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10 Best Nas For Mac 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

QNAP TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G High-speed media NAS with Intel® Xeon® W-1250 CPU and Two 10GbE Ports

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,170
Drive Bays
Processor and RAM
Software and Features

Most important from
48 reviews

Drive Bays
The QNAP TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G is a fantastic deal for the money, but the hard drive trays are disappointingly fragile.
Processor and RAM
Despite being a 4-year-old product, the QUTS software keeps it refreshed and functional, though the Xeon processor feels a bit outdated.
Software and Features
This NAS is not just a storage unit, it's a full-blown server that can handle file sharing, media streaming, multiple VMs, and more.

The QNAP TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G is a high-speed media NAS tailored for Mac users, equipped with an impressive Intel Xeon W-1250 6-core processor that can boost up to 4.7 GHz. This ensures robust performance for demanding tasks. It also features Intel UHD Graphics P630, making it suitable for media-rich applications. With 16GB of ECC UDIMM DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 128GB, this NAS can handle extensive multitasking and heavy data processing workloads.

The storage capacity is highly flexible, offering 8 x 3.5-inch and 4 x 2.5-inch SATA bays, which are diskless, allowing users to customize their storage needs. Additionally, RAID support ensures data protection and optimized performance. Connectivity is a strong point with 4 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which facilitate high-speed data transfer and network efficiency. The presence of USB Type-C and Type-A ports adds to its versatility. Another notable feature is the HDMI port, allowing for direct media streaming or display output.

The NAS is housed in a durable metal chassis and comes in a sleek black color, giving it a professional appearance. However, it may be overkill for casual users or small-scale storage needs due to its advanced and expansive features. The price point might also be higher compared to more basic NAS options. This NAS is ideal for creative professionals, small businesses, or tech enthusiasts who require high performance, extensive storage, and advanced connectivity options.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,170
Drive Bays
Processor and RAM
Software and Features

Most important from
48 reviews

Drive Bays
The QNAP TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G is a fantastic deal for the money, but the hard drive trays are disappointingly fragile.
Processor and RAM
Despite being a 4-year-old product, the QUTS software keeps it refreshed and functional, though the Xeon processor feels a bit outdated.
Software and Features
This NAS is not just a storage unit, it's a full-blown server that can handle file sharing, media streaming, multiple VMs, and more.
#2

Synology NAS Rackstation (Diskless) (RS1619xs+), 4-bay; 8GB DDR4

Rating
9.8
Storage Capacity
RAID Support
Processor and RAM

Most important from
48 reviews

Storage Capacity
Synology is pushing people into their overpriced branded hard drives, but better, higher capacity drives can be found for less money.
RAID Support
It makes reassuring me that my data won’t disappear without a trace with a failed hard drive.
Processor and RAM
The performance has been unquestionably top-notch, especially with maxed memory, NVMe adaptor, SSD cache, and 10Gb fiber network adapter.
Compatibility with macOS
It is hard to find compatible hardware for Synology devices, including USB devices and hard drives.
Software and Features
The vast array of mostly free apps available to install from Synology's package center adds significant value to the product.

The Synology NAS Rackstation RS1619xs+ is a robust choice for businesses that require reliable storage solutions compatible with macOS. With its powerful quad-core CPU and 8GB DDR4 RAM, it can handle demanding tasks and support multiple users accessing data simultaneously. The unit boasts a 4-bay design, allowing for substantial storage capacity, and its ability to expand up to 16 drives makes it versatile for growing needs. Its impressive performance speeds, with over 1,523 MB/s sequential reading, stand out, making data retrieval quick and efficient. The inclusion of built-in M.2 NVMe/SATA SSD slots is a great feature that enhances system cache support, which is especially beneficial for businesses requiring fast access to frequently used files. Additionally, the compatibility with optional 10GbE NIC support provides future-proofing for increased network speeds.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The product is designed specifically for rack mounting, which may not suit all home or small office environments where space is limited. While it does support RAID configurations, users will need to invest in drives separately, which can add to the overall cost. Furthermore, while it's backed by a 5-year warranty, the initial investment might be higher than other consumer NAS options, making it less suitable for casual users or those with modest storage needs.

The Synology RS1619xs+ is ideal for businesses looking for a reliable and expandable NAS solution that integrates seamlessly with macOS, although it may exceed the requirements of a typical home user or small office.

Rating
9.8
Storage Capacity
RAID Support
Processor and RAM

Most important from
48 reviews

Storage Capacity
Synology is pushing people into their overpriced branded hard drives, but better, higher capacity drives can be found for less money.
RAID Support
It makes reassuring me that my data won’t disappear without a trace with a failed hard drive.
Processor and RAM
The performance has been unquestionably top-notch, especially with maxed memory, NVMe adaptor, SSD cache, and 10Gb fiber network adapter.
Compatibility with macOS
It is hard to find compatible hardware for Synology devices, including USB devices and hard drives.
Software and Features
The vast array of mostly free apps available to install from Synology's package center adds significant value to the product.
#3

QNAP TVS-h874-i5-32G-US 8 Bay High-Speed Desktop NAS with M.2 PCIe Slots, 12th Gen Intel Core CPU, up to 64GB DDR4 RAM, 2.5 GbE Networking and PCIe Gen 4 expandability (Diskless)

Rating
9.7
Storage Capacity
Drive Bays
RAID Support

Most important from
81 reviews

Storage Capacity
Expansive storage options with 8 bays and additional 16 bay expansion.
Drive Bays
Expansive storage options with 8 bays and additional 16 bay expansion.
RAID Support
QuTS hero OS supports ZFS file system for reliability and speed.
Processor and RAM
Impressive capabilities with an Intel i9 processor and 64GB RAM.
Connectivity
Supports 2 * 10G Ethernet and the latest USB A and C ports.
Software and Features
Extremely easy to set up and use with many included applications.

