The improvement of mobile phone cameras, the spread of 4K video has led to an increase in the amount of information stored by users. A standard hard drive may not be enough, the use of external drives is not always convenient. Network-attached storage (NAS) allows you to quickly access stored information. Let's analyze what it is, how the models differ from each other, give a rating of the best network drives of different price categories and an overview of them.
Content:
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Ranking table
| Place in the ranking / Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
|---|---|---|
Rating of budget network storage (NAS) | ||
ZYXEL NAS326 | 81 out of 100 | From 8721 to 11 555* |
Western Digital My Cloud Home 2 TB (WDBVXC0020HWT) | 83 out of 100 | 10 175 to 11 920 |
ASUSTOR AS1002T | 84 out of 100 | From 12 840 to 16 820* |
Synology DS118 | 87 out of 100 | From 15,335 to 39,580* |
QNAP D2 | 92 out of 100 | From 15437 to 21864* |
Mid-Price Network Attached Storage (NAS) Rating | ||
QNAP D4 | 88 out of 100 | From 22 940 to 28 156* |
ASUSTOR AS6302T | 80 out of 100 | From 25,390 to 37,963* |
Synology DS218+ | 92 out of 100 | From 32 409 to 37 240* |
QNAP TS-251 | 95 out of 100 | From 37,000 to 78,672* |
Premium Network Attached Storage (NAS) Rating | ||
Synology DS918+ | 95 out of 100 | From 48,500 to 52,043* |
Synology DS920+ | 96 out of 100 | From 48 358 to 55 754* |
Synology DS1819+ | 98 out of 100 | From 87 637 to 106 680* |
Prices are valid for September 2020
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In essence, a NAS is a compact computer equipped with a network-connected disk array. It works around the clock, allowing you to provide access to stored data at any time. Some models have additional functionality, such as access control, redundancy, support for downloading.
The advantage of using network storages is their cross-platform. Such devices can interact with equipment on any operating system.
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Rating of the best NAS drives
The TOP 10 includes models of different price categories. When selecting network storages, technical characteristics, cost, customer and expert reviews were taken into account.
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The list includes network storages worth up to 15,000 rubles. Such models are intended for home use.
ZYXEL NAS326
Specifications:
- Price - 8721 - 11,555 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Number of bays for HDD drives - 2;
- Processor - Marvell;
- Ethernet connection speed - 1000 Mbps;
- The amount of RAM - 512 MB;
- DLNA server function.
There are USB 3.0.0 ports on the case, they provide fast data transfer from external devices. The drive allows you to create your own cloud, create a backup copy of the stored information. The NAS is powered by a powerful processor with high performance. The device has two bays for hard drives of different formats.
Western Digital My Cloud Home 2 TB (WDBVXC0020HWT)
Specifications:
- Price - 10,175 - 11,920 rubles;
- User rating - 4.1
- Number of bays for HDD drives - 1;
- Processor - Realtek;
- Ethernet connection speed - 1000 Mbps;
- The amount of RAM - 1 GB;
- USB0.
The package includes a 2 TB drive. Plus, the model is connected to a Wi-Fi router, which allows you to access stored data from anywhere in the world. You can set up the device using your smartphone. Provides support for the cloud service. On the case there is a USB 3.0 connector for connecting external drives and gadgets. There is a possibility of connection on LAN.
ASUSTOR AS1002T
Specifications:
- Price - 12,840 - 16,820 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Number of bays for HDD drives - 2;
- Processor - Marvell;
- Ethernet connection speed - 1000 Mbps;
- The amount of RAM - 512 MB;
- DLNA server function.
Optimization of the hardware stuffing allows you to reduce the noise level to 19 dB in standby mode and 32 dB during operation. The device has a nice design and compact dimensions. The model works on the basis of a dual-core processor, a gigabit Ethernet interface is provided. The data read speed is 110 MB/s, the write speed reaches 96 MB/s. The amount of RAM is 512 MB. The storage rack design accommodates up to two hard drives with Raid 1 protection.
