Choosing the best NAS for Plex and home media in 2026 means balancing power, ease of use, and cost. The Synology DiskStation DS220+ stands out for its robust performance and expandability, making it ideal for serious media enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Buffalo LinkStation LS210 offers a straightforward, budget-friendly option for casual users who want simple media sharing. Both have distinct tradeoffs: the DS220+ is pricier but more versatile, while the LS210 is easy on the wallet but less flexible for demanding media workloads.
Key Takeaways
- The Synology DS220+ delivers high performance suitable for 4K streaming and multitasking, thanks to its dual-core processor and expandable RAM.
- Buffalo LS210 is an affordable, easy-to-setup NAS that supports basic media sharing and backups but lacks advanced features for heavy media use.
- Performance differences are significant; the DS220+ offers over 225 MB/s read speeds, making it better for Plex users with large libraries.
- The LS210’s fixed 2TB HDD makes it suitable for small media libraries, while the DS220+ supports larger drives and RAID configurations.
- Ease of use favors Buffalo for beginners, but advanced users will appreciate Synology’s extensive app ecosystem and customization options.
| Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS220+ (Diskless),Black |  | Best Overall for Plex and Media Enthusiasts | Processor: Intel dual-core | Memory: 2 GB DDR4 (upgradable to 6 GB) | Network Ports: Dual 1GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS |  | Best Budget-Friendly Home Media Storage | Capacity: 2TB HDD included | Number of Bays: 1 | Connectivity: Ethernet, USB 2.0 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS220+ (Diskless),Black
The Synology DS220+ shines for its solid performance and versatility, making it a top pick for Plex users who want reliable, high-quality streaming. Its dual 1GbE LAN ports support network failover and Link Aggregation, boosting throughput to over 225 MB/s sequential read. This means smoother 4K playback and faster data access. Compared to the Buffalo LS210, it offers RAID options like RAID 1 for data protection and larger capacity support. However, its higher price point and slightly more complex setup might be a deterrent for some beginners.
Pros:- Excellent network throughput over 225 MB/s
- Supports RAID 1 for data redundancy
- Expandable RAM up to 6 GB
- Robust application ecosystem for media management
Cons:- Higher cost compared to basic NAS models
- Slightly more complex setup process
- No included drives, additional investment required
Best for: Power users who run large media libraries, require 4K streaming, and want expandability and robust data protection.
Not ideal for: Casual users seeking an ultra-budget setup or those unfamiliar with NAS configuration.
- Processor:Intel dual-core
- Memory:2 GB DDR4 (upgradable to 6 GB)
- Network Ports:Dual 1GbE
- Throughput:Over 225 MB/s read
- RAID Support:RAID 1
- Drive Bays:2
- Power Voltage:100V-240V
- Noise Level:19.3 dB
- Size:9.14″D x 4.25″W x 6.5″H
Bottom line: This NAS is the best choice for serious Plex users who need performance, expandability, and data protection.
BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS
The Buffalo LS210 provides a simple, plug-and-play solution for basic media sharing and backups. Its 2TB HDD is suitable for small media libraries or casual streaming. While it doesn’t match the performance of the Synology DS220+—offering slower transfer speeds and fewer advanced features—it excels in ease of setup and affordability. This makes it an attractive option for users new to NAS or those with minimal media needs. However, its limited capacity and lack of support for high-resolution streaming or multitasking could be a drawback for more demanding users.
Pros:- Affordable price point
- Simple setup process
- Includes pre-installed HDD
- Supports Windows and macOS
Cons:- Limited to 2TB storage capacity
- Slower transfer speeds, not ideal for 4K streams
- No RAID support for data redundancy
- Less flexible for expanding storage
Best for: Home users with small media libraries, looking for an easy, cost-effective NAS for casual Plex use.
Not ideal for: Enthusiasts with large libraries or who need 4K streaming or RAID redundancy.
- Capacity:2TB HDD included
- Number of Bays:1
- Connectivity:Ethernet, USB 2.0
- Support OS:Windows, macOS
- Size:Approx. 2.4 lbs
- Warranty:2 years
Bottom line: This NAS makes sense for beginners or small households seeking an affordable media sharing device with minimal fuss.
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on performance, expandability, user experience, and value for Plex and media streaming. We compared technical specs like CPU power, RAM capacity, and network throughput, emphasizing features that impact media playback and server stability. Practical considerations such as ease of setup, software ecosystem, and support options also guided our choices. Our goal was to highlight models that cater to different user needs—from casual streaming to demanding media libraries—while providing clear tradeoffs for each.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best NAS For Plex And Home Media
When selecting a NAS for Plex and home media, consider your library size, streaming quality, and technical comfort level. The right choice balances performance with ease of use and future-proofing, depending on your needs.
Performance and Speed
If you plan to stream 4K videos or run multiple media streams simultaneously, prioritize models with higher network throughput and powerful processors. The DS220+ offers over 225 MB/s read speeds, making it suitable for demanding media tasks, while budget options like the LS210 are better suited for small, less intensive libraries.
Storage and Expandability
Think about your current library size and growth potential. The DS220+ supports larger drives and RAID configurations for redundancy, protecting your media collection. The LS210, with its fixed 2TB HDD, is more limited but cost-effective for small media needs.
Ease of Use and Software Ecosystem
Beginners should favor models with straightforward setup and management, like Buffalo’s LS210. Enthusiasts or power users will benefit from Synology’s extensive app ecosystem, offering advanced media server features and customization options.
Cost and Value
Budget constraints matter. The LS210 is significantly cheaper but offers fewer features, while the DS220+ commands a higher price for performance and expandability. Assess your needs carefully to avoid overspending or underdelivering on performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a NAS necessary for Plex streaming?
A NAS is not strictly necessary for Plex, but it greatly improves media management, streaming reliability, and capacity. For small libraries or casual use, a simple network drive may suffice, but for large, high-resolution libraries, a dedicated NAS like the DS220+ offers smoother performance and more features.
Can I upgrade storage on the DS220+ later?
Yes, the DS220+ supports larger drives and RAID configurations, allowing for future expansion. You can replace existing drives with higher capacity models or add drives if you enable RAID for redundancy. This flexibility is a key reason why it’s suitable for growing media libraries.
Is the Buffalo LS210 suitable for 4K streaming?
While the LS210 can handle basic media sharing, its slower transfer speeds and limited processing power make it less ideal for 4K streaming or multitasking. It works better for small libraries and low-res content or casual playback.
How difficult is setup for these NAS devices?
The Buffalo LS210 offers a straightforward, plug-and-play setup ideal for beginners. The Synology DS220+ may require a bit more initial configuration, especially if you want to enable RAID or expand memory, but its intuitive interface and comprehensive support make the process manageable for most users.
Which NAS is more future-proof?
The Synology DS220+ is more future-proof due to its higher performance, support for larger drives, RAID options, and extensive app ecosystem. It can adapt to increasing media demands and evolving user needs, unlike the more limited Buffalo LS210.
Conclusion
If you are a power user or have a large media library requiring high-quality streaming, the Synology DS220+ is the better investment. For casual users or those on a tight budget seeking simple media sharing, the Buffalo LS210 provides a hassle-free, affordable solution. Consider your current needs and future plans to choose the NAS that best aligns with your media consumption habits.
