If you’re a video editor looking for the best 8-bay NAS in 2026, I’ve got some top picks for you. Models like the QNAP TS-873A-8G and TS-832PX offer high performance, expandability, and fast network options perfect for demanding workflows. Others like the Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro and TERRAMASTER F4 provide solid storage and caching capabilities. Keep exploring to find out which one matches your needs and budget perfectly.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize models with high CPU performance and ample RAM for handling large video files and editing workflows.
- Look for NAS devices supporting 10GbE or higher network speeds for rapid data transfer.
- Choose options with RAID support and data protection features like snapshots and encryption for video security.
- Consider expandability with additional bays, M.2 slots, and SSD caching to scale storage as project needs grow.
- Opt for models with robust hardware, reliable security, and good support to ensure long-term workflow stability.
| QNAP TS-264 NAS with 8TB WD Red Plus HDD |  | Best Budget-Friendly | Bays: 2 bays | Network Ports: Dual 2.5GbE | Processor Type: Intel Celeron quad-core | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TS-873A-8G 8-Bay NAS with 2.5GbE & PCIe |  | High-Performance Powerhouse | Bays: 8 bays | Network Ports: 2 x 2.5GbE | Processor Type: AMD Ryzen Embedded quad-core | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TS-464 4-Bay NAS with 12TB WD Red Plus Bundle |  | Versatile Storage Solution | Bays: 4 bays | Network Ports: Dual 2.5GbE | Processor Type: Intel Celeron quad-core | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN 8-Bay NAS with Intel i5 and 8GB RAM |  | Advanced Enterprise Features | Bays: 8 bays | Network Ports: Dual 10GbE, dual 2.5GbE | Processor Type: Intel i5 12th gen | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro NAS with SSD Caching |  | Top-Rated for Professionals | Bays: 10 bays | Network Ports: 10GbE + 2.5GbE ports | Processor Type: Intel Xeon quad-core | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TERRAMASTER F4 SSD NAS Storage (Diskless) |  | Compact & Portable | Bays: 4 bays | Network Ports: 1 x 5GbE | Processor Type: N95 quad-core | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TS-832PX-4G 8 Bay High-Capacity NAS with 10GbE SFP+ and 2.5GbE |  | Scalable for Growth | Bays: 8 bays | Network Ports: 2 x 2.5GbE + 2 x 10GbE | Processor Type: ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TS-832PXU-4G 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with 10GbE |  | Rackmount for Enterprises | Bays: 8 bays | Network Ports: 2 x 2.5GbE + 2 x 10GbE | Processor Type: ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
QNAP TS-264 NAS with 8TB WD Red Plus HDD
Are you looking for a reliable and compact NAS to handle your video editing projects? The QNAP TS-264 with 8TB WD Red Plus HDD is a perfect choice. It’s a 2-bay desktop NAS with pre-installed drives in RAID 1, ensuring data redundancy. Powered by a quad-core Intel Celeron processor and 8GB RAM, it delivers smooth multitasking. Dual 2.5GbE ports make file sharing fast and seamless. The two NVMe SSD slots boost performance with cache acceleration. Plus, multiple USB 3.2 ports expand connectivity. It’s ideal for storing, backing up, and remotely accessing your video files, making your editing workflow more efficient and secure.
- Bays:2 bays
- Network Ports:Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor Type:Intel Celeron quad-core
- Max RAM:8GB (expandable)
- Storage Support:2 drives (RAID 1)
- Form Factor:Desktop
- Additional Feature:Supports SSD cache acceleration
- Additional Feature:Dual 2.5GbE network ports
- Additional Feature:Remote access via MyQNAPCloud
QNAP TS-873A-8G 8-Bay NAS with 2.5GbE & PCIe
Looking for an 8-bay NAS that can handle demanding video editing workflows? The QNAP TS-873A-8G delivers powerful performance with its AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B quad-core processor supporting up to 8 threads and Turbo up to 2.2 GHz. It features 8 drive bays (diskless), 8GB DDR4 RAM (expandable to 64GB), and dual 2.5GbE ports for fast network connectivity. Its two PCIe Gen3 slots support additional cards, including network or GPU expansion. With two M.2 NVMe slots for Qtier technology and SSD caching, it’s optimized for speedy data access. Supporting virtualization and entry-level NVIDIA graphics cards, it’s ideal for media processing and large-scale editing tasks.
