For private, protected, and secure business data storage, look no further than this list of the best Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems for any business size and budget.
We have sifted through countless devices and customer reviews to bring you only the 11 best NAS systems, their price ranges, and their notable features to improve the way your business manages data.
The devices below can guarantee secure data backups, effective online security, and easy access to all information needed to deliver your best work.
But before you jump to the list, check out what you need to know to ensure you get the perfect NAS for your business needs.
| Product | Model | Total Storage | RAM | Number of Bays | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
HP ProLiant Gen8 DL360p | 2 TB | 64 GB | 8 | |
|
Synology RX418 | 48 TB | 64 GB | 4 | |
|
QNAP TS-432PXU | 32 TB | 2GB DDR4 RAM | 4 | |
|
NETGEAR RR2304 | 48 TB | 2GB DDR4 RAM | 4 | |
|
QNAP TS-431XeU | 12 TB | 2GB DDR3 RAM | 4 |
Choosing the Best Rackmount NAS: Things to Consider
So, what do you need to look for when you’re buying a rackmount NAS for your business?
- Capacity
A rackmount NAS is designed to be expandable and flexible to accommodate a company’s growing needs. Still, looking at just how many drives your chosen model can handle is essential since this can determine just how far you can expand your company’s system later on.
For example, some models have only a single disk bay, while others can have as many as 16 slots in one system. For this, you can check if it supports Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) technology. This technology is what allows you to fit in multiple drives in a single storage.
- Performance
As a business professional, you’ll need a storage device that allows you to access your data and files as quickly as possible. Therefore, you’ll need to choose a rackmount NAS that’s backed by a powerful processor and has enough RAM to ensure you get the speed and performance you need every time.
For larger-scale operations, you’ll need a NAS device whose RAM can accommodate multiple simultaneous connections without affecting the performance. A good rule of thumb to follow is to have at least 1GB of RAM for every 1TB of storage.
- Reliability
Aside from performance and capacity, you also need to ensure that your system is powerful enough to accommodate increased usage without suffering too much downtime. In this case, it should be able to run around the clock with ease and recover from any downtime as quickly as possible.
- Security
Ensuring your company’s sensitive data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands is another prime consideration when looking for the best rackmount NAS for your company.
Therefore, you’ll need to select a system that can guarantee that your data will remain safe, even when allowing remote access to your database. In this case, you need to look for a system that offers more advanced encryption options to guarantee your files’ security and your online privacy.
Best Rackmount NAS Under $500
1. HP ProLiant Gen8 DL360p 64-bit Server Rackmount NAS
If you’re on a tight budget, the HP ProLiant DL360p Gen8 Rackmount NAS can be the ideal choice. After all, this 1U server was designed to accommodate the data needs of any type or size of business.
Equipped with two Intel E5-2640 Xeon 2.5GHz chipsets, this NAS system is designed to handle most heavy-duty and highly demanding workloads with ease, allowing for an impressive performance each time.
Aside from that, this build was also designed to support different levels of RAID technology with the HP Smart Array P420i so that you can enjoy improved reliability and more stable performance.
This build comes with 64GB of memory, which is already more than enough to cater to the most demanding computing tasks. However, the entire system has 24 DIMM memory slots, so you can expand and enjoy up to 768GB worth of memory to accommodate your growing operations.
Moreover, it comes with eight 300GB SAS hard drives, giving you enough space to store all your company’s files and data.
Although it can be pretty loud when in high-performance mode, this rackmount NAS may still be the best choice for you, especially if you’re looking for an entry-level system that offers incredible performance without breaking the bank.
Features
- 1U form factor
- One to two processors
- Two six-core Intel E5-2640 Xeon 2.5GHz chipsets
- 64GB DDR3 (can be upgraded up to 768GB) Memory
- Eight 300GB SAS HDD
- HP Smart Array P420i storage controller
- HP’s iLO4 management engine
Best Rackmount NAS Under $750
2. Synology RX418 4-Bay Diskless Expansion Unit
Next on our list is the Synology RX418, a 4-bay diskless expansion unit that easily allows you to expand its storage capacity when it reaches its limit.
Depending on your model’s RAID type, it can accommodate up to 4 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drives and a maximum raw capacity of up to 64TB.
This gives you enough additional storage space to accommodate your company’s future expansions. Moreover, this 1U rackmount NAS has a unique plug-and-play design, which makes it easier to connect it to various Synology NAS units.
Since this device immediately operates as if it were part of the internal system, you no longer have to install additional software to manage its operations. You can simply use the existing Synology DiskStation Manager to handle everything.
What’s notable about it is that although it was designed as an expansion unit, you can also use this rack NAS as a separate and dedicated backup for your data. Because of this, you don’t have to worry about experiencing data loss with the new system.
