UniFi UNAS Pro 4 vs Pro vs Pro 8 NAS – WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU BUY?

Within UniFi, the UNAS line is positioned as a straightforward, storage focused, turnkey NAS platform that fits into the same single pane management style as the rest of the ecosystem, prioritizing file storage, sharing, snapshots, and backup workflows over broader server style expandability. In this 3 way comparison, the UNAS Pro (7 bay, Nov 2024), UNAS Pro 8 (8 bay, Nov 2025), and UNAS Pro 4 (4 bay, Feb 2026) look similar on the surface, but they target different deployment constraints and ceiling limits in rack depth, storage scalability, cache options, memory headroom, network redundancy, and power design. Two of the units (Pro 4 and Pro 8) add M.2 NVMe cache support and higher availability 10GbE networking than the original Pro, while the Pro 8 also pushes furthest on RAM capacity and physical redundancy expectations for a rack install.

BUY
Pro	More 3.5 inch bays than UNAS Pro 4 at the same $499 price (7 vs 4)	1U chassis (smallest height)	Most total bays (8) plus 2x NVMe cache slots
	Shallower chassis depth than both (325 mm), easier fit in short depth racks	2x 10G SFP+ instead of 1x 10G SFP+ on UNAS Pro	16 GB memory (double UNAS Pro and UNAS Pro 4)
	Front 10G SFP+ and 1G RJ45 placement can suit front of rack cabling	NVMe cache support (absent on UNAS Pro)	3 total 10 GbE ports (2x 10G SFP+ plus 10 GbE RJ45), most flexible networking
	1.3 inch touchscreen (absent on UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8)	Longer CPU clock than UNAS Pro (2.0 GHz vs 1.7 GHz)	Hot swappable power modules (only model with this design)
Con	No NVMe cache support (both UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 have it)	Lowest bay ceiling and no official expansion path, so it fills up fastest	Highest price up front ($799)
	Only 1x 10G SFP+ (UNAS Pro 4 has 2x, UNAS Pro 8 has 2x plus 10 GbE RJ45)	Deeper chassis than UNAS Pro (400 mm vs 325 mm)	Deepest chassis (480 mm), most demanding fit in shallow racks
	Lower CPU clock than UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 (1.7 GHz vs 2.0 GHz)	No hot swap PSU design (UNAS Pro 8 is the only one with hot swappable power modules)	No touchscreen (UNAS Pro includes a front touchscreen)
	Same 8 GB memory as UNAS Pro 4 and less than UNAS Pro 8 (16 GB)	Same 8 GB memory as UNAS Pro and less than UNAS Pro 8 (16 GB)	Higher power ceiling and max power consumption than the other 2 (250 W max)

At the same time, the lineup is notable for pricing that stays lower than many established rackmount NAS competitors at comparable connectivity, with both the UNAS Pro and UNAS Pro 4 landing at $499, and the UNAS Pro 8 stepping up to $799 for more bays, more memory, and more network paths. The practical decision usually comes down to whether the priority is maximum bays at the lowest buy in, a tighter 1U footprint with newer cache and dual 10GbE links, or a higher ceiling platform with the strongest long term headroom in bays, RAM, and connectivity for users who expect growth rather than a fixed storage target.

IMPORTANT – It is worth highlighting that all three UNAS solutions include the same software and updates in the UniFi Drive and NAS OS services. Alongside the client tools (eg Identity Endpoint and File/Folder services remotely) and can be easily integrated into an existing Ubiquiti/UniFi network landscape. HOWEVER crucially, it is not ‘mandotory’ – you can run any of the UNAS Pro systems completely ‘offline’ (i.e LAN only) and there is no need to already have an existing UniFi network (existing 3rd party network landscapes work perfectly fine) and you also do not need to use/register any kind of UI.com/Ubiquiti account to setup the device.

UniFi UNAS Pro 4 vs Pro vs Pro 8 NAS – Design

At a chassis level, the lineup splits into 2U and 1U designs, and that difference shapes how each unit fits into smaller racks and shallow cabinets.

The UNAS Pro is the shortest depth of the 3, while the UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 extend further back, which matters once you account for cable bend radius and rear clearance.

For compact wall racks and shorter cabinets, the older UNAS Pro tends to be easier to accommodate purely on physical depth, even before you consider anything about performance or features.

The UNAS Pro also stands apart on the front panel experience, because it includes a 1.3″ touchscreen that can surface live status information without needing to log into the UI. That is not present on the UNAS Pro 4 or UNAS Pro 8, which lean into a more conventional rack appliance faceplate focused on bay access and basic indicators. In day to day use, the screen is mainly a convenience feature for quick checks and basic local interaction, rather than something that changes how the system is deployed.

Another practical design difference is port placement philosophy. The UNAS Pro places its primary network connectivity on the front, while the UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 move connectivity to the rear, matching the typical layout most rackmount NAS systems follow. Front facing ports can reduce visible cabling in front of a rack and shorten patch runs in some UniFi heavy layouts, but rear mounted ports are generally easier to route cleanly in deeper cabinets with rear cable management.

Power implementation also affects the physical serviceability profile of each unit. The UNAS Pro 8 uses hot swappable power modules, which changes how you handle failure or planned maintenance compared with the fixed internal power approach used by the UNAS Pro and UNAS Pro 4.

All 3 use a steel enclosure and ship as purpose built rack devices rather than desktop conversions, but the UNAS Pro 8 is the one that most closely matches what many buyers expect from a higher end rack appliance in terms of field replacement for key physical components.

UniFi UNAS Pro vs Pro 4 vs Pro 8 NAS – Storage

The most obvious storage difference is the bay count and what that does to capacity planning. The UNAS Pro provides 7 front accessible 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch bays in a 2U chassis, the UNAS Pro 4 offers 4 bays in a 1U chassis, and the UNAS Pro 8 increases that to 8 bays in 2U. If you expect to grow into larger pools over time, the 7 bay and 8 bay models give more headroom before you are forced into drive replacements, a second NAS, or a new storage tier. With no official expansion chassis support referenced here, the physical bay count is effectively the ceiling for each system.

The UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 add 2 M.2 NVMe slots intended for SSD caching, while the UNAS Pro does not include NVMe slots. This changes how you can approach mixed workloads, because cache can reduce latency for repeated small file access and help smooth bursts of writes, depending on how the platform applies caching. It does not change the underlying reality that the main capacity tier is still the SATA bay set, but it gives the Pro 4 and Pro 8 a path to improve responsiveness for specific access patterns without committing to full SSD storage across all bays.

RAID flexibility also varies, not in the list of RAID levels available, but in how storage can be organized. All 3 units support RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10, but the UNAS Pro 4 is listed as supporting a single RAID group, while the UNAS Pro and UNAS Pro 8 are listed with multiple RAID groups. In practice, the single group limitation matters if you prefer separating workloads or isolating different retention policies into distinct pools, rather than placing everything into 1 volume. On the larger models, multiple groups give more options for structuring storage around different priorities, such as performance versus redundancy, or shared storage versus dedicated project space.

Operational features tied to storage protection are also not identical across the range. Hot spare support is listed on the UNAS Pro and UNAS Pro 8, but not on the UNAS Pro 4, which affects how you plan for unattended recovery after a drive failure. All 3 support snapshots, file encryption, share links, Time Machine backup, and cloud and network backup targets, which makes baseline data protection and recovery workflows broadly consistent regardless of bay count.

The larger differentiation is therefore less about whether core protection features exist and more about how much flexibility you have in pool layout and drive management within the limits of each chassis.

All 3 systems are built around a quad core ARM Cortex A57 platform, but they are not configured identically. The UNAS Pro runs the Cortex A57 at 1.7 GHz, while the UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 are listed at 2.0 GHz. In day to day use, this tends to show up less as a dramatic jump in peak throughput and more as extra headroom when the system is handling several background jobs at once, such as indexing, snapshots, and multi user access, while still servicing file activity. The architecture choice is aligned with lower draw compared with typical x86 NAS hardware, but it also sets a ceiling on heavier compute workloads that some buyers associate with higher end NAS platforms.Memory is where the split is clearer. The UNAS Pro and UNAS Pro 4 ship with 8 GB, while the UNAS Pro 8 steps up to 16 GB. The practical impact is less about basic file sharing and more about how much concurrent activity the system can absorb before responsiveness drops, particularly when you add more users, larger file operations, more snapshot activity, and cache related behavior on models that support it. None of these systems are positioned as memory expandable platforms in the provided specifications, so the installed capacity is effectively the long term limit.

Power delivery and serviceability differ meaningfully between the range. The UNAS Pro and UNAS Pro 4 use internal AC to DC power supplies with an additional USP RPS DC input for redundancy, and their overall platform power limits are lower, matching their smaller scale.

The UNAS Pro 8 uses hot swappable power modules and is designed to support more demanding configurations, reflected in the higher maximum power consumption and the larger drive power budget. This does not automatically translate into higher idle power, but it does indicate how much overhead the chassis is designed to tolerate when fully populated and under sustained activity.

UniFi UNAS Pro 4 vs Pro vs Pro 8 NAS – Ports and Connections

Across the 3 systems, the shared theme is 10 GbE as the primary path for file access, but the implementation differs. The UNAS Pro provides a single 10G SFP+ port plus a 1 GbE RJ45 port, which typically ends up used either for management traffic or as a slower access fallback. The UNAS Pro 4 shifts to a dual 10G SFP+ layout, giving more flexibility for link aggregation or failover planning, even if the practical benefit depends on the storage configuration and client support. The UNAS Pro 8 goes further with 2x 10G SFP+ and adds a 10 GbE RJ45 port that supports multi speed negotiation, which makes it easier to drop into networks that are already built around copper 10 GbE.

Port placement is also part of the decision, because the UNAS Pro uses front mounted networking, while the UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 keep network connections on the rear. Front mounted ports can simplify short patch runs in racks that are set up around front facing switching, while rear mounted ports follow the more common rack NAS convention and can be cleaner in racks that route cabling at the back. None of the 3 is positioned as a platform for network expansion cards, so what you buy is the long term connectivity ceiling.

In day to day operation, the multi port models are mainly about resiliency and network design options rather than guaranteeing linear scaling for a single user. You can plan for redundancy across switches, use bonding where your environment supports it, or segment traffic patterns in a more controlled way.

The UNAS Pro 8 is also the only model here with 10 GbE available on both SFP+ and RJ45 in the base hardware, which reduces the need for media converters or additional transceiver planning if your network is not SFP+ centric.

UniFi UNAS Pro 4 vs Pro 8 vs Pro NAS – Price and Value

At list pricing, the UNAS Pro and UNAS Pro 4 sit at the same $499, but they are selling different priorities. The UNAS Pro concentrates its value in raw bay count and a shorter 2U chassis, trading away NVMe cache support and additional 10 GbE links to keep the platform simple. The UNAS Pro 4 is priced the same while reducing the HDD bay count and moving to a 1U chassis, but it adds 2x NVMe cache slots and a second 10G SFP+ port, positioning it more as a “small but fast access” rack NAS rather than a capacity first box.

The UNAS Pro 8 steps up to $799 and is priced like a higher tier option, but the spec sheet shows where that uplift is meant to land: more drive bays than either $499 model, NVMe cache capability like the Pro 4, more total 10 GbE ports, and a jump to 16 GB memory. It is also the only one of the 3 with a 10 GbE RJ45 port alongside SFP+, which can reduce friction in mixed copper and fiber environments. If the goal is to keep the same platform longer term, the Pro 8 is the only one here with both the capacity headroom and the memory ceiling to match it.

Using the simplified “price per bay” and “price per element” approach, the headline result is that the Pro 8 looks strongest once you count all the included hardware features rather than only the number of drive bays. The UNAS Pro has the lowest cost per bay because it is a 7 bay system at the same price as the 4 bay model, but the Pro 4 catches up when the NVMe slots and dual 10 GbE are treated as part of the value calculation. The Pro 8 is not the cheapest upfront, but it ends up close to the Pro 4 on cost per bay and is the lowest on cost per element because it stacks more of the “platform” features in one chassis.

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 vs Pro vs Pro 4 NAS – VERDICT

The UNAS Pro 4, UNAS Pro, and UNAS Pro 8 are close enough in naming to look like simple capacity steps, but they are positioned more like 3 different takes on the same UniFi Drive appliance idea. The UNAS Pro is the most capacity oriented at $499, giving 7 bays in a shorter depth 2U chassis with a built in 1.3 inch touchscreen and a straightforward port layout that suits some front of rack workflows. The UNAS Pro 4 shifts the emphasis away from bay count and toward “newer platform features” at the same $499 price, combining a 1U form factor with 2x 10G SFP+ and 2x NVMe cache slots, at the cost of a deeper chassis and fewer total drive bays. The UNAS Pro 8 is the most complete hardware package in the lineup, adding more bays, NVMe cache, more total 10 GbE connectivity including 10 GbE RJ45, and 16 GB memory, while also being the only one of the 3 to use hot swappable power modules. None of the 3 supports an official expansion shelf approach, so the bay count you buy on day 1 is effectively the long term ceiling unless you plan a separate NAS later.

Choosing between them mostly comes down to which ceiling matters first in your deployment: total bays, total network options, or overall platform headroom. If you want the most bays at $499 and the chassis depth is a priority, the UNAS Pro remains the obvious pick, with the tradeoffs being no NVMe cache path and a simpler network layout than the newer units. If you want the $499 option that aligns most with modern expectations for a small rack NAS, the UNAS Pro 4 has the cleanest argument, because dual 10G and NVMe cache can matter more than extra bays in smaller, faster working sets, even if those cache slots are not usable as standalone storage pools. If you are planning for longer retention cycles, heavier multi user access, or you simply want the most complete feature set in a single chassis, the UNAS Pro 8 is the one that most clearly justifies its higher price, particularly once memory, network flexibility, and the power module design are considered together. The main limitation across the lineup is that the ARM platform and fixed memory approach sets expectations about the long term performance ceiling, but within that constraint, the decision is primarily about how you want the hardware budget divided between capacity, connectivity, and overall platform resources.

	UNAS Pro (7 Bay, $499)	UNAS Pro 4 (4 Bay, $499)	UNAS Pro 8 (8 Bay, $799)
BUY
Pros	More 3.5 inch bays than UNAS Pro 4 at the same $499 price (7 vs 4)	1U chassis (smallest height)	Most total bays (8) plus 2x NVMe cache slots
	Shallower chassis depth than both (325 mm), easier fit in short depth racks	2x 10G SFP+ instead of 1x 10G SFP+ on UNAS Pro	16 GB memory (double UNAS Pro and UNAS Pro 4)
	Front 10G SFP+ and 1G RJ45 placement can suit front of rack cabling	NVMe cache support (absent on UNAS Pro)	3 total 10 GbE ports (2x 10G SFP+ plus 10 GbE RJ45), most flexible networking
	1.3 inch touchscreen (absent on UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8)	Longer CPU clock than UNAS Pro (2.0 GHz vs 1.7 GHz)	Hot swappable power modules (only model with this design)
Cons	No NVMe cache support (both UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 have it)	Lowest bay ceiling and no official expansion path, so it fills up fastest	Highest price up front ($799)
	Only 1x 10G SFP+ (UNAS Pro 4 has 2x, UNAS Pro 8 has 2x plus 10 GbE RJ45)	Deeper chassis than UNAS Pro (400 mm vs 325 mm)	Deepest chassis (480 mm), most demanding fit in shallow racks
	Lower CPU clock than UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 (1.7 GHz vs 2.0 GHz)	No hot swap PSU design (UNAS Pro 8 is the only one with hot swappable power modules)	No touchscreen (UNAS Pro includes a front touchscreen)
	Same 8 GB memory as UNAS Pro 4 and less than UNAS Pro 8 (16 GB)	Same 8 GB memory as UNAS Pro and less than UNAS Pro 8 (16 GB)	Higher power ceiling and max power consumption than the other 2 (250 W max)

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The Terramaster F4-425 Value Intel 4-Bay – Does It Deserve your Data?

