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10 Best Nas For Mac 2025 in the United States

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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 by1,275
Drive Bays
Processor and RAM
Software and Features

Most important from
50 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being a 4-year-old product, the QUTS software keeps it refreshed and functional, though the Xeon processor feels a bit outdated.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 by1,275
Drive Bays
Processor and RAM
Software and Features

Most important from
50 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

QNAP TVS-h1688X-W1250-32G High-speed media NAS with Intel® Xeon® W-1250 CPU and Two 10GbE Ports

Rating
9.8
Drive Bays
Processor and RAM
Connectivity

Most important from
50 reviews

Drive Bays
Hot-swappable drive bays and real-time monitoring of drive health and status through a browser interface make managing storage effortless.
Processor and RAM
The Xeon processor combined with multiple 2.5Gb and 10Gb NICs delivers robust performance for multitasking and high-speed media editing workflows.
Connectivity
The Xeon processor combined with multiple 2.5Gb and 10Gb NICs delivers robust performance for multitasking and high-speed media editing workflows.
Software and Features
This NAS functions like a full server with extensive capabilities including multiple VMs, cloud file sharing, FTP, email, and web services accessible anywhere.

The QNAP TVS-h1688X-W1250-32G is a powerful NAS designed to handle demanding storage tasks and is well suited for Mac users working with large media files or needing fast data access. It offers 16 drive bays (12 for 3.5-inch and 4 for 2.5-inch drives), providing flexible storage expansion options, which is ideal for building a large RAID setup to protect and organize data. The unit supports ECC DDR4 RAM with 32GB installed and the option to upgrade to 128GB, ensuring stable performance under heavy workloads. Its Intel Xeon W-1250 6-core processor runs at 3.3 GHz (boosting to 4.7 GHz), delivering solid speed for multitasking and media editing. Connectivity is a strong point, featuring two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports and four 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports for very fast network transfers, perfect for collaborative work or streaming high-resolution content on Mac systems. It also includes HDMI and multiple USB ports for direct connections.

The NAS operates on QNAP's QuTS hero operating system, which provides advanced features tailored for data protection and efficient file management compatible with Macs. The unit is quite large and heavy, requiring dedicated space, and it ships diskless, so users need to purchase and install their own drives. Its price point and complexity make it better suited for professionals or small studios that require high performance and reliability rather than casual Mac users. For those needing a robust, fast, and expandable NAS with excellent network speeds and strong data management, this QNAP model presents a solid choice, though it involves some setup and a higher budget.

Rating
9.8
Drive Bays
Processor and RAM
Connectivity

Most important from
50 reviews

Drive Bays
Hot-swappable drive bays and real-time monitoring of drive health and status through a browser interface make managing storage effortless.
Processor and RAM
The Xeon processor combined with multiple 2.5Gb and 10Gb NICs delivers robust performance for multitasking and high-speed media editing workflows.
Connectivity
The Xeon processor combined with multiple 2.5Gb and 10Gb NICs delivers robust performance for multitasking and high-speed media editing workflows.
Software and Features
This NAS functions like a full server with extensive capabilities including multiple VMs, cloud file sharing, FTP, email, and web services accessible anywhere.
#3

QNAP TVS-h874X-i9-64G-US 8 Bay High-Speed Desktop NAS with 12th Gen Intel® Core™ CPU, 64GB DDR4 RAM, 10GbE & 2.5 GbE Networking and PCIe Gen 4 expandability (Diskless)

Rating
9.7
Storage Capacity
Drive Bays
RAID Support

Most important from
83 reviews

Storage Capacity
Expansive storage options with 8 bays plus the ability to connect expansion units allow building vast, reliable storage pools tailored to large media libraries or business needs.
Drive Bays
Expansive storage options with 8 bays plus the ability to connect expansion units allow building vast, reliable storage pools tailored to large media libraries or business needs.
RAID Support
The support for ZFS with QuTS hero OS provides unparalleled data integrity, self-healing, and efficient snapshot and deduplication features that make data recovery and protection seamless.
Processor and RAM
Equipped with an i9 Intel processor and 64GB RAM, it effortlessly manages intensive tasks like real-time 4K transcoding and hosting numerous Plex streams without breaking a sweat.
Connectivity
Dual 10GbE and multiple 2.5GbE network ports ensure blazing-fast file transfers and smooth multi-device streaming, ideal for Mac users working with large files or high-resolution media.
Software and Features
This NAS delivers exceptional power, functioning not just as network storage but as a robust server capable of handling virtualization and multiple demanding applications simultaneously.

The QNAP TVS-h874X-i9-64G-US is a powerful 8-bay NAS designed for users who need fast, reliable network storage with plenty of room for expansion. Its 8 drive bays support large storage capacity, useful for backing up lots of files or working with big media libraries, which is great for Mac users handling video, photos, or large project files. The option to set up RAID provides data protection and improved performance, a smart choice for anyone wanting to avoid data loss.

This NAS runs on a strong 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor with 64GB of RAM, making it capable of handling demanding tasks like virtualization and real-time 4K video transcoding without slowing down. Mac users will benefit from its fast network ports, including dual 10GbE and multiple 2.5GbE connections, which enable speedy file transfers and smooth streaming across devices. There are also several USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for quick connections to external drives or expansion units. The inclusion of PCIe Gen 4 allows future upgrades, such as adding even faster network cards.

Software-wise, QNAP offers robust backup options, cloud integration, and ransomware protection, helping Mac users secure their data and recover quickly if needed. It is important to note that the NAS is sold diskless, so you’ll need to add your own hard drives or SSDs, which adds to the initial setup cost. The size and weight might be bulky for small desks or limited spaces. Additionally, while it supports HDMI output for direct media playback, it only handles 4K @30Hz, which might be limiting for some high-end video editing setups. This QNAP model suits Mac users who need a high-capacity, high-performance NAS with fast networking and strong data protection features, especially creative professionals or businesses with demanding storage needs.

Rating
9.7
Storage Capacity
Drive Bays
RAID Support

Most important from
83 reviews

Storage Capacity
Expansive storage options with 8 bays plus the ability to connect expansion units allow building vast, reliable storage pools tailored to large media libraries or business needs.
Drive Bays
Expansive storage options with 8 bays plus the ability to connect expansion units allow building vast, reliable storage pools tailored to large media libraries or business needs.
RAID Support
The support for ZFS with QuTS hero OS provides unparalleled data integrity, self-healing, and efficient snapshot and deduplication features that make data recovery and protection seamless.
Processor and RAM
Equipped with an i9 Intel processor and 64GB RAM, it effortlessly manages intensive tasks like real-time 4K transcoding and hosting numerous Plex streams without breaking a sweat.
Connectivity
Dual 10GbE and multiple 2.5GbE network ports ensure blazing-fast file transfers and smooth multi-device streaming, ideal for Mac users working with large files or high-resolution media.
Software and Features
This NAS delivers exceptional power, functioning not just as network storage but as a robust server capable of handling virtualization and multiple demanding applications simultaneously.

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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