So, although it’s not solely a standalone unit, this rack NAS system can be the perfect choice if you’re looking to expand your existing Synology system without too much hassle.
Features
- 1U form factor
- Plug-and-play design
- Compatible with Synology RackStations (15 to 21 series)
- 4 drive bays
- 5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA HDD and 2.5-inch SATA SSD compatible
- Easy RAID management with Synology DSM
3. QNAP TS-432PXU 4-Bay Rackmount NAS
If you’re looking for high-speed performance at a fraction of the cost of similar storage systems, the QNAP TS-432PXU Rackmount NAS can be the perfect option.
Powered by the Annapurna Labs Alpine AL-324 Cortex-A57 quad-core processor, this rackmount NAS system can deliver a high-quality performance even when handling heavy-duty tasks.
It also comes with 2GB DDR4 RAM suitable for handling most basic tasks, although you can always upgrade it to a maximum of 16GB RAM if you need more memory.
Aside from this, it also features 4 pieces of 3.5-inch SATA drives, capable of performing at an impressive speed of 6Gb/s. With this, you can enjoy quicker file transfers and backups for better workplace efficiency.
What’s most notable about the TS-432PXU is its Hybrid Backup Sync feature that allows you to synchronize all your files and backups with other QNAP NAS systems or storage solutions. This means you don’t have to worry about manually updating all your systems when backing up your files.
Aside from this, you can also use QNAP’s Boxafe feature that enables you to back up all your essential data from Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, such as emails, files, contacts, and calendars.
Although it’s not as impressive as some of the more expensive models, the QNAP TS-432PXU is still a solid choice if you want something that offers high-speed performance and stable storage.
Features
- 1U form factor
- Annapurna Labs Alpine AL324 Cortex-A57 1.7 GHz processor
- 4 drive bays
- 2GB DDR4 RAM (upgradable to 16GB RAM)
- Comes with 45-inch SATA drives
- Easy file synchronization and backups with QNAP’s Boxafe and Hybrid Backup Sync
Best Rackmount NAS Under $1000
4. NETGEAR RR2304 ReadyNAS 4-Bay Rackmount NAS
If you’re looking for something more robust with fantastic security features, the NETGEAR RR2304 ReadyNAS system can be the ideal choice. It’s powered by a 64-Bit Intel Celeron Dual-Core processor, enabling it to accommodate up to 40 users at once without experiencing issues.
While this is a diskless unit, you can add up to 48TB worth of storage with 2.5- or 3.5-inch SATA drives or SSDs. Moreover, its built-in safety mechanism lets you add existing drives to the system without worrying about the data being overwritten.
This model also comes with 2GB DDR4 RAM, which is an acceptable amount for most business tasks.
The most notable feature of this rackmount NAS is that it comes with an impressive five layers of data protection, enabling you to store your sensitive data more securely.
These layers include an automatic backup and sync feature, unlimited data snapshots, Bit rot protection, cloud-managed duplication, and instant provisioning and expansion.
With this device, you get a robust data storage system that ensures your files are safe and secure from unfortunate scenarios like data loss or theft. Aside from these, it also features the latest ReadyNAS software, which guarantees that your data’s protection is always up-to-date.
Overall, it’s an excellent option when you’re looking for the best rackmount NAS for your company that allows for scalability, easy installation, and enhanced cost-efficiency.
Features
- 1U form factor
- Intel Celeron Dual-Core processor
- Comes with 2GB DDR4 RAM
- Compatible with 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives and SSDs
- Can be upgraded to up to 48TB of storage
- Accommodates up to 40 simultaneous users
5. QNAP TS-431XeU Rackmount NAS
Next on our list is the QNAP TS-431XeU, which is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something that can give you maximum returns and a high level of performance.
This system features an Annapurna Labs Alpine Quad-Core processor that offers powerful and high-speed performance, even when handling a growing volume of data.
Aside from this, it has 2GB DDR3 RAM, which is suitable for handling most basic tasks, although you can still upgrade it to a maximum of 8GB.
This device features two 10GbE ports that enable you to transfer large volumes of data in a shorter period. The QNAP TS-431XeU also supports both SSDs and HDDs, so you can improve your business’s efficiency without hiking up the costs.
One of the best advantages of this system is that it uses advanced data encryption methods to keep your data secure, such as a two-step verification method, AES-256 bit encryption, and even protocol and IP access control.
Lastly, it also features a short-depth design that allows you to install it in tighter spaces like smaller rack systems. Overall, it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a robust yet still space-saving system that won’t break the bank.