The TerraMaster F4-425 is positioned as a lower cost entry point into the company’s Intel based NAS lineup for the 2025 to 2026 generation, sitting below the Plus, Pro, and Max series models. It combines a 4 bay desktop chassis with the Intel Celeron N5095, 4GB of DDR4 memory with upgrade support up to 16GB, and a single 2.5GbE network interface. This places it squarely in the middle ground between basic ARM powered NAS systems and more fully featured x86 solutions with higher network bandwidth and NVMe expansion. The appeal of the F4-425 lies in its balance rather than specialization, offering enough CPU performance for multi user file access, media streaming, and general application use, while keeping cost, noise, and power consumption relatively controlled. It is clearly designed for users who want an Intel based NAS for everyday storage and media tasks, but who do not necessarily need the higher throughput, expansion options, or future scalability found in TerraMaster’s more expensive models.

SOFTWARE - 8/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 6/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 8/10

7.6

PROS

Competitive Intel-Based Value in a 4 Bay Format with the F4-425 vs other Intel Entry Systems
Flexible Storage Management With TRAID and TRAID Plus in the F4-425
Balanced Performance for Media and Multi-User Access of the F4-425 system
Practical Software Feature Set With TOS 6 of the F4-425
Flexible Platform for Turnkey or DIY NAS Use with the F4-425

CONS

Single 2.5GbE Network Port Limits Throughput of the F4-425
1.7 Lack of NVMe Expansion Limits Internal Performance in the F4-425
Aging CPU Platform for a New Generation NAS of the F4-425
HDMI Output With No Practical Software Use on the F4-425
Overlap With Better Equipped Models in the Same Lineup of the F4-425

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Competitive Intel-Based Value in a 4 Bay Format with the F4-425 vs other Intel Entry Systems

One of the key advantages of the F4-425 is how it positions itself within the x86 turnkey NAS market, particularly in the 4 bay segment. Systems that combine an Intel processor, upgradeable memory, and faster than gigabit networking are typically aimed at prosumer or small business buyers and often carry a noticeably higher price. The F4-425 offers a complete, ready to use solution that includes TerraMaster’s TOS 6 operating system, allowing users to deploy storage, backups, and shared services without needing to install or license additional software.

This lowers the overall barrier to entry for buyers who want an Intel based NAS primarily for general purpose storage, media streaming, or light application hosting. While it does not compete directly with higher end 4 bay systems that include multi LAN configurations or NVMe expansion, it delivers a core x86 experience at a price level that is more approachable, especially for users who do not plan to saturate network bandwidth or push heavy virtualization workloads.

Flexible Storage Management With TRAID and TRAID Plus in the F4-425

A notable strength of the F4-425 is its support for TerraMaster’s TRAID and TRAID Plus storage systems, which are particularly relevant in a 4 bay enclosure. Traditional RAID configurations often require matched drive sizes to avoid wasted capacity, and expanding an array later can involve rebuilding or replacing multiple disks at once. TRAID reduces this rigidity by allowing mixed capacity drives to be used more efficiently over time, automatically organizing available space while maintaining redundancy.

In a 4 bay system, this becomes more practical, as users are more likely to add drives gradually or replace older disks with higher capacity models as prices fall. The result is a storage setup that is easier to grow incrementally without complex planning. For users managing a family media library, backups from multiple devices, or shared data across several users, this flexibility can simplify long term storage expansion while reducing the need for disruptive migrations.

Balanced Performance for Media and Multi-User Access of the F4-425 system

The F4-425 offers a level of performance that is generally well suited to shared home or small office environments, particularly where multiple users are accessing data simultaneously. The Intel Celeron N5095 provides enough processing headroom to handle file transfers, background services, and media applications without the system feeling unresponsive under light to moderate load. In a 4 bay configuration, this performance profile pairs well with mixed workloads, such as ongoing backups, media indexing, and concurrent playback through applications like Plex, Emby, or Jellyfin using hardware assisted 4K decoding. While it is not intended for heavy virtualization or sustained high throughput tasks, the F4-425 can comfortably support several users accessing files or streaming content at the same time. This makes it suitable for households or teams where shared access and consistency are more important than peak benchmark performance.

Practical Software Feature Set With TOS 6 of the F4-425

The F4-425 benefits from TerraMaster’s TOS 6 operating system, which provides a broad and functional software environment without requiring additional licenses or complex setup. The platform includes native tools for file sharing, snapshots, cloud synchronization, and multi device backups, allowing the NAS to act as a central data hub for several users. In a 4 bay system, these features become more relevant as storage is often shared across multiple PCs, mobile devices, and services.

TOS 6 also supports container based applications and virtualization features that, while limited by the underlying hardware, can still be useful for light workloads such as small services or test environments. The software is not as polished as some higher profile NAS platforms, but it offers a level of depth that covers most common use cases and reduces the need to rely on third party tools for everyday management.

Flexible Platform for Turnkey or DIY NAS Use with the F4-425

An often overlooked advantage of the F4-425 is how accommodating it is for users who may want to move beyond the included operating system in the future. While it is sold and marketed as a complete turnkey NAS with TOS 6, the underlying x86 architecture allows relatively straightforward installation of alternative NAS operating systems such as TrueNAS, Unraid, or other Linux based platforms. TerraMaster does not restrict this process at the firmware level, and using third party software does not invalidate the hardware warranty. In a 4 bay system, this flexibility can extend the useful lifespan of the device, particularly for users whose storage needs or technical confidence evolve over time. The presence of HDMI output and KVM support simplifies local setup when experimenting with other operating systems, even if that HDMI port is not fully utilized by TOS itself. This dual role as both a turnkey appliance and a potential DIY platform adds practical long term value for more technically inclined users.

Single 2.5GbE Network Port Limits Throughput of the F4-425

A clear limitation of the F4-425 is its networking configuration, which consists of a single 2.5GbE port with no additional LAN interfaces or internal upgrade options. In a 4 bay NAS, this can quickly become a bottleneck once multiple drives are active, particularly in RAID configurations that are capable of delivering higher aggregate read and write performance than the network interface can carry. Even with mechanical hard drives, it is possible to saturate a 2.5GbE connection under sequential workloads, and this leaves little headroom for multiple users or concurrent tasks.

The lack of link aggregation, 5GbE, or 10GbE options also limits the system’s suitability for users with faster network infrastructure or plans to upgrade in the future. While USB based network adapters can be added, this introduces extra cost and complexity, and it does not fully compensate for the absence of native multi port or higher speed networking in a 4 bay chassis.

Lack of NVMe Expansion Limits Internal Performance in the F4-425

The absence of any M.2 NVMe slots on the F4-425 places a clear ceiling on its internal performance and storage flexibility. In a 4 bay Intel based NAS released into the 2025 to 2026 market, NVMe support is commonly expected, either for SSD caching or for high speed storage pools that can absorb bursts of activity and improve responsiveness under mixed workloads. Without NVMe, all storage activity is constrained to SATA drives, which limits the benefits of the x86 platform when running applications, containers, or multiple background services. This is particularly relevant in scenarios where the system is handling indexing, backups, and media access at the same time. While TerraMaster offers other models in its lineup with extensive NVMe support, the omission here means the F4-425 cannot be easily optimized for latency sensitive tasks, regardless of how much memory is added or how the drives are configured.

Aging CPU Platform for a New Generation NAS of the F4-425

The F4-425 relies on the Intel Celeron N5095, a processor that has been widely used across multiple NAS generations and is now showing its age in the context of newer Intel platforms. While it remains capable of handling file services, media transcoding, and light application workloads, it lacks the efficiency and performance improvements found in more recent Intel N series processors. In a 4 bay system, this matters because the hardware is more likely to be tasked with simultaneous operations such as multi user access, background maintenance, and application services. The N5095 can manage these workloads, but it does so with less headroom than newer alternatives, which can impact long term relevance. As software platforms continue to add features and increase baseline requirements, the CPU choice places a practical limit on how far the system can scale over time.

HDMI Output With No Practical Software Use on the F4-425

The inclusion of an HDMI port on the F4-425 may appear useful on paper, but in practice it offers limited functionality within TerraMaster’s software environment. The HDMI output is primarily used for basic system information and troubleshooting during boot, rather than providing a usable local interface or media output experience. There is no native desktop mode, multimedia interface, or direct playback environment available through TOS that would allow the NAS to function as a locally controlled media device. In a 4 bay system with an Intel CPU capable of hardware video decoding, this unused output can feel like missed potential, especially when other NAS vendors and newer platforms have begun to implement functional HDMI driven interfaces. While the port can be helpful when installing third party operating systems, its role within the default configuration remains minimal.

Overlap With Better Equipped Models in the Same Lineup of the F4-425

A practical concern with the F4-425 is how closely it sits to other TerraMaster models that offer substantially more capability for a relatively modest increase in cost. Within the same product family, there are options that add faster networking, NVMe expansion, additional LAN ports, or more modern Intel processors, sometimes at a price difference that may be difficult to justify ignoring. For buyers who already anticipate growing storage needs, higher throughput, or heavier application use, the F4-425 can feel constrained when compared directly against these alternatives. This internal competition weakens its long term value proposition, as users may find that spending slightly more upfront would avoid the limitations around bandwidth and expansion that cannot be addressed later through upgrades.

Conclusion and Verdict of the F4-425 Review – Should You Buy?

The TerraMaster F4-425 is best understood as a deliberately constrained Intel based NAS that prioritizes affordability and simplicity over expandability and peak performance. It delivers competent multi user storage, media streaming, and general NAS functionality in a 4 bay format, supported by a software platform that covers most common requirements without forcing reliance on third party tools. Its strengths lie in predictable behavior, flexible RAID options, and openness to alternative operating systems, rather than cutting edge hardware features. For users with clearly defined needs who value an x86 platform but do not expect to push high bandwidth workflows or advanced storage tiers, the F4-425 can meet expectations without unnecessary complexity. At the same time, its limitations are structural rather than temporary. The single 2.5GbE port, absence of NVMe expansion, and older CPU architecture set firm boundaries on future growth. These constraints become more apparent when viewed alongside other models in TerraMaster’s own lineup that address these gaps at a higher but not disproportionate cost. As a result, the F4-425 makes the most sense for buyers who want a straightforward Intel NAS for shared storage and media use today, and who are comfortable accepting that it is not designed to scale significantly beyond that role.

Amazon in Your Region	Terramaster F4-425 PLUS	B&H NAS Shop

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If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  

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Jonsbo N6 DIY NAS Case Review

The Jonsbo N6 is the latest addition to the company’s long running lineup of DIY NAS focused enclosures, positioned between the compact N4 and the much larger N5. It is designed as a 9 bay desktop NAS chassis that supports both ITX and Micro ATX motherboards, while also introducing several changes compared with earlier Jonsbo designs. These include proper metal drive trays instead of rubber mounted sleds, expanded fan support, flexible PSU placement, and the inclusion of a physical fan controller. After spending the last 2 weeks building, configuring, and testing the N6 in a real world NAS environment, this review looks at how the case performs in practice, how its design decisions affect usability, and where it fits within the wider Jonsbo NAS case range.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 9/10

PRICE - 7/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.6

PROS

Supports up to 9 x 3.5 inch or 2.5 inch drives, allowing dense storage in a relatively compact footprint
Compatible with ITX and Micro ATX motherboards, offering more flexibility than earlier Jonsbo NAS cases
Flexible PSU placement with support for ATX and SFX units, including multiple mounting positions
Integrated drive backplane simplifies installation and reduces individual cable clutter
Built in 3 speed fan controller provides basic manual airflow control without software dependency
Extensive ventilation on all sides, top, and base helps maintain reasonable thermals under load
Drive trays replace older rubber grommet mounting, making drive installation more straightforward
Build quality feels solid overall, with steel construction and improved internal layout for cable routing

CONS

Backplane uses individual SATA connectors rather than Mini SAS, limiting appeal for SAS focused builds
Clearance becomes tight with Micro ATX boards and larger ATX PSUs, especially around CPU cooling
Drive trays lack tool less latches, locks, or orientation indicators, increasing the chance of installation mistakes

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Jonsbo N6 Review – Design & Storage

The Jonsbo N6 continues the brand’s established NAS focused design language, combining a compact tower format with a restrained, industrial appearance. The chassis uses a steel construction with aluminum accents and a wooden front trim, which has become a recognizable feature across several recent Jonsbo NAS cases. While the wood insert will not appeal to everyone, it is purely cosmetic and does not interfere with airflow or structural rigidity. Overall dimensions place the N6 clearly below the larger N5, though it is still substantial compared to many ITX cases due to its storage capacity.

Storage is the defining feature of the N6, with support for up to 9 drives in either 3.5 inch HDD or 2.5 inch SSD formats. All drives are housed in a dedicated lower compartment, separated from the motherboard area. This layout helps with cable management and keeps storage thermals isolated from CPU and expansion hardware. The capacity places the N6 in a relatively uncommon position, offering more drive bays than most compact NAS cases without stepping into full tower territory.

Unlike earlier Jonsbo NAS models that relied on rubber grommets and pull tabs, the N6 uses metal drive trays as standard. Each tray supports both 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch drives and slots directly into a rear mounted backplane. The trays are functional rather than refined, lacking tool less locking mechanisms or individual activity LEDs. However, spacing between drives allows some passive airflow, which is important given the density of a fully populated array.

All 9 drive trays connect to a single backplane PCB located at the rear of the drive cage. The front side of the board uses individual SATA connectors for each bay, simplifying installation compared to loose cabling. On the output side, the board breaks out into standard SATA data connectors rather than Mini SAS, alongside SATA and Molex power inputs. This choice favors compatibility but limits native SAS support, which may matter to users running enterprise drives or SAS controllers.

From an installation standpoint, drive access is straightforward, but orientation is something to be careful with. The trays do not include visual indicators for correct alignment, making it possible to insert a drive incorrectly if rushed. While this is not unique to the N6, it does introduce some risk during initial setup or drive swaps. Overall, the storage design prioritizes density and compatibility over convenience features, aligning with the case’s focus on DIY NAS builders rather than hot swap environments.

