Storing and streaming 4K video files can be a real challenge, especially if you have a large library and want to enjoy smooth playback without lag. You need a storage solution that can handle the high bandwidth demands of 4K video, and that’s where Network Attached Storage (NAS) comes in.
NAS devices offer a dedicated, centralized location to store your media files, and with the right setup, you can stream 4K video across your home network with ease. But with so many NAS options available, it can be tough to know where to start.
This article will guide you through the best NAS devices specifically designed for 4K video streaming, featuring 10 Gigabit Ethernet for blazing-fast transfer speeds. We’ll dive into the features, performance, and capabilities of each NAS, helping you find the perfect solution for your needs.
Whether you’re a casual home user or a demanding video editor, we’ve got you covered with our selection of the top 7 NAS devices that will elevate your 4K video streaming experience.
Dive deeper into 14 Best Network Attached Storage for Small and Medium Businesses
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| Synology DiskStation DS923+ |  |
4.5 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| QNAP TS-453D |  |
4.5 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASUSTOR AS6704T |  |
4.3 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Synology DiskStation DS923+
A powerful NAS designed for demanding users, the DS923+ offers high performance and a wide range of features, including 10GbE connectivity and support for PCIe expansion.
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Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron N5105 Quad-Core Processor
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (Expandable to 16GB)
- Storage Bays: 4x 3.5" SATA (supports both HDD and SSD)
- Network: 2x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x 10GbE SFP+
- Other Features: Synology DSM operating system, support for Plex Media Server, Surveillance Station, and more.
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent performance with 10GbE connectivity
- Supports PCIe expansion for added functionality
- Powerful Synology DSM operating system with a vast app ecosystem
- Suitable for demanding tasks like 4K video streaming and large file transfers
Reasons to avoid :
- Higher price point compared to some other options
- May be overkill for casual users who don't need the performance or features
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need high-speed performance for 4K video streaming and large file transfers
- You plan to use the NAS for demanding applications like video editing or virtual machine hosting
- You need the flexibility of PCIe expansion for adding network cards or other hardware
Don't buy it if:
- You have a limited budget
- You only need basic NAS functionality for file storage and backups
- You don't need the speed of 10GbE connectivity
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is a top-tier NAS that delivers exceptional performance and a wide range of features. Its 10GbE connectivity and PCIe expansion capabilities make it ideal for demanding users who need to stream 4K video, handle large files, and run resource-intensive applications. While its higher price tag may be a deterrent for some, the DS923+ is an excellent investment for those seeking a powerful and versatile NAS solution.
QNAP TS-453D
This NAS offers a solid balance of performance and features, making it a good choice for both home and small business users.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-Core Processor
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (Expandable to 16GB)
- Storage Bays: 4x 3.5" SATA (supports both HDD and SSD)
- Network: 2x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x 10GbE SFP+
- Other Features: QNAP QTS operating system, support for Plex Media Server, Virtualization Station, and more.
Reasons to buy :
- Strong performance for 4K video streaming and other multimedia tasks
- 10GbE connectivity for faster data transfers
- Flexible QTS operating system with a wide array of applications
- Good value for the features it offers
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited PCIe expansion options compared to the Synology DS923+
- Not as feature-rich as some of the higher-end NAS devices
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need reliable and fast performance for 4K video streaming and other multimedia tasks
- You want a NAS with 10GbE connectivity at a reasonable price
- You are looking for a flexible platform with a wide range of applications
Don't buy it if:
- You need the absolute highest performance possible
- You require extensive PCIe expansion for specialized hardware
- You are on a very tight budget
Bottom Line:
The QNAP TS-453D is a well-rounded NAS that strikes a good balance between performance and affordability. Its 10GbE connectivity and support for 4K video streaming make it a great choice for home users and small businesses who need a reliable and feature-rich storage solution. While it may not be as powerful as some of the top-of-the-line models, the TS-453D is a solid option for those who prioritize value and performance.
