A NAS is a Network Attached Storage device you can access across your network. Think of it this way – you’re used to plugging a USB drive into your PC to access your files and data. A NAS works similarly, but instead of plugging into your PC, it plugs into your network. You can then access the files the same way through your PC, mobile phone, tablet, or any other device on your network. So, let’s explore the benefits of a NAS and pick the best NAS device in UAE and Saudi Arabia.
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The advantage of a NAS is that it makes storage accessible to anyone on your network, making it easy to share files and data, stream media, and backup files across multiple devices. A NAS does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to allocating network traffic to different users so that you don’t run into bottlenecks when copying over large files or streaming high-definition media.
Synology DS920+ 4 Bay NAS Enclosure
- Very easy to set up
- Great for media streaming
- Only 1GbE ports
- Limited to 8GB RAM
The Synology DS920+ is a powerful and versatile NAS with a user-friendly interface, excellent performance, and extensive app support. It supports up to four drive bays, has an Intel quad-core processor and has a good amount of RAM for media streaming.
The app ecosystem from Synology makes it easy to update and install new applications, and you can also run a variety of Synology apps for remote file access, photo sharing, file backup, and more. It’s also the most user-friendly interface we’ve seen on a NAS, so you won’t feel overwhelmed by setting it all up.
WD EX4100 My Cloud Expert Series
- User-friendly interface
- Great data backup features
- Some media performance issues
- Limited app ecosystem
The WD My Cloud EX4100 is a reliable and easy-to-use NAS that offers good value for money. It supports up to four drive bays, has a Marvell ARMADA 388 dual-core processor, and provides several data protection features. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a reliable data backup solution or have a limited media library for streaming. If all you’re looking for is a place to store and share your data with others, then this is a good NAS to pick.
Synology DS223 Diskstation NAS
- Great for backup
- Very compact
- Some Plex performance issues
- Fixed memory
For a space-saving solution, the Synology DiskStation DS223 is a good pick. It’s compact enough to hide almost anywhere, and the 2-bay solution is good for no-fuss storage. You still get the breath of Synology’s app ecosystem, though the fixed memory might bring up some performance issues with streaming media through apps such as Plex. Still, it’s a good pick as a first-time NAS, with plenty of ways to store and share your data.
QNAP TS-453D-4G 4 Bay Desktop NAS Enclosure
- Great media performance
- Easy to upgrade
- Can be a bit expensive
- Interface not as intuitive
If you’re looking for a NAS that can stand the test of time, the QNAP TS-453D is a great pick. It’s got an HDMI port for native media playback of content, making it much easier to access any of your media. There’s also super-fast networking connectivity that makes it ideal for home power users and the ability to upgrade more RAM in the future. This NAS excels in both departments, whether using this as a media box or simply for file storage.
Should you buy a NAS device for your home or office?
A great reason to invest in a NAS is to act as your own private backup solution. Instead of copying files onto USB drives or taking your time to upload them to paid cloud services, you can simply copy data to your NAS as a backup or even set it up to do daily or weekly automatic backups.
You also have full control over your NAS, including who has access to it, when files are deleted or accessed, and the ability to easily expand your storage as your needs change. On top of simply being a storage solution, most NAS systems come with app support for various uses, including media streaming, photo backup, remote file access, and building your private cloud.
What should you look for when buying a NAS?
It’s important to remember that when you buy a NAS, you will mostly only be paying for the enclosure itself. You’ll still have to buy storage drives separately and install them in the NAS before using it.
The first thing to consider is how many hard drive slots you have on your NAS. A 2-bay slot is a great entry-level choice, as you can use one bay for storage and the other bay as a backup in case the first drive fails. Two-bay systems are also much smaller and easier to hide around your home.
You’ll also want to learn what software drives the NAS, as this will determine what applications you can run on it, if any. Some systems have their own app ecosystem to expand the use of your NAS further, while some brands only allow a NAS to be used for file storage purposes.
Next, as with any device, you should look at the NAS system specifications, particularly the processor’s make and model and whether you can add more RAM to the enclosure. For simple file storage, you won’t need a very powerful system, as the drive and network speed determine how quickly files are copied or accessed. But if you want to stream media across your network or use remote file sharing, you’ll want a slightly beefier processor and enough RAM to facilitate multiple-user access.
How do I set up and access my NAS?
The first step is buying the necessary drives in the correct capacity. If you want a second drive in the enclosure as a backup, ensure they are the same size and model. Once the drives have been physically installed, you must plug your NAS into your home network, usually into a network switch or router. A NAS cannot be set up wirelessly, so you need to ensure you can install it close to your router or an Ethernet port.
After physically connecting the NAS, just turn it on and use the NAS-supplied software to detect it on your network and initialize the software. Once detected, the NAS will install the operating system and walk you through setting up the storage drives. You can then start copying over your data and installing apps, depending on what you need to use the NAS for.
To access the NAS, you can do so via your PC or even through a dedicated app for the NAS, which will allow you to connect your NAS wherever you are in the world remotely.
FAQs for purchasing the Best NAS device in UAE
Should I use HDD or SSDs with a NAS
You should use an HDD with a NAS rather than an SSD simply because they are much cheaper and come in larger capacities. Some advanced NAS models have specific drive slots for SSDs, which can be used to run the NAS operating system and also act as a cache for faster file access.
How much space can I have in my NAS?
The beauty of a NAS is that it can expand to accommodate your storage needs. Typically, look for a starting NAS size of around 4 to 6TB, which should be enough to get you going. Depending on the number of free drive bays in your NAS, you can expand this to larger file sizes as your needs change.
Are NAS devices for offices, or should you get one for home?
While a NAS has traditionally been relegated to business use, more and more brands are designing NAS systems that appeal to home users. A home NAS can be a great place to archive family photos and videos or back up your PCs and devices. Home power users can even use a NAS for more advanced tasks like running a Virtual Machine or even their own websites.
What else can a NAS be used for besides data protection?
Media streaming is one of the most common things that a NAS can be used for at home. A NAS allows you to organize your home collection of photos and videos quickly and then stream them to practically any device on your network. Applications such as Plex or Kodi are great at making your years of media look beautiful by sorting them into easy-to-access libraries.
Some more advanced NAS enclosures can be used as a web server or to run virtual machines for advanced tasks. Your NAS app ecosystem will determine what you can do, so pay attention to the supported apps.
Nick Rego
Copywriter and journalist
Thanks for this! Really helped
I love synology, so easy to use. That would be my next upgrade