It’s a pretty small cost considering that makes it easier to upgrade your total capacity later. $344 storage device with two 8TB drives = $642 total costĪ $60 difference in total cost up front allows you to jump from 4TB capacity to 6TB or 6TB to 8TB. $344 storage device with two 6TB drives = $584 total cost Even if you only access your NAS through your home network, encryption will protect you if someone steals the device.$344 storage device with two 4TB drives = $524 total cost Encryption, which puts password protection on your data, is primarily important if you use your NAS to back up sensitive data that you don’t want anyone to access. NAS devices that include hardware-level encryption are much faster than devices that rely on software. Some NAS devices even include an HDMI port and a remote, so you can plug right into a television without using a media center PC or streaming device as a middleman. You can use most NAS devices to stream media, but some are better at it than others. This setup is ideal, as it allows you to expand the storage capacity of the NAS over time, and even swap out defective drives without losing data in some models. Many NAS devices come with one or more additional drive bays. What to Look For in Network Attached Storage Additional Drive Bays However, if you need more advanced capabilities and the support for a whopping 48TB of storage, the DS918+ ( view at Amazon) is worth the considerable extra cost. It’s easy to use and includes most of the major features you want in a NAS at a reasonable price point. The Western Digital My Cloud EX2 ( view at Amazon) is the NAS device we recommend to most people. Processor: Marvell ARMADA 1.3 GHz | Storage Capacity: 8TB (included) to 36TB | Compatibility: Windows, macOS | Ports: Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.0 We think it's the best NAS for the average person who wants a straightforward device. Unusually for a device that’s just about as easy to set up as an ordinary external hard drive, it also comes with advanced security features.

Other handy features include the ability to easily schedule backups from multiple devices and share files with others by creating private links. It also comes with Plex Media Server built-in, a digital media player that makes it easy to stream your favorite media to all of your devices.

The My Cloud Ex2 is pretty much plug-and-play and comes with 8TB of storage capacity, which is plenty for home use. The Western Digital My Cloud EX2 is far from the most advanced NAS, the fastest, or the most versatile, but it wins its place as the best overall for most people because it’s affordable and hassle-free.

Best nas for home 2019