Jonsbo N6 Review – Internal Structure

The internal layout of the Jonsbo N6 is designed around flexibility rather than absolute clearance, and that becomes clear once hardware installation begins. The case supports Mini ITX and Micro ATX motherboards, but does not officially support full ATX boards, despite physical dimensions that appear close.

In practice, fitting an ATX board is technically possible but leaves insufficient clearance for cabling, airflow, and component access, making it impractical for most builds. With ITX boards, internal space is generous and largely unobstructed, while Micro ATX installations require more planning due to tighter edge clearances near the drive backplane and PSU mounting areas.

PSU placement plays a major role in how the internal hardware layout behaves. The N6 supports both ATX and SFX power supplies and allows installation in multiple positions using included brackets. Mounting a full size ATX PSU above the motherboard significantly reduces available CPU cooler height, which can limit cooler selection to low profile or compact tower designs. SFX power supplies offer more flexibility and reduce conflicts around the CPU socket area, particularly when using Micro ATX boards.

The option for dual PSU installation adds another layer of configurability, but it further increases complexity around airflow paths and cable routing.

PCIe expansion is relatively strong for a case in this category, with support for up to 4 full height expansion slots. This allows for the use of HBAs, network cards, or even a discrete GPU, provided length and thickness limits are respected. Clearance becomes tight when multiple expansion cards are installed alongside side mounted fans, especially on the lowest slot. Cable routing is generally straightforward, with clear channels and anchor points, but routing SATA or Mini SAS fan out cables is easier if completed before final motherboard installation, particularly in Micro ATX configurations.

Jonsbo N6 Review – Connectivity

The Jonsbo N6 keeps external connectivity relatively straightforward, with all user facing ports located on the front panel for easy access. This placement makes sense for a NAS chassis that is likely to be positioned on a desk, shelf, or rack adjacent surface rather than frequently accessed from the rear. The front I O layout focuses on essential connectivity rather than attempting to replicate a full desktop case feature set.

In practical use, the inclusion of a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C port provides a high bandwidth option for external storage, temporary backups, or maintenance tasks such as system recovery media. Alongside it, the USB 3.0 Type A port offers compatibility with a wide range of existing peripherals. This combination should be sufficient for most NAS focused workflows, where frequent hot swapping of peripherals is uncommon but occasional high speed access is still required.

Internally, connectivity is more complex and is closely tied to the integrated drive backplane. All 9 drive bays connect through the rear mounted PCB, which uses individual SATA data connectors rather than Mini SAS or SAS HD outputs. Power delivery is handled through a mix of SATA power and Molex connectors, which provides flexibility but may increase cable management complexity depending on the power supply used.

While functional, this approach places more responsibility on the user to plan cabling carefully, especially in fully populated configurations.

Jonsbo N6 Review – N5 vs N6

The Jonsbo N6 and the N5 address similar DIY NAS use cases but sit at different points in the product lineup in terms of capacity and flexibility. The N6 is designed around a nine-bay drive layout with support for ITX and micro-ATX motherboards and compatibility with either ATX or SFX power supplies, offering a balance between storage density and a relatively compact footprint, which makes it suitable for builds that need a significant number of drives without a full tower size. By contrast, the N5 supports up to twelve 3.5-inch drives and up to four 2.5-inch SSDs, and accepts larger motherboard formats including ITX, micro-ATX, ATX, and E-ATX, giving it broader component compatibility and expansion potential.

The N5 also provides more PCIe slots and larger GPU clearance, supporting use cases that may combine NAS storage with workstation-class expansions, and includes a mesh front and more extensive cooling provisions to manage heat in its larger enclosure. Both cases offer USB-C and USB-A front I/O for quick access, but the N5’s larger size and multi-material construction generally result in greater internal space for hardware and cooling options. In practice, the N6 aims to offer a middle ground with substantial drive capacity and flexible power supply choices, while the N5 pushes more towards maximum expandability and support for larger and more powerful builds within the Jonsbo NAS ecosystem

Jonsbo N6 Review – Build Testing

In day to day use, the Jonsbo N6 shows that its performance characteristics are shaped more by component choice than by any inherent limitation of the chassis itself. With a fully populated 9 bay configuration using 7200 RPM hard drives, the case does not introduce noticeable bottlenecks in sustained storage workloads. During extended uptime testing across multiple days, system stability remained consistent, with no unexpected thermal throttling or airflow related instability observed. This aligns with the case design philosophy, which prioritizes open ventilation paths and modular fan placement rather than aggressive acoustic dampening.

Storage performance testing was carried out using a RAID 0 array across 9 mechanical drives, paired with a workstation class MATX motherboard and a dedicated SATA controller. Sequential read and write speeds reached approximately 2.0 to 2.1 GB/s in CrystalDiskMark, indicating that the enclosure itself does not constrain throughput. These figures are primarily governed by controller bandwidth, PCIe lane allocation, and drive characteristics, rather than the internal backplane. Random access behavior remained typical for high capacity HDD arrays, with no anomalies linked to vibration or drive seating within the metal trays.

Noise testing was conducted under multiple operating conditions to evaluate how the N6 behaves in real environments rather than synthetic silence. At idle with fans set to the lowest manual setting and drives spun down, measured noise levels hovered around 37 to 39 dBA. Under active disk access with the same fan profile, noise increased modestly to around 41 to 44 dBA, with most audible output coming from the rear exhaust area. Increasing the fan controller to mid and high settings resulted in only marginal increases, topping out around 43 to 44 dBA, suggesting diminishing returns in airflow relative to acoustic output.

Thermal measurements were taken after the system had been operating continuously for roughly 2.5 days, followed by active load and cooldown observation. Drive temperatures during idle periods generally sat between 25°C and 28°C, with active access pushing internal drive area temperatures to around 42°C. Surface readings across the chassis showed consistent heat distribution, with the rear PCB area and PSU zone measuring close to 42°C, while the top and side panels remained closer to ambient at roughly 26°C to 27°C. These results indicate that while airflow around the drive backplane is not optimal, overall thermal behavior remains within acceptable limits for a 9 bay enclosure.

Jonsbo N6 Review – Verdict and Conclusion

After extended hands on use, the Jonsbo N6 positions itself as a compact but ambitious DIY NAS enclosure that sits clearly between the smaller N4 and the larger, more expansive N5. It delivers a high storage density with 9 drive bays while introducing support for Micro ATX motherboards, which meaningfully expands hardware choice compared with earlier Jonsbo NAS cases. Build quality is consistent with the brand’s established approach, using thick steel panels, simple exterior styling, and a layout that prioritizes airflow potential and internal flexibility over visual flair. The inclusion of drive trays, a physical fan controller, multiple PSU mounting options, and extensive fan support marks a clear evolution over previous generations.

That said, the N6 is not without compromises. ATX motherboard support is effectively absent despite tight tolerances, cooling outcomes remain highly dependent on fan selection and placement, and the backplane design relies on standard SATA connections rather than SAS aggregation. Pricing at launch also places it in a competitive bracket where expectations are higher, particularly around refinement of drive trays and airflow optimization around the disk stack. For users who found the N5 too large or excessive but felt constrained by the N3 or N4, the N6 fills a specific and practical gap. It does not replace the N5 as a flagship option, but it stands as a capable and thoughtfully designed alternative for builders who value density, flexibility, and manageable footprint over absolute expansion.

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5 Mistakes New NAS Buyers ALWAYS MAKE

If you are buying a NAS for the first time, it is very easy to focus on brand names, bay counts and discounts while overlooking practical issues that will shape your experience for the next 5 to 7 years. New buyers often underestimate noise in real rooms, forget to plan for future capacity growth, misjudge the usefulness of SSD cache, ignore long term power consumption, or assume that a couple of very large drives are always the best value. On top of that, many people treat a NAS like a simple external drive rather than a 24/7 network device that will sit near family members or co workers and quietly draw power every day. This article looks at 5 common mistakes that first time NAS owners make and explains how each one happens, what it looks like in normal home or small office use, and the straightforward checks you can perform before you spend any money so you do not end up with a noisy, inefficient or inflexible system.

Mistake #1: Underestimating NAS Noise in REAL-WORLD Use (IGNORE the official Specs Sheets)

A common mistake with a first NAS is to assume it will sound like a quiet router or a small external drive. In practice a NAS contains several moving parts that generate and transmit noise into the room, especially at night or in a small flat. Drive seek clicks, spindle hum, fan airflow and vibration passing into the furniture all add together. If the system ends up in a bedroom, living room or small home office, the constant whirr can lead to complaints from other people in the house and leave the owner wondering whether the device is faulty when it is simply behaving as designed. It is also easy to forget that scheduled tasks such as antivirus scans, backups and indexing will often push the CPU, fans and disks harder than normal file access, so a system that seems acceptable during light daytime use can become noticeably louder when these jobs run.

Noise levels are heavily influenced by physical design choices that new buyers rarely consider. Metal chassis units tend to amplify vibration compared with plastic enclosures, which means every drive click and fan change is more noticeable. Larger capacity HDDs, particularly above 8TB, usually contain more platters and a more active actuator assembly, which produces sharper clicks and a deeper background rumble than smaller disks. Fan design also matters. Rear mounted fans tend to push sound directly into the room, while models with downward facing or internal fans may spread the noise more evenly into the surface under the NAS. Even the desk or cabinet matters, since hard surfaces can resonate and make a quiet system sound louder. Simple changes such as placing the NAS on a foam pad, an anti vibration mat or thick rubber feet will reduce the amount of vibration transferred into the furniture and can make a noticeable difference to perceived noise without changing the hardware.

The practical way to avoid this problem is to plan acoustics at the same time as you choose capacity and CPU. If the NAS must live in an occupied room, it makes sense to look at lower noise HDD lines, to avoid the very largest capacities where possible, and to consider using SATA SSDs for the working volume if budget allows. Checking vendor spec sheets for noise ratings in dB is useful, but you should also think about where the NAS will physically sit and how air can flow around it, since putting a box in a sealed cupboard simply forces the fans to run harder. Most modern NAS systems allow fan speed profiles and drive hibernation, which can reduce noise during idle periods, and many also support power schedules so the unit can power down completely during hours when it is not needed. You can also move heavy jobs such as RAID scrubs, indexing and backup windows into predictable time slots, for example overnight if the NAS is in a separate room, so that short periods of higher noise are less disruptive while the system remains quiet for normal daytime access.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Future Capacity and Expansion (PLAN AHEAD!)

A second common mistake is to buy a NAS that only matches your current data footprint with no realistic allowance for growth. Many first time buyers look at their existing files, see that they use 2TB or 4TB, then choose a 2 bay unit and a pair of modest drives that cover today with a small buffer. Once the NAS is in use, however, new cameras, phones and laptops start backing up to it, family members begin storing photos and videos, and it often becomes the default place for downloads and shared work files. Within a year or 2, the system that once looked spacious can be near its usable limit, especially once you take RAID overhead and snapshots into account.

The physical bay count and the way you populate those bays on day 1 has a direct impact on how easy it will be to grow later. A 2 bay NAS that starts fully populated leaves you with only a couple of options when you run out of room. You either replace both drives with larger ones, which is expensive and involves a full rebuild, or you bolt on an external expansion chassis if the vendor offers one. A 4 bay unit that initially uses only 2 drives gives you a much smoother path. You can add extra disks one at a time, or take advantage of flexible RAID schemes from some brands that allow mixing different drive sizes over time, which is far more forgiving when budgets are tight or upgrade windows are short.

Avoiding this mistake means planning capacity as a multi year decision rather than a single purchase. It is usually better to buy a slightly larger chassis with more bays than you think you need, then start with a sensible number of mid sized drives that offer a good cost per TB. This gives you headroom to add disks later without reorganising everything and lets the array performance improve as you add more spindles. It also leaves space for other changes such as introducing SSD volumes or cache in the future without having to retire the entire unit. In short, it is safer to overspec the enclosure a little and understuff it at the start than to buy the smallest possible model and discover that you have run out of practical expansion options far sooner than expected.

Mistake #3: Assuming SSD Cache and RAM Upgrades are a Magic Performance Fix (SAVE YOUR MONEY!)

New NAS owners often treat SSD cache and RAM upgrades as a universal answer to “my NAS feels slow”, without checking whether the underlying workload or hardware actually benefits. It is common to see a 2 or 4 bay system with a modest CPU and a couple of M.2 slots promoted heavily as “cache ready”, which encourages buyers to add SSDs and memory on day 1. In reality, if the processor is already running close to 100 percent under load, extra RAM will mostly sit idle and cache will only accelerate specific types of access. For simple sequential workloads such as bulk media streaming or large backup jobs, disk performance and network limits usually matter more than having faster cache in front of the array, so the investment does not translate into a noticeable improvement.

SSD cache in particular is often misunderstood. Write cache temporarily lands incoming data on SSDs and then flushes it to HDDs later, which can smooth out bursty writes but does not change the final speed of the array. Read cache keeps copies of frequently accessed “hot” data on SSDs, but in most NAS use this tends to be small random IO, metadata and thumbnails rather than entire large media files. Some platforms allow you to tune cache block size and policy, which can help in database or VM heavy environments, but for simple file sharing the benefit is limited. If a NAS mainly serves big video files to a handful of clients, using SSD cache rarely justifies the cost. In many cases, placing the NAS operating system, app data and indexes on an SSD volume, or using SSDs as a small primary pool for truly performance sensitive shares, delivers more predictable advantages than a generic cache layer.

The same caution applies to memory upgrades. More RAM allows the NAS to keep more filesystem cache and run more services concurrently, but it does not compensate for an underpowered CPU or a saturated network link. A basic check of CPU and memory utilisation under your typical workload is essential before buying additional modules. If CPU usage is consistently low while memory is pegged, extra RAM may help. If the processor is the bottleneck, adding memory or cache will not change the response time of apps and shares. For most first time buyers, it is more sensible to size CPU, network and base storage correctly first, then consider SSD based OS volumes, manual or automated tiering, and targeted RAM upgrades later if monitoring shows clear evidence that these changes will address a real bottleneck rather than an assumed one.

Note – If you are a QNAP NAS owner, you CAN use an alternative to ‘SSD Cache’, but using QTier – this MOVES (not copy) to data from slower HDDs and onto faster SSDs, as data is frequently accessed.

Mistake #4: Treating Power Consumption as an Afterthought (You Have CONTROL)

Many new NAS buyers focus on purchase price and capacity, then only think about power consumption after the first full month of electricity bills. A NAS is designed to be available around the clock, which means that even modest differences in idle draw add up over a year. Larger HDDs with more platters, multiple bays running full time, and older or less efficient CPUs all contribute to a steady baseline load, even when no one is actively using the system. In small flats or home offices this continuous draw can be a surprise, particularly for users coming from purely cloud based workflows where the power cost is hidden in the subscription fee.

Hardware choices have a direct impact on how much power a NAS will use at idle and under load. High capacity HDDs tend to have higher idle consumption because the mechanics must be ready to spin and seek immediately. A system with fewer, larger disks may draw more power at rest than a similar capacity built from several smaller drives, although this is not a strict rule and depends on the specific models. CPU generation and class matter as well. Modern low power x86 chips such as Intel N series parts can idle in the single digit watt range but still turbo high enough for typical home workloads, while older desktop class processors often draw more even when idle. Buyers who only look at drive capacity and bay count without checking HDD datasheets and CPU TDP figures can easily end up with a system that runs hotter and more power hungry than necessary for basic file serving and backups.

