Best NAS for Home user

[alexsmith2709]

I was hoping some of you have more experience of home NAS drives than i do. I have a guy who works for one of my business clients ask me about a home NAS for backup. They are primarily an Apple household but after a recent drink spillage incident they have decided to make sure things are backed up.
I dont have much NAS experience, i have used QNAP NAS but not that keen on them.
They are looking for something than can take 2-4TB storage, either 2 or 4 bay i would guess, be easy to use, client software for mac and have an option to auto backup would be ideal.
I am UK based, budget is not a huge issue, but as with everyone they dont want to over pay for no reason.

 

[Your PCMD]

Synology DS218 and call it a day. OFC you'll need drives - WD or Seagate. And just install the Cloud Station Backup on the computers.

 

[alexsmith2709]

You've linked to the DS218j, is that one good enough? Comparing all the DS218 models, that one has the lowest amount of RAM and least powerful CPU, of course it is at thre cheaper end of the market which is ideal.
I hate Seagate so it'll definitely be WD Reds in there.

 

[Mike McCall]

I just installed a DS218+ for a client. Capable little unit, and it's the smallest NAS to be able to run Synology's Active Backup for Business. Versioning & retention couldn't be easier. I'll be replacing our DS212j with one.

 

[Your PCMD]

You've linked to the DS218j, is that one good enough?

I've not had one ounce of issue with mine. I have 3 PC's, a Windows 2016 Server, 2 laptops and a media center PC backing up to it for nearly a year with no issues what-so-ever. Speed is no issue - its not like I am transcoding video with it - its just for backup.

If you want to do transcoding - such as running it as a Plex server OR you intend on continuously reading and writing to it, I have 7 of the DS718+ 2-bay in the field at businesses (which you can expand the memory pretty cheaply if you wish.

 

[alexsmith2709]

Sounds good to me. I'll recommend it on the basis it really is for backup only. I may replace my QNAP TS253 Pro at some point and i was considering a Synology and that will be to run Plex so will definitely be one of the better ones, thanks for the recommendation on the DS718+

 

[Romaniac]

Synology is pretty dang smooth.

Just be sure to do at least some of the basic stuff if it's open to the internet. I had a RUS IP hitting it pretty early after I set one up.

 

[ihatecomputers]

Sounds good to me. I'll recommend it on the basis it really is for backup only.

Exactly. I've had clients start using them in day to day operations (e.g. file sharing, media streaming, camera dvr) after we install as backup units. Sometimes they need to start with two units if used in that kind of scenario.

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

I havent done a comparison in like 2-3 years but back then was synology for standard NAS usage, qnap for more advance things like running apps from VMs like a cheap server solution for example I run my screenconnect server off my qnap in a windows VM. I also find that typically qnap gets you more performance for the price but again my info is 2-3 years old.

Would I run plex off a nas today? probably not, i'd put the files on the nas but running the actual plex off it doesnt seem worth it to me. The nvidia shield is a very capable little device and can run a plex server with ease (I have not used plex in about a year since I prefer kodi).

 

[HCHTech]

The "Play" units, e.g. DS218Play, have faster processors and more RAM. Make sure you pick drives that are on the compatibility list. We normally use WD Reds or Red Pros, but have used Seagate Ironwolf drives when we couldn't find the WDs.

 

[Markverhyden]

Synology is pretty dang smooth.

Just be sure to do at least some of the basic stuff if it's open to the internet. I had a RUS IP hitting it pretty early after I set one up.

They'll be like moths on a lamp if you have any outward facing services running. I can turn on SSH on the WAN and within a day or two the number of login attempts goes up tremendously.