Choosing the right office network attached storage (NAS) can significantly improve data management, collaboration, and security. The best options balance performance, ease of use, and expandability, but they often involve tradeoffs like cost versus features. For example, the Synology DS220+ stands out for its user-friendly interface and reliable performance, making it ideal for small teams. Meanwhile, the DiscTech DS925+ offers massive storage capacity suitable for data-heavy environments, though at a higher price point. Continue reading for a detailed comparison that helps clarify which NAS best fits your office’s specific needs.
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Key Takeaways
- Performance varies significantly based on CPU and RAM, impacting multitasking and media serving capabilities.
- Two-bay NAS units provide simplicity and affordability but may limit expandability for growing offices.
- Managed brands like Synology and QNAP generally offer better software support and security features compared to lesser-known brands.
- Dual 2.5GbE ports are increasingly common and improve network throughput without major infrastructure upgrades.
- Cost-effective models often have limited upgrade options but are suitable for smaller, less demanding environments.
| office network attached storage | Processor | Brand | Number of Bays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asustor Drivestor 2 Gen 2 AS12 | Realtek RTD1619B quad-core 1.7GHz | — | — |
| Synology DS223 Home & Office 2 | — | Synology | 2 |
| DiscTech DS925+ 16TB 4-Bay NAS | AMD Ryzen V1500B 4-core 2.2GHz | — | — |
| QNAP TS-410E 4-Bay Intel Quad- | Intel J6412 quad-core | QNAP | 4 |
| Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS2 | — | Synology | 2 |
| Synology DS225+ Private Cloud | Intel CPU | Synology | 2 |
| Synology DiskStation DS220+ NA | Celeron J4025 Dual-Core 2.0GHz (up to 2.9GHz Burst) | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Asustor Drivestor 2 Gen 2 AS1202T 2-Bay NAS Storage, Quad-Core 1.7GHz CPU, 2.5GbE Network, 1GB DDR4, 4K Media Server, Diskless
This model stands out for its fast 2.5GbE network and straightforward, tool-free drive installation, making it a strong choice for users who want quick setup and media streaming at home. Compared to the Synology DS223, it offers better network speeds but falls short on RAM, which might limit multitasking. Its diskless design keeps initial costs low but requires additional purchase of drives, adding to the setup effort. The 4K media support enhances its appeal for media enthusiasts, yet the limited 1GB RAM could hinder performance with multiple simultaneous tasks.
Pros:- Fast 2.5GbE network for quick data transfers
- Tool-free drive installation simplifies setup
- Supports 4K media streaming
Cons:- Limited 1GB RAM may restrict multitasking for advanced uses
- Diskless design requires separate purchase of drives
Best for: Home users who prioritize media streaming and simple data sharing without extensive multitasking
Not ideal for: Power users or small offices needing extensive multitasking or larger storage capacity
- Processor:Realtek RTD1619B quad-core 1.7GHz
- Network:2.5GbE Ethernet
- Memory:1GB DDR4
- Drive Bays:2
- Form Factor:Diskless
- Media Support:4K Media Server
Our verdict“This NAS is ideal for media lovers and casual users seeking quick setup and reliable media streaming at home.”
Synology DS223 Home & Office 2-Bay Diskless NAS
This entry-level NAS excels at centralizing data and providing private cloud features through Synology DiskStation Manager, making it suitable for users new to NAS or small teams. Unlike the more powerful DiscTech DS925+, the DS223 offers an easier setup process with built-in collaboration tools and surveillance capabilities, all within a compact form. However, its 2-bay limit constrains storage expansion for growing needs, and its basic feature set may lack advanced enterprise options, requiring users to be comfortable with some technical setup.
Pros:- Easy to centralize and access data across devices
- Includes private cloud and surveillance features without extra costs
- Supports automated backups for multiple device types
Cons:- Limited to 2 drive bays, restricting expansion
- Entry-level features may lack advanced enterprise options
- Requires some technical knowledge for setup
Best for: Small offices or home users new to NAS who want straightforward data sharing and backup solutions
Not ideal for: Heavy data users or those needing extensive scalability and enterprise features
- Brand:Synology
- Model:DS223
- Number of Bays:2
- Item Type:NAS
- Warranty:2 years
- UPC:846504004775
Our verdict“This NAS is best suited for beginners and small teams seeking simple, secure data management with minimal hassle.”