- Bays:8 bays
- Network Ports:2 x 2.5GbE
- Processor Type:AMD Ryzen Embedded quad-core
- Max RAM:8GB (expandable to 64GB)
- Storage Support:8 drives (diskless)
- Form Factor:Desktop
- Additional Feature:Supports entry-level NVIDIA graphics
- Additional Feature:Two PCIe Gen3 expansion slots
- Additional Feature:Dual operating systems (QTS/QuTS hero)
QNAP TS-464 4-Bay NAS with 12TB WD Red Plus Bundle
The QNAP TS-464 with 12TB WD Red Plus bundle stands out as an excellent choice for video editors who need reliable, high-speed storage with room to grow. This 4-bay NAS features a powerful Intel quad-core processor supporting up to 16GB RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast data transfers. It comes pre-loaded with four 4TB WD Red Plus drives, configured in RAID 5 for redundancy. Dual 2.5GbE ports and multiple USB 3.2 connections offer quick network and device access. With SSD cache slots and AES encryption, it balances performance and security, making it a versatile, scalable solution for multimedia workflows.
- Bays:4 bays
- Network Ports:Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor Type:Intel Celeron quad-core
- Max RAM:16GB (expandable)
- Storage Support:4 drives (RAID 5 pre-installed)
- Form Factor:Desktop
- Additional Feature:Built-in Intel AES-NI encryption
- Additional Feature:Pre-installed with 12TB storage
- Additional Feature:Supports SSD cache and Qtier technology
UGREEN 8-Bay NAS with Intel i5 and 8GB RAM
For video editors seeking a powerful storage solution, the UGREEN 8-Bay NAS with Intel i5 and 8GB RAM stands out with its impressive processing speed and extensive capacity. It features an Intel i5 1235u 10-core CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, and a built-in 128GB SSD, supporting third-party hard drives for flexible storage. With eight SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots, it can reach up to 256TB, supporting RAID levels like RAID0, RAID1, and RAID5 for data protection. Dual 10GbE ports deliver transfer speeds up to 2500MB/s, ideal for large file transfers. Its multimedia connectivity, including HDMI and TBT4 ports, makes it perfect for high-performance video editing workflows.
- Bays:8 bays
- Network Ports:Dual 10GbE, dual 2.5GbE
- Processor Type:Intel i5 12th gen
- Max RAM:8GB DDR5 (expandable)
- Storage Support:8 drives (up to 256TB with SSD cache)
- Form Factor:Desktop
- Additional Feature:Supports multiple RAID levels
- Additional Feature:8K HDMI output
- Additional Feature:256TB maximum storage capacity
Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro NAS with SSD Caching
If you need a powerful NAS that can handle large video files and demanding editing workflows, the Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro with SSD caching is an excellent choice. It features 10 drive bays supporting up to 180TB of storage, perfect for extensive video projects. The Intel Xeon E-2224 quad-core processor and expandable 8GB RAM ensure smooth multitasking and fast processing. With two M.2 NVMe SSD slots, you can set up caching to bolster performance considerably. Its high-speed networking options—10-Gigabit Ethernet and three 2.5G ports—allow rapid data transfer. Plus, the 3-year warranty guarantees reliability for intensive professional use.
- Bays:10 bays
- Network Ports:10GbE + 2.5GbE ports
- Processor Type:Intel Xeon quad-core
- Max RAM:8GB DDR4 (expandable to 64GB)
- Storage Support:10 drives, up to 180TB
- Form Factor:Tower
- Additional Feature:Supports 10 SATA drives
- Additional Feature:10GbE and 2.5GbE ports
- Additional Feature:Industry-leading 3-year warranty
TERRAMASTER F4 SSD NAS Storage (Diskless)
With its compact, all-SSD design and blazing-fast 5GbE Ethernet port, the TERRAMASTER F4 SSD NAS Storage is perfect for video editors who need high-performance, portable storage that can handle demanding workflows. Its diskless setup supports four M.2 NVMe SSDs up to 8TB each, offering a total of 32TB capacity. Weighing just 1.32 pounds and measuring about the size of a paperback, it’s easy to place anywhere. Powered by a quad-core N95 processor and 8GB DDR5 memory, it delivers professional-grade speed and quiet operation thanks to active cooling. Its enterprise backup suite adds robust data protection, making it an ideal portable, high-speed solution.
- Bays:4 bays
- Network Ports:1 x 5GbE
- Processor Type:N95 quad-core
- Max RAM:8GB DDR5 (expandable)
- Storage Support:4 NVMe SSDs, 32TB max
- Form Factor:Small form factor (palm-sized)
- Additional Feature:All-SSD high-performance
- Additional Feature:Compact, portable design
- Additional Feature:Enterprise-grade data backup suite
QNAP TS-832PX-4G 8 Bay High-Capacity NAS with 10GbE SFP+ and 2.5GbE
The QNAP TS-832PX-4G stands out as an ideal choice for video editors who need fast, reliable storage and network performance. Its 8-bay design supports large capacities with eight SATA drives, perfect for handling high-volume video files. Powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor and 4 GB of DDR4 RAM, it offers solid processing power with expandable memory up to 16 GB. The standout feature is its versatile network connectivity, including two 10GbE ports for ultra-fast transfers and two 2.5GbE ports for flexible networking. This combination guarantees smooth editing workflows, quick backups, and seamless sharing across your network.
