10 Best Nas Devices 2026 in the United States

The Synology DS1522+ is a solid choice for anyone needing a mid-sized NAS device with good flexibility. It comes with 5 bays, allowing you to install multiple hard drives, and the included bundle offers 20TB total storage using five 4TB Seagate IronWolf drives, which are designed for reliable NAS use. Powered by an AMD Ryzen R1600 processor and 8GB of RAM, this NAS can handle more demanding tasks and support several users accessing files at the same time without slowing down. It supports RAID configurations, which means you can protect your data by spreading it across drives in ways that keep it safe if one drive fails.

Connectivity is strong with four Gigabit Ethernet ports (RJ-45 1GbE), providing fast and stable network access, which is important if multiple devices are connected or if you’re moving large files. Synology’s software enhances the experience by offering private cloud features, letting you sync and access your data remotely with ease, while also including built-in security measures to keep your files safe. The device’s metal build gives it a sturdy feel, though it weighs around 15.7 pounds, which is normal for this type of equipment.

One minor point is the 5400 RPM hard drives, which are quieter and cooler but not as fast as 7200 RPM models, so transfer speeds might be slightly slower for very heavy workloads. This NAS is best suited for small to medium businesses or tech-savvy home users who want a dependable, expandable storage solution with strong data protection and remote access features.

The Synology DS224+ is a solid NAS device with several notable strengths and a few limitations to consider. It comes bundled with 8TB of storage, thanks to 2x 4TB Seagate IronWolf drives, which is a good amount for small to medium-sized data storage needs. With two bays, it offers flexibility for future expansions or for using RAID configurations to enhance data security, making it a reliable choice for both home and small office environments.

The Intel Celeron J4125 4-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM provide decent performance for typical NAS tasks, such as file sharing, remote access, and media streaming. However, power users might find the 2GB RAM limiting, although it might be upgradable depending on the model specifications. Connectivity is robust with two RJ-45 1GbE LAN ports and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, ensuring fast data transfer and network integration. The built-in security tools are a significant plus, protecting your data against evolving threats, which is crucial for any network-attached storage device.

On the software side, Synology offers a user-friendly operating system that simplifies setup and management. On the downside, at 6.85 pounds and with dimensions of 9.17 x 4.25 x 6.5 inches, the DS224+ is relatively bulky, which might be a concern if space is limited. The Synology DS224+ is a well-rounded NAS device, particularly well-suited for users looking for robust data protection, reliable performance, and the ability to expand their storage solutions in the future.

The Synology DS225+ is a compact 2-bay NAS designed for users who want reliable network storage with decent performance. It comes bundled with two 8TB Seagate Ironwolf drives, giving a total of 16TB storage out of the box. The device is powered by an Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 memory, which you can upgrade to 6GB to handle more intensive tasks or multiple users.

It supports Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), making it easier to manage storage while protecting your data, and the Btrfs file system adds advanced data protection including snapshot technology to restore files if needed. For connectivity, it offers one 2.5 GbE port and one 1 GbE port, allowing faster data transfer within your home or small office network. The device runs Synology's DSM operating system, known for user-friendly and feature-rich management software.

This NAS is suitable for home users, small businesses, or creative professionals who need centralized backup, media streaming, and file sharing, but it may feel limited in power for larger or more demanding environments. The 2-bay design restricts maximum storage expandability compared to bigger NAS models, and the initial 2GB RAM might be on the low side if you plan heavy multitasking. The DS225+ balances ease of use with solid performance for everyday NAS needs, especially if you value data safety and flexible storage options.