The 8 Best Rack Mount NAS Units
This wiki has been updated 16 times since it was first published in October of 2017. If your business has a considerable amount of data to handle or you're a movie buff with a vast collection of ultra-HD videos, you'll need a way to store multiple large files on your network. These rack-mountable NAS units are secure, expandable storage solutions that allow you to manage and backup all your data, with the processing power and bandwidth required to support the necessary throughput. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. If you'd like to contribute your own research to the Wiki, please get started by reviewing this introductory video.
1. Synology RS2418+
2. Synology RS2818RP+
3. Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN
Editor's Notes
March 07, 2019:
Network-attached storage is the workhorse of any centralized server, and if your home or business runs through a lot of data, you'll want to check out a commercial-grade setup. Rack-mounted systems will, for the most part, be the best bet for some professional setups, as that 1U standard is pretty much ubiquitous within server rooms and IT closets. Synology makes a handful of fantastic products in the category; their 2418+ and 2818+ are perfect for small- to mid-size companies, respectively, but keep in mind, these two don't come with their own drives. In this case, you'll want to head over to our list of the best hard drives, where you'll find some information about the Seagate Ironwolf, which is the consensus no. 1 server drive across the country. QNAP is another reliable brand of mid-range units. Buffalo's TeraStation is great for larger companies, or even startups that are heavily reliant on data processing; some of these are truly massive beasts that can handle large numbers of users at once. Netgear, one of the most well-known names among consumers, also makes so fantastic entry-level and enterprise-grade business devices. If you're building a home server, you should strongly consider their ReadyNAS 2304, while organizations that demand the fastest possible processing should check out their ultra-responsive, Xeon-powered RR3312G3. No matter your final choice, make sure you've got the physical storage you'll need, and an uninterruptible power supply is also a fantastic investment to make. Oh, and it helps to have an IT wizard to set everything up, though some, you'll notice, come pre-configured in redundant RAID setups.
4. Netgear ReadyNAS 2304
5. QNAP TS-X32XU
6. Buffalo TeraStation 51210RH
7. QNAP TS-1677XU
8. Netgear ReadyNAS RR3312G3
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.