Choosing the best NAS for multiple editors in 2026 requires balancing raw performance, expandability, and user-friendly features. The UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Plus stands out for its powerful Intel CPU and extensive connectivity, making it ideal for small offices needing seamless collaboration. The Synology DS725+ offers a compelling mix of speed and security with its AMD Ryzen processor and scalable storage, perfect for creative teams handling large files. Meanwhile, the Asustor Drivestor 2 Gen 2 provides a budget-friendly, beginner-friendly solution with solid multimedia capabilities. Every option has tradeoffs, and your choice hinges on your specific needs and budget.
Key Takeaways
- Performance and multitasking ability are critical for editing workflows, favoring high-powered CPUs like Intel or AMD Ryzen.
- Expandability through multiple drive bays or scalable modules is essential for growing media libraries.
- Ease of setup and user interface can significantly impact productivity, especially for less technical teams.
- Connectivity options such as 10GbE or USB-C improve transfer speeds, reducing wait times during large file transfers.
- Security features, including encryption and remote access, protect sensitive media and project files.
| UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay Desktop NAS |  | Best Overall Performance and Flexibility | Processor: Intel Pentium Gold 8505 5-Core | RAM: 8GB DDR5 | Network Ports: 1 x 10GbE, 1 x 2.5GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD |  | Best Value for Cost-Effective Storage | Capacity: 2TB | RPM: 7200 | Interface: SATA 6Gb/s | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Glyph BlackBox Pro External Hard Drive 20TB |  | Best External Storage for Large Media Libraries | Capacity: 20TB | Interface: USB-C | Speed: Up to 250 MB/s | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Synology Power Supply 350W PSU 350W-RP Module_1 |  | Best for High-Performance NAS Infrastructure | Wattage: 350W | Type: Redundant Power Module | Compatibility: Specific Synology models | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asustor Drivestor 2 Gen 2 AS1202T |  | Best Budget-Friendly Multi-User NAS | CPU: Quad-Core 1.7GHz | RAM: 1GB DDR4 | Drive Bays: 2 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay Desktop NAS
The UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Plus is a standout for multi-editor setups thanks to its robust Intel Pentium Gold 8505 CPU and 8GB DDR5 RAM, which deliver smooth multitasking and media processing. Compared with the Synology DS725+, it offers more raw power and a wider range of connectivity options, including 10GbE, 2.5GbE, and M.2 NVMe slots, ideal for high-speed data transfers. Its extensive feature set supports Docker, virtual machines, and 4K HDMI output, making it perfect for media-heavy workflows. However, being diskless, it requires purchasing drives separately, which can add to the initial cost. Its complex setup might be less beginner-friendly, but for tech-savvy teams, it’s a highly adaptable choice.
Pros:- Powerful Intel Pentium Gold CPU for multitasking
- Supports Docker, VMs, and 4K HDMI output
- Multiple high-speed network ports (10GbE, 2.5GbE)
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for caching
- Large internal storage capacity up to 144TB with drives
Cons:- Disk drives sold separately, increasing initial setup cost
- Complex setup process for non-technical users
- Higher price point for advanced features
Best for: Small offices or editing teams needing high performance and expandability
Not ideal for: Beginners or those seeking an all-in-one ready-to-go system
- Processor:Intel Pentium Gold 8505 5-Core
- RAM:8GB DDR5
- Network Ports:1 x 10GbE, 1 x 2.5GbE
- Drive Bays:4 (diskless)
- Max Storage Capacity:144TB
- Video Output:4K HDMI
Bottom line: The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus excels for professional editing environments requiring maximum speed, expandability, and advanced features, but demands technical know-how and investment.
Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD
The Seagate BarraCuda 2TB HDD offers reliable, cost-effective storage for editing setups that need large capacities without breaking the bank. Compared to SSD options, it’s slower but provides higher capacity at a lower price, making it suitable for bulk media storage. Its 7200 RPM speed ensures decent read/write performance for file access, but it isn’t ideal for real-time editing or high-speed workflows. It’s best paired with a faster SSD for caching or as secondary storage. Its reliability and two-year warranty make it a dependable choice for budget-conscious editors, though it lacks the speed and features of SSDs or NAS-specific drives.