- Bays:8 bays
- Network Ports:2 x 2.5GbE + 2 x 10GbE
- Processor Type:ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core
- Max RAM:4GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB)
- Storage Support:8 drives (supporting SATA 6Gb/s)
- Form Factor:Rackmount 2U
- Additional Feature:Supports high-speed 10GbE ports
- Additional Feature:Expandable up to 16GB RAM
- Additional Feature:Supports multiple enterprise backup options
QNAP TS-832PXU-4G 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with 10GbE
The QNAP TS-832PXU-4G stands out as an ideal choice for video editors who need fast, reliable storage and high-speed network access. This 8-bay rackmount NAS delivers impressive performance with an AnnapurnaLabs quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor and expandable RAM up to 16GB, ensuring smooth handling of large video files. Its dual 2.5GbE ports and two 10GbE SFP+ ports provide robust network connectivity, perfect for editing workflows and remote collaborations. The PCIe slot allows future expansion, whether for additional network options or SSD caching. Built for enterprise use, it offers secure backup, hybrid cloud integration, and instant recovery, making it a versatile tool for demanding video production environments.
- Bays:8 bays
- Network Ports:2 x 2.5GbE + 2 x 10GbE
- Processor Type:ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core
- Max RAM:4GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB)
- Storage Support:8 drives (supporting SATA 6Gb/s)
- Form Factor:Rackmount 2U
- Additional Feature:Dual 10GbE SFP+ ports
- Additional Feature:Supports enterprise cloud gateways
- Additional Feature:No pre-installed disks, diskless setup
Factors to Consider When Choosing an 8‑Bay NAS for Video Editors
When choosing an 8‑bay NAS for video editing, I consider factors like storage capacity, performance, and network options to guarantee smooth workflows. It’s also important to look at data protection features and how easily the system can expand as my needs grow. Understanding these points helps me pick a device that balances speed, security, and future-proofing.
Storage Capacity Needs
Determining the right storage capacity for an 8-bay NAS starts with calculating how much high-resolution video footage, raw files, and project data you’ll need to store now and in the future. I recommend evaluating your current projects’ size and adding a buffer for unexpected growth or additional footage. High-quality 4K or higher videos can require multiple terabytes per project, so it’s essential to estimate total storage needs accurately. Also, consider future expansion—does the NAS support larger drives or additional bays? Using RAID configurations can help protect large volumes of data while maximizing storage efficiency. By thoroughly assessing your current and anticipated storage demands, you can select a NAS that not only meets your immediate needs but also scales with your projects over time.
Performance and Speed
Choosing the right performance and speed features for an 8-bay NAS guarantees smooth editing workflows and quick access to large video files. I look for devices with multi-core processors from Intel or AMD, as they handle demanding tasks and multitasking efficiently. Faster data transfer speeds, like 10GbE or higher, are essential to keep workflows seamless. SSD caching or NVMe support can dramatically boost read/write speeds, reducing lag during editing and rendering. Adequate RAM, ideally 16GB or more, ensures the NAS can handle multiple video streams and simultaneous data processing without bottlenecks. Additionally, support for RAID configurations such as RAID 5 or RAID 6 strikes a good balance between performance and data redundancy, safeguarding my valuable footage while maintaining speedy access.
Network Connectivity Options
High-speed network connectivity is essential for video editors working with large files, so I pay close attention to the ports and supported speeds on an 8-bay NAS. Many models feature dual 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports, offering the bandwidth needed for smooth editing workflows. Multiple network interfaces allow link aggregation, combining channels for faster data transfer and redundancy, which is critical when streaming high-res videos. Support for multi-gigabit Ethernet, like 2.5GbE and 10GbE, ensures seamless handling of large files across local networks. Some NAS units include PCIe slots, enabling the addition of even faster network cards, such as 25GbE. Overall, the network port configuration and supported speeds directly impact how efficiently I can transfer and stream high-resolution content, especially in multi-user environments.
Data Protection Features
When selecting an 8-bay NAS for video editing, protecting your valuable data should be a top priority. Look for models that support multiple RAID options like RAID 5, RAID 6, or RAID 10, which provide data redundancy and safeguard against drive failures. Hardware encryption features, such as Intel AES-NI, are essential for securing sensitive files without sacrificing performance. Check if the NAS offers snapshot and versioning capabilities, allowing quick recovery if files are accidentally deleted or corrupted. Extensive backup solutions, including cloud backups and local snapshots, further protect against cyberattacks and hardware issues. Lastly, robust access controls and multi-factor authentication help prevent unauthorized access, ensuring your video projects stay safe and confidential.
