Do you love watching movies and TV shows at home? Imagine having all your favorite content ready to stream, anytime, on any device. That’s the magic of Plex! But what happens when your movie collection grows bigger than your computer’s hard drive? You need a smart solution: a NAS, or Network Attached Storage.
Choosing the right NAS for your Plex server can be tricky. There are so many models and features. It’s easy to feel lost in technical terms like RAID, transcoding, and storage capacity. Buying the wrong NAS can lead to buffering, slow loading times, and a frustrating streaming experience. Nobody wants that!
This blog post is your guide to finding the perfect NAS for Plex. We’ll break down the jargon and show you what to look for. You’ll discover how to choose the right storage size, understand the important features, and avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll be ready to build your ultimate home media center. Let’s dive into the world of NAS storage and unlock the full potential of your Plex server!
Our Top 5 Nas Storage For Plex Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Nas 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: 8.9/10
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a 6TB NAS (Network Attached Storage) device. It is a great way to keep your data safe. This NAS works as a home cloud. You can back up all your devices to it. It allows you to store and share files with your family and friends. It comes with a hard drive already installed. It is a good solution for anyone who needs more storage and wants to keep their data secure.
What We Like:
- Centralized storage and backup for all your devices using RAID.
- Easy sharing of files with family and friends.
- You can access your files anytime and anywhere without monthly fees.
- It is easy to set up automatic backups for your computers.
- Built-in security with SSL encryption.
- Comes with 24/7 US-based support and a 2-year warranty.
- Made in Japan, ensuring quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a basic NAS. It doesn’t have all the features of more advanced models.
- The LS 700 offers better features. It also has faster performance.
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a solid choice for home users. It offers a simple and secure way to store and share your data.
2. Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL
Rating: 8.6/10
The Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL is a network storage device. It is a 2-bay NAS enclosure. This means you can store your files and access them from anywhere. It uses a 1.7GHz quad-core processor. It also has 1GB of RAM. You can stream 4K content. It is also easy to set up. The Drivestor 2 Lite is perfect for creating your own personal cloud.
What We Like:
- The quad-core processor makes things run fast.
- You can stream 4K videos.
- It supports Wake on LAN (WOL).
- Installing hard drives is tool-free.
- It has Btrfs/iSCSI Snapshots for data protection.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only has 1GB of RAM.
- It has only one Gigabit Ethernet port.
The Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite is a good choice if you need network storage. It is a good option for home users.
3. TERRAMASTER F4-212 4 Bay NAS – Quad Core CPU
Rating: 9.2/10
The TERRAMASTER F4-212 is a 4-bay NAS (Network Attached Storage) device. It is a great way to store your files at home or in a small office. This NAS uses a fast quad-core processor. It also runs on the TOS 5.1 operating system. The F4-212 is designed to be easy to set up and use. It offers many features to keep your data safe.
What We Like:
- It’s a great home network storage solution.
- The F4-212 has a powerful quad-core processor.
- It supports many file services like SMB and FTP.
- You can back up your files with many different apps.
- Setting up the NAS is simple and fast.
- It works with both 3.5″ and 2.5″ hard drives and SSDs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1GB of RAM is not upgradeable.
The TERRAMASTER F4-212 is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use NAS. It is a good way to keep your files safe and accessible.
4. TERRAMASTER F4-424 NAS Storage 4Bay – N95 Quad-Core CPU
Rating: 8.8/10
The TERRAMASTER F4-424 is a powerful NAS (Network Attached Storage) device. It’s designed for users who need to store and share files. This 4-bay NAS offers fast performance and lots of storage space. It has a strong processor and plenty of memory to handle many tasks at once. It’s great for home or small business use.
What We Like:
- Fast performance thanks to its quad-core CPU and DDR5 RAM.
- Quick file transfers with dual 2.5GbE ports.
- Easy M.2 SSD installation for faster access.
- Supports multiple RAID types for data protection.
- Offers many backup options to keep your data safe.
- Runs quietly and is designed to reduce noise.
What Could Be Improved:
- Needs you to buy your own hard drives.
- Non-ECC RAM (not as good for data integrity as ECC).
The TERRAMASTER F4-424 is a strong NAS choice for those needing speed and storage. It is a reliable and efficient solution for all your file storage needs.
5. LincStation N1 6 Bay SSD NAS Storage
Rating: 9.1/10
The LincStation N1 is a powerful, compact NAS (Network Attached Storage) device. It lets you store and share your files easily. This 6-bay NAS offers many features. It has slots for both M.2 NVMe SSDs and SATA SSDs/HDDs. It runs on Unraid, which is a great operating system. It also acts as a private cloud and home server. This diskless NAS is ready for you to add your own storage.
What We Like:
- Full Docker and virtualization support.