Software features and configuration also play a major role, yet many first time owners never touch these options after initial setup. Enabling HDD hibernation for lightly used volumes can drop disk consumption from around 8 to 12 W per drive to well under 1 W when idle, multiplied across several bays. Most NAS platforms support scheduled power on and power off, which allows you to shut the system down completely during hours when it is not needed and wake it automatically for work periods or backup windows. Moving heavy jobs such as backups, RAID scrubs and indexing into specific time slots also helps, since the system can stay in a lower power state for more of the day. Simple measures like these, applied on top of sensible hardware selection, make the difference between a NAS that quietly adds a manageable cost to your electricity bill and one that runs at full power far more often than your usage requires.

Mistake #5: Assuming Fewer Large Drives are Better (Often the REVERSE is Better)

A frequent assumption among new NAS buyers is that the best approach is to purchase the largest individual HDDs they can afford, fit a pair into a small enclosure and rely on that pair for both capacity and protection. On paper this looks simple and neat. Two 30TB drives in a 2 bay unit appear to offer an easy route to 30TB of usable space with RAID protection. However, this approach often produces a poor price per TB compared with building the same or greater capacity from several mid sized disks, and it concentrates a lot of risk and cost into each individual drive. When one of these large disks fails or needs replacing, the financial hit is substantial and rebuilds can be lengthy.

In most cases, the price per terabyte on both sides will remain largely consistent at each capacity. HOWEVER, when you start putting these drives into a NAS/DAS enclosure and acting in the RAID configuration, it soon becomes apparent that the ben efits in Drive #s in a RAID 1 vs a RAID 5 immediately show a saving in almost every single capacity the smaller you go! Below are two examples of achieving 12TB in a NAS enclosure using RAID 1 vs using RAID 5 (so, still maintaining 1 disk drive failure protection and having 12TB of storage to use):

12TB Storage in a RAID 1 MIRROR	12TB Storage in a RAID 5

Looking at retail pricing makes the problem clear. Large capacity HDDs carry a significant premium that is not always reflected in proportional capacity gains. At the same time that a 30TB drive might cost 500 to 600 in local currency, 10TB or 12TB drives can often be found for less than 200 each. Four 12TB drives in RAID 5 or similar single disk fault tolerant layouts can deliver 36TB of usable space for less money than a pair of 30TB disks that only provide 30TB usable, while also offering more spindles for better aggregate performance. The trade off is higher drive count, which brings extra power use, more noise and additional points of failure, but in purely cost per TB terms the multi-drive configuration is often more efficient.

The practical lesson is that drive selection for a first NAS should consider more than headline capacity. New buyers should compare price per TB across several HDD sizes, factor in the desired RAID level and protection scheme, and understand how many drives their chassis can support now and in future. In many cases it is more effective to choose a slightly larger enclosure and populate it with several mid sized disks that offer a good value point, rather than filling a small unit with the largest drives available. This gives better flexibility for future expansion, more options if a disk fails, and a storage layout that balances cost, capacity and performance instead of relying entirely on a small number of very large and expensive disks.

Larger NAS/DAS systems are always more expensive, as they need to have more physical space, resource use in production and power/PSU sizes to run the larger enclosure. Add to this, thanks to memory shortages right now, that smaller scale NAS systems are starting to arrive with more memory by default (as 2-4GB is becoming less cost-effective to produce with chip shortages) and often with little/no increase in the base price. For example, below is the TS-264 and TS-464 NAS. Same CPU, design and ports – however the 2-Bay system has 8GB memory by default AND IS STILL $134 cheaper! So, this can often mean that you can save money on smaller quantities of larger capacity HDDs becuase the enclosure they are going in is cheaper over all.

Conclusion – PLAN AHEAD!

New NAS buyers rarely set out to make poor choices. The problems described above usually arise because a NAS is treated like a simple storage box rather than a device that will run all day, sit in shared spaces and gradually absorb more roles over several years. Noise, expansion, SSD cache, power consumption and drive sizing are all easy to overlook when you are comparing spec sheets or promotional bundles, yet each one has a direct and practical impact on how comfortable and economical the system will be to live with. The safest approach is to treat the first NAS purchase as a medium term infrastructure decision rather than a one off gadget. That means thinking realistically about where the box will sit, how many people will rely on it, how much data is likely to arrive over time and how much power draw and running cost is acceptable. A slightly quieter chassis, a few more bays, a balanced drive choice and sensible use of features like hibernation and scheduling will matter more in day to day use than chasing the biggest individual drives or adding SSD cache on day 1. By addressing these 5 areas before you buy, you reduce the risk of needing early upgrades or workarounds and increase the chance that the NAS you choose will remain suitable for several years without constant attention.

5 affordable Turnkey 10GbE NAS Solutions (Between $499 and $699)

For years, 10GbE networking has been seen as a premium feature reserved for high-end or enterprise-grade NAS devices, often pushing total system costs well beyond the reach of home users and small businesses. However, as controller prices have dropped and demand for faster data transfers has grown, a new wave of affordable NAS solutions has started to appear with built-in 10GbE. These systems no longer require expensive proprietary upgrade cards or third-party NICs, and many sit comfortably below the $699 / £599 price point. They cover a range of use cases, from compact SSD-based NAS devices to rackmount storage appliances and versatile desktop units. Below is a selection of some of the most notable options currently available, each offering a balance of performance, connectivity, and affordability for users who want to move beyond 1GbE or 2.5GbE without breaking the bank.

UniFi UNAS Pro (7-Bay, Rackmount)

I keep coming back to two words for the UniFi UNAS Pro—fundamentals and consistency. UniFi has clearly focused on making this system a strong addition to their ecosystem, prioritizing the essential storage needs of a NAS. They’ve succeeded in this, but comparisons with long-established competitors are inevitable. While solid, reliable, and stable, the UniFi UNAS Pro will take time to be competitive on the software front. If you’re deeply invested in the UniFi ecosystem, you’ll appreciate its ease of use and integration. However, outside of a UniFi network, it may feel feature-light compared to alternatives. The pricing is competitive for a launch product at $499, and while it’s not the best NAS on the market, it’s the most user-friendly and UniFi-ready. It will likely satisfy many users’ needs. I can certainly see this being integrated into existing UniFi networks as a 2nd stage backup alongside their already existing 3rd party NAS solution, with the potential to graduating to their primary storage as Ubiquiti continue to evolve this platform above and beyond the fundamentals their have nailed down in the UNAS Pro system.

• Approx. Price: $499 / £400

• Specs: ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core CPU, 8 GB RAM, seven 2.5″/3.5″ SATA bays, 1×10GbE SFP+ and 1×1GbE.

• Why It Stands Out: Exceptional price-to-performance for pure storage needs. Lacks advanced multimedia or container apps but ideal for high-speed backups in a rackmount setup.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.2

PROS

Nails down the fundamentals of NAS Storage very well
Easy to use GUI and well suited in the UniFi Ecosystem/UX
Complete Offline Use is supported
Use of a UI account is NOT compulsory
Excellently deployed Snapshot Features
10GbE out-the-box
Open HDD Compatibility, but also 1st party options too
Backup and Restoration Options Nailed down perfectly
Very power efficient and CPU/, Memory utilization rarely high
Compact, Quite and well designed chassis
The LCD controls are completely \'different level\' compared to other brands in the market
Promised competitive pricing
FAST deployment (3-5mins tops)
Reactive Storage expandability and easy-to-understand storage failover options
Mobile app deployment is intuitive/fast
Feels stable, secure and reliable at all times
Performance is respectable (considering SATA Bay count and CPU) but also sustained performance is very good
Single screen dashboard is clear and intuitive
Ditto for the native file explorer

CONS

7 Bays is a bit unusual, plus feels like the existing UNVR with different firmware
Additional App installation (eg. \'Protect\') not currently supported. So no container support for 3rd party apps
Network Controls are limited
Works at it\'s best in an existing UniFi managed network, feels a little limited in \'standalone\'
Multiple storage pools not supported (nor is RAID 0)
Lack of Scheduled On/Off
Lack of redundant PSU
Only 1 10Gb port and 1x 1GbE, no USBs for expanded storage or an expansion

Asustor Flashstor 12 Gen 1 (Compact NVMe NAS)

The Asustor Flashstor Gen 2 12-Bay NAS is a robust and versatile solution for users with demanding storage needs. Its combination of high-performance hardware, extensive connectivity options, and compact design makes it a standout choice for content creators, small businesses, and enthusiasts. With dual 10GbE ports, USB 4.0 connectivity, and support for up to 12 M.2 NVMe drives, it offers exceptional speed and scalability. While the device has a few quirks, such as its mixed PCIe slot speeds and lack of M.2 heat sinks, these are manageable with proper planning and aftermarket solutions. The Flashstor Gen 2 excels in raw performance, handling intensive workflows with ease and maintaining low noise levels even under load. Its power efficiency and robust thermal management further enhance its appeal for 24/7 operation. For users prioritizing hardware capabilities and performance, the Flashstor Gen 2 delivers on its promises. While its complexity may deter less experienced users, those with the technical expertise to configure and optimize the system will find it a valuable addition to their workflow.

• Approx. Price: $750 / £600

• Specs: Intel Celeron N5105, 12×M.2 NVMe slots, single 10GbE port, compact form factor.

• Notable Traits: High-density SSD storage in a small desktop chassis. Excellent value for SSD-heavy builds.

SOFTWARE - 6/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 10/10

PRICE - 7/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.0

PROS

Exceptional Performance: Dual 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB 4.0 connectivity deliver fast and reliable data transfer speeds, ideal for 4K editing and collaborative environments.
Extensive Storage Options: Supports up to 12 M.2 NVMe SSDs, allowing for large-scale, high-speed storage arrays.
ECC Memory Support: Includes 16GB of DDR5-4800 ECC memory (expandable to 64GB), ensuring data integrity for critical applications.
Compact Design: Small footprint makes it perfect for workspaces with limited room.
Quiet Operation: Dual-fan system keeps noise levels low, even under heavy loads.
Flexible Connectivity: Features two USB 4.0 Type-C ports and three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports for direct storage access and peripheral integration.
Power Efficiency: Low power consumption (32.2W idle, 56W under load) makes it economical to run, even for 24/7 operation.
Thermal Management Enhancements: Dual fans and copper heat pipes efficiently dissipate heat, ensuring stable performance.
Support for Third-Party Operating Systems: Compatible with platforms like TrueNAS and Unraid for advanced customization.

CONS

Mixed PCIe Slot Speeds: Inconsistent PCIe bandwidth across M.2 slots complicates unified RAID configurations.
Lack of M.2 Heat Sinks: NVMe slots do not include heat sinks, requiring aftermarket cooling solutions for intensive workloads.
No Integrated Graphics: The AMD Ryzen V3C14 processor lacks integrated graphics, limiting hardware transcoding and multimedia capabilities.
Steep Price: The 12-bay model’s cost ($1,300–$1,400) and the six-bay version’s lack of ECC memory make them expensive compared to alternatives.

UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus

BOTTOM LINE – The UGREEN NASYnc DXP4800 Plus does not feel ‘finished’ yet and still needs more time in the over, but UGREEN have been very clear with me that this product is not intended for release and fulfilment till summer 2024 and improvements, optimization and product completion is still in progress. Judging the UGREEN NAS systems, when what we have is a pre-release and pre-crowdfunding sample, was always going to be tough. The DXP4800 PLUS is a very well put-together NAS solution, arriving with a fantastic launching price point (arguably even at its RRP for the hardware on offer). UGREEN has clearly made efforts here to carve out their own style, adding their own aesthetic to the traditional 4-bay server box design that plagues NAS boxes at this scale. Equally, although they are not the first brand to consider Kickstarter/Crowdfunding for launching a new product in the NAS/personal-cloud sector, this is easily one of the most confident entries I have seen yet. The fact that this system arrives on the market primarily as a crowdfunded solution (though almost certainly, if successful, will roll out at traditional retail) is definitely going to give users some pause for thought. Equally, the UGREEN NAS software, still in beta at the time of writing, although very responsive and nailing down the basics, still feels like it needs more work to compete with the bigger boys at Synology and QNAP. Hardware architecture, scalability, and performance are all pretty impressive, though the performance of the Gen 4×4 M.2 NVMe slots didn’t seem to hit the numbers I was expecting. Perhaps a question of PCIe bottlenecking internally, or a need for further tweaking and optimization as the system continues development. Bottom line, with expected software updates to roll out closer to launch and fulfillment, such as an expanded App center and mobile client, the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is definitely a device worth keeping an eye on in the growing Turnkey and semi-DIY NAS market. As an alternative to public cloud services, this is a no-brainer and worth the entry price point. As an alternative to established Turnkey NAS Solutions, we will hold off judgment till it is publicly released.

• Approx. Price: $595 / £475

• Specs: Intel Pentium Gold 8505 (6-thread), 8 GB DDR5, 4×SATA + 2×M.2 slots, 1×10GbE and 1×2.5GbE, plus HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, and SD reader.

• Why It’s Attractive: Well-rounded design with rich connectivity and media support, undercuts most rivals on price and features.

SOFTWARE - 6/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 6/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 8/10

7.6

PROS

Exceptional Hardware for the Price
4 HDDs + 2x Gen 4x4 M.2 in 1 box under $400
Good Balanced CPU choice in the Pentium Gold 8505
10GbE and 2.5GbE as standard
An SD Card Slot (wielrd rare!)
10/10 Build Quality
Great Scalability
Fantastic Mobile Application (even vs Synology and QNAP etc)
Desktop/Browser GUI shows promise
Established Brand entering the NAS Market
Not too noisy (comparatively)
Very Appealing retail package+accessories

CONS

10GbE Performance was underwhelming
Crowdfunding choice is confusing
Software (still in Beta) is still far from ready 22/3/24
non-UGREEN PSU is unexpected

TerraMaster F4-424 Max / F6-424 Max

The TerraMaster F4-424 Max is a robust 4-bay NAS system that offers a powerful mix of features and flexibility for a wide range of tasks. Powered by the Intel i5-1235U CPU with 10 cores and 12 threads, the F4-424 Max excels at resource-intensive applications such as Plex media streaming, 4K hardware transcoding, and virtual machine hosting. Its dual M.2 NVMe slots running at PCIe Gen 4 speeds significantly improve storage performance, especially when used for caching, while the two 10GbE ports offer high-speed networking environments, allowing for 20Gbps throughput via link aggregation.

In terms of software, TOS 6 brings notable improvements, although it still lags behind the more polished ecosystems of Synology DSM and QNAP QTS. That said, TerraMaster’s continuous software evolution with each new version of TOS ensures that users have access to more robust tools and security features. For its price point of $899.99, the F4-424 Max is a compelling option for those seeking high-performance NAS solutions with scalability in mind. While the Pro model offers competitive performance, the Max takes it a step further with advanced networking, making it ideal for environments where speed is a priority.