Expandability Potential
An 8-bay NAS with strong expandability features guarantees your storage can keep pace with your video editing projects. I look for models that support adding drives or SSDs through available bays or M.2 slots, allowing my storage to grow as needed. Many models also include PCIe slots for expansion cards, which can boost network speeds, add SSD caching, or even support GPU upgrades—crucial for intensive workflows. Support for multiple RAID configurations and hot-swappable drives means I can upgrade or expand storage without system downtime. Compatibility with larger capacity drives, like 16TB or 18TB HDDs and NVMe SSDs, helps increase capacity and performance. A modular design and future hardware upgrade options ensure my NAS remains adaptable to evolving editing demands, providing long-term efficiency and flexibility.
Compatibility and Support
Choosing an 8-bay NAS for video editing means ensuring it works smoothly with your existing software and hardware setup. I look for models that support my operating system and editing tools to avoid compatibility issues. Robust file sharing protocols like SMB, AFP, or NFS are essential for seamless collaboration across different devices. Remote access and cloud integration features are also vital, allowing me to work flexibly from multiple locations. I check that the NAS receives regular firmware updates and offers solid technical support to stay compatible with evolving editing software. Hardware reliability matters too—features like ECC memory and hardware encryption help protect my data’s integrity and security. Ensuring these support features are in place can save time and prevent headaches during critical editing projects.
Budget Considerations
Budget considerations play a pivotal role in selecting the right 8-bay NAS for video editing, as costs can vary widely depending on the features you need. It’s crucial to determine your total budget and compare different models, from affordable consumer options to high-end enterprise solutions. Keep in mind that additional drives, SSD caching, and expansion cards can considerably increase the overall cost. I recommend evaluating the balance between hardware specs and your performance needs to avoid overspending. Look for models that offer the best value for features like RAM, network ports, and processors within your budget. Remember, investing in a more durable, future-proof NAS might cost more upfront but can save money long-term by reducing early upgrades or replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NAS Models Offer the Best Scalability Options for Future Expansion?
If you’re looking for NAS models with exceptional scalability, I recommend the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ and QNAP TS-873X. Both offer multiple drive bays and expandable options like PCIe slots for adding more storage or network cards. They support large capacities and seamless expansion, making them perfect for future-proofing your setup. These models let you grow your storage effortlessly as your video editing needs increase.
How Does Power Consumption Vary Among Different 8-Bay NAS Units?
Power consumption varies quite a bit among different 8-bay NAS units. Some models are designed for energy efficiency, using less power even when fully loaded, which helps reduce operating costs. Others, especially high-performance or enterprise-level units, tend to consume more energy due to powerful processors and features. I recommend checking each model’s specifications to find one that balances performance with power efficiency to suit your needs.
What Are the Noise Levels of These NAS Devices During Heavy Workloads?
During heavy workloads, these NAS devices aren’t exactly whispering sweet nothings. I’ve found that noise levels can hit a noticeable hum, especially when the fans kick into overdrive to keep things cool—imagine a tiny jet engine in your office. While some models are quieter thanks to advanced cooling, I’d still recommend earplugs if you’re planning to use them in a noise-sensitive environment.
Which NAS Supports the Fastest Data Transfer Protocols Suitable for 4K Editing?
If you’re after the fastest data transfer protocols for 4K editing, I recommend looking at NAS devices supporting Thunderbolt 3 or 4, as they deliver top speeds. These protocols enable quick, seamless transfers of large video files, essential for editing workflows. I’ve found that models with dual 10GbE ports or built-in Thunderbolt support markedly improve performance, making your editing process smoother and more efficient.
Are There Any Specific Cooling Features to Prevent Overheating During Extended Use?
Imagine a sleek server quietly humming, its vents like gentle breezes keeping the heat at bay. Yes, many NAS devices now feature advanced cooling systems, such as fan control with temperature sensors and heat sinks that dissipate heat efficiently. These features prevent overheating during long editing sessions, ensuring your data stays safe and the device runs smoothly. I’ve seen these cooling solutions make a real difference in maintaining peak performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right 8-bay NAS can markedly boost your video editing workflow. Did you know that professionals report up to 50% faster render times with optimized NAS setups? Whether you need massive storage, speedy data transfer, or robust caching, there’s a perfect model for you. Investing in the right device streamlines editing and saves valuable time. So, weigh your needs carefully—your future self will thank you for it.
