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10 Best Nas For Plex 4 K 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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
9.8
Chosen by1,273
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Storage Capacity

Most important from
83 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Exceptionally powerful NAS that functions as a powerful server with an i9 Intel processor and 64GB RAM.
Memory (RAM)
Exceptionally powerful NAS that functions as a powerful server with an i9 Intel processor and 64GB RAM.
Storage Capacity
The dual M.2 NVMe slots provide maximum speed when populated with 2TB drives and set up as RAID1.
Network Connectivity
With 2*10G Ethernet ports and the latest USB A and C ports, this NAS offers incredible capabilities for high-speed connections.
Transcoding Capability
Running 16 4K streams simultaneously uses less than 10% CPU, showcasing the NAS's impressive power and efficiency.
Plex Compatibility
Upgrading the memory to 64GB and using 1TB M.2 drives enhances Plex server performance significantly.

The QNAP TVS-h874-i5-32G-US is a robust NAS designed to support heavy multimedia tasks, making it a solid choice for those looking to use Plex for 4K streaming. With a powerful Intel Core i5-12400 processor and 32GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable to 64GB), it offers excellent performance for transcoding media files in real-time, supporting smooth playback of 4K content.

One of the standout features is its dual M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slots, which allow users to add SSDs for enhanced speed and performance, significantly improving file access times and overall responsiveness. The NAS also provides dual 2.5GbE ports, which enable fast network connectivity, making file transfers and streaming seamless even under heavy load.

The HDMI output (4K @30Hz) is a convenient addition for directly connecting to a display, allowing users to access their media library easily. Additionally, the multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports offer flexible options for connecting external drives or additional devices.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,273
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Storage Capacity

Most important from
83 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Exceptionally powerful NAS that functions as a powerful server with an i9 Intel processor and 64GB RAM.
Memory (RAM)
Exceptionally powerful NAS that functions as a powerful server with an i9 Intel processor and 64GB RAM.
Storage Capacity
The dual M.2 NVMe slots provide maximum speed when populated with 2TB drives and set up as RAID1.
Network Connectivity
With 2*10G Ethernet ports and the latest USB A and C ports, this NAS offers incredible capabilities for high-speed connections.
Transcoding Capability
Running 16 4K streams simultaneously uses less than 10% CPU, showcasing the NAS's impressive power and efficiency.
Plex Compatibility
Upgrading the memory to 64GB and using 1TB M.2 drives enhances Plex server performance significantly.
#2

Asustor AS5304T - 4 Bay NAS, Intel Celeron Quad-Core, 2 2.5GbE Ports, 4GB RAM DDR4, Gaming Network Attached Storage, Personal Private Cloud (Diskless)

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Drive Compatibility

Most important from
250 reviews

Processor (CPU)
CPU and RAM usage remain low during typical streaming tasks, indicating efficient resource management under normal home network loads.
Memory (RAM)
Upgrading RAM is easy and beneficial for handling higher memory usage, enhancing the NAS’s multitasking capabilities.
Drive Compatibility
Installing an SSD in the first bay for apps and frequently accessed files boosts speed and responsiveness without sacrificing drive slots to caching.
Network Connectivity
Dual 2.5GbE ports provide solid transfer speeds, enabling smooth 4K video streaming and large backup jobs without hiccups.
Transcoding Capability
Running Plex on this device results in silky smooth playback, effectively handling media streaming alongside other services like Docker and Pi-Hole.
Software and App Support
The user interface is clean and easy to navigate, making app installation and server setup straightforward even for less experienced users.
Expandability
Upgrading RAM is easy and beneficial for handling higher memory usage, enhancing the NAS’s multitasking capabilities.

The Asustor AS5304T is a solid choice if you're looking for a NAS primarily for Plex with 4K streaming in mind. It features a quad-core Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM, which is decent for handling multiple streams and basic transcoding tasks needed for 4K content. The device supports four hard drives, giving plenty of room to build a large media library, and it is expandable if you need more storage in the future. With two 2.5GbE network ports, it offers faster data transfer than typical gigabit connections, which helps in smooth playback of high-resolution videos over your home network.

The processor is not the most powerful available, so if you plan to stream to multiple devices simultaneously or do heavy real-time transcoding, you might experience some limits. The NAS is compact and well-built, making it suitable for home use, and it supports a range of apps including Plex, which makes it user-friendly for media streaming. Since it ships diskless, you will need to buy hard drives separately.

This NAS is well suited for media enthusiasts who want a reliable and fairly powerful box to store and stream 4K Plex content at home but do not require top-tier performance for very heavy workloads.

