When selecting the best NAS for small businesses, balancing performance, ease of use, and cost is key. The Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ stands out as the best overall due to its powerful Intel CPU and dual 5GbE ports, ideal for data-intensive workflows. The Synology DS425+ offers robust scalability for growing teams, while the Synology DS223j provides an affordable entry point for small offices just starting with network storage. Buyers face tradeoffs between raw power, expandability, and budget constraints—this guide breaks down what each option offers. Continue reading for a detailed comparison to help you find the best fit for your business needs.
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Key Takeaways
- The top-ranked NAS balances performance, expandability, and ease of use, making it suitable for most small business environments.
- Features like dual 5GbE ports and M.2 SSD slots are game-changers for businesses requiring fast, scalable storage solutions.
- Budget-friendly options like the Synology DS223j are ideal for startups or offices with limited storage needs, but they sacrifice some advanced features.
- Ease of setup and management varies significantly; products with intuitive interfaces save time and reduce frustration.
- Scalability and future-proofing are critical—selecting a NAS with expansion options ensures longevity and growth adaptability.
| NAS for small businesse | Number of Bays | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS12 | — | — |
| Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ AS6 | — | — |
| Synology DS223 Home & Office B | 2 | 2 years |
| Synology DS225+ Private Cloud | — | 3 Years |
| Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS2 | 2 | 2 years |
| Synology DS223j 2-Bay DiskStat | 2 | — |
| Synology DS725+ Expandable NAS | 2 (diskless) | — |
| Synology DS425+ 4-Bay Diskless | 4 | 3 years |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS1204T 4-Bay NAS with 1.7GHz Quad-Core CPU, 2.5GbE, 1GB DDR4, 3 USB 3.0, Diskless
The Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 stands out for its robust balance of speed and flexibility, making it a strong contender for small businesses that need reliable storage without excessive complexity. Its high-speed 2.5GbE port accelerates file transfers, which is a clear advantage over models like the Synology DS223, which relies on standard Gigabit Ethernet. While its 1GB DDR4 RAM is sufficient for basic file sharing and backups, it may limit multitasking for more demanding workloads. Compared with the Lockerstor 4+, it offers fewer advanced features like M.2 SSD slots or HDMI output, but those extras come with a price and complexity. The need to purchase drives separately adds to initial costs, but this allows customization. Overall, this NAS makes the most sense for small businesses prioritizing straightforward, high-speed data access and moderate media use.
Pros:- High-speed 2.5GbE network for faster file transfers
- Flexible RAID configurations for data redundancy
- Supports 4K media streaming and personal cloud access
- Advanced data protection with Btrfs snapshots
Cons:- Limited 1GB RAM can hinder multitasking under heavy loads
- Requires additional purchase of drives, increasing initial cost
Best for: Small businesses seeking a reliable, straightforward NAS with fast network speeds and flexible RAID options.
Not ideal for: Businesses requiring extensive media transcoding, advanced virtualization, or large-scale expansion—its limited RAM and basic features may fall short.
- Processor:Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz Quad-Core
- RAM:1GB DDR4
- Network:2.5GbE Port
- Drive Bays:4
- Supported RAID:0/1/5/6/10
- Connectivity:3 USB 3.0 ports
Our verdict“This NAS is ideal for small businesses needing fast, flexible storage with straightforward setup and solid performance.”
Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ AS6704T v2 4-Bay NAS, Intel Quad-Core, Dual 5GbE, 4GB DDR4, M.2 SSD Slots, HDMI, Plex Media Server
The Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ is designed for small businesses that need robust media handling and expansion. Its dual 5GbE ports outperform the DS223’s single Gigabit Ethernet, making it ideal for fast backups and media streaming. Support for both SATA and NVMe SSDs offers unmatched flexibility, especially compared to the DS225+, which only supports SATA drives. The inclusion of HDMI output and hardware 4K transcoding makes it a strong choice for media-heavy workflows, but this added complexity can be daunting for users unfamiliar with advanced setups. Its expandable memory up to 16GB ensures it can handle demanding tasks, yet the higher price tag and setup complexity could be a barrier for smaller or less technical teams. This NAS suits content creators and media-focused small businesses best.
Pros:- Dual 5GbE network ports for fast data transfer
- Supports both SATA and NVMe SSDs for maximum flexibility
- Hardware 4K transcoding with HDMI output
- Expandable RAM up to 16GB for demanding workloads
Cons:- Higher cost and complexity may overwhelm less technical users
- Requires additional drives, increasing setup costs
Best for: Small businesses engaged in media production or requiring high-speed, expandable storage with multimedia capabilities.