Synology DS118
Specifications:
- Price - 15,335 - 39,580 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Number of bays for HDD drives - 1;
- Processor - Realtek;
- Ethernet connection speed - 1000 Mbps;
- The amount of RAM - 1 Gigabyte;
- DLNA server function.
The model is based on a quad-core Realtek RTD1296 processor with a clock frequency of 1400 MHz. The device is compatible with drives up to 12 TB in 3.5-inch form factor. The model works with most network protocols. The design provides a cooling system, NAS supports ip-video surveillance. The case has an Ethernet connector and 2 USB ports version 3.0.
QNAP D2
Specifications:
- Price - 15 437 - 21864 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Number of bays for HDD drives - 2;
- Processor - RAM;
- Ethernet connection speed - 2 ports 1000 Mbps;
- The amount of RAM - 1 GB;
- DLNA server function.
The model is perfect for home and small office. The design provides two compartments for hard drives, each of which can be up to 10 TB. Drives are connected via SATA II/III interface. You can use 2.5" or 3.5" discs. They can be combined into a Raid 0 or Raid 1 array. There are 2 Ethernet ports on the case with a 1 Gbps connection.
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Mid-Price Network Attached Storage (NAS) Rating
The TOP 3 models of the middle price category include network storages costing up to 40,000 rubles.
QNAP D4
Specifications:
- Price - 22,940 - 28,156 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Number of bays HDD drives - 4;
- Processor - Annapurna Labs AL-212;
- Ethernet connection speed - 2 ports 1000 Mbps;
- The amount of RAM - 1 GB;
- DLNA server function.
It involves the installation of drives form factor 2.5 and 3.5 inches. The volume of each disk can be up to 10 TB. The model supports Raid levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10. The NAS is powered by Annapurna Labs AL-212 processor. The amount of built-in RAM is 1024 MB. The case has 2 built-in Ethernet ports with a gigabit interface, and 3 USB connectors are also provided. The network storage supports ftp technology, can be used as a print server, supports iSCSI protocol and ip video surveillance.
ASUSTOR AS6302T
Specifications:
- Price - 25,390 - 37,963 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Number of bays for HDD drives - 2;
- Processor - Intel Celeron;
- Ethernet connection speed - 2 ports 1000 Mbps;
- The amount of RAM - 2 GB;
- DLNA server function.
The device is powered by an Intel Celerone Apollo Lake dual-core processor. The device is ideal for home and office use. The design provides modern standards for HDMI2.0 and USB Type-C 3.0 interfaces. The NAS implements the WOW function - Wake on WAN.
Synology DS218+
Specifications:
- Price - 32,409 - 37,240 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Number of bays for HDD drives - 2;
- Processor - Intel Celeron;
- Ethernet connection speed - 1000 Mbps;
- The amount of RAM - 2 GB;
- DLNA server function.
The model has advanced functionality, suitable for organizing IP-video surveillance systems. In the event of a power failure, auto-start is provided. To protect stored data, there is a pre-installed anti-virus package. The design provides 2 slots for drives up to 12 TB. Efficient heat dissipation is provided by the built-in fan.
QNAP TS-251
Specifications:
- Price - 37,000 - 78,672 rubles;
- User rating - 5.0;
- Number of bays for HDD drives - 2;
- Processor - Intel Celeron;
- Ethernet connection speed - 2 ports of 1000 Mbps;
- The amount of RAM - 1 GB;
- DLNA server function;
- Wi-Fi is an option.
The model is well suited for organizing office storage and workgroups. The device is based on the operating system QTS. It is great for backup, remote access and media libraries.It is possible to transcode video in Full-HD format, play video files via HDMI in Full HD format with seven-channel surround sound. The Virtualization Station feature allows you to run a virtual machine on the network storage.
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The TOP 3 includes network storages costing from 40,000. The models are distinguished by high performance and wide functionality.
