Do you love watching movies and TV shows at home? Imagine having all your favorite videos ready to play on any device, anytime. That’s the magic of Plex! But how do you store all those movies and shows? You need a great place to keep them safe and sound. That’s where a Network Attached Storage, or NAS, comes in.
Picking the right NAS for Plex can feel tricky. There are so many choices, and the tech talk can get confusing! You might wonder about storage space, speed, and how easy it is to use. Choosing the wrong one can mean slow streaming, lost files, or a lot of frustration. That’s the last thing you want when you’re ready for movie night!
In this blog post, we’ll make it easy. We’ll explain what a NAS is and how it works with Plex. You’ll learn what to look for when buying a NAS and how to set everything up. By the end, you’ll be ready to build your own awesome home media center. Let’s jump in and find the perfect NAS for your Plex setup!
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: 9.1/10
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a 6TB NAS (Network Attached Storage) device. It’s designed to be a central storage and backup solution for your home. The LinkStation lets you keep all your important files in one place. It can work as your own personal cloud, so you can access your files from anywhere. This NAS is a good value for those who want simple and secure storage.
What We Like:
- Centralized storage and backup for all your devices.
- Works with both Windows and macOS.
- You get a subscription-free personal cloud.
- It keeps your data safe with encryption.
- Back up multiple computers and devices easily.
- Share files securely with family and friends.
- It has a 6TB capacity with a hard drive included.
- Made in Japan, known for quality.
- Has 24/7 US-based support and a 2-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- For more features and speed, consider the LS700.
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a solid choice for home users. It is a reliable and easy way to store and share your important files.
2. UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay Desktop NAS
Rating: 8.7/10
The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 is a 2-bay desktop NAS. It’s a great way to store your files. It comes with an Intel N100 Quad-core CPU and 8GB of DDR5 RAM. It also features a 2.5GbE port, two M.2 NVMe slots, and 4K HDMI. This NAS lets you create your own private cloud for your photos, videos, and other files.
What We Like:
- Spend Less, Store More: You only pay once. There are no monthly fees.
- Massive Storage Capacity: You can store up to 64TB.
- User-Friendly App: It’s easy to set up and share files on many devices.
- AI-Powered Photo Album: It organizes your photos automatically.
- Secure Private Cloud: Your data is safe with encryption.
- Best Performance in Class: The fast processor and network port make file transfers quick.
- Widely Compatible: It works with many hard drive brands.
- 2-Year Warranty: UGREEN offers a two-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Hard drives are not included. You must buy them separately.
The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 is a solid choice for anyone looking to back up their data. It offers a lot of features for the price and gives you control over your files.
3. UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay Desktop NAS
Rating: 9.0/10
The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus is a powerful way to store your files. This 4-bay NAS (Network Attached Storage) device lets you create your own private cloud. It offers a fast Intel Pentium Gold processor, plenty of RAM, and fast network connections. You can store tons of photos, videos, and documents with this device. It is also easy to use with many different devices.
What We Like:
- Better Storage: It’s better than using external drives. You get central storage, automatic backups, and easy data recovery.
- Huge Capacity: Store up to 112TB of data. That is a lot of space!
- Fast Transfers: You can back up 1GB of data in less than a second!
- Secure Cloud: Keep your data safe with encryption and permission controls.
- Smart Photo Album: It organizes your photos automatically. It finds faces, places, and removes duplicates.
- Easy to Use: You can use it on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, web browsers, and smart TVs.
- Works with Many Drives: Use hard drives from Western Digital, Seagate, and more.
- Warranty: It comes with a 2-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Hard Drives Not Included: You need to buy your own hard drives.
The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus is a great choice for anyone who needs a lot of storage. It is fast, secure, and easy to use.
4. Asustor Drivestor 4 AS1104T – 4 Bay NAS
Rating: 9.4/10
The Asustor Drivestor 4 AS1104T is a 4-bay NAS. This means it’s a network storage device. It lets you save and share files easily. It runs on a Realtek Quad-Core processor at 1.4 GHz. The NAS has 1 GB of DDR4 RAM. It also has a fast 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port. This helps you stream videos and access files quickly. You can use it to build your own private cloud.
What We Like:
- The powerful Realtek processor makes it fast.
- It has a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port for quick data transfer.
- You can easily play 4K videos.
- The DDR4 RAM uses energy well.
- You can build your own private cloud.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only has 1 GB of RAM.
- Some users might want more than one Ethernet port.
The Asustor Drivestor 4 AS1104T is a good NAS for home users. It is a great option for storing and sharing your files.
5. Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL
Rating: 8.6/10
The Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL is a 2-bay NAS enclosure. It helps you store your files. It has a fast 1.7GHz quad-core processor. It also comes with 1GB of DDR4 RAM. You can stream your favorite movies in 4K. The enclosure lets you download and upload files quickly. This network storage device is diskless, so you will need to add your own hard drives.
What We Like:
- The quad-core processor makes things run fast.
- It can stream 4K videos smoothly.
- It supports Wake on LAN (WOL). You can turn it on remotely.
- You can easily take snapshots with Btrfs/iSCSI.
- Installing hard drives is tool-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1GB of RAM could be more for some users.
- It only has one Gigabit Ethernet port.
The Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL is a good NAS for home users. It offers a good balance of features and performance.
Network Attached Storage for Plex: Your Ultimate Guide
This guide helps you choose the right Network Attached Storage (NAS) for your Plex server. It’s like a digital library for your movies, shows, and music. A NAS lets you store all this stuff in one place, and Plex lets you watch it on any device.
Key Features to Look For
Choosing the right NAS is important. Here are some key things to consider:
- Processing Power: The NAS needs a good processor (CPU). This handles the “thinking” for Plex. A faster CPU means smoother streaming, especially for multiple users.
- RAM (Memory): More RAM helps the NAS run faster. It’s like having a bigger desk. The NAS can handle more tasks at once.
- Storage Capacity: How much space do you need? Think about all your movies, shows, and music. NAS drives come in different sizes, like 4TB, 8TB, or even larger.
- Drive Bays: These are the slots for the hard drives. More bays mean more storage and sometimes the option to make your data safer by making a copy.
- Network Connectivity: The NAS connects to your network. Look for Gigabit Ethernet for fast data transfer. Some NAS devices also have Wi-Fi.
- Plex Compatibility: Make sure the NAS is compatible with Plex. Most modern NAS devices support Plex.
- Transcoding Capabilities: Plex sometimes needs to change the video format (transcode) to play on your device. A NAS with good transcoding handles this well.
- Ease of Use: Pick a NAS that’s easy to set up and use. You don’t want to spend hours figuring it out.
Important Materials
The materials used in a NAS affect its quality and how long it lasts.
- Hard Drives: These store your data. Look for NAS-specific hard drives. They are built to run longer and more reliable than regular desktop drives.
- Enclosure: The enclosure (the box) should be sturdy. It protects the drives and keeps them cool.
- Fan: A good fan is needed to keep the hard drives from overheating.
- Power Supply: A reliable power supply is important. It keeps the NAS running smoothly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors affect the quality of a NAS:
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for quality. Research brands before you buy.
- Build Quality: A well-built NAS lasts longer. Look for a solid enclosure and good components.
- Software: Good software makes the NAS easier to use. It should have a user-friendly interface.
- Customer Support: Good customer support helps if you have problems.
- Price: A more expensive NAS is not always better. Compare features and read reviews.
- Overheating: Proper cooling is essential. Overheating can damage the hard drives.
- Noise: Some NAS devices can be noisy. Consider the noise level if you plan to put the NAS in your living room.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a NAS for Plex is great! Here are some use cases:
- Centralized Media Library: You can store all your movies, shows, and music in one place.
- Streaming to Multiple Devices: Plex lets you stream to your TV, phone, tablet, and computer.
- Remote Access: You can watch your media from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Family Sharing: Share your media library with family members.
- Backup: Some NAS devices can back up your data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about NAS for Plex:
Q: What is a NAS?
A: A NAS is a Network Attached Storage. It’s like a hard drive connected to your network.
Q: Why use a NAS for Plex?
A: A NAS lets you store your media files in one place and stream them to any device.
Q: What is Plex?
A: Plex is a media server. It organizes your media and lets you stream it.
Q: How much storage do I need?
A: It depends on how much media you have. Start with enough space for your current library and some room to grow.
Q: What is transcoding?
A: Transcoding is when Plex changes the video format to play on your device.
Q: What CPU is best for transcoding?
A: A faster CPU is better for transcoding. Look for a NAS with a modern processor.
Q: How do I set up a NAS for Plex?
A: You install Plex on the NAS, point it to your media files, and then access it from your devices.
Q: Can I access my media from outside my home?
A: Yes, Plex allows you to stream your media remotely.
Q: What are RAID configurations?
A: RAID is a way to store data across multiple hard drives. It can improve performance or make your data safer.
Q: What if my NAS fails?
A: If you have a RAID setup, your data is protected. Always back up your important files!
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.
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