Not ideal for: Businesses seeking simple backup solutions or those with tight budgets, as its advanced features and price point may be overkill.
- Processor:Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core
- Memory:4GB DDR4 (expandable up to 16GB)
- Network:Dual 5GbE ports
- Storage Slots:4 M.2 NVMe SSD + SATA
- Video Output:HDMI
- Supported RAID:RAID 0/1/5/6/JBOD
Our verdict“This NAS is best suited for small businesses that prioritize high-performance media processing and storage expansion.”
Synology DS223 Home & Office Backup Hub – 2-Bay Diskless NAS
The Synology DS223 offers a solid foundation for small businesses needing central data storage. Its 2-bay design makes it suitable for basic redundancy and backups, similar to the DS225+, but with a simpler feature set. It excels in consolidating files from multiple devices, supporting collaboration, and automating backups—key for small teams. However, its two bays and diskless setup mean additional purchase costs and limited scalability. Setting up and configuring Synology’s DSM software can present a learning curve, especially for less tech-savvy users. Compared to larger models like the DS425+, this is a more modest but reliable option for those who prioritize straightforward, protected data management over extensive storage or multimedia features.
Pros:- Centralizes data from multiple devices for easy access
- Supports professional file sharing and collaboration
- Automated backups for multiple platforms
- Can be used as a surveillance system with compatible cameras
Cons:- Requires additional hard drives, adding to upfront costs
- Setup and configuration may be complex for beginners
Best for: Small offices needing reliable centralized backup and file sharing with easy remote access.
Not ideal for: Businesses with growing storage needs or requiring high-performance media streaming, as its limited bays restrict scalability.
- Number of Bays:2
- Diskless:Yes
- Warranty:2 years
Our verdict“This NAS provides dependable, centralized backup and file sharing for small teams, with room to grow in storage capacity.”
Synology DS225+ Private Cloud Media Server – 2-Bay Diskless NAS with Intel CPU for Hardware Transcoding
The Synology DS225+ excels at enabling small businesses to create a private cloud with media streaming and backup capabilities. Its Intel CPU supports hardware transcoding, making it ideal for streaming 4K media to multiple devices, surpassing models like the DS223 that lack transcoding power. Its multi-layered data protection with RAID and snapshots assures data safety, but the 2-bay configuration limits total storage compared to larger NAS units, which could be a constraint for data-heavy operations. Setting up smart surveillance with AI detection adds versatility, yet its limited bays and the need for external drives for expansion may restrict growth. This pick makes the most sense for media-rich small businesses or those requiring a reliable private cloud with advanced multimedia features.
Pros:- Builds a private cloud for seamless media streaming
- Supports 4K hardware transcoding for multiple devices
- Multi-layered data protection with RAID and snapshots
- Supports AI-enabled surveillance for up to 30 cameras
Cons:- Limited to 2 bays, requiring external drives for higher capacity
- More complex setup for those unfamiliar with network storage
Best for: Small businesses focused on media hosting, streaming, and remote access with robust data protection needs.
Not ideal for: Organizations with large storage demands or those seeking straightforward backup solutions without media transcode requirements.
- Storage Bays:2
- CPU:Intel
- Transfer Speed:282 MB/s
- Warranty:3 Years
- Supports:Up to 30 IP cameras
Our verdict“This NAS is ideal for small businesses that prioritize media streaming, private cloud, and surveillance in a compact form.”
Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless)
The Synology DS223j offers a dependable platform for small businesses aiming to establish a secure private cloud. Its 2-bay design is comparable to the DS225+, but without the hardware transcoding capabilities, making it less suitable for media-heavy tasks. Its strength lies in reliable data protection, multi-platform file sharing, and remote monitoring, appealing to smaller teams with basic needs. The requirement to purchase drives separately adds to initial costs, and its interface can be intimidating for users new to NAS systems. Compared with larger models, the DS223j provides a budget-conscious yet effective solution for small firms prioritizing data security and remote access, but it may not suffice for those with intensive media or large storage needs.
Pros:- Secure private cloud with multi-platform access
- Automated backups for multiple devices
- Supports remote monitoring with IP cameras
- Reliable hardware with 2-year warranty
Cons:- Requires additional disks, increasing setup costs
- Features may be complex for beginners to configure
Best for: Small businesses needing secure, remote-accessible cloud storage and basic surveillance integration.
Not ideal for: Media-centric operations or companies with expanding storage requirements, due to its limited bays and no transcoding support.