• Approx. Price: $675 / £550 (F4-424 Max, during sale) – $899 / £700 (F6-424 Max, regular)

• Specs: Intel Core i5-1235U (10-core), 8 GB RAM, dual 10GbE ports, dual M.2, with 4 or 6 SATA bays depending on model.

• Why It Helps: The F4-424 Max frequently drops below the $800 mark in promotions, offering unusually strong CPU performance and dual 10GbE at a mid-range price point.

SOFTWARE - 6/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 9/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.2

PROS

Powerful Hardware: Intel i5-1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads for resource-heavy tasks.
Dual 10GbE Ports: High-speed networking capabilities with link aggregation for up to 20Gbps, ideal for large file transfers.
PCIe Gen 4 NVMe Support: Two M.2 NVMe slots offering exceptional performance for caching or additional high-speed storage.
Efficient Cooling: The large 120mm fan ensures quiet and effective cooling, making it suitable for home and office environments.
Improved TOS 6 Software: Enhancements in GUI, backup tools, and overall security bring TOS closer to its competitors.

CONS

Higher Price Tag: At $899.99, it’s more expensive than TerraMaster’s other models, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.
No PCIe Expansion: Lack of a PCIe slot limits potential for future upgrades, such as adding 10GbE cards or more M.2 drives.
Presentation: The software has improved a lot, but still feels inconsistent in places compared with alternatives from brands such as Synology and QNAP.

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Best NAS You Can Buy Right Now for Under $499 at the end of 2025

By late 2025, the under 499 dollar NAS segment has become far more crowded, with multiple vendors offering systems that combine capable hardware, established operating systems, and multi bay storage at a relatively accessible price. Home users, prosumers, and small workgroups now have access to devices that can centralise files, manage routine backups, and handle local media streaming at performance levels that were previously limited to higher priced units. The range of available designs has also grown, with everything from compact solid state based units to entry level rackmount models appearing in this category. This guide looks at five (technically 6!) turnkey NAS platforms that can be purchased for 499 dollars or less. Each one focuses on a different balance of features, whether that is throughput, virtualisation, containers, or ease of use, yet all provide a practical path toward reliable self hosted storage without pushing the budget too far.

Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy

Every NAS in this bracket is sold without drives, so users must provide their own storage, whether that is 3.5 inch HDDs, 2.5 inch SSDs, or M.2 NVMe modules for all flash builds. This directly influences total cost, particularly for NVMe based systems. Some models include small flash or eMMC for the operating system, but these are not suitable for general data storage. Buyers should account for drive costs, planned RAID layouts, and any needed accessories such as cables, heatsinks, or extra cooling. Software support also varies, with many devices using vendor platforms like DSM, TOS, or UGOS, while others permit alternatives such as TrueNAS or Unraid without affecting hardware support. Systems with less mature software may require more setup work for Plex, Docker, or SMB services, making these NAS units better suited to users who are comfortable handling basic network configuration or are willing to learn more advanced features over time.

UniFi UNAS Pro 7-Bay NAS

$499 – ARM Cortex-A57 – 8GB – 7x 3.5″ SATA – 1x 10GbE SFP+, 1x 1GbE – UniFi OS – BUY HERE

The UniFi UNAS Pro is a two unit rackmount NAS that focuses on high throughput storage rather than general purpose application hosting. It includes seven hot swappable SATA bays for either 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch drives and is built on a quad core ARM Cortex A57 processor at 1.7GHz with 8GB of DDR4 memory. The platform is intended for straightforward file storage and does not provide container services, multimedia features, or virtualisation. Network connectivity consists of one 10GbE SFP plus port and one 1GbE RJ45 port, which makes the system well suited to central backups, shared project storage, and high volume file transfers inside a UniFi managed network.

Management is handled through the Drive application within UniFi OS, with support for RAID zero, one, five, and six. Power redundancy is enabled through an internal 200 watt AC and DC power supply and optional USP RPS failover. A 1.3 inch front panel touchscreen provides system information and basic diagnostics. Although the feature set is narrower than that of a typical multimedia or container focused NAS, the system integrates cleanly with UniFi infrastructure or can operate on its own as a dedicated storage target.

Since launching the original UNAS models in 2024, UniFi has expanded the range with new desktop units, including the UNAS two bay at 199 dollars and the UNAS four bay at 349 dollars, along with Pro series models in four bay and eight bay configurations at 499 dollars and 799 dollars. The UNAS Pro sits at the entry point of the Pro line and offers a hardware driven approach suited to users who want reliable multi bay storage with 10GbE connectivity and do not require wider software extensibility.

Component	Specification
CPU	Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A57 @ 1.7GHz
Memory	8GB DDR4
Drive Bays	7x 2.5″/3.5″ SATA HDD/SSD
Networking	1x 10GbE SFP+, 1x 1GbE
Power	200W internal PSU + USP-RPS redundancy
OS	UniFi OS / Drive App
Display	1.3″ touchscreen
Form Factor	2U Rackmount
Dimensions	442 x 325 x 87 mm
Weight	9.5 kg with brackets

---

UGREEN NASync DXP4800 NAS

$499– Intel N100 – 8GB – 4x 3.5″ SATA + 2x M.2 NVMe – 2x 2.5GbE – UGOS Pro – BUY HERE

The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 is a four bay desktop NAS that combines hybrid storage options with a growing set of software features. It uses an Intel N100 quad core processor from the twelfth generation Alder Lake N series and includes 8GB of DDR5 memory along with 32GB of onboard eMMC for the operating system. The system provides four SATA bays for hard drives or SSDs and two M.2 NVMe slots that can be used for caching or for creating faster all flash volumes. Network connectivity consists of two 2.5GbE ports with support for link aggregation to improve throughput or provide failover. Front and rear USB 3.2 ports, a USB C connector, and an SD 3.0 card reader add convenience for users who work with external media.

UGOS Pro serves as the software platform and offers RAID zero, one, five, six, and ten, along with Docker, Plex support, cloud sync tools, snapshots, and standard file sharing services. Although UGOS Pro is not as established as DSM or TrueNAS, it has gained stability and functionality over repeated updates and provides a straightforward browser based interface for managing storage and services. For users who want hybrid storage flexibility and a graphical setup process, the DXP4800 fits comfortably in the under 499 dollar category, particularly during sales.

UGREEN also sells a more cost effective alternative called the DH4300 Plus. That model uses an ARM processor with fixed memory and provides only a single 2.5GbE connection. It is suitable for simpler workloads, but users who want stronger performance and broader feature support will likely prefer the DXP4800.

Component	Specification
CPU	Intel N100 (4 cores, up to 3.4GHz)
Memory	8GB DDR5 (upgradable to 16GB)
Drive Bays	4x SATA (3.5″/2.5″) + 2x M.2 NVMe
Networking	2x 2.5GbE LAN
Ports	1x USB-C (10Gbps), 2x USB-A, SD Card Reader
Video Output	1x HDMI (4K)
OS	UGOS Pro
Power Consumption	35.18W (access), 15.43W (hibernation)
Dimensions	257 x 178 x 178 mm (approx.)

LincStation N2 NAS

$399 – Intel N100 – 16GB – 2x 2.5″ SATA + 4x M.2 NVMe – 1x 10GbE – Unraid OS – BUY HERE

The LincStation N2 is a compact solid state NAS that offers higher performance than most systems in this price tier. It uses an Intel N100 processor with 16GB of LPDDR5 memory and supports two 2.5 inch SATA SSDs alongside four M.2 2280 NVMe drives. This six bay layout is aimed at users who want higher IOPS, quieter operation, and lower power consumption than a hard drive based configuration. Network connectivity is provided through a single 10GbE RJ45 port, which is uncommon at this price level and useful for workstation links or scenarios involving multiple simultaneous clients.

The unit includes an Unraid Starter license, giving users access to Docker containers, virtual machines, hardware passthrough, and flexible storage management. Unraid requires some familiarity to use effectively, but it offers greater adaptability than fixed vendor operating systems. The N2 also includes HDMI output, USB C, USB 3.2, and several USB 2.0 ports, which allows it to function as a lightweight home server or media oriented workstation in addition to its NAS role. For users who place priority on SSD storage, 10GbE connectivity, and virtualisation features, the LincStation N2 provides a level of capability that is not common in the sub 499 dollar category.

TerraMaster F4 SSD NAS

$399 – Intel N95 – 8GB – 4x M.2 NVMe – 1x 5GbE – TOS (TerraMaster OS) – BUY HERE

The TerraMaster F4 SSD is a four bay solid state NAS designed for users who want faster access speeds and quieter operation than traditional hard drive systems. It uses an Intel N95 processor from the Alder Lake N family together with 8GB of DDR5 memory in a single SODIMM slot. Storage is provided through four M.2 NVMe positions, with two operating at PCIe 3.0 x2 and two at PCIe 3.0 x1. The system is intended for SSDs only and does not support SATA based drives. Network connectivity is handled through one 5GbE port, which allows higher single link performance than dual 2.5GbE designs and can attach to 10GbE networks at reduced speed.

The device runs the TOS platform, which offers multimedia tools, photo management with local AI tagging, cloud sync, user account controls, and a range of backup options. The system supports Btrfs, TRAID for flexible capacity planning, remote access, and mobile applications for file sync and photo uploads. HDMI output, two USB A ports, one USB C port, and quiet fan operation make the F4 SSD suited to home environments that need a compact all flash NAS with minimal configuration.

Synology DiskStation DS425+ NAS

$499 – Intel Celeron J4125 – 2GB – 4x 3.5″ SATA + 2x M.2 NVMe – 1x 2.5GbE, 1x 1GbE – DSM 7.x – BUY HERE

The Synology DS425 Plus is a four bay NAS positioned as an accessible way to enter the DSM ecosystem while still offering capable hardware for home and small office use. It is built on the Intel Celeron J4125, a quad core processor with a 2.0GHz base frequency and up to 2.7GHz under load. The system includes 2GB of DDR4 memory that can be expanded to 6GB and supports both 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch SATA drives. Two M.2 NVMe slots are available for cache use or for creating faster solid state storage volumes. Network connectivity consists of one 2.5GbE port and one 1GbE port, which gives users some flexibility depending on the switches in their setup.

DSM remains one of the more complete NAS operating systems, with integrated tools for file management, media serving, backup and sync, surveillance, and virtualisation. Synology Hybrid RAID is supported for flexible capacity planning, and the use of Btrfs provides access to snapshots and integrity checks. A notable change in late 2025 is Synology’s updated stance on drive compatibility. The Plus series no longer restricts or warns against the use of third party hard drives or SSDs, meaning users can now deploy Seagate, WD, and other manufacturers without any prompts or reduced functionality. This removes a previous concern for buyers who wanted to reuse existing disks or avoid Synology branded media. For users who want long term software support, a stable operating system, and a straightforward four bay design within the 499 dollar range, the DS425 Plus remains a practical option, now with fewer limitations on drive choice.

UnifyDrive UT2 Mobile NAS Drive

$399 –RK3588 8GB, LPDDR4X 1, 2.5GbE, 6TOPS NPU, 4K HDMI 2.1, WiFi 6 + AP Mode, DAS Mode, 2 Hour Mobile Battery – BUY HERE ( Get a further 5% OFF with this code: NASCOMPARES )

The UnifyDrive UT2 Portable NAS is now a fully released product rather than a crowdfunding prototype, and its design reflects a complete, ready to ship package. The system is compact, roughly the size of a thick smartphone, and weighs around 350g with its protective rubber sleeve. It includes a 32GB eMMC module for the operating system, two M.2 NVMe SSD slots for storage, active cooling, WiFi 6, Bluetooth, a 2.5GbE port, HDMI output, and an internal battery that provides around 30 to 60 minutes of runtime and basic UPS functionality. The retail kit includes multiple USB cables, a power adapter, a remote control for HDMI use, SD and CFe card backup support, and printed quick start materials. Although the fan is audible under load, overall noise levels remain low for a compact ARM based system, and the design allows users to run the NAS handheld, placed on a desk, or carried in a bag without difficulty.

Connectivity is one of the UT2’s strongest aspects. Alongside its dual 5Gb USB ports, users can switch the device between network attached storage mode and direct attached storage mode. The two SD card slots support automated or one touch backups, and the 2.5GbE port gives the unit higher wired throughput than many portable or entry level NAS devices. HDMI output supports up to 4K60 and 8K playback, and media can be controlled either through the mobile application or the included remote. Internally, the UT2 uses a Rockchip RK3588C CPU with ARM Mali G610 graphics and 8GB of LPDDR4X memory. The two NVMe slots appear to operate at PCIe Gen 3 x1 speeds, which is adequate for saturating the wired and wireless interfaces. The memory is soldered and non upgradable, so users who intend to run more demanding workloads will need to account for that limit. Wireless access works through both client mode and the device’s own WiFi access point, enabling file sharing or backup without a pre existing network.

Software management centres on the UnifyDrive mobile application, which has expanded since the product first appeared and now includes RAID pool creation, the selective UDR RAID mode, SMB and FTP services, DLNA media streaming, direct HDMI output control, cloud sync, real time sharing, and device monitoring. Setup can be completed over LAN, WiFi, or Bluetooth, and firmware is updated over the air. The app provides tools for backups, encrypted folders, AI driven photo recognition, scheduled power controls, and general file management. Some advanced features such as additional downloader tools and container support remain under development, but the current software offers more control than most mobile focused NAS interfaces. Remote access is available through an integrated relay service, though support for third party VPN solutions is not yet included. With its combination of portability, NVMe storage, multi mode connectivity, and a growing software stack, the UT2 occupies a niche for users who want a personal cloud device that can be carried between locations while still supporting standard NAS workflows at its 399 to 599 dollar price point.

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The sub 499 dollar NAS segment in late 2025 offers a wide range of systems aimed at different performance levels and storage priorities. Buyers can choose between high capacity RAID focused platforms, SSD oriented designs, or systems built around established software ecosystems. The UniFi UNAS Pro remains a hardware driven storage appliance with 10GbE connectivity and seven bays, making it suitable for backup or archival workloads that require consistent throughput. The UGREEN DXP4800 and the LincStation N2 provide hybrid and all flash configurations, and both include support for containers, virtualisation, and the option to run alternative operating systems if required. Users who prefer a mature software stack with long term updates may gravitate toward the Synology DS425 Plus, which now supports third party drives without warnings or restrictions following Synology’s policy change in October 2025. The TerraMaster F4 SSD serves those who want a compact solid state platform with 5GbE networking and access to the expanding feature set of TOS, including local AI photo tools and multimedia functions. All of these NAS units require user supplied storage and may involve some degree of configuration depending on the software environment. The most suitable choice depends on whether you prioritise performance, software refinement, expansion options, or direct control over how the system is deployed within this price conscious category.