Features
- 1U form factor
- Two 10GbE SFP+ ports
- Comes with 2GB DDR3 RAM, upgradable to 8GB RAM
- Compatible with both SSDs and HDDs (2.5-inch and 3.5-inch)
- Annapurna Labs Alpine Cortex-A15 Quad-Core processor
- Pre-configured with RAID 5
Best Rackmount NAS Under $1500
6. Synology RS820RP+ 4-Bay NAS RackStation
Priced lower than $1500, the Synology RS920RP+ NAS RackStation features 4 drive bays powered by a quad-core 2.1GHz processor, allowing for quicker data processing, even with heavier-duty tasks. It also offers support for AES-NI so that you can enjoy better encryption and security for your files.
While it comes with just 2GB worth of DDR4 RAM, you can expand this up to 18GB, so you can handle more tasks at once without experiencing any slowness.
You can increase the drive bay quantity to accommodate up to 8 drives when combined with Synology’s RX418 expansion unit, which you can also find on this list.
It has a maximum raw internal capacity of 64TB that can be increased up to an impressive 128TB worth of storage, giving you enough space for your essential data and more.
It’s also compatible with both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA HDDs and SSDs, so you can choose the drive that’s most suitable for your needs.
Despite this, one of the most remarkable features of this rackmount NAS is still the Extensive support for numerous file-sharing protocols, including NFS, CIFS, FTP, and AFP. Because of this, you can easily synchronize your files and centralize everything for enhanced convenience and efficiency.
It comes with a software solution that allows you to seamlessly back up your files to where you want them, whether it’s an external device, another Synology NAS system, or a readily available cloud-based storage solution.
Overall, this unit is worth considering if you want something that’s already a powerful unit while offering you the option to expand on its specifications.
Features
- 1U form factor
- 1GHz Quad-Core processor with support for AES-NI encryption
- Comes with 2GB DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 18GB)
- 4 drive bays (expandable up to 8 drives with the Synology RX418)
- Internal raw capacity of 64TB (expandable up to 128TB with the Synology RX418)
- Support for various file sharing protocols
7. QNAP TS-832PXU-RP-4G Eight-Bay Rackmount NAS
Another candidate from QNAP, the TS-832PXU-RP-4G, is different from the previous models as it features 8 drive bays instead of the usual 4, allowing you to attach more drives without the need for a separate expansion unit.
Like the others, this rackmount NAS system is also backed by a powerful processor, the Annapurna Labs Alpine AL324 Cortex-A57 Quad-Core processor. This allows it to handle a high volume of traffic without issues and without slowing down other users.
It also comes with 4GB DDR4 RAM, but you can still expand this up to 16GB for a higher memory capacity. It already comes with eight 3.5-inch SATA HDDs with a speed of up to 6Gb/s, although it’s also compatible with both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA HDDs and SDDs, so you can switch them out later on.
The TS-832PXU-RP-4G also features QNAP’s unique Hybrid Backup Sync that allows you to back up, synchronize, and recover all your important files. Combine this with its 10GbE connectivity, and you can enjoy faster data transfer speeds no matter what the file size is.
Moreover, it also features the Boxafe software, so you can back up all your essential data from platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace without experiencing too much hassle.
While it’s slightly bigger than other rackmount NAS systems with its 2U form factor, it’s still a fantastic choice if you want more storage space with just one NAS system.
Features
- 2U form factor:
- Annapurna Labs Alpine AL324 Quad-Core processor
- With 4GB DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 16GB)
- Comes with eight 3.5-inch SATA HDDs
- Features QNAP’s Hybrid Backup Sync and Boxafe
- Has a 10GbE connectivity
Best Rackmount NAS Under $2000
8. QNAP TS-1232PXU-RP-4G Twelve-Bay Rackmount NAS
Like the TS-832PXU-RP-4G, the QNAP TS-1232PXU-RP-4G rackmount NAS has a 2U form factor, which is slightly bigger than the typical 1U form factor. However, what’s most notable about this NAS system is that it comes with 12 drive bays instead of 4 or 8.
Therefore, you can fit up to twelve 3.5-inch SATA HDDs or 2.5-inch SATA HDDs or SSDs to give you enough storage space for your operations. Of course, this model already comes with twelve 3.5-inch SATA HDDs with a speed of 6Gb/s so that you can enjoy its high-speed performance immediately.
Aside from that, it also comes with the Annapurna Labs Alpine AL324 1.7GHz Quad-Core processor, so you can expect it offers quite the processing power for your tasks. Combine this with its included 4GB DDR4 RAM, and you can enjoy smoother and seamless operations, even with a growing workforce.
Of course, you can still accommodate more users when you expand the memory up to 16GB, and its PCIe Gen 2×2 allows you to install a QNAP expansion card for better or wireless connectivity.
Like the others from QNAP, it also comes with its Hybrid Backup Sync and Boxafe features so that you can enjoy better efficiency, faster data transfers, and enhanced data security.
So, if you want something that can accommodate more drives at once or can expand as you do, the QNAP TS-1232PXU-RP-4G can be the right choice.