DiscTech DS925+ 16TB 4-Bay NAS Server with 4x4TB Enterprise HDD, 4GB DDR4 RAM, AMD Ryzen V1500B 4-Core 2.2GHz, Dual 2.5GbE LAN
The DiscTech DS925+ is designed for demanding professional environments, with a powerful AMD Ryzen processor and expandable storage. Its dual 2.5GbE LAN ports support link aggregation, making it ideal for high-performance tasks like virtualization or large data backups. Compared to the Synology DS223, it offers more raw power and storage capacity but lacks included drives, requiring additional investment. Its larger size and limited RAM may hinder deployment in space-constrained environments or for highly virtualized workloads.
Pros:- High-performance AMD Ryzen processor suitable for intensive NAS tasks
- Dual 2.5GbE ports support link aggregation for faster network throughput
- Expandable storage with support for additional drives and expansion units
- Durable metal construction for professional use
Cons:- Requires separate purchase of hard drives
- Large footprint may not fit in compact spaces
- Limited RAM for virtualization-heavy workloads
Best for: Small businesses or advanced users needing robust performance and large storage capacity
Not ideal for: Home users or those with limited space or less demanding performance needs
- Storage Capacity:16TB (4x4TB enterprise HDD)
- Processor:AMD Ryzen V1500B 4-core 2.2GHz
- RAM:4GB DDR4
- Network:Dual 2.5GbE LAN
- Form Factor:Desktop
- Build Material:Metal
Our verdict“This NAS caters to professionals and small businesses requiring high performance and extensive storage options, with some additional setup costs.”
QNAP TS-410E 4-Bay Intel Quad-core CPU Fanless & Silent SSD NAS with 2.5GbE & 8GB RAM
The QNAP TS-410E stands out for its fanless, silent operation combined with a robust Intel quad-core processor, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments like small offices or homes. Its 8GB RAM supports smooth multi-tasking, surpassing the Synology DS223j in performance. Yet, the lack of detailed storage capacity or expansion options makes it less transparent for users needing large or scalable storage. Its tower form factor and absence of active cooling are perfect for quiet, space-constrained setups, though the limited information on included drives suggests additional investment may be necessary.
Pros:- Fanless and silent operation for noise-sensitive spaces
- Powerful Intel quad-core processor
- Generous 8GB RAM for multitasking
- High-speed 2.5GbE network connectivity
Cons:- Limited details on total storage capacity and expandability
- No mention of included drives or accessories
Best for: Small offices or home environments where quiet operation and reliable performance are priorities
Not ideal for: Large-scale enterprise environments or users needing maximum storage capacity without additional hardware
- Brand:QNAP
- Model Number:TS-410E-8G
- Number of Bays:4
- Processor:Intel J6412 quad-core
- RAM:8GB
- Network Connectivity:2.5GbE
Our verdict“This NAS is an excellent choice for quiet, professional environments where performance and low noise are key concerns.”
Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless)
The Synology DS223j offers a compact, energy-efficient solution for private cloud storage, making it suitable for individual users or small households. While it shares the same 2-bay configuration as the DS223, it’s optimized for energy savings and simplicity rather than performance-intensive tasks. It lacks the advanced features of higher-end Synology models like the DS225+, but for basic file sharing, security camera storage, and backups, it delivers reliable hardware. Its limited expandability and absence of included drives mean users must plan for additional purchases, and some setup is required to maximize its potential.
Pros:- Compact and energy-efficient design
- Supports private cloud and multi-device sharing
- Includes security camera recording and backup features
- Reliable hardware with 2-year warranty
Cons:- Limited to two drive bays, less scalable
- Requires setup and configuration for optimal use
- No included drives—additional purchase needed
Best for: Individuals or small households seeking private cloud, media sharing, and camera storage with minimal fuss
Not ideal for: Power users or larger organizations with growing storage needs
- Brand:Synology
- Model Number:DS223j
- Number of Bays:2
- Warranty:2 years
- UPC:846504004768
- Item Count:1
Our verdict“This NAS is best suited for individuals or small households seeking simple, reliable private cloud storage and camera recording features.”