Pros:- Affordable per GB storage
- Reliable with 20 years of Seagate innovation
- 7200 RPM speed for decent data access
- Two-year limited warranty
- Easy to install in desktops or NAS
Cons:- Slower than SSDs and NVMe drives
- Not designed for high-speed editing workflows
- No NAS-specific optimizations
Best for: Budget-conscious editors with large storage needs
Not ideal for: High-performance editing or real-time media processing
- Capacity:2TB
- RPM:7200
- Interface:SATA 6Gb/s
- Cache:64MB
- Form Factor:3.5 Inch
- Warranty:2 years
Bottom line: A solid, budget-friendly choice for large media storage, but not suited for demanding editing tasks requiring speed.
Glyph BlackBox Pro External Hard Drive 20TB
The Glyph BlackBox Pro 20TB External HDD provides massive storage with a quiet, fanless design. Its 7200 RPM rotation speed and USB-C interface deliver fast data transfer rates of up to 250 MB/s, ideal for backing up large projects or media libraries. Compared to internal drives, its external form factor offers portability and easy connection to multiple editing stations. Its compatibility with both Mac and Windows makes it versatile for different workflows. A notable advantage is its rugged aluminum enclosure, providing durability for on-the-go editing. However, as an external drive, it may require additional cables and power adapters, and its speed, while good, isn’t on par with NVMe-based NAS caches for real-time editing.
Pros:- Massive 20TB capacity
- Fast 7200 RPM spin speed
- USB-C and Thunderbolt compatibility
- Rugged aluminum enclosure
- Quiet, fanless operation
Cons:- External power supply required
- Speed less than NVMe SSDs
- Bulkier setup compared to internal drives
Best for: Media professionals needing portable, high-capacity storage
Not ideal for: Real-time editing or high-speed workflows that require SSDs
- Capacity:20TB
- Interface:USB-C
- Speed:Up to 250 MB/s
- Form Factor:External, 3.5-inch
- Rotational Speed:7200 RPM
- Durability:Aluminum enclosure
Bottom line: Excellent for large media backups and portable storage, but not designed for high-speed editing workflows.
Synology Power Supply 350W PSU 350W-RP Module_1
The Synology PSU 350W-RP Module is designed as a reliable power supply upgrade for Synology NAS units, ensuring stable operation for demanding multi-user editing environments. Compared with the other products on this list, it’s not a storage device but a critical component for building a robust NAS system. Its high efficiency and redundant power capabilities minimize downtime, making it suitable for professional media studios. However, it’s only compatible with specific Synology models and doesn’t offer storage or performance features directly. This power supply is a good investment for those who already own or plan to build a high-end Synology NAS for multi-editor workflows.
Pros:- Reliable, redundant power supply
- High efficiency and stability
- Designed for Synology NAS models
- Extends NAS uptime and reliability
- Supports high-performance NAS configurations
Cons:- No storage or computing features
- Limited to compatible Synology models
- Not a standalone NAS solution
Best for: Existing Synology NAS owners seeking reliable power supply upgrades
Not ideal for: Users looking for storage or all-in-one NAS solutions
- Wattage:350W
- Type:Redundant Power Module
- Compatibility:Specific Synology models
- Efficiency:High efficiency
- Warranty:Standard Synology warranty
- Form Factor:Rackmount/Module
Bottom line: A vital upgrade for Synology NAS systems demanding high reliability, but not a standalone media storage device.
Asustor Drivestor 2 Gen 2 AS1202T
The Asustor Drivestor 2 Gen 2 AS1202T offers a straightforward, affordable NAS solution with a quad-core 1.7GHz CPU and 1GB DDR4 RAM, making it suitable for small teams or home editing setups. Compared with higher-end models, it’s less powerful but provides essential features like 4K transcoding and multiple USB ports for backups. Its user-friendly setup and tool-less drive installation make it accessible for beginners. The main tradeoff is its limited RAM and processing power, which could hinder performance with multiple editors simultaneously working on large files. Nonetheless, it’s a reliable choice for those on a tight budget or starting out.