ASUSTOR AS6704T
The AS6704T stands out with its focus on performance and scalability, making it a strong option for demanding users and creative professionals.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Atom C3538 Quad-Core Processor
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 (Expandable to 32GB)
- Storage Bays: 4x 3.5" SATA (supports both HDD and SSD)
- Network: 2x Gigabit Ethernet, 2x 10GbE SFP+
- Other Features: ADM operating system, support for Plex Media Server, Virtualization Station, and more.
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful performance thanks to its Intel Atom processor
- Dual 10GbE connectivity for extremely fast data transfers
- Highly scalable with expandable RAM and storage options
- Flexible ADM operating system with a good selection of applications
Reasons to avoid :
- Higher price point than some other options
- User interface might not be as user-friendly as Synology DSM or QNAP QTS
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need top-tier performance for demanding tasks like 4K video editing and virtual machine hosting
- You want a NAS with dual 10GbE connectivity for extremely fast data transfers
- You require a highly scalable NAS with expandable RAM and storage options
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget
- You prefer a user interface that is simpler and more intuitive
- You don't need the speed of dual 10GbE connectivity
Bottom Line:
The ASUSTOR AS6704T is a powerful and scalable NAS designed for users who need top-notch performance and a flexible platform. Its dual 10GbE connectivity and expandable RAM and storage options make it ideal for demanding tasks like 4K video editing, virtual machine hosting, and large file transfers. While its price may be higher than some other models, the AS6704T's performance and scalability make it a worthwhile investment for users who require a high-performance NAS.
WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra
This NAS is a good option for home users who need a reliable and easy-to-use storage solution for backing up files, streaming media, and accessing files remotely.
Specifications :
- CPU: Marvell Armada 385 1.6 GHz Dual-Core Processor
- RAM: 2GB DDR3 (not expandable)
- Storage Bays: 2x 3.5" SATA (supports both HDD and SSD)
- Network: 2x Gigabit Ethernet
- Other Features: WD My Cloud OS 3, support for Plex Media Server, and more.
Reasons to buy :
- Easy to set up and use
- Compact and attractive design
- Good value for the price
- Provides remote access to your files
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited performance compared to other options
- No 10GbE connectivity
- Not as feature-rich as some of the other NAS devices
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a simple and easy-to-use NAS for basic file storage and backup
- You want a compact and affordable NAS for home use
- You need remote access to your files
Don't buy it if:
- You need high performance for 4K video streaming or other demanding tasks
- You require 10GbE connectivity
- You need a wide range of advanced features
Bottom Line:
The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a budget-friendly NAS that is ideal for home users looking for a simple and reliable storage solution. Its ease of use, compact design, and remote access capabilities make it a great choice for those who need to back up files, stream media, and access files from anywhere. While it may not offer the same performance or features as some of the more expensive models, the EX2 Ultra is a solid option for users who prioritize simplicity and value.
TerraMaster F5-422
This NAS stands out for its value, offering a good balance of performance and features at a reasonable price.
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Specifications :
- CPU: Realtek RTD1296 Quad-Core Processor
- RAM: 2GB DDR4 (Expandable to 8GB)
- Storage Bays: 5x 3.5" SATA (supports both HDD and SSD)
- Network: 2x Gigabit Ethernet
- Other Features: TerraMaster TOS 4.2 operating system, support for Plex Media Server, and more.
Reasons to buy :
- Good value for the price
- Strong performance for 4K video streaming and other multimedia tasks
- 5-bay design allows for a lot of storage capacity
- User-friendly TOS operating system
Reasons to avoid :
- No 10GbE connectivity
- Limited PCIe expansion options
- Not as feature-rich as some of the higher-end models
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable and affordable NAS for 4K video streaming and other multimedia tasks
- You want a NAS with a large storage capacity
- You prefer a user-friendly operating system
Don't buy it if:
- You need high performance with 10GbE connectivity
- You require extensive PCIe expansion options
- You need a NAS with the most advanced features available
Bottom Line:
The TerraMaster F5-422 is a great value NAS that offers solid performance and a generous storage capacity at a reasonable price. Its 5-bay design allows for ample storage space, and its user-friendly TOS operating system makes it easy to use. While it may not offer the same level of performance or features as some of the more expensive models, the F5-422 is a great choice for users who prioritize value and practicality.