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The Best RAID 5 Ready 4/5/6-Bay NAS Servers of 2025

Multi bay NAS units in the 4,5 and 6 bay bracket have become the default choice for users who want a single chassis that can handle RAID 5 or larger arrays, mix HDD and NVMe storage and still fit under a desk or on a shelf. This roundup looks at systems released in 2025 that sit in that space, from compact ARM based 4 bay boxes up to more expandable x86 platforms with additional M.2 slots and higher network bandwidth. The focus is on how each unit balances raw storage capacity across SATA and NVMe, the type of RAID and pool layouts it can realistically support, and the power, noise and feature overhead that comes with those choices, so readers can match a chassis to their plans for backup, media, virtualisation or general home lab use without stepping up to larger, more complex rack or 8 bay solutions.

#1 Minisforum N5 NAS – $599 to $749 HERE

SPECS: AMD Ryzen 7 255 8 core 16 thread up to 4.9 GHz – up to 96 GB DDR5 via 2 SODIMM slots – 5 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays – 1 x 10 GbE RJ45 / 1 x 5 GbE RJ45 – 3 x M.2 NVMe or U.2 SSD slots (PCIe 4.0, mixed x1 and x2 lanes) plus 128 GB OS storage.

With 5 SATA bays rated for up to 22 TB per disk and 3 PCIe 4.0 NVMe or U.2 positions, the N5 can be configured as a hybrid array where high capacity RAID 5 or RAID 6 sits on HDDs while SSDs are used for fast pools or tiered storage. MinisCloud OS exposes ZFS style RAID options including RAID 0, 1, 5 and 6, snapshots and compression, so the storage layout can be tuned for sequential workloads, mixed containers or heavier virtualisation without replacing the base system. The Ryzen 7 255 and Radeon 780M iGPU give it enough compute and PCIe bandwidth for multi gig throughput over the combined 10 GbE and 5 GbE interfaces, but they also raise power use and thermal output compared with simpler ARM or low end x86 models. In a 4 or 5 bay context it therefore suits users who expect to keep expanding with higher density drives and multiple NVMe pools over several years, rather than those who just need a small RAID 5 and basic apps.

What we said in our July ’25 Review HERE:

The Minisforum N5 Pro is an impressive and highly versatile NAS platform that successfully combines the core strengths of a storage appliance with the capabilities of a compact, workstation-class server, making it suitable for demanding and varied use cases. Its defining features include a 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 24 threads and onboard AI acceleration up to 50 TOPS, support for up to 96GB of ECC-capable DDR5 memory for data integrity, and a hybrid storage architecture offering up to 144TB total capacity through a mix of five SATA bays and three NVMe/U.2 slots. Additional highlights such as ZFS file system support with snapshots, inline compression, and self-healing, along with high-speed networking via dual 10GbE and 5GbE ports, and expansion through PCIe Gen 4 ×16 and OCuLink interfaces, position it well beyond the capabilities of typical consumer NAS systems. The compact, fully metal chassis is easy to service and efficiently cooled, enabling continuous operation even under sustained virtual machine, AI, or media workloads.

At the same time, the bundled MinisCloud OS, while feature-rich with AI photo indexing, Docker support, and mobile integration, remains a work in progress, lacking some enterprise-grade polish, robust localization, and more advanced tools expected in mature NAS ecosystems. Minor drawbacks such as the external PSU, the thermally challenged pre-installed OS SSD, and the higher cost of the Pro variant relative to the standard N5 are important to weigh, particularly for users who may not fully utilize the Pro’s ECC and AI-specific advantages. For advanced users, homelab builders, and technical teams who require high compute density, flexible storage, and full control over their software stack, the N5 Pro delivers workstation-level performance and configurability in NAS form—offering one of the most forward-thinking and adaptable solutions available today in this segment.

The is now available to buy: Minisforum N5 Pro (Check Amazon) – HERE Minisforum N5 Pro (Check AliExpress) – HERE Shop for NAS Hard Drives on Amazon – HERE Shop for SSDs for your N5 Pro on Amazon – HERE

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 9/10

PRICE - 7/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.6

PROS

High-performance AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 12 cores, 24 threads, and AI acceleration (50 TOPS NPU) is INCREDIBLE for a compact desktop purchase
Support for up to 96GB DDR5 memory with ECC, ensuring data integrity and stability in critical environments
ZFS-ready storage with numerous ZFS and TRADITIONAL RAID configurations, snapshots, and inline compression
Hybrid storage support: five 3.5\\\"/2.5\\\" SATA bays plus three NVMe/U.2 SSD slots, with up to 144TB total capacity
Versatile expansion options including PCIe Gen 4 ×16 slot (×4 electrical) and OCuLink port for GPUs or NVMe cages
Dual high-speed networking: 10GbE and 5GbE RJ45 ports with link aggregation support + (using the inclusive MinisCloud OS) the use of the USB4 ports for direct PC/Mac connection!
Fully metal, compact, and serviceable chassis with thoughtful cooling and accessible internal layout - makes maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting a complete breeze!
Compatibility with third-party OSes (TrueNAS, Unraid, Linux) without voiding warranty, offering flexibility for advanced users

CONS

MinisCloud OS is functional but immature, with unfinished localisation and limited advanced enterprise features - lacks MFA, iSCSI, Security Scanner and More. Nails several key fundamentals, but still feels unfinished at this time.
Despite External PSU design (will already annoy some users), it generates a lot of additional heat and may not appeal to all users overall
Preinstalled 64GB OS SSD runs hot under sustained use and lacks dedicated cooling. Plus, losing one of the 3 m.2 slots to it will not please everyone (most brands manage to find a way to apply an eMMC into the board more directly, or use a USB bootloader option as a gateway for their OS
Premium $1000+ pricing may be hard to justify for users who don’t need ECC memory or AI capabilities compared to the standard N5 at $500+

#2 UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus – $369 to $409

SPECS: Rockchip RK3588 8 core ARM up to 2.0 GHz – 8 GB LPDDR4X – 4 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays – 1 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 – no internal M.2 SSD slots.

The DH4300 Plus concentrates all of its storage on 4 SATA bays with support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10, up to a stated 120 TB raw using 30 TB disks, which makes it a straightforward choice for traditional RAID 5 capacity rather than mixed media architectures. The absence of M.2 slots means there is no internal SSD cache tier, although SSDs can still be used in the main bays if lower latency is required, at the cost of capacity per bay. In return, the RK3588 SoC and LPDDR4X memory keep power consumption relatively low, with quoted figures under 25 W under load, and the 2.5 GbE interface is enough to saturate what 4 mechanical drives in RAID 5 or RAID 6 can usually deliver. UGreen’s UGOS Pro platform adds a container system, snapshot capable file services and consumer facing features such as AI photo indexing, so for a 4 bay RAID 5 appliance the trade off is clear: a fixed, HDD focused storage layout with no internal NVMe, in exchange for low complexity, modest power draw and a simple upgrade path based mainly on higher capacity disks.

What we said in our July 2025 Review:

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus carves out a unique niche in the budget NAS landscape by delivering hardware typically reserved for higher-tier systems at a much lower price point. Its RK3588 processor, 8GB of RAM, and support for 2.5GbE networking place it well ahead of most similarly priced competitors in terms of raw specifications. Additionally, features such as HDMI output, 10Gbps USB ports, and local AI-powered photo indexing are rare to find in entry-level NAS systems. Despite its plastic-heavy internal design and lack of expansion options like PCIe or M.2, the device delivers stable performance for file sharing, media access, and low-intensity AI workloads. It is not suited for power users demanding virtual machines or advanced snapshot automation, but within its class, the DH4300 Plus presents an appealing balance between cost and capability.

That said, the software experience is still a work in progress. UGOS Pro covers the essentials and offers a visually accessible UI, but lacks the advanced features and ecosystem integration found in more mature platforms like Synology DSM or QNAP QTS. Docker and snapshot support add welcome flexibility, but the absence of native Jellyfin, iSCSI, and VM functionality limits its use in more complex environments. Still, for home users, media collectors, or small office setups looking for reliable backup, modest AI-enhanced photo sorting, and smooth 4K playback, the DH4300 Plus delivers value well beyond its price tag. While it won’t replace high-end NAS appliances, it serves as a capable, efficient, and quietly innovative option in a saturated entry-level NAS market.

Buy the UGREEN DH4300 on Amazon @409	Buy the UGREEN DH4300 on UGREEN.COM	Buy the UGREEN DH4300 on B&H
	STORE

SOFTWARE - 6/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 6/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 10/10

7.6

PROS

Powerful ARM CPU: Equipped with the RK3588 SoC, offering 8 cores, integrated GPU, and NPU for AI workloads.
Generous (but fixed!) Memory: 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, rare in budget NAS systems, supports multitasking and Docker use.
2.5GbE Network Port: Provides faster-than-Gigabit throughput for backups, media streaming, and multi-user access.
HDMI 2.1 Output: Rare on ARM powered turnkey NAS, and enables direct media playback or NAS control at up to 4K 60Hz, uncommon in value-tier NAS units.
USB 10Gbps Ports: Dual USB-A 10Gbps and one USB-C 5Gbps allow for high-speed backups or external storage expansion.
AI Photo Management: Built-in NPU supports facial recognition and scene detection for local, private media organization.
Low Power Consumption: Efficient under load (~30W) and idle (~5W without drives), suitable for 24/7 operation.

CONS

No PCIe or M.2 Expansion: Lacks future scalability for NVMe caching, 10GbE, or other upgrades.
Single LAN Port: Only one 2.5GbE port, with no failover or link aggregation support.
Limited Software Ecosystem: UGOS Pro lacks iSCSI, VM support, and native Jellyfin, trailing behind DSM/QTS in maturity.

#3 Beelink ME Mini N150 – $259 to $299

SPECS: Intel N150 quad core up to 3.6 GHz – 12 GB LPDDR5 (16 GB variants available) – 6 x M.2 SSD slots (1 preinstalled 2 TB PCIe 3.0 x2, 5 user accessible PCIe 3.0 x1) plus 64 GB eMMC – dual 2.5 GbE RJ45.

The ME Mini replaces conventional 3.5″ or 2.5″ bays with 6 M.2 sockets, one wired as a PCIe 3.0 x2 system drive and 5 as PCIe 3.0 x1, giving up to 24 TB of all flash capacity in a 99 mm cube chassis when populated with current 4 TB modules. Because there is no SATA backplane, any RAID is provided by the chosen OS or software layer, whether that is a Linux distribution, ZFS based platform or a dedicated NAS operating system installed in place of the default Windows image. From a power and thermal standpoint, the combination of an 8 to 10 W class Intel N150 and low voltage NVMe SSDs keeps system draw relatively low compared with multi bay HDD units, while still allowing the dual 2.5 GbE ports to be used effectively for small sequential workloads and many concurrent small reads. In practical terms this makes the ME Mini a compact all flash alternative to 4 or 5 bay HDD chassis for users willing to handle their own OS choice, trading spinning disk capacity and native RAID controls for high IOPS, small physical footprint and lower acoustic impact.

What we said in our June ’25 Review HERE:

The Beelink ME Mini NAS delivers an uncommon blend of size, functionality, and efficiency in a market segment often dominated by larger, louder, and less integrated alternatives. It is not designed to compete with traditional enterprise-grade NAS devices or modular, scalable solutions for prosumers. Instead, its strengths lie in targeting the needs of home users who want a quiet, energy-efficient storage solution that is easy to deploy, aesthetically unobtrusive, and capable of handling daily tasks such as media streaming, file backup, or soft routing. The inclusion of six M.2 NVMe SSD slots—paired with a Gen 3 x2 system slot—offers a rare level of expansion in such a small enclosure. The integration of an internal PSU, silent fan-assisted cooling, and a surprisingly effective thermal design are thoughtful touches that differentiate it from the majority of DIY NAS mini PCs.

That said, it is not without limitations. The memory is non-upgradable, thermal accumulation at the base suggests room for improvement, and bandwidth ceilings imposed by Gen 3 x1 lanes will constrain users who demand high parallel throughput. Still, for its price point—particularly when pre-order discounts are applied—the ME Mini offers significant value, especially when compared to ARM-based NAS solutions with similar or lower specifications. With bundled Crucial SSD options and support for a wide range of NAS operating systems, it positions itself as a ready-to-go platform for tech-savvy users wanting to avoid the assembly of a fully DIY system. Overall, while not a product for every use case, the Beelink ME Mini succeeds in its aim to be a compact, stylish, and capable home NAS.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 10/10

8.8

PROS

Compact cube design (99x99x99mm) ideal for discreet home deployment
Supports up to 6x M.2 NVMe SSDs with total capacity up to 24TB
Integrated PSU eliminates bulky external power adapters
Dual 2.5GbE LAN ports with link aggregation support
Wi-Fi 6 and UnRAID7 Support means not limited to 2x2.5G
Low power consumption (as low as 6.9W idle, ~30W peak with full load)
Silent fan and effective internal thermal management via large heatsink
Includes Crucial-branded SSDs in pre-configured options for reliability

CONS

Five of the six SSD slots are limited to PCIe Gen 3 x1 bandwidth
Memory is soldered and non-upgradable
Not 10GbE Upgradable (maybe m.2 adapter - messy)
Bottom panel retains heat due to lack of active ventilation

#4 TerraMaster F4-425 Plus – $549 to $599

SPECS: Intel N150 quad core up to 3.6 GHz – 16 GB DDR5 (1 slot, up to 32 GB) – 4 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays – 2 x 5 GbE RJ45 – 3 x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.

The F4-425 Plus is built as a hybrid 4 bay chassis with 3 additional M.2 NVMe slots, allowing a mixed layout where HDDs hold bulk data in conventional RAID while SSDs are used for cache or as separate RAID 5 or RAID 1 pools. TerraMaster quotes support for up to 120 TB on the 4 SATA bays plus up to 24 TB across the 3 M.2 sockets, and TOS 6 can treat the SSDs as either acceleration for HDD arrays or discrete volumes for latency sensitive workloads. The dual 5 GbE ports give a potential aggregated 10 Gb link that better aligns with SSD capable throughput than 1 GbE or single 2.5 GbE designs, while the N150 CPU and 16 GB DDR5 memory are sized for small office backup, virtualisation light use and multi user file serving rather than heavy compute tasks. From a RAID planning perspective the device suits scenarios where a 4 disk RAID 5 or RAID 6 on large SATA drives is combined with SSD based scratch or application volumes, without moving to a physically larger 6 or 8 bay enclosure.

What we said in our October 2025 Review:

The TerraMaster F4-425 Plus demonstrates how far the company’s mid-range NAS lineup has progressed in terms of hardware refinement and real-world usability. By combining Intel’s efficient N150 processor with 16GB of DDR5 memory, dual 5GbE connectivity, and triple M.2 NVMe slots, it provides a specification normally reserved for higher-priced units. The build quality, centered around a full-metal chassis and quiet cooling design, contributes to consistent thermals and low power usage even under multi-day workloads. While the design omits premium touches like drive locks or redundant fans, the emphasis on practicality and efficient cooling makes it a dependable solution for continuous operation. From a user experience perspective, the integration of TOS 6 represents TerraMaster’s most stable and capable operating system to date, offering improved security features, cloud synchronization tools, snapshot management, and flexible storage configurations that appeal to both home and small office users.