Pros:- Affordable price point
- Easy setup and drive installation
- Supports 4K transcoding
- Multiple USB ports for backups
- Quiet operation
Cons:- Limited RAM and CPU power for heavy multitasking
- Basic features compared to premium NAS devices
- Not suitable for large-scale collaborative editing
Best for: Small teams or home editors needing simple, reliable NAS storage
Not ideal for: High-demand professional editing or large collaborative projects
- CPU:Quad-Core 1.7GHz
- RAM:1GB DDR4
- Drive Bays:2
- Network Interface:2.5GbE
- Transcoding:4K
- USB Ports:3
Bottom line: A cost-effective, easy-to-use NAS for small teams or beginners, but may struggle under heavy multi-user workloads.
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on NAS devices that excel in environments with multiple editors working simultaneously. We evaluated hardware specs like CPU power, RAM, and network interfaces to ensure smooth multitasking. Storage capacity and expandability were key, along with user interface simplicity for quick setup. We compared performance benchmarks, compatibility with editing software, and security features. Finally, we balanced value and price, choosing models that offer the best performance without excessive complexity or cost.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best NAS For Multiple Editors
When selecting a NAS for multiple editors, focus on core elements like processing power, RAM, and network interfaces to handle concurrent workflows. Storage capacity and scalability are equally important as projects grow. Ease of setup and management ensures your team stays productive, especially if members are less technically inclined. Security features safeguard valuable media and data, while connectivity options like 10GbE or USB-C speed up data transfers. By understanding these factors, you can choose a device that balances performance and budget, tailored to your team’s specific editing needs.
Processing Power and RAM
For multiple editors working on large files or real-time editing, a powerful CPU such as AMD Ryzen or Intel Core is essential. At least 8GB of RAM is recommended to support multitasking, virtual machines, and caching. Insufficient processing capability can lead to lag and slow workflows, hampering productivity.
Storage and Expandability
Choose a NAS with multiple drive bays or support for expansion modules, especially if your media library is large or growing. RAID configurations ensure data redundancy, which is critical for protecting ongoing projects. Consider future growth when selecting storage capacity.
Connectivity and Transfer Speeds
High-speed network interfaces like 10GbE improve transfer speeds for large media files. USB-C and Thunderbolt ports add flexibility for external drives or quick backups. Faster transfer options reduce idle time during editing and media sharing.
Ease of Use and Management
Intuitive interfaces and straightforward setup are vital for teams with varied technical skills. Look for models with user-friendly apps, detailed tutorials, and reliable support. Features like automatic backups and snapshot management streamline workflow and data safety.
Security Features
Data encryption, secure remote access, and automated backups protect your media from ransomware, theft, or accidental loss. For collaborative environments, robust permission management helps control access to sensitive projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal CPU for a NAS used by multiple editors?
The ideal CPU should be capable of handling multiple concurrent tasks, such as transcoding, file sharing, and running virtual machines. AMD Ryzen or Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors are good choices, with higher core counts providing better multitasking performance for demanding workflows.
How much RAM do I need for a multi-editor NAS?
At minimum, 8GB of RAM is recommended for smooth multitasking, with 16GB or more ideal for larger teams or complex media processing such as real-time 4K editing or multiple virtual machines. More RAM reduces lag and improves responsiveness during heavy workloads.
Is 10GbE essential for multi-editor workflows?
While not strictly necessary for small teams, 10GbE significantly speeds up large file transfers, reducing wait times during collaborative editing. For professional environments dealing with large media files, investing in 10GbE or higher network speeds is highly beneficial.
Should I choose NAS with drive bays or support for external drives?
Drive bays allow internal expansion and RAID configurations for redundancy, making them suitable for growing media libraries. External drives are more portable and flexible but less integrated. For multi-editor setups, internal bays with RAID support generally provide better reliability and scalability.
What security features are critical for multi-user NAS environments?
Encryption, secure remote access, and user permission management are essential. These features protect sensitive media, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure data integrity, especially when multiple users access and modify files remotely or collaboratively.
Conclusion
For professional editing teams requiring maximum performance and expandability, the UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Plus is the best choice despite its higher cost and setup complexity. Smaller teams or beginners will find the Asustor Drivestor 2 Gen 2 a budget-friendly, straightforward solution. For large media storage needs with portability, the Glyph BlackBox Pro offers massive capacity with good transfer speeds. Those already invested in Synology ecosystems should consider the Power Supply 350W PSU as a reliable upgrade. Overall, your selection should align with your team’s technical skills, storage needs, and performance demands.
