NAS
Entry-Level
- 4TB: Synology BeeStation ($199)
Synology BeeStation Plus will have a better CPU/RAM and 8TB of storage
The BeeStation’s software lacks many features compared to Synology’s DSM. Also, you are unable to upgrade storage as the drive is non-removeable. However, it’s a very good value NAS if you are okay with the compromises.
- 2-bay: Synology DS223j ($189)
Standard
Synology
great software and app ecosystem
- 2-bay
- cheaper: DS224+ ($299)
- better: DS723+($449)
- 4-bay
- cheaper: DS423+ ($499)
- better: DS920+ (used) or DS923 ($599)
- 5-bay: DS1522+ ($699)
- 8-bay: DS1821+ ($1799)
QNAP
great hardware but has security vulnerabilities
- 2-bay
- cheaper: TS-233 ($199)
- better: TS-264 ($439)
- 4-bay
- cheaper: TS-433 ($379)
- better: TS-464 ($589)
Terramaster
great value, solid hardware and software
- 2-bay: F2-424 ($379)
- 4-bay: F4-424 ($449)
- 6-bay: F6-424 ($599)
Ugreen
great value, solid hardware but lacking software
- 2-bay: DXP2800 ($349)
- 4-bay: DXP4800 ($549) / DXP4800 Plus ($699)
- 8-bay: DXP8800 Plus ($1499)
DIY
- standard case: Jonsbo
- N2: 5x 3.5”, 1x 2.5”, m-ITX, quietest and most compact
- N3: 8x 3.5”, 1x 2.5”, m-ITX, noisier
- N4: 6x 3.5”, 2x 2.5”, m-ATX, wooden accents
- N5: 12x 3.5”, 2x 2.5”, E-ATX, largest, wooden accents
- software: OpenMediaVault / TrueNAS