Features
- 2U form factor
- 12 drive bays
- Annapurna Labs Alpine AL324 1.7GHz Quad-Core processor
- 4GB DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 16GB)
- PCIe Gen 2 x2
- Compatible with 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA HDDs or SSDs
Best Rackmount NAS Under $2500
9. Buffalo TeraStation 5410RN Rackmount NAS
If the above systems just don’t offer the specs you’re looking for, you’re likely in the right category. The Buffalo TeraStation 5410RN might be perfect for you.
Powered by a 1.7GHz Quad-Core processor, this rackmount NAS system can effortlessly cater to up to 100 users simultaneously, so you can enjoy better efficiency at work without worrying about slower systems.
Although it can’t be expanded further, this rackmount NAS comes with 4GB worth of DDR3 RAM, which is sufficient for most business functions. It also has 4 drive bays, which can handle up to 32TB worth of storage.
In terms of security, the Buffalo TeraStation 5410RN supports AES-256-bit encryption for both your data transfers and storage, so you can guarantee that your data is always protected from cybercriminals.
The TeraStation 5410RN also enables you to duplicate your data on a separate private cloud backup, such as another Buffalo TeraStation. With this, you can ensure your company’s data security, even in cases of data loss such as device damage. Of course, you can also back up your data to other cloud storage solutions, such as Microsoft OneDrive or Azure with its hybrid cloud backup feature.
Lastly, it’s also iSCSI backup-ready so that you can add extra storage capacity to your NAS servers without adding more hardware.
Overall, this is an excellent choice if you want server-grade performance and optimal security for your company’s data.
Features
- 1U form factor
- 7GHz Quad-Core processor
- 4GB DDR3 RAM
- Drive Bays: 4
- Up to 32TB of storage
- AES-256-bit encryption and iSCSI backup-ready
Best Rackmount NAS Under $5000
10. Buffalo TeraStation 51210RH Rackmount NAS
The second tlast entry on our list is the Buffalo TeraStation 51210RH NAS system. Priced at under $5000, this rackmount NAS is powered by an Annapurna Labs 1.7GHz Quad-Core processor and 8GB worth of DDR3 RAM with ECC, allowing it to accommodate more than 150 users at once.
Aside from that, it can also support more demanding applications without affecting the bandwidth of other users. It comes with 4 3.5-inch NAS-grade HDDs, all of which total 40TB worth of storage.
This gives you and your company enough space for all your files, especially since the system can accommodate up to 12 drives so that you can add more should you need additional space. In fact, it can handle up to 144TB of storage, perfect for meeting the needs of expanding enterprises.
It also offers both AES-256-bit encryption and RAID 6 technology, so you don’t have to worry about compromising the security of your files, whether against cyber criminals or data loss from drive failure.
With that said, this rackmount NAS is perfect for those who want something that can accommodate larger-scale operations without any issues.
Features
- 2U Form Factor
- Annapurna Labs 1.7GHz Quad-Core processor
- 8GB DDR3 RAM with ECC
- 12 drive bays:
- Up to 144TB of storage
- AES-256-bit encryption and RAID 6 technology
11. NETGEAR 4312X ReadyNAS Rackmount NAS
Last but not least, we have the NETGEAR 4312X ReadyNAS system. This rackmount NAS system is powered by an enterprise-grade Intel Xeon E3-1245v5 3.5GHz Quad-Core processor and 16GB worth of DDR4 RAM, so you can expect it to handle all your company’s operations without experiencing many hiccups.
In fact, it can accommodate up to 160 users simultaneously without slowing down the system, so you can enjoy better efficiency, regardless of your company’s size.
Aside from that, it also comes with 12 drive bays that can handle up to 120TB of storage, so it’s the ideal choice for larger businesses that require more storage. Of course, you can also upgrade this up to an impressive 600TB worth of storage with the EDA4000 expansion chassis.
Like most NETGEAR NAS systems, it offers five layers of protection for your data, including unlimited snapshots, X-RAID, offsite duplication, anti-virus, and Bit rot protection. So, whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, you can ensure the integrity of your data at all times.
Overall, it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for an enterprise-grade system that offers superb performance without compromising the speed or security of your files.
Features
- 2U form factor
- Intel Xeon E3-1245v5 3.5GHz Quad-Core processor
- 16GB DDR4 RAM with ECC
- 12 drive bays
- Up to 120TB of storage or 600TB with the EDA4000 expansion chassis
- Five layers of protection for your data
Conclusion
With data being as integral as it is in today’s business operations, the need for better data storage and management has become more apparent than ever.
Fortunately, NAS systems offer the perfect balance between convenience and security, giving you the option to manage your company’s files more easily and securely.
We hope our list has helped you better understand the rackmount market to ensure you make an informed decision.
Feel free to comment your personal picks below to help your fellow shoppers feel confident in their purchases.
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