Synology DS225+ Private Cloud Media Server – 2-Bay Diskless NAS with Intel CPU for Hardware Transcoding
The Synology DS225+ stands out for users needing a compact, reliable solution for media streaming and surveillance, thanks to its support for 4K hardware transcoding and up to 30 IP cameras. Compared with the DS220+, it offers faster transfer speeds of 282 MB/s, making it better suited for real-time media and surveillance workflows. However, its diskless design requires buyers to purchase drives separately, and with only 2 bays, it limits maximum storage capacity for larger media collections or extensive backups. Its setup demands some familiarity with NAS systems, which could challenge beginners. Nonetheless, for small offices or homes prioritizing media and security, this model provides a balanced mix of speed, protection, and surveillance capacity.
Pros:- Supports 4K media streaming and hardware transcoding
- Fast data transfer speeds of 282 MB/s
- Multi-layer data protection with RAID, backups, and snapshots
- Supports up to 30 IP cameras for surveillance
Cons:- Requires setup and some NAS familiarity
- Diskless configuration means additional drives needed
- Limited to 2 bays, restricting total storage capacity
Best for: Small business or home users focused on media streaming and surveillance, needing fast, reliable data transfer.
Not ideal for: Users requiring large storage arrays or multi-user enterprise solutions, as its 2-bay design and limited capacity may fall short.
- Brand:Synology
- Model Number:DS225+
- Number of Bays:2
- Processor:Intel CPU
- Transfer Speed:282 MB/s
- Warranty:3 years
- Supports Surveillance:Yes
Our verdict“This NAS is well-suited for users prioritizing media, security, and fast transfer speeds in a compact form.”
Synology DiskStation DS220+ NAS Server for Business with Celeron CPU, 6GB Memory, 2TB SSD Storage
The Synology DS220+ excels as a flexible business NAS capable of handling backup, file sharing, email servers, and domain management. Its Celeron J4025 dual-core processor, combined with 6GB of DDR4 RAM, provides a smooth experience for multiple concurrent server roles, outperforming the more media-focused DS225+ in multitasking. The 2TB SSD storage and support for link aggregation ensure rapid data access and reliable network performance. Unlike the DS225+’s focus on media streaming and surveillance, this model prioritizes business services and security, with AES 256-bit encryption and two-factor authentication. Its main tradeoff: drives and memory are sold separately, and initial setup demands some technical knowledge. Overall, this unit makes sense for small offices needing a compact, secure, multi-role server platform.
Pros:- Versatile for multiple server roles including backup and file sharing
- Fast SSD storage with link aggregation support
- Enhanced security features like AES encryption and 2FA
- 6GB RAM improves multitasking and responsiveness
Cons:- Drives and RAM upgrades require separate purchase and installation
- Initial setup can be complex for non-technical users
- Limited to 2 bays, so maximum storage is constrained
Best for: Small business teams seeking a versatile, secure NAS for backup, collaboration, and server functions.
Not ideal for: Home users primarily interested in media streaming or surveillance, as its focus on server roles and security may be overkill.
- Processor:Celeron J4025 Dual-Core 2.0GHz (up to 2.9GHz Burst)
- Memory:6GB DDR4
- Storage:2TB SSD (2 x 1TB SATA III)
- LAN Ports:2 x RJ-45 1GbE (Link Aggregation / Failover support)
- USB Ports:2 x USB 3.2
- Operating System:DSM
- Security:AES 256-bit encryption, 2FA
Our verdict“This NAS is ideal for small businesses that need a secure, multi-purpose server with strong performance and expandability options.”
How We Picked
These products were selected based on their overall performance, build quality, ease of setup, software support, and value for office environments. Priority was given to models with reliable network connections, expandability, and security features essential for business use. We also considered user interface friendliness, noise levels, and energy efficiency, as these factors influence daily operation and maintenance. Our ranking reflects a balance between price and features, ensuring that each pick offers a clear advantage for specific office sizes and needs.| office network attached storage | Processor | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Asustor Drivestor 2 Gen 2 AS12 | Realtek RTD1619B quad-core 1.7GHz | — |
| Synology DS223 Home & Office 2 | — | Synology |
| DiscTech DS925+ 16TB 4-Bay NAS | AMD Ryzen V1500B 4-core 2.2GHz | — |
| QNAP TS-410E 4-Bay Intel Quad- | Intel J6412 quad-core | QNAP |
| Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS2 | — | Synology |
| Synology DS225+ Private Cloud | Intel CPU | Synology |
| Synology DiskStation DS220+ NA | Celeron J4025 Dual-Core 2.0GHz (up to 2.9GHz Burst) | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Office Network Attached Storage
When selecting an office NAS, it’s important to evaluate several key factors beyond just storage capacity. Consider your network environment, future scalability, and the types of data you’ll manage. Making the right choice involves understanding the tradeoffs between cost, performance, and ease of use, especially when planning for growth or multiple users.Performance and Processor Power
The CPU and RAM of a NAS determine how well it handles multiple users, media streaming, backups, and data synchronization. For small offices with basic needs, entry-level processors may suffice, but larger teams benefit from more powerful CPUs that can support concurrent tasks smoothly. Choosing a model with insufficient processing power can lead to slow data access and frustrated workflows.
