JLouisIII
After switching from a competitor’s product, I found the Lockerstor 2 Gen2 to be the best fit for my photo and video editing backups. Setup was quick, file transfers noticeably faster, and it worked seamlessly across my Apple and Windows laptops. The 4 M.2 NVMe slots are a great bonus and the app catalog is impressive. Definitely recommend using a UPS for peace of mind.
Ease of Use
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
Drive Installation |
Easy |
Network Setup |
Moderate |
User Interface |
Easy |
RAID Configuration |
Moderate |
RAM Upgrade |
Challenging |
Platform Compatibility
Platform |
Compatibility Level |
|---|---|
Windows |
High |
macOS |
High |
Linux |
High |
Android |
High |
iOS |
High |
Key Innovations
What really sets the Lockerstor 2 Gen2 apart is its four M.2 NVMe slots, which are perfect for building a fast raid networked SSD storage setup or boosting performance with SSD caching. Couple that with dual 2.5GbE ports, and you’ve got a NAS that’s ready to serve up data quickly whether you’re streaming media or handling backups.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Quad-core Intel Celeron CPU offers solid performance
- Four M.2 NVMe slots for flexible SSD caching or storage
- Dual 2.5GbE ports speed up file transfers on capable networks
- Expandable RAM up to 16GB to keep multitasking smooth
- User-friendly app ecosystem with multimedia and backup tools
Rating: 4.3 (total: 408+)
Shop NowFAQ
What Should You Consider When Choosing Between QNAP TS-464 and Synology DiskStation DS1522+?
When deciding between the QNAP TS-464 and Synology DiskStation DS1522+, you need to consider what features matter most to your use case. The QNAP TS-464 offers a powerful Intel Celeron quad-core processor, dual 2.5GbE network ports, and M.2 PCIe slots for SSD caching or storage expansion, making it excellent if you want high performance with flexible hardware upgrades.
Synology's DS1522+ shines with its user-friendly DSM operating system and flexible RAID options like SHR1, which allows you to replace drives individually for easy storage expansion. It also supports NVMe SSD caching and has robust data protection features like BTRFS snapshots, which help safeguard your data from ransomware.
However, Synology typically has fewer native apps for media servers like Plex compared to QNAP. You should also factor in your network setup; Synology requires optional upgrades for 10GbE, while the QNAP includes dual 2.5GbE out of the box. Ultimately, choose based on whether you prioritize an intuitive ecosystem and data protection (Synology DiskStation DS1522+) or hardware flexibility and network speed (QNAP TS-464).
How Does RAID Configuration Impact Your NAS Usage and Data Safety?
RAID configuration plays a crucial role in how your NAS performs and protects your data. For instance, RAID 0 maximizes speed by striping data across drives but offers no redundancy, so if one drive fails, you lose all data. RAID 1 mirrors data for redundancy but halves your usable storage. RAID 5 or SHR1 (Synology Hybrid RAID) provide a balance by allowing one drive to fail without data loss and offering more efficient storage use.
When using devices like the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 or Synology DiskStation DS1522+, you can select RAID levels that suit your needs. If you require reliable data backup and protection, avoid RAID 0 and consider RAID 1, 5, or SHR1.
Also, some NAS devices support SSD caching with M.2 NVMe slots, like the QNAP TS-464 and UGREEN NASync DXP2800, which can significantly improve read/write speeds even with mechanical drives. Remember to regularly back up your data externally, as RAID is not a substitute for proper backups against accidental deletion or corruption.
What Practical Tips Should You Know When Setting Up and Using RAID Networked SSD Storage?
When setting up RAID networked SSD storage on NAS devices such as the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 or QNAP TS-464, start by carefully planning your storage needs and selecting compatible drives. Use the manufacturer’s RAID calculator or documentation to understand how much usable space you’ll get depending on the RAID level.
Always initialize your drives and perform a full health check before configuring RAID. Make sure to configure your NAS with the latest firmware and software updates to benefit from performance and security improvements.
If your NAS supports NVMe SSD caching, enable it to boost your overall speed, especially if you use large files or multiple simultaneous users. For network setup, utilizing 2.5GbE or higher network connections will optimize data transfer speeds.
When managing files, use the NAS’s native file manager or apps rather than direct file explorer access to avoid slowdowns or permission issues, as some users have experienced with devices like the UGREEN NASync DXP2800. Finally, maintain regular backups and monitor drive health to catch potential failures early, ensuring your data remains safe and accessible.
Customer Preferences Overview
When choosing between the UGREEN NASync DXP2800, Synology DiskStation DS1522+, and QNAP TS-464, you typically prioritize factors like ease of use, scalability, and performance. Customers often prefer the UGREEN NASync for its straightforward setup and affordability, while the Synology DiskStation appeals to those seeking robust software features and reliable data management.
Meanwhile, the QNAP TS-464 attracts users who value high-speed processing and versatile connectivity options for more demanding storage needs.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right NAS and RAID storage solution can significantly enhance how you manage and protect your data. Whether you need robust performance, easy expandability, or innovative features, the top picks highlighted here offer a range of options tailored to different needs. You can benefit from faster data access, reliable backups, and scalable storage that grows with your demands.
Exploring products like the Ugreen NASync DXP2800 and others will help you find the ideal device to safeguard your digital assets and improve your workflow.
| Product | Image | Rating | Storage Capacity | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay Desktop NAS |  |
4.4/5 (39 reviews) | 2-Bay (Supports M.2 NVMe SSDs) |
|
| Synology 5-bay DiskStation DS1522+ (Diskless) | |
4.7/5 (8,692 reviews) | 5-Bay (Compatible with SATA HDDs) |
|
| QNAP TS-464-8G-US 4 Bay NAS | |
4.4/5 (278 reviews) | 4-Bay (Supports SATA 6 Gb/s and M.2 PCIe SSDs) |
|
| Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2 AS6702T | |
4.3/5 (408 reviews) | 2-Bay (Supports M.2 NVMe SSDs in 4 slots) |
|
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