Netgear ReadyNAS 426
This NAS is a good option for small businesses and home users who need a reliable and feature-rich storage solution.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Atom C3538 Quad-Core Processor
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (Expandable to 8GB)
- Storage Bays: 4x 3.5" SATA (supports both HDD and SSD)
- Network: 2x Gigabit Ethernet
- Other Features: ReadyNAS OS 6, support for Plex Media Server, and more.
Reasons to buy :
- Reliable and feature-rich
- Good performance for 4K video streaming and other multimedia tasks
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- Strong security features
Reasons to avoid :
- No 10GbE connectivity
- Higher price point than some of the other options
- User interface might not be as intuitive as some other options
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable and feature-rich NAS for home or small business use
- You want a NAS with strong security features
- You need a NAS with a good warranty
Don't buy it if:
- You need high performance with 10GbE connectivity
- You are on a very tight budget
- You prefer a user interface that is simpler and more intuitive
Bottom Line:
The Netgear ReadyNAS 426 is a solid NAS that offers reliable performance, a wide range of features, and a comprehensive set of security tools. Its 3-year warranty makes it a good investment for users who need a reliable and long-lasting storage solution. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, the ReadyNAS 426 is a good choice for home and small business users who need a well-rounded NAS.
Synology DiskStation DS220+
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This NAS is a good option for budget-conscious users who need a reliable and easy-to-use storage solution for home use.
Specifications :
- CPU: Realtek RTD1296 Quad-Core Processor
- RAM: 2GB DDR4 (Expandable to 6GB)
- Storage Bays: 2x 3.5" SATA (supports both HDD and SSD)
- Network: 2x Gigabit Ethernet
- Other Features: Synology DSM operating system, support for Plex Media Server, and more.
Reasons to buy :
- Very affordable
- Easy to set up and use
- Supports basic NAS functionality like file storage and backup
- Comes with the powerful Synology DSM operating system
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited performance compared to other options
- No 10GbE connectivity
- Limited storage capacity with only two bays
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a very affordable NAS for basic file storage and backup
- You prefer the Synology DSM operating system
- You are looking for a NAS that is easy to set up and use
Don't buy it if:
- You need high performance for 4K video streaming or other demanding tasks
- You require 10GbE connectivity
- You need a NAS with a large storage capacity
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS220+ is a budget-friendly NAS that is a great choice for home users who need a simple and reliable storage solution for basic tasks. Its affordability, ease of use, and support for Synology DSM make it a solid option for those who need to back up files, store documents, and access files from anywhere. While it may not offer the same performance or features as some of the more expensive models, the DS220+ is a great value for users who prioritize simplicity and affordability.
Choosing the right NAS for your 4K video streaming needs can feel overwhelming, but by considering your specific requirements and budget, you can find the perfect solution. With features like 10 Gigabit Ethernet, high-capacity drives, and advanced transcoding capabilities, the NAS devices highlighted in this article offer unparalleled performance and reliability for storing and streaming your extensive video libraries. Whether you're a casual user or a serious home theater enthusiast, these NAS options provide the power and flexibility to enjoy your 4K content seamlessly.
Remember that your storage needs will continue to grow as your media library expands, so investing in a future-proof NAS with ample storage capacity and upgrade potential is essential. Additionally, prioritize features that align with your specific needs, such as hardware transcoding for smooth playback on multiple devices, robust security measures to protect your valuable data, and seamless integration with your existing ecosystem.
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Ultimately, the best NAS for you is the one that meets your individual requirements and fits your budget. By carefully considering your specific needs, exploring the features and specifications of different NAS options, and taking advantage of the resources available, you can confidently choose the best network attached storage device for your 4K video streaming needs. The future of your home entertainment is within reach, with a reliable and powerful NAS by your side to keep your 4K dreams alive.
Bilal