The QNAP TVS-h874-i5-32G-US is a robust NAS solution particularly suited for those who need high performance and flexibility. It features a powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 32GB DDR4 RAM, which can be upgraded to 64GB, making it capable of handling intensive tasks like media editing and virtualization.

With 8 drive bays and support for multiple RAID configurations, it offers substantial storage capacity and data protection options. The dual M.2 PCIe slots further enhance performance by enabling SSD cache acceleration or SSD storage pools. Connectivity is excellent with dual 2.5GbE ports for speedy file transfers, and several USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports which support fast data transfers and expansion. Additionally, 4K media playback and transcoding are supported, allowing for smooth multimedia streaming via HDMI output.

The PCIe Gen 4 expandability ensures future-proofing with potential for 10/25GbE connectivity. However, this model is diskless, requiring separate purchase of hard drives, and its weight (20 pounds) might be cumbersome for some setups. It excels as a business-class backup center with comprehensive support for cloud data and VMs, making it an ideal choice for small businesses or media professionals. Its high price tag might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. The QNAP TVS-h874-i5-32G-US is well-suited to power users and creative professionals requiring a high-speed, versatile NAS integrated into a Mac environment.

Rating
9.7
Storage Capacity
Drive Bays
RAID Support

Most important from
81 reviews

Storage Capacity
Expansive storage options with 8 bays and additional 16 bay expansion.
Drive Bays
Expansive storage options with 8 bays and additional 16 bay expansion.
RAID Support
QuTS hero OS supports ZFS file system for reliability and speed.
Processor and RAM
Impressive capabilities with an Intel i9 processor and 64GB RAM.
Connectivity
Supports 2 * 10G Ethernet and the latest USB A and C ports.
Software and Features
Extremely easy to set up and use with many included applications.

Buying Guide for the Best Nas For Mac

When choosing a Network Attached Storage (NAS) for your Mac, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. A NAS can be a valuable addition to your setup, providing centralized storage, backup solutions, and media streaming capabilities. To make an informed decision, you should understand the key specifications and how they align with your requirements. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a NAS for your Mac.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the total amount of data that the NAS can hold. This is crucial because it determines how much data you can store, including documents, photos, videos, and backups. Storage capacity is typically measured in terabytes (TB). If you have a large amount of data or plan to store high-resolution media files, you should opt for a NAS with higher storage capacity, such as 8TB or more. For general use or smaller data needs, a NAS with 2TB to 4TB might be sufficient.
Drive BaysDrive bays are the slots where you can install hard drives or SSDs in the NAS. The number of drive bays determines the potential storage expansion and the ability to configure RAID setups for data redundancy and performance. A NAS with more drive bays (e.g., 4 or more) offers greater flexibility and scalability, allowing you to add more drives as your storage needs grow. For basic use, a NAS with 2 drive bays might be adequate, but for more advanced setups or future-proofing, consider a NAS with 4 or more drive bays.
RAID SupportRAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology that combines multiple drives into a single unit to improve performance and provide data redundancy. Different RAID levels offer various benefits, such as increased speed (RAID 0), data protection (RAID 1), or a balance of both (RAID 5/6). Understanding RAID support is important because it affects data safety and performance. If data protection is a priority, choose a NAS that supports RAID 1 or higher. For performance, RAID 0 might be suitable, but it lacks redundancy.
Processor and RAMThe processor and RAM in a NAS determine its performance and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. A more powerful processor and higher RAM capacity enable the NAS to perform better under heavy workloads, such as media streaming, file transfers, and running applications. For basic file storage and backup, a NAS with a dual-core processor and 2GB of RAM might be sufficient. However, for more demanding tasks like 4K video streaming or running virtual machines, look for a NAS with a quad-core processor and at least 4GB of RAM.
ConnectivityConnectivity options, such as Ethernet ports, USB ports, and Thunderbolt, determine how you can connect the NAS to your network and other devices. Gigabit Ethernet is standard, but for faster data transfer, look for NAS models with 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports. USB ports allow for easy connection of external drives, while Thunderbolt provides high-speed connections for Mac users. Choose a NAS with connectivity options that match your network setup and usage needs. For example, if you require fast data transfers, prioritize models with 10GbE or Thunderbolt ports.
Software and FeaturesThe software and features provided by the NAS manufacturer can greatly enhance its functionality. Look for NAS devices that offer user-friendly interfaces, robust backup solutions, media server capabilities, and support for third-party applications. Features like Time Machine compatibility for Mac users, remote access, and mobile apps can add significant value. Consider what software features are important to you, such as automated backups, media streaming, or cloud integration, and choose a NAS that offers these capabilities.

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