- Comes with an Unraid license for easy setup.
- Supports virtual machines with Windows, Linux, and Android.
- Offers multiple ports: 2.5G Ethernet, Type C, HDMI, USB 3.2, and audio.
- Uses Unraid disk array for data safety.
- Supports automatic backups and remote downloads.
- Equipped with an Intel Celeron N5105 CPU and 16GB RAM.
- Offers a two-year warranty and great customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy your own storage drives.
The LincStation N1 is a great choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich NAS. It is perfect for both home and small business use. You can store and share your files with confidence.
NAS Storage for Plex: Your Guide to Streaming Success
If you love watching movies and TV shows at home, you might have heard of Plex. Plex lets you stream your own media library to any device. A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a great way to store that library. This guide will help you pick the best NAS for your Plex setup.
Key Features to Look For
Choosing the right NAS is important. You want one that works well with Plex. Here are some important things to consider:
- Processing Power: The NAS needs a good processor. This is like the brain of the NAS. It handles transcoding. Transcoding changes the video format so it can play on your device. Faster processors mean smoother streaming. Look for NAS with quad-core or even more powerful processors.
- RAM (Memory): RAM helps the NAS run smoothly. Think of RAM as the NAS’s short-term memory. More RAM is better, especially if you plan to stream to multiple devices. Aim for at least 2GB, but 4GB or more is ideal.
- Storage Capacity: You need enough space for all your movies and shows. Consider how much storage you need now and in the future. NAS drives can hold terabytes of data. Choose a NAS with enough drive bays to add more storage later.
- Drive Bays: Drive bays are the slots where you put the hard drives. A NAS with more drive bays lets you add more storage. You can also set up RAID. RAID helps protect your data if a drive fails.
- Network Connectivity: The NAS connects to your home network. Gigabit Ethernet is a must. This gives you fast data transfer speeds. Some NAS also have Wi-Fi, which can be useful.
- Plex Compatibility: Make sure the NAS is compatible with Plex. Most NAS brands work with Plex. Check the manufacturer’s website to be sure.
Important Materials
The materials used in a NAS affect its performance and lifespan.
- Hard Drives: These store your media. Choose NAS-rated hard drives. These are designed for 24/7 use. They are usually more reliable than regular desktop drives.
- Enclosure: The enclosure is the case that holds the NAS. It should be strong and well-ventilated. Good ventilation helps keep the drives cool.
- Power Supply: The power supply provides power to the NAS. Make sure it is reliable. A good power supply helps prevent data loss.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can affect the quality of your NAS.
- Quality of Components: Better components mean a better NAS. Look for NAS from reputable brands. They often use higher-quality parts.
- Cooling System: A good cooling system is important. It prevents the hard drives from overheating. Overheating can damage the drives and cause data loss.
- Software and Firmware: The software and firmware control the NAS. Regular updates are important. They improve performance and fix bugs.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface makes setup and management easier. Look for a NAS with a simple, intuitive interface.
- RAID Configuration: Setting up RAID can improve quality. RAID protects your data. If one drive fails, you won’t lose your data.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a NAS with Plex is simple.
- Setup: You install the hard drives in the NAS. Then, you connect the NAS to your network. You install the Plex Media Server app on the NAS.
- Adding Media: You copy your movies and TV shows to the NAS. Plex automatically organizes your media. It adds artwork and information.
- Streaming: You open the Plex app on your devices. You can watch your media anywhere you have an internet connection.
- Use Cases:
- Home Theater: Stream movies and shows to your TV.
- Multiple Devices: Stream to phones, tablets, and computers.
- Remote Access: Access your media library from anywhere in the world.
- Media Backup: Use the NAS to backup your important files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a NAS?
A: A NAS is a storage device that connects to your network. It lets you store and share files.
Q: Why use a NAS for Plex?
A: A NAS stores your media library. It is available for streaming to all your devices.
Q: What kind of hard drives should I use?
A: Use NAS-rated hard drives. They are designed for constant use.
Q: How much storage do I need?
A: The amount of storage you need depends on the size of your media library. Consider your future needs.
Q: What is transcoding?
A: Transcoding changes the video format. It makes the video compatible with your device.
Q: What is RAID?
A: RAID protects your data. It does this by storing data on multiple hard drives.
Q: How do I set up Plex on my NAS?
A: You install the Plex Media Server app on your NAS. Then, you add your media files.
Q: Can I access my media from outside my home?
A: Yes, you can access your media from anywhere with an internet connection.
Q: What is the difference between a NAS and a regular external hard drive?
A: A NAS connects to your network and can be shared. A regular external hard drive connects directly to a computer.
Q: Which NAS brands are good for Plex?
A: Many brands are good. Some popular brands include Synology, QNAP, and Western Digital.
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.