Imagine this: you’ve just finished a long day, and all you want to do is relax with your favorite movie. But then, the buffering starts. Or worse, your media library is scattered across different hard drives, making it impossible to find what you want. Sound familiar? For many Plex users, this is a daily frustration. Picking the perfect Network Attached Storage (NAS) for your Plex server can feel like navigating a maze, with so many technical terms and confusing features.
You want a smooth streaming experience, quick access to all your movies and shows, and a way to keep everything organized. But how do you choose a NAS that can handle your media library, stream to multiple devices at once, and maybe even do more? It’s a big decision that can make or break your home media setup. You might be wondering about speed, storage space, and what features are really important for Plex.
This post is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a NAS great for Plex, what to look for, and how to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what you need, so you can finally build the ultimate Plex server that works perfectly for you and your family. Let’s dive in and find the right NAS for your Plex adventures!
Our Top 5 Network Attached Storage For Plex Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Network Attached Storage For Plex Detailed Reviews
1. BUFFALO LinkStation 210 6TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
Rating: 9.2/10
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 6TB is a straightforward Network Attached Storage (NAS) device that brings your home’s digital life together. It acts like your own personal cloud, letting you store, back up, and access all your photos, music, and videos from any device. Plus, it’s made in Japan, which often means good quality.
What We Like:
- It gives you a huge 6TB of storage space right out of the box with the included hard drive.
- You can easily share files and set up backups for all your computers and devices, making sure your important stuff is safe.
- It’s a subscription-free personal cloud, so you don’t have to pay monthly fees to access your files.
- Buffalo offers 24/7 US-based support and a 2-year warranty, which is great peace of mind.
- The system is designed with security in mind, using a closed system and SSL encryption to protect your data.
- It works with both Windows and macOS computers.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a 1-bay NAS, meaning it has only one drive. For extra safety, some people prefer NAS devices with two or more drives for RAID setups (which this model hints at for centralized storage but the primary description focuses on a single drive).
- The description mentions the LS 700 for enhanced features and faster performance, suggesting the LS 200 might be a bit slower compared to newer or higher-end models.
Overall, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 6TB is a solid choice for anyone looking to centralize their digital storage and create their own home cloud without ongoing costs. It’s a reliable way to keep your data secure and accessible.
2. BUFFALO LinkStation 210 4TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
Rating: 9.5/10
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 4TB is a smart way to keep all your important files in one place. This network attached storage (NAS) device acts like your own personal cloud at home. It comes with a 4TB hard drive already inside, so you have plenty of space for photos, videos, and documents from all your computers and phones. Plus, it’s built to keep your data safe.
What We Like:
- It gives you a central spot for all your data, so you don’t have to search everywhere.
- You can back up your computers automatically, which saves you time and worry.
- It’s subscription-free; you don’t pay monthly fees to use your personal cloud.
- The NAS is designed with security in mind, using a closed system and SSL encryption.
- You can easily share files with family and friends, and control who sees what.
- It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS devices.
- Buffalo offers 24/7 US-based support and a 2-year warranty.
- It’s made in Japan, suggesting good quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a 1-bay unit, meaning it only has space for one hard drive. If the drive fails, all your data could be at risk unless you have an external backup.
- The LS200 model is a good starting point, but the LS700 mentioned offers significantly faster performance and more advanced cloud features for those needing more power.
This NAS is a solid choice for anyone wanting to organize and protect their digital life without ongoing costs. It offers a simple and secure way to manage your home data.
3. Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL
Rating: 9.1/10
The Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL is a compact and capable 2-bay NAS enclosure that offers a smart way to manage your digital life. It’s designed for users who want to back up their important files, stream their favorite movies and music, and access their data from anywhere. This diskless unit lets you choose your own hard drives, giving you flexibility in storage size.
What We Like:
- It has a speedy 1.7GHz quad-core processor that makes tasks run smoothly.