- Model:DS223j
- Type:NAS
- Number of Bays:2
- Included:Diskless
- Warranty:2 years
Our verdict“This NAS is well-suited for small teams prioritizing secure cloud storage and remote device management without advanced media features.”
Synology DS223j 2-Bay DiskStation NAS 8TB Bundle with 2x 4TB Seagate IronWolf
The Synology DS223j stands out as an accessible, reliable storage solution for small businesses with modest needs. Compared to the more expandable Synology DS725+, it offers a straightforward setup without the complexity of expansion options or SSD caching, making it ideal for less tech-savvy users. However, its limited 1GB RAM can bottleneck performance when multiple users access files simultaneously, and it lacks SSD options for faster data access. This model is well-suited for small teams prioritizing affordability and simple file sharing but isn’t designed for heavy workloads or future growth. It’s a solid choice for startups or home-based businesses that need dependable storage without advanced features.
Pros:- Reliable storage with included 8TB capacity and easy setup
- Supports file sharing and professional video surveillance
- Accessible remote management for small teams
Cons:- Limited 1GB RAM may hinder multi-user performance
- No SSD caching options for faster data retrieval
- Basic feature set may require additional software for advanced needs
Best for: Small businesses or home offices needing reliable, easy-to-manage storage with basic surveillance support.
Not ideal for: Growing companies requiring higher performance, faster data access, or expansion capabilities beyond 8TB.
- CPU Model:Realtek RTD1619B
- System Memory:1 GB DDR4
- Number of Bays:2
- Storage Capacity:8TB
- Included Drives:2x 4TB Seagate IronWolf
- LAN Port:1x RJ-45 1GbE
Our verdict“This NAS is ideal for small offices seeking an affordable, straightforward storage solution with surveillance support.”
Synology DS725+ Expandable NAS Storage – 2-Bay Diskless Private Cloud for Home and Small Business
The Synology DS725+ makes a strong case for small businesses planning to expand their storage infrastructure. Unlike the DS223j, it supports up to 140TB with an optional DX525 expansion, offering a clear path for growth. It also includes two M.2 slots for SSD caching, which can significantly boost performance during peak usage. While the DS425+ offers more bays for media-heavy environments, the DS725+ strikes a balance between scalability and ease of use, powered by Synology DiskStation Manager’s robust features. One tradeoff is that it requires an additional expansion unit for maximum capacity, and some technical details—like RAM—are not specified, which could impact performance for demanding applications. It’s best suited for small businesses with growth plans and moderate technical expertise.
Pros:- Supports up to 140TB total with expansion unit
- Includes SSD caching for enhanced performance
- Multi-layered data protection and surveillance capabilities
Cons:- Requires purchase of expansion unit for full capacity
- Limited details on processor and RAM configuration
- Some features may be complex for beginners
Best for: Small companies expecting data growth and needing flexible, expandable storage with comprehensive security features.
Not ideal for: Business owners with immediate high-capacity needs or those with limited technical experience who prefer plug-and-play solutions.
- Model Number:DS725+
- Number of Bays:2 (diskless)
- Maximum Capacity:140TB with expansion
- Supported Drives:Up to 7 with expansion
- SSD Slots:2 M.2
- Processor:Intel Celeron
Our verdict“This NAS is perfect for growing small businesses that want scalable storage and advanced data protection without sacrificing ease of use.”
Synology DS425+ 4-Bay Diskless NAS Private Cloud Media Server
The Synology DS425+ offers a compelling mix of speed and capacity, making it suitable for small businesses with multimedia or high-speed data needs. With a data transfer rate of 278 MB/s, it outperforms the 2-bay options like the DS223j and DS725+ in raw speed, supporting multiple users, media streaming, and surveillance with ease. Its four bays provide flexibility for larger storage configurations, but it requires additional disks to reach full capacity, which adds to the initial investment. The setup can be complex for less experienced users, and its price point reflects its premium features. Compared with 2-bay models, the DS425+ is ideal for teams that require fast, reliable, multi-user access and robust surveillance support, despite the higher cost and setup complexity.
Pros:- High data transfer speed of 278 MB/s supports demanding workflows
- Supports multiple users and media streaming with ease
- Comprehensive data protection including RAID and snapshots
Cons:- Requires additional disks for storage capacity
- Complex setup process for beginners
- Higher price point compared to smaller 2-bay models
Best for: Small business teams needing high-speed data transfer, media management, and extensive surveillance support.
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious startups or small offices with limited technical skills seeking an easy, low-cost storage option.