From a value standpoint, the F4-425 Plus stands out as one of the most competitively priced NAS units in its category. At $569.99, or $484.99 during the initial discount period, it delivers strong network and storage performance that aligns closely with rivals from Synology and QNAP while retaining open installation flexibility for third-party platforms such as Unraid or TrueNAS. Its combination of high-speed connectivity, compact design, and mature software environment makes it an appealing option for anyone seeking a 4-bay system capable of multitasking across media streaming, data backup, and light virtualization. Although it cannot fully match the polish of Synology DSM or the plugin ecosystem of QNAP QTS, TerraMaster has successfully positioned this device as a bridge between affordability and professional performance, solidifying its place as one of the more balanced NAS releases of 2025.

Amazon in Your Region for the Terramaster F4-425 plus NAS @ $569 ($489.99 till 19th Nov)	Terramaster F4-425 PLUS – $569	B&H for the Terramaster F4-425 plus NAS @ $569.99

SOFTWARE - 7/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 10/10

8.6

PROS

• Dual 5GbE network ports with full independent bandwidth for high-speed transfers + lots of USB-to-5GbE $30 upgrades in the market now
• Three PCIe 3.0 x1 M.2 NVMe slots supporting cache or storage pool configurations
• Intel N150 processor with integrated graphics enabling 4K hardware decoding and AES-NI encryption
• 16GB DDR5 memory (expandable to 32GB) offering improved bandwidth and multitasking performance
• Full-metal chassis with efficient thermals, low noise levels, and minimal vibration
• Comprehensive RAID and storage management through TOS 6 with snapshot and HyperLock-WORM protection
• Supports Docker, virtual machines, Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin natively within TOS 6
• Competitive pricing with strong value relative to Synology and QNAP alternatives

CONS

• Cheaper N150 NAS Systems have arrived earlier in 2025
• 5GbE adoption is low, so only larger 10GbE ready groups (via auto-negotiation) will enjoy the benefits of 5GbE
• TOS 6 interface and app ecosystem remain less polished than top-tier NAS platforms

#5 Synology DiskStation DS1525+ – $799 to $899

SPECS: AMD Ryzen V1500B quad core 2.2 GHz – 8 GB DDR4 ECC (2 slots, up to 32 GB) – 5 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays – 2 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 – 2 x M.2 2280 NVMe slots plus 1 x PCIe 3.0 x2 expansion slot.

The DS1525+ follows Synology’s typical pattern of putting all primary capacity on 5 hot swap SATA bays while reserving 2 internal M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs used as cache or, in some scenarios, as separate pools under DSM. Raw capacity on the main bays is specified around 100 TB, and with 2 supported DX525 expansion units the platform can scale to 15 drives and roughly 300 TB, giving it more growth headroom than most standalone 4 or 5 bay devices. DSM prefers Synology certified NVMe modules for cache, and the typical deployment is therefore a RAID 5 or RAID 6 array on the 5 SATA disks with SSD cache accelerating small random access workloads such as virtual machines, databases or heavy Synology Drive usage. The Ryzen V1500B and ECC memory are adequate for that role and integrate with DSM features like Btrfs snapshots, Active Backup Suite and Virtual Machine Manager, but they do not drive NVMe storage as a primary all flash tier in the way more other NAS brands do (i.e you can only use them for caching, or limited ‘synology only SSD’ use for pools to comparatively lower performance than most). The result is a system where the storage design is conservative but predictable, emphasising SATA RAID resilience and cache-assisted responsiveness rather than radical hybrid layouts, backed by a mature software stack.

What we said in our July 2025 Review:

The Synology DS1525+ is a capable and well built NAS that continues the company’s focus on dependable performance, solid build quality and very tight integration with DSM, which is the main justification for choosing this platform over more open hardware from other vendors. Its compact 5 bay design, quiet operation and scalable storage make it suitable for small offices, creative studios and prosumers who want a single system to handle file serving, backup and light virtualisation. The inclusion of a server grade Ryzen V1500B CPU and ECC memory support provides predictable performance for DSM services such as Synology Drive, Synology Office, Virtual Machine Manager and Surveillance Station, while the dual M.2 slots and PCIe expansion give enough headroom for cache and 10 GbE upgrades. DSM itself remains the central strength: Btrfs based volumes with snapshots, Active Backup Suite for Windows, Linux and SaaS workloads, integrated directory and access control, and relatively polished mobile and web clients mean that much of the day to day administration, recovery and user management can be handled inside a single, consistent interface rather than across multiple third party tools.

More importantly for many buyers, Synology’s 2025 Plus series, including the DS1525+, now fully supports third party hard drives without on screen warnings or functional restrictions, which removes a major concern from earlier policies and restores flexibility for users reusing existing disks or mixing capacities and brands under DSM’s storage manager. By contrast, M.2 SSD support remains locked to Synology’s own validated modules, so NVMe upgrades for DSM cache or SSD pools still carry a vendor premium and limit hardware choice. The switch from four 1 GbE ports to two 2.5 GbE ports trades some port level redundancy for higher per port bandwidth and may require compatible switches to realise the benefit, but DSM can aggregate links, shape traffic and expose detailed monitoring from within its own interface.

In practice the DS1525+ suits users who prioritise DSM’s software maturity, integrated backup and collaboration stack and the relative simplicity of a managed ecosystem over maximum hardware openness; for those who want unrestricted NVMe choices or the highest raw performance per dollar, more generic x86 systems with looser SSD validation may be a better fit.

SOFTWARE - 10/10

HARDWARE - 6/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 7/10

VALUE - 6/10

7.2

PROS

Compact and quiet 5-bay design with support for 15 drives total
Dual 2.5GbE ports with aggregation and optional 10GbE upgrade
ECC memory support with upgradable capacity up to 32 GB
Hot-swappable drive bays and tool-free tray design
Integrated M.2 NVMe slots for caching or storage pools are easy to access, tooless and uncomplicated to deploy
Excellent DSM software suite with extensive features
Stable performance under multi-user and virtualized workloads
Efficient cooling with low noise levels in office environments

CONS

Huge limitations on the choice of HDD and SSD Media you can use on this system
USB ports limited to basic storage/UPS functionality
M.2 NVMe performance has limited scope in current configuration and support

Taken together, the Minisforum N5, UGREEN DH4300 Plus, Beelink ME Mini, TerraMaster F4-425 Plus and Synology DS1525+ outline the main paths available in the 4,5 and 6 bay segment in 2025: high core count x86 with mixed SATA and NVMe for heavier workloads, low power ARM with straightforward 4 bay RAID for cost sensitive deployments, compact all flash designs where capacity scales through M.2 rather than 3.5 inch bays, hybrid chassis that combine 4 bay RAID with several SSD slots, and software led platforms where DSM’s feature set is the primary reason to buy. None of them is universally better than the others; the practical choice depends on whether the priority is raw HDD capacity in RAID 5 or RAID 6, a larger number of NVMe slots, lower power use, or tighter integration of backup, collaboration and virtualisation tools. For buyers who understand how they intend to balance SATA and NVMe storage over the next few years, these units set a useful reference point for what can realistically be expected from a modern 4,5 or 6 bay NAS without moving to larger rackmount or 8 bay hardware.

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The Best PLEX, Emby and/or Jellyfin NAS Devices Released in 2025

Network media servers in 2025 range from tiny single drive boxes to fairly serious multi bay systems that can sit at the center of a home network. This article looks specifically at NAS hardware released in 2025 that can sensibly replace or supplement streaming services by running Plex, Jellyfin or Emby. The focus is on devices that arrive as complete appliances, with both hardware and a NAS style operating system included, so you can put a box on the network, install a media server app and start watching without building a PC or learning a full server stack.

To be included here, a NAS has to have gone on general sale in 2025, ship with its own OS rather than as a bareboard, and be able to run Plex Media Server, with Jellyfin and Emby support noted where it exists. In practical terms, that means hardware that can handle 4K and 1080p playback for multiple users and is realistically capable of at least 2 simultaneous 4K transcodes and 5 simultaneous 1080p transcodes, with a single exception where the overall package still makes sense for more limited workloads. RAID options, expansion, power use and noise are all taken into account, but the main filter is whether the device can function reliably as a modern media server on a typical home or small office network.

#1 Synology BeeStation Plus 8TB – $399 to $419

SPECS: Intel Celeron J4125 quad core 2.0 to 2.7 GHz – 4 GB DDR4 – 1 x 3.5″ 8 TB SATA bay (pre installed) – 1 x 1 GbE RJ45 / 1 x USB A 3.2 Gen 1 / 1 x USB C 3.2 Gen 1 – no M.2 SSD support.

BeeStation Plus is aimed at users who want a simple, appliance like Plex box rather than a configurable NAS. It runs Synology’s cut down BeeStation OS, has Plex Media Server support built in, and is set up entirely through a guided app and browser flow, so there is minimal configuration overhead. The hardware is sufficient for basic 4K and 1080p Plex use for a small number of clients, but the single non replaceable drive bay and lack of expansion, RAID options or M.2 slots mean it is best treated as a starter Plex unit for light libraries rather than a long term, scalable media server, and there is no official Jellyfin or Emby integration at this time.

What we said in our March ’25 Review HERE:

The Synology BeeStation marks a significant shift in Synology’s product line, targeting a new segment of users with its simplified yet functional design. This device stands out as an excellent middle ground between ease of use and a comprehensive private cloud system, providing secure and seamless access to stored data. While it is incredibly user-friendly and easy to set up, the lack of LAN access by default and its single-bay, 4TB-only configuration at launch might limit its appeal to more tech-savvy users or those seeking greater flexibility and expandability. The BeeStation’s unique selling point is its simplicity, making it a compelling choice for those new to NAS systems or for users who prioritize ease of use over extensive customization options. However, its simplicity also means that it lacks the extensive app support found in Synology’s DSM platform, potentially disappointing users accustomed to the richer application ecosystem offered by Synology’s more advanced models.

For users concerned about security, the BeeStation still upholds Synology’s reputation for secure data handling, with encrypted data transmission as a standard feature. However, experienced users who prefer a more hands-on approach to their NAS setup might find the BeeStation’s lack of advanced configuration options and its reliance on internet access for setup somewhat restrictive. In terms of market positioning, the BeeStation fills a gap left by other brands like WD and Seagate in offering ‘Easy NAS’ systems. Its competitive pricing, particularly considering the included 4TB of storage, makes it an attractive option for users seeking a private cloud solution without the recurring costs associated with third-party cloud services. Despite these potential drawbacks, the BeeStation is a solid entry-level NAS solution, especially for those seeking a personal cloud with minimal setup and maintenance. It may not be as feature-rich as Synology’s DSM-based NAS devices, but for its intended audience, the BeeStation provides a well-balanced combination of functionality, ease of use, and affordability. Synology’s move to cater to a broader, less technically inclined audience with the BeeStation demonstrates their understanding of market trends and user needs, offering a solution that balances simplicity with the reliability and quality Synology is known for.

In the end, the Synology BeeStation is an ideal choice for users seeking a straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective personal cloud solution. It represents Synology’s commitment to diversifying their product range, catering to the evolving needs of different user segments. While it may not suit everyone, especially those looking for advanced features and customization, it excels in its role as a user-friendly, secure, and affordable entry-level NAS device.

SOFTWARE - 7/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 10/10

VALUE - 10/10

8.4

PROS

User-friendly setup, ideal for beginners or those seeking a simple cloud solution.
Secure data handling with encrypted data transmission.
Comes with 4TB of storage included, offering good value.
Compact and lightweight design, enhancing portability.
Quiet operation, suitable for home or office environments.
Integrates seamlessly with popular cloud services like Google Drive and OneDrive.
Affordable pricing at $199, a cost-effective alternative to third-party cloud services.
Supports remote access, allowing data management from anywhere and across client devices/OS
Synologys reputation for quality and reliability is still clear on this smaller scale.
Several client tools (BeeFiles, BeePhotos and Desktop sync tool) for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android available for tailored access
System configuration backup option to USB/C2 (Often absent in budget cloud solutions)
AI Photo Recognition in BeePhotos for faces, Objects and geo data scraping + Advanced filter/search

CONS

Lacks the extensive app support and customization found in Synology\'s DSM platform.
Only available in a single-bay, 4TB configuration at launch, limiting expandability.
Single 5400RPM HDD running everything leads to slowdown more than you think!
LAN access is disabled by default, which may not suit all users.
Designed for a specific user base, may not meet the needs of more advanced users.

#2 Minisforum N5 NAS – $599 to $749

SPECS: AMD Ryzen 7 255 8 core 16 thread up to 4.9 GHz – up to 96 GB DDR5 via 2 SODIMM slots – 5 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays – 1 x 10 GbE RJ45 / 1 x 5 GbE RJ45 / 2 x USB4 – 3 x M.2 2280 NVMe or U.2 SSD slots (PCIe 4.0).

The Minisforum N5 is a compact 5-bay NAS that targets users who want preconfigured hardware with some workstation derived design features. It uses an x86 CPU in the same general class as the Aoostar WTR Max, paired with an internal storage module of 64 GB for the system volume, and is typically sold in the 599 to 699 USD range, with the separate Pro variant occupying a higher bracket. The chassis integrates a removable drive base section for easier maintenance, and the platform includes multi-gig networking up to 10 GbE and 5 GbE, a PCIe expansion slot and USB4 connectivity for additional bandwidth or external devices. Minisforum ships the N5 with its own NAS operating system to provide an immediate out of box experience, but the software is still relatively young and many buyers elect to overwrite the included module with a more established NAS or server OS. Throughout 2025, availability has been intermittent, reflecting a level of demand from home lab users who want higher specification NAS hardware without building entirely from individual components.

What we said in our July ’25 Review HERE:

The Minisforum N5 Pro is an impressive and highly versatile NAS platform that successfully combines the core strengths of a storage appliance with the capabilities of a compact, workstation-class server, making it suitable for demanding and varied use cases. Its defining features include a 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 24 threads and onboard AI acceleration up to 50 TOPS, support for up to 96GB of ECC-capable DDR5 memory for data integrity, and a hybrid storage architecture offering up to 144TB total capacity through a mix of five SATA bays and three NVMe/U.2 slots. Additional highlights such as ZFS file system support with snapshots, inline compression, and self-healing, along with high-speed networking via dual 10GbE and 5GbE ports, and expansion through PCIe Gen 4 ×16 and OCuLink interfaces, position it well beyond the capabilities of typical consumer NAS systems. The compact, fully metal chassis is easy to service and efficiently cooled, enabling continuous operation even under sustained virtual machine, AI, or media workloads.

At the same time, the bundled MinisCloud OS, while feature-rich with AI photo indexing, Docker support, and mobile integration, remains a work in progress, lacking some enterprise-grade polish, robust localization, and more advanced tools expected in mature NAS ecosystems. Minor drawbacks such as the external PSU, the thermally challenged pre-installed OS SSD, and the higher cost of the Pro variant relative to the standard N5 are important to weigh, particularly for users who may not fully utilize the Pro’s ECC and AI-specific advantages. For advanced users, homelab builders, and technical teams who require high compute density, flexible storage, and full control over their software stack, the N5 Pro delivers workstation-level performance and configurability in NAS form—offering one of the most forward-thinking and adaptable solutions available today in this segment.