- You can enjoy watching videos in 4K thanks to its transcoding abilities.
- It’s easy to set up with tool-free installation – no screwdrivers needed!
- Wake on LAN (WOL) is supported, so you can turn it on remotely.
- Btrfs and iSCSI snapshots provide excellent data protection.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1GB of RAM might be a bit limited for very demanding tasks or many users at once.
- It only has one 1GbE port, which might be a bottleneck for some high-speed network setups.
Overall, the Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL is a user-friendly and affordable option for personal cloud storage and media streaming. It offers great value for its features.
4. TERRAMASTER F2-425 2-Bay NAS Storage – Intel x86 Quad-Core CPU
Rating: 9.0/10
The TERRAMASTER F2-425 is a powerful 2-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) device designed for home users who want to store, share, and stream their media. It packs a punch with its Intel x86 quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM, making it a capable multimedia server that can handle 4K video smoothly. The fast 2.5GbE LAN port means you can move your files around quickly and multiple people can access the storage at the same time without slowdowns.
What We Like:
- It handles 4K video transcoding and multitasking with ease thanks to its powerful Intel quad-core processor and 4GB RAM.
- The 2.5GbE LAN port provides super-fast file transfers, which is great for large media files.
- It works with popular media servers like Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin for seamless HD video playback.
- The TNAS Mobile app lets you set up and manage your NAS from your phone, and it even backs up your photos and videos automatically.
- It’s very quiet, operating at only 19dB(A), so it won’t disturb you.
- Installing hard drives is a breeze with the tool-free Push-Lock design.
- You can store a huge amount of data, up to 60TB, and it offers smart storage solutions with TRAID arrays that save space.
- Data security is strong with features like the SPC security module and CloudSync for cloud backups.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description doesn’t mention if the RAM is upgradeable, which could be a limitation for some users in the future.
- While it supports many cloud services, a wider range of syncing options might be beneficial for some users.
The TERRAMASTER F2-425 is a fantastic choice for home users looking for a versatile and user-friendly NAS solution. It offers impressive performance and features to manage your digital life efficiently.
5. QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage (DAS) with hardware RAID (Diskless)
Rating: 9.2/10
The QNAP TR-004 is a versatile 4-bay storage device that connects directly to your computer or QNAP NAS using a USB Type-C cable. It lets you add more storage space easily. You can use it as a backup drive for your NAS or to expand your QNAP NAS’s capacity. It works with Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. The drive bays can be locked to keep your data safe.
What We Like:
- It offers flexible storage expansion for your QNAP NAS.
- You can set up hardware RAID (RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, or individual disks) for data protection or speed.
- The USB Type-C connection is fast and modern.
- Lockable drive bays add an extra layer of security for your drives.
- It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What Could Be Improved:
- It has compatibility restrictions; it doesn’t work with older QNAP NAS models or those that can’t be updated to QTS 4.3.6 or later.
- The storage pool or volume created on the TR-004 cannot be combined with the NAS’s storage.
- You cannot install NAS applications directly on the TR-004.
- You can only move drives between TR-004 units; data from drives moved to or from a NAS will not be recognized.
Overall, the QNAP TR-004 is a solid choice for adding external storage and RAID capabilities. Just be sure to check its compatibility with your existing setup.
Your Guide to the Best Network Attached Storage for Plex
Are you tired of your movies and shows being stuck on your computer? Do you want to stream your media library to all your devices, from your TV to your phone? A Network Attached Storage (NAS) device is the perfect solution for your Plex media server. A NAS is like a mini-computer that stores your files and makes them available over your home network. This guide will help you pick the right NAS for your Plex needs.
What to Look for in a Plex NAS: Key Features
1. Processing Power (CPU)
The CPU is the brain of your NAS. For Plex, a strong CPU is important for transcoding. Transcoding is when your NAS converts media files so they can play smoothly on different devices. If you plan to stream high-definition movies (like 4K) or stream to multiple devices at once, you’ll need a powerful CPU.