- Number of Bays:4
- Type:Diskless NAS
- Data Transfer Speed:278 MB/s
- User Support:10+ users
- Surveillance Support:Supports 30 IP cameras
- Warranty:3 years
Our verdict“This NAS offers speed and capacity for small teams with demanding media and surveillance needs, though at a premium cost.”
How We Picked
Products were evaluated based on a combination of performance capabilities, ease of setup, build quality, expandability, and value for small business users. We prioritized models that balance cost with features that support workflows like data backups, media serving, and remote access. Additional factors included user interface intuitiveness, energy efficiency, and reliability. The ranking reflects a blend of these criteria, emphasizing real-world utility over raw specifications, ensuring each pick addresses different small business needs and budgets.Factors to Consider When Choosing Best NAS For Small Businesses
Choosing the right NAS for your small business involves considering several key factors beyond just hardware specs. Understanding your current storage needs, future growth plans, and technical comfort level will help you select a device that offers the best value and usability. Here are some important considerations to guide your decision:Performance and Processor Power
Performance impacts your ability to handle large files, multiple users, and media streaming. A faster processor, such as an Intel quad-core, ensures smooth operation during intensive tasks like video transcoding or database hosting. However, higher performance often comes with increased cost and power consumption. Assess your workload to determine whether you need a high-powered CPU or if a basic model suffices for backup and file sharing.
Number of Bays and Storage Capacity
The number of drive bays directly affects total storage capacity and scalability. A 2-bay NAS is suitable for small teams with limited data, but a 4-bay or larger unit provides room for expansion and RAID configurations for redundancy. Think about your current storage needs and potential growth—buying a NAS with more bays than you currently need can save money in the long run.
Connectivity and Speed
Fast network interfaces like 5GbE or multi-gig ports can significantly improve data transfer speeds, especially for media workflows or multi-user environments. Many smaller NAS units still rely on 1GbE, which may be limiting if your team works with large files or streaming. Consider your network infrastructure—upgrading your network switch might be necessary to fully utilize high-speed NAS features.
Ease of Use and Management
An intuitive interface reduces setup time and ongoing management effort. Synology’s DSM OS is renowned for its user-friendly design, making it a strong choice for small businesses without dedicated IT staff. Conversely, more complex systems with advanced features might require technical expertise, so weigh your comfort level when choosing a device.
Expandability and Future-Proofing
Look for NAS models that support RAM upgrades, additional network ports, or storage expansion options. Devices with M.2 SSD slots or PCIe slots enable performance tuning and hardware upgrades. This flexibility ensures your investment remains viable as your business grows and storage demands increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a NAS primarily for remote access and file sharing?
Absolutely. Many NAS units are designed with remote access features that allow you to securely connect from anywhere. Features like VPN support, cloud integration, and mobile apps facilitate seamless remote work. When choosing, ensure the NAS offers robust security options and user management features to keep your data safe while enabling easy access for team members.
Is it better to buy a diskless NAS or one with pre-installed drives?
Opting for a diskless NAS provides flexibility to choose drives that match your performance and capacity needs, often at a lower initial cost. It also allows for more tailored RAID configurations and future upgrades. Pre-installed drives can be convenient but might limit your customization options and could be more expensive. Consider your technical comfort and future plans when deciding.
How much storage capacity do I need for my small business?
Assess your current data usage and consider future growth. Start with a clear idea of your average daily data generation, backup needs, and media storage. A good rule of thumb is to choose a NAS with at least 2x your current needs to allow for growth and redundancy. Over time, expansion options like additional drives or external attachments can accommodate increasing storage requirements.
What security features should I look for in a NAS?
Security is critical, especially for business data. Look for NAS devices offering features like encrypted data storage, multi-factor authentication, firewall support, and regular firmware updates. Some models also support VPNs and user access controls, giving you granular management over who can access what. Ensuring your NAS supports these features helps protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Is it worth investing in a higher-end NAS for small business use?
Investing in a higher-end NAS can pay off if your business handles large files, requires high-speed data access, or needs extensive scalability. They often come with faster processors, multiple network ports, and better expandability, which can streamline workflows and reduce future upgrades. However, for very small teams with basic needs, a more affordable model might suffice, so weigh your current demands against future growth prospects.
Conclusion
For small businesses just starting out or with limited storage needs, the Synology DS223j offers an affordable entry point with straightforward features. If performance and expandability are priorities, the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ makes a compelling choice for more demanding environments. The Synology DS425+ suits organizations planning for future growth with its scalability and robust media features. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the DS223j, while those seeking high performance and future-proofing will find the Lockerstor or DS425+ more aligned with their goals. Tailoring your choice to your specific needs ensures a smooth, reliable, and scalable network storage setup.
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