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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
10.0
Chosen by1,208
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Storage Capacity

Most important from
87 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
10.0
Chosen by1,208
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Storage Capacity

Most important from
87 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 Lockerstor 4 AS6604T - 4 Bay NAS, Quad-Core 2.0GHz CPU, 2 2.5GbE Ports, 4GB RAM DDR4, 2 M.2 SSD Slots, Network Attached Storage (Diskless)

Rating
8.8
Memory (RAM)
Storage Capacity
Drive Compatibility

Most important from
664 reviews

Memory (RAM)
Expanding RAM up to 64GB and adding SSDs significantly enhances speed and responsiveness, especially when using SSDs as a separate high-speed array rather than just cache.
Storage Capacity
The system’s data preservation during drive failures is impressive, demonstrating robust RAID management over multiple years of use.
Drive Compatibility
Drive failure handling is seamless with hot-swappable trays and clear red lights indicating faulty drives, allowing easy replacement without downtime and automatic RAID rebuilding.
Network Connectivity
Dual 2.5GbE ports provide solid, reliable network throughput, supporting both Windows and Linux sharing protocols without issue.
Software and App Support
The NAS delivers high-quality performance with excellent connectivity, making setup and daily use straightforward even for those replacing older systems.
Expandability
Mounting and backing up other NAS devices is surprisingly easy, enabling flexible integration and expanded storage capacity.

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.

Rating
8.8
Memory (RAM)
Storage Capacity
Drive Compatibility

Most important from
664 reviews

Memory (RAM)
Expanding RAM up to 64GB and adding SSDs significantly enhances speed and responsiveness, especially when using SSDs as a separate high-speed array rather than just cache.
Storage Capacity
The system’s data preservation during drive failures is impressive, demonstrating robust RAID management over multiple years of use.
Drive Compatibility
Drive failure handling is seamless with hot-swappable trays and clear red lights indicating faulty drives, allowing easy replacement without downtime and automatic RAID rebuilding.
Network Connectivity
Dual 2.5GbE ports provide solid, reliable network throughput, supporting both Windows and Linux sharing protocols without issue.
Software and App Support
The NAS delivers high-quality performance with excellent connectivity, making setup and daily use straightforward even for those replacing older systems.
Expandability
Mounting and backing up other NAS devices is surprisingly easy, enabling flexible integration and expanded storage capacity.
#3

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

Rating
7.9
Network Connectivity
Plex Compatibility

Most important from
48 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
7.9
Network Connectivity
Plex Compatibility

Most important from
48 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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