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

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.

The QNAP TS-433-4G-44ST-US is a 4-bay NAS preloaded with 12TB of Seagate IronWolf hard drives configured in RAID 5, providing a solid balance of storage space and data protection. Powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor and 4GB of RAM, it handles basic file storage and multimedia streaming well, making it a budget-friendly choice for home users. The 2.5GbE network ports offer faster connections than standard Gigabit Ethernet, enhancing streaming of large 4K Plex videos across a home network.

The ARM-based CPU may struggle with heavy or multiple simultaneous 4K video transcoding tasks compared to more powerful Intel-based NAS devices. The included IronWolf drives come with a 3-year data recovery plan that offers added peace of mind. QNAP’s software features, such as snapshot technology for ransomware protection and easy backup tools for Windows and Mac, improve security and usability. It also supports remote access via MyQNAPCloud, allowing streaming or file management from anywhere.

The NAS provides good expandability with four drive bays, though users expecting high-end Plex transcoding performance might find its capabilities limited. For most home media enthusiasts seeking centralized storage with decent 4K streaming support, this NAS serves as a practical and reliable solution.

The Asustor Lockerstor 4 AS6604T is a solid choice if you're looking for a NAS that can handle Plex streaming, including 4K content. Its 2.0 GHz quad-core CPU and 4GB of DDR4 RAM provide decent processing power and memory to support smooth playback and transcoding, which is crucial for streaming high-resolution videos. The 4-bay design allows you to install multiple drives, and the inclusion of two M.2 SSD slots is a nice bonus for faster caching, improving responsiveness and load times. Network-wise, the two built-in 2.5GbE ports give faster data transfer compared to standard gigabit connections, which is helpful if you have a compatible router and need quick access across devices.

The NAS supports a wide range of apps, including media servers, backup tools, and remote access features, making setup for Plex and other uses straightforward. A standout benefit is the free 3-year warranty and the extra IP camera licenses for surveillance, adding value if you want to expand beyond media storage. However, the stock 4GB RAM may limit performance if you plan heavy multitasking or multiple simultaneous 4K transcodes, and upgrading RAM might be necessary for more demanding setups. Also, the device comes diskless, so you'll need to add your own drives.

While the CPU is capable, those wanting the absolute best in 4K transcoding might consider a more powerful processor. This NAS balances good hardware and useful features in a compact, expandable package, fitting well for home or small business users aiming for smooth Plex 4K streaming with room to grow.