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Drive Compatibility

Most important from
250 reviews

Processor (CPU)
CPU and RAM usage remain low during typical streaming tasks, indicating efficient resource management under normal home network loads.
Memory (RAM)
Upgrading RAM is easy and beneficial for handling higher memory usage, enhancing the NAS’s multitasking capabilities.
Drive Compatibility
Installing an SSD in the first bay for apps and frequently accessed files boosts speed and responsiveness without sacrificing drive slots to caching.
Network Connectivity
Dual 2.5GbE ports provide solid transfer speeds, enabling smooth 4K video streaming and large backup jobs without hiccups.
Transcoding Capability
Running Plex on this device results in silky smooth playback, effectively handling media streaming alongside other services like Docker and Pi-Hole.
Software and App Support
The user interface is clean and easy to navigate, making app installation and server setup straightforward even for less experienced users.
Expandability
Upgrading RAM is easy and beneficial for handling higher memory usage, enhancing the NAS’s multitasking capabilities.
#3

QNAP TS-832PXU-4G 8 Bay High-Speed SMB Rackmount NAS with Two 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ports (TS-832PXU-4G-US)

Rating
9.4
Network Connectivity
Plex Compatibility

Most important from
47 reviews

Network Connectivity
Great product, love that I can connect to it at 10Gbs.
Plex Compatibility
Movies load quickly, and it streams perfectly to various devices.

The QNAP TS-832PXU-4G is a robust NAS device designed for users looking to stream 4K content through Plex. With its powerful AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324 quad-core processor, it’s capable of handling multiple streams and transcoding tasks efficiently, making it a solid choice for media enthusiasts. Its 4GB RAM is adequate for most home uses, and it can be expanded up to 16GB, which is a plus for those needing extra performance for heavier workloads.

One of the standout features is its extensive storage capacity, supporting up to eight 3.5-inch SATA drives, allowing you to configure a significant amount of space for your media library. With dual 10GbE and 2.5GbE ports, the network connectivity is impressive, enabling fast data transfer speeds which are crucial for smooth streaming of high-resolution content.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The device is rackmountable, which might not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer a more compact or desktop-friendly option. Additionally, while the initial 4GB RAM is suitable for basic tasks, users who plan to run more intensive applications alongside Plex may find themselves needing to upgrade soon after purchase. The Plex compatibility is solid, but some users have reported occasional hiccups during high-demand transcoding, especially if multiple streams are being handled simultaneously.

For those who are primarily focused on 4K streaming and require a powerful NAS setup, the QNAP TS-832PXU-4G is a strong contender. It’s less ideal for casual users or those who might not need extensive storage capabilities or high-speed connections. If you are serious about your media streaming and want a reliable NAS to support it, this product will serve you well.

Rating
9.4
Network Connectivity
Plex Compatibility

Most important from
47 reviews

Network Connectivity
Great product, love that I can connect to it at 10Gbs.
Plex Compatibility
Movies load quickly, and it streams perfectly to various devices.

Buying Guide for the Best Nas For Plex 4 K

When choosing a NAS (Network Attached Storage) for running Plex in 4K, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure smooth performance and a good user experience. A NAS for Plex in 4K needs to handle high-resolution video streaming, transcoding, and storage efficiently. Here are the key specs you should focus on and how to navigate them to find the best fit for your needs.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your NAS and is crucial for handling tasks like transcoding 4K video. A more powerful CPU will ensure smoother performance and the ability to handle multiple streams simultaneously. For 4K streaming, look for a NAS with at least an Intel Core i3 or equivalent. If you plan to stream to multiple devices or use other applications simultaneously, consider a more powerful CPU like an Intel Core i5 or i7.
Memory (RAM)RAM is important for multitasking and ensuring smooth operation of your NAS. More RAM allows your NAS to handle more simultaneous tasks and users. For 4K streaming, a minimum of 4GB of RAM is recommended, but 8GB or more is ideal if you plan to use your NAS for other applications or have multiple users accessing it at the same time.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity determines how much data you can store on your NAS. For 4K video, which takes up a lot of space, you will need a significant amount of storage. Consider how many 4K movies and shows you plan to store and choose a NAS with enough drive bays to accommodate your needs. A NAS with 4 to 8 drive bays is a good starting point, and you can always expand later if needed.
Drive CompatibilityEnsure that the NAS you choose is compatible with the type of hard drives you plan to use. Most NAS devices support both HDDs and SSDs, but it's important to check the maximum supported capacity and the type of drives (e.g., SATA, NVMe). For 4K streaming, using SSDs can provide faster read/write speeds, but they are more expensive than HDDs. A combination of both can offer a good balance between performance and cost.
Network ConnectivityNetwork connectivity is crucial for streaming 4K content smoothly. Look for a NAS with at least one Gigabit Ethernet port, but ideally, you should look for models with multiple Gigabit ports or even 10 Gigabit Ethernet for faster data transfer rates. This is especially important if you have multiple users streaming content simultaneously.
Transcoding CapabilityTranscoding is the process of converting video files into a format that is compatible with the device you are streaming to. Not all NAS devices can handle 4K transcoding efficiently. Check if the NAS supports hardware transcoding and if it can handle 4K content. This feature is essential if you plan to stream to devices that do not support the original file format.
Software and App SupportThe software that comes with your NAS can greatly affect your user experience. Look for a NAS that supports Plex Media Server natively and offers a user-friendly interface. Additionally, check for other app support that might be useful for your needs, such as backup solutions, cloud integration, and media management tools.
ExpandabilityConsider the future expandability of your NAS. Look for models that allow you to add more drives, upgrade RAM, or add expansion units. This will ensure that your NAS can grow with your needs, especially as your 4K media library expands.

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