Drive Bays and Expandability
The number of drive bays affects how much data you can store now and in the future. Two-bay NAS units are more affordable and easier to manage but limit upgrade options. Four-bay or larger models offer room for expansion through additional drives or RAID configurations, essential for growing data needs or redundancy. Consider your current storage needs and potential growth when selecting the right size.
Network Connectivity and Speed
Gigabit Ethernet has been standard for years, but many office NAS now include 2.5GbE or even 10GbE ports. These higher speeds can dramatically reduce file transfer times and improve media streaming performance, especially with larger files. Investing in a NAS with faster network options makes sense if your network infrastructure can support it and if speed is a priority for your team.
Ease of Use and Software Ecosystem
Intuitive interfaces and strong software ecosystems are vital for minimizing setup time and ongoing management. Brands like Synology and QNAP provide mature apps and user-friendly interfaces that simplify backups, remote access, and security management. Overly complex systems may require dedicated IT support, which can add to overall costs.
Security and Data Protection
Business data demands robust security features, including encryption, user access controls, and automatic backups. Some NAS units include integrated antivirus or malware scanning, which adds an extra layer of protection. Ignoring security features can leave sensitive information vulnerable, especially in multi-user environments.
Budget and Total Cost of Ownership
While budget models may seem attractive initially, they often lack expandability or advanced security features, leading to higher costs down the line. Consider the total cost of ownership, including drives, maintenance, and potential upgrades. Investing a bit more upfront can result in better performance, security, and longevity for your office NAS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a consumer-grade NAS for my office?
While consumer-grade NAS devices can work for small offices, they often lack the security features, scalability, and enterprise-level support needed for business environments. They may be suitable for very small teams with minimal data, but for anything more substantial, opting for business-grade models ensures better data protection and management tools.
How important is drive redundancy in office NAS?
Drive redundancy is essential for minimizing data loss in case of drive failure, especially in an office setting where data continuity is critical. Many NAS units support RAID configurations that allow data to be rebuilt if a drive fails. Skipping redundancy can lead to significant data loss if a drive unexpectedly fails, which could severely disrupt business operations.
Do I need a NAS with built-in media transcoding for office use?
Built-in media transcoding can be beneficial if your office relies heavily on streaming media or remote access to high-quality video files. However, for basic file sharing and backups, transcoding features might not be necessary. Overpaying for this feature could be unnecessary unless media streaming is a core part of your workflow.
Is a 2-bay NAS sufficient for growing teams?
For very small teams or simple backups, a 2-bay NAS might be enough, but as your team expands or data needs increase, you could quickly outgrow it. Four-bay or larger models provide more room for expansion and better redundancy options, making them more suitable for growing businesses that want to avoid frequent upgrades.
What network speed should I look for in an office NAS?
While Gigabit Ethernet remains common, upgrading to 2.5GbE or 10GbE can significantly improve transfer times and media streaming, especially with larger files or multiple users. If your office infrastructure supports these higher speeds, choosing a NAS with faster ports can future-proof your setup and enhance productivity.
Conclusion
The best overall choice for most small offices is the Synology DS220+ because of its balance of ease of use, performance, and support. For offices prioritizing capacity and data-heavy workloads, the DiscTech DS925+ offers a compelling option despite its higher price. Budget-conscious teams or those new to NAS should consider the Synology DS223j for straightforward setup and reliable performance. Larger organizations or those with advanced needs might lean toward the QNAP TS-410E for its expandability and robust hardware. Ultimately, selecting the right NAS depends on your current data demands, future growth plans, and network infrastructure.
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