Synology DS918+
Specifications:
- Price - 48,500 - 52,043 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Number of bays for HDD drives - 4;
- Processor - Intel Celeron;
- Interfaces - eSATA;
- Ethernet connection speed - 2 ports of 1000 Mbps;
- The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
- DLNA server function.
The model has a user-friendly interface, provides a high level of security. In case of power supply, the device starts automatically. Hot-swappable HDD is available. The NAS has four storage bays up to 12TB.
Synology DS920+
Specifications:
- Price - 48,358 - 55,754 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Number of bays for HDD drives - 4;
- Processor - Intel Celeron;
- Ethernet connection speed - 2 ports of 1000 Mbps;
- The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
- DLNA server function.
There are two slots for M.2 storage drives or four seats for HDD or SSD. The model implements Synology's SSD cache technology, which improves performance. The device is based on a processor with 4 cores and a frequency of 2 GHz (overclocking to 2.7 GHz is possible).
Synology DS1819+
Specifications:
- Price - 87,637 - 106,680 rubles;
- User rating - 4.3;
- Number of bays for HDD drives - 8;
- Processor - Intel Atom;
- Ethernet connection speed - 4 ports of 1000 Mbps;
- eSATA;
- USB 3.0;
- The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
- DLNA server function.
The model allows you to generate a large amount of data. The device is based on a quad-core processor with a frequency of 2.1 GHz with a hardware encryption function. The NAS has 4 GB DDR4 RAM. If necessary, it is possible to install expanders that will allow the use of up to 18 drives.
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When buying a network storage, you should pay attention to the following specifications:
- Number and form factor of drives included. The number of seats for installing disks and their number in the kit may vary. In some cases, HDD or SSD drives are purchased separately. Network storages can be sharpened to install 2.5″ or 3.5″ drives.
- The number of drive bays and their capacity limit. NAS designed for home use usually have one or two drive slots. Professional models have 4-8 or more places to install drives. However, not all models are able to support the use of large hard drives. That is why it is necessary to pay attention to the maximum capacity of compatible discs.
- Hot swappable.In the event of a drive failure, you do not need to turn off all devices to replace the drive.
- Processor clock speed. Network storage often work on the basis of processors with architecture. The clock frequency determines the performance of the equipment in many ways. If you plan to use the NAS drive with additional applications, it is recommended to pay attention to models with a powerful processor.
- The amount of RAM also affects the speed of transactions. The more RAM, the faster programs will run.
- The presence of a built-in wi-fi module allows you to use a wireless connection. However, it is worth considering that the AB wired connection speed is usually higher.
- Number of Ethernet ports and maximum network interface speed. The last indicator affects the data exchange rate. Modern models use a gigabit interface.
- Number of USB connectors. Through them, additional storage media are connected to the drive; in some cases, the storage provides the Print Server function, which makes it possible to connect a printer to it and use it as a network printer.
- Number of eSATA connectors. They are designed to connect external drives.
- iSCSI protocol support. Works on the basis of TCP / IP technology, allows you to establish interconnection and manage data storage systems.
- RAID levels. Indicates data storage and virtualization technology. RAID 0 improves speed by writing data to multiple drives at the same time. RAID 1 - a mirrored disk array is created, which involves writing information to one disk and duplicating it on another. RAID 5 - a striped disk array is created, which ensures high speed and reliability. JBOD - implies a simple combination of several HDs into a single array.
- Possibility of remote access to the storage through a cloud service.
- Ability to install additional applications.
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The easiest option is to purchase a NAS with drives already installed. In this case, the user does not have to worry about the compatibility of drives with the NAS. For home use, models with one or two pre-installed drives are suitable. Devices with two drives and RAID 1 technology are characterized by increased fault tolerance. For use in the office, you should pay attention to functional models with productive hardware stuffing. Professional photographers and videographers need a lot of network storage. The minimum capacity of drives for storing and backing up information should be 6-8 TB.
Some NASes support IP video surveillance. This allows you to use such drives for organizing a security system. In this case, the NAS will replace the registrar.