2. RAM (Memory)
RAM helps your NAS run programs and tasks quickly. More RAM means your NAS can handle more things at once, like running Plex and other apps. For basic Plex use, 2GB of RAM is usually enough. If you plan to do more, like run many apps or handle lots of users, consider 4GB or more.
3. Drive Bays
Drive bays are where you install your hard drives. More drive bays mean you can add more storage. If you have a large movie collection, you’ll need more space. Many NAS devices have 2 or 4 drive bays. Some offer more.
4. Network Speed
Your NAS connects to your network with an Ethernet port. Look for Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) for fast data transfer. This helps your Plex streams run without buffering.
5. Operating System and App Support
Check what operating system the NAS uses. Most NAS brands have their own easy-to-use systems. Also, make sure it supports Plex Media Server. Some NAS devices also let you install other useful apps, like download managers or cloud backup tools.
Materials and Build Quality
Most NAS devices have a sturdy metal or plastic casing. This protects the internal components. Look for a well-built device that feels solid. Good ventilation is also important. This keeps the NAS cool and running smoothly.
What Affects Quality?
Factors that Improve Quality:
- Faster CPUs: Better for transcoding and smooth streaming.
- More RAM: Handles more tasks and users.
- Faster Network Connections: Gigabit Ethernet is a must.
- RAID Support: RAID helps protect your data if a hard drive fails.
Factors that Reduce Quality:
- Slow CPUs: Can cause buffering and slow playback.
- Not Enough RAM: Leads to slow performance when multitasking.
- Slow Network Speeds: Creates lag and interruptions.
- Poor Ventilation: Can cause the NAS to overheat and slow down.
User Experience and Use Cases
Setting up a NAS for Plex is usually straightforward. Most brands offer helpful guides and apps. Once set up, you can access your media from anywhere with an internet connection. This is great for:
- Streaming movies and TV shows to your smart TV, computer, or phone.
- Sharing your media library with family and friends.
- Creating a central place for all your photos and videos.
- Backing up important files from your computers.
Choosing the right NAS depends on your needs. For a few users and standard HD movies, a basic 2-bay NAS might be perfect. If you have a huge 4K library and many users, invest in a more powerful model with more drive bays and a faster CPU.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a NAS?
A: A NAS is a storage device that connects to your network. It lets you store and share files from any device on your network.
Q: Why do I need a NAS for Plex?
A: A NAS provides a stable and dedicated place to run your Plex Media Server. It keeps your media files organized and accessible to all your devices.
Q: Can I use any hard drive with a NAS?
A: Most NAS devices use standard 3.5-inch SATA hard drives. Always check the NAS manufacturer’s compatibility list to be sure.
Q: What is transcoding and why is it important for Plex?
A: Transcoding is converting media files to a format that your device can play. A powerful NAS CPU handles this well, ensuring smooth playback.
Q: Do I need RAID for my Plex NAS?
A: RAID is a way to protect your data. If one hard drive fails, your data is still safe on another drive. It’s highly recommended for important media libraries.
Q: How much storage space do I need?
A: This depends on the size of your media library. HD movies can take up 5-10GB each, while 4K movies can be 50GB or more. Plan for growth.
Q: Can I access my Plex library from outside my home?
A: Yes, Plex allows remote access. You’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router and ensure your NAS has a stable internet connection.
Q: How do I install Plex on a NAS?
A: Most NAS manufacturers provide an app store or package center where you can easily download and install the Plex Media Server application.
Q: Are all NAS devices good for Plex?
A: Not all. Look for models with decent CPUs and enough RAM, especially if you plan to do a lot of transcoding or stream to multiple devices.
Q: How much does a NAS for Plex cost?
A: Prices vary widely. Basic 2-bay NAS units start around $200-$300, while more powerful 4-bay or 8-bay models can cost $500 and up. Hard drives are an additional cost.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.