The is now available to buy: Minisforum N5 Pro (Check Amazon) – HERE Minisforum N5 Pro (Check AliExpress) – HERE Shop for NAS Hard Drives on Amazon – HERE Shop for SSDs for your N5 Pro on Amazon – HERE

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 9/10

PRICE - 7/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.6

PROS

High-performance AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 12 cores, 24 threads, and AI acceleration (50 TOPS NPU) is INCREDIBLE for a compact desktop purchase
Support for up to 96GB DDR5 memory with ECC, ensuring data integrity and stability in critical environments
ZFS-ready storage with numerous ZFS and TRADITIONAL RAID configurations, snapshots, and inline compression
Hybrid storage support: five 3.5\\\"/2.5\\\" SATA bays plus three NVMe/U.2 SSD slots, with up to 144TB total capacity
Versatile expansion options including PCIe Gen 4 ×16 slot (×4 electrical) and OCuLink port for GPUs or NVMe cages
Dual high-speed networking: 10GbE and 5GbE RJ45 ports with link aggregation support + (using the inclusive MinisCloud OS) the use of the USB4 ports for direct PC/Mac connection!
Fully metal, compact, and serviceable chassis with thoughtful cooling and accessible internal layout - makes maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting a complete breeze!
Compatibility with third-party OSes (TrueNAS, Unraid, Linux) without voiding warranty, offering flexibility for advanced users

CONS

MinisCloud OS is functional but immature, with unfinished localisation and limited advanced enterprise features - lacks MFA, iSCSI, Security Scanner and More. Nails several key fundamentals, but still feels unfinished at this time.
Despite External PSU design (will already annoy some users), it generates a lot of additional heat and may not appeal to all users overall
Preinstalled 64GB OS SSD runs hot under sustained use and lacks dedicated cooling. Plus, losing one of the 3 m.2 slots to it will not please everyone (most brands manage to find a way to apply an eMMC into the board more directly, or use a USB bootloader option as a gateway for their OS
Premium $1000+ pricing may be hard to justify for users who don’t need ECC memory or AI capabilities compared to the standard N5 at $500+

#3 TerraMaster F4 SSD NAS – $320 to $399

SPECS: Intel N95 quad core up to 3.4 GHz – 8 GB DDR5 (expandable to 32 GB) – 4 x M.2 2280 NVMe SSD bays – 1 x 5 GbE RJ45 / 2 x USB A 3.2 Gen 2 / 1 x USB C 3.2 Gen 2 / HDMI 2.0b – 4 x M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 slots (2 x2 / 2 x1).

The F4 SSD is an all flash NAS designed for users who want a compact, relatively low power Plex or Jellyfin server without mechanical drives. Its Intel N95 CPU and integrated graphics are sufficient for multiple 1080p and a modest number of 4K transcodes, and the 5 GbE interface allows the box to make use of higher network throughput than 1 GbE units. TerraMaster’s TOS 6 system offers a one click Plex package and container support for Jellyfin and Emby, but the interface and ecosystem are less refined than those from the largest NAS brands, and performance is ultimately limited by the entry level CPU and PCIe layout when many concurrent streams or heavier background tasks are involved.

What we said in our Aug ’25 Review HERE:

The TerraMaster F4 SSD presents itself as a well-considered entry into the compact, all-flash NAS segment, balancing low noise, energy efficiency, and competitive performance at a sub-$400 price point. With its fanless NVMe-based design, Intel N95 quad-core processor, and DDR5 memory, it meets the essential needs of home and small office users looking for a reliable and responsive storage solution. The inclusion of TerraMaster’s increasingly capable TOS 6 operating system, featuring AI-driven photo management, centralized backup, and Docker/VM support, makes it more than just a network storage device—it becomes a lightweight but versatile data center for the home. Its TRAID support allows for mixed SSD deployments with easy expansion, which is particularly attractive to users upgrading gradually or working within budget constraints. The thoughtful internal layout and cooling also ensure performance remains consistent even under sustained load, without sacrificing the near-silent operation.

However, the F4 SSD is not without caveats. The use of a single 5GbE port, without redundancy or aggregation, may deter users requiring network failover or higher throughput for simultaneous operations. Additionally, although the PCIe lane allocation strategy maximizes the N95’s limited bandwidth, the asymmetry between Gen3 x2 and x1 slots could bottleneck RAID performance depending on how volumes are configured. When compared to the larger F8 SSD or DIY options with dual 10GbE or ECC support, the F4 SSD may feel limiting to power users or business environments with stricter reliability requirements. That said, for the vast majority of home users, content creators, and prosumers looking for an all-in-one, high-speed NAS that blends well into living spaces, the F4 SSD delivers a solid and accessible solution. Its price-to-performance ratio, combined with the simplicity of deployment and maturing software ecosystem, makes it a compelling option in the growing market of SSD NAS devices.

SOFTWARE - 7/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.0

PROS

Compact, toolless chassis with easy-access thumb screw and SSD installation
All-flash NVMe architecture with support for four M.2 2280 SSDs
5GbE network port enables high-speed local and remote transfers
TRAID and TRAID+ allow mixed-capacity SSDs and seamless storage expansion
TOS 6 OS includes Plex, Jellyfin, Docker, VM support, and AI photo indexing
Quiet operation (19 dB) and low power usage (32W under load)
Priced competitively at $399 for a turnkey SSD NAS

CONS

Single 5GbE port with no failover or link aggregation
Two of the four SSD slots are limited to PCIe Gen3 x1, creating potential RAID bottlenecks
Non-ECC DDR5 memory may not meet strict data integrity requirements

#4 ZimaBoard 2 Single Board Server – $239 to $349

SPECS: Intel N150 quad core up to 3.6 GHz – 8 or 16 GB LPDDR5x – 2 x SATA 3.0 6 Gb/s ports for 3.5″/2.5″ drives (external bays or enclosures required) – 2 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 / 2 x USB 3.1 Type A / 1 x Mini DisplayPort 1.4 – M.2 SSD support via PCIe 3.0 x4 add in card only.

ZimaBoard 2 functions as a small, fanless compute module that can be combined with any suitable SATA enclosure or loose drives to create a highly customised Plex or Jellyfin server. It ships with ZimaOS, which exposes a NAS style interface, app catalogue and container options, so the system is usable out of the box without manually installing a general purpose Linux distribution. Dual 2.5 GbE ports and Intel Quick Sync support give it enough capability for several 1080p and selected 4K transcodes, but the absence of internal bays or native M.2 slots means storage design is entirely external, and the device is better suited to users who do not mind assembling their own chassis or reusing existing cases and drive cages.

What we said in our April ’25 Review HERE:

The ZimaBoard 2 is a competent and thoughtfully assembled single-board server that builds meaningfully on IceWhale’s earlier efforts, especially the original ZimaBoard and the ZimaBlade. Its design clearly targets users who want more flexibility and performance than traditional ARM-based boards can offer, but who also value power efficiency, silence, and a small footprint. The use of an Intel N150 CPU, 8GB of LPDDR5x memory, dual 2.5GbE ports, and a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot makes it viable for a variety of home server roles—from basic NAS and smart home coordination to lightweight container hosting and local media streaming. Features like onboard SATA, USB 3.1, and a DisplayPort connection further add to its utility. However, there are hardware limitations that may affect long-term suitability for advanced deployments. The soldered RAM cannot be upgraded, and the internal eMMC storage, while useful for initial setup, is too slow for OS-level responsiveness in more demanding use cases. Passive cooling, while appreciated for silence, also imposes some thermal limitations depending on the deployment environment.

On the software side, ZimaOS offers a decent out-of-the-box experience that caters to users with minimal technical background. It handles core tasks like application deployment, file sharing, and system monitoring without requiring advanced configuration, and its Docker-based App Store simplifies access to popular tools. For more experienced users, the system supports third-party OS installation, which is likely how many will ultimately use the ZimaBoard 2. Still, as a bundled solution, ZimaOS has matured significantly and now presents itself as a lightweight, capable, and non-intrusive platform for those who prefer to get started immediately. In the broader context of DIY server hardware, ZimaBoard 2 occupies a middle ground: more powerful and modular than Raspberry Pi-class systems, yet more constrained than full x86 mini PCs or enthusiast-grade NAS hardware. For those who understand and accept these trade-offs, and are willing to plan around its limitations, the ZimaBoard 2 offers a reliable and flexible foundation for compact, energy-efficient computing at the edge.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 10/10

9.0

PROS

x86 Architecture – Compatible with a wide range of operating systems including ZimaOS, Unraid, TrueNAS SCALE, and Proxmox.
Dual 2.5GbE LAN Ports – Offers strong networking capabilities for multi-service workloads and gateway setups.
PCIe 3.0 x4 Slot – Enables high-speed expansion for 10GbE NICs, NVMe storage, or combo cards.
Fanless, Silent Operation – Completely passively cooled, ideal for home or quiet office environments.
Compact and Durable Build – Small footprint with an all-metal chassis that doubles as a heatsink.
ZimaOS Included – User-friendly OS with a Docker-based App Store and basic VM tools, ready out of the box.
Flexible Storage Options – Dual SATA ports plus USB 3.1 support for connecting SSDs, HDDs, or external drives.
Low Power Consumption – Efficient 6W CPU with ~10W idle and ~40W max under heavy load scenarios.

CONS

Non-Upgradable RAM – 8GB of soldered LPDDR5x limits long-term scalability for memory-intensive tasks.
Slow/Small Default Internal Storage – 32GB eMMC is convenient but underperforms for OS-level responsiveness or high I/O workloads.
Thermal Headroom is Limited – Passive cooling alone may not be sufficient in closed environments or under sustained load without added airflow.
Not Launching on Traditional Retail, but instead on Crowdfunding.

#5 UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus – $365 to $390

SPECS: Rockchip RK3588 8 core ARM (4 x Cortex A76 + 4 x Cortex A55) up to around 2.4 GHz – 8 GB DDR5 – 4 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays – 1 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 / HDMI 2.0b / 1 x front USB C 3.2 Gen 1 / 2 x USB A 3.2 Gen 1 – no internal M.2 SSD slots.

The NASync DH4300 Plus is a 4 bay ARM based NAS that targets users who want RAID 5 capable storage for Plex or Jellyfin along with general backup duties at a moderate price. UGREEN’s UGOS Pro operating system includes its own media apps, an app store and containerisation features, and community testing has confirmed that Plex can achieve multiple 1080p and several 4K streams, benefiting from the RK3588’s hardware video engines. There is only a single 2.5 GbE port and no M.2 cache or expansion options, so scaling is limited to the 4 SATA bays and external USB storage, but for users who prioritise RAID 5 resilience, low to mid range transcoding capacity and comparatively low power use, it fits the role of a budget multi user media and file server.

What we said in our August ’25 Review Here:

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus carves out a unique niche in the budget NAS landscape by delivering hardware typically reserved for higher-tier systems at a much lower price point. Its RK3588 processor, 8GB of RAM, and support for 2.5GbE networking place it well ahead of most similarly priced competitors in terms of raw specifications. Additionally, features such as HDMI output, 10Gbps USB ports, and local AI-powered photo indexing are rare to find in entry-level NAS systems. Despite its plastic-heavy internal design and lack of expansion options like PCIe or M.2, the device delivers stable performance for file sharing, media access, and low-intensity AI workloads. It is not suited for power users demanding virtual machines or advanced snapshot automation, but within its class, the DH4300 Plus presents an appealing balance between cost and capability.

That said, the software experience is still a work in progress. UGOS Pro covers the essentials and offers a visually accessible UI, but lacks the advanced features and ecosystem integration found in more mature platforms like Synology DSM or QNAP QTS. Docker and snapshot support add welcome flexibility, but the absence of native Jellyfin, iSCSI, and VM functionality limits its use in more complex environments. Still, for home users, media collectors, or small office setups looking for reliable backup, modest AI-enhanced photo sorting, and smooth 4K playback, the DH4300 Plus delivers value well beyond its price tag. While it won’t replace high-end NAS appliances, it serves as a capable, efficient, and quietly innovative option in a saturated entry-level NAS market.

SOFTWARE - 6/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 6/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 10/10

7.6

PROS

Powerful ARM CPU: Equipped with the RK3588 SoC, offering 8 cores, integrated GPU, and NPU for AI workloads.
Generous (but fixed!) Memory: 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, rare in budget NAS systems, supports multitasking and Docker use.
2.5GbE Network Port: Provides faster-than-Gigabit throughput for backups, media streaming, and multi-user access.
HDMI 2.1 Output: Rare on ARM powered turnkey NAS, and enables direct media playback or NAS control at up to 4K 60Hz, uncommon in value-tier NAS units.
USB 10Gbps Ports: Dual USB-A 10Gbps and one USB-C 5Gbps allow for high-speed backups or external storage expansion.
AI Photo Management: Built-in NPU supports facial recognition and scene detection for local, private media organization.
Low Power Consumption: Efficient under load (~30W) and idle (~5W without drives), suitable for 24/7 operation.

CONS

No PCIe or M.2 Expansion: Lacks future scalability for NVMe caching, 10GbE, or other upgrades.
Single LAN Port: Only one 2.5GbE port, with no failover or link aggregation support.
Limited Software Ecosystem: UGOS Pro lacks iSCSI, VM support, and native Jellyfin, trailing behind DSM/QTS in maturity.

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Best Cheap NAS of the Year

Cheap NAS hardware in 2025 sits in an awkward middle ground between full DIY servers and polished, premium turnkey appliances, but it is also where many first time buyers start when they want to get away from cloud storage and subscriptions without spending a large amount of money. This article focuses on systems that have been available for under $249, arrive pre built with CPU and memory, and come either with their own NAS style operating system or with enough onboard storage to install one easily. The aim is to show what you realistically get at this price in terms of bays, network speed, scale and software, and where each device draws the line on features, expansion and flexibility so you can decide whether a low cost 2 bay box, an all M.2 cube or a bare board server is the better fit for your first step into local storage.

#1 UGREEN NASync DH2300 – $178 to $209

SPECS: Rockchip RK3576 8 core ARM up to 2.2 GHz – 4 GB LPDDR4X – 2 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays (up to 60 TB total) – 1 x 1 GbE RJ45 – no internal M.2 SSD slots, 32 GB eMMC OS storage.

The UGREEN NASync DH2300 is aimed at users who want the cheapest possible entry to a proper NAS without losing basic RAID and a guided setup experience. Two SATA bays and support for up to 60 TB in RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD or Basic give enough room for a modest media library, photo archive and PC backups, while UGOS Pro adds mobile apps, 4K HDMI playback, simple remote access and basic snapshot and multi user features in a consumer friendly interface. Power draw is low, thanks to the 8 core ARM SoC and 1 GbE networking, which also keeps noise and heat down compared with larger multi bay units. The key limitation at this price is that you are locked to 2 drive bays, a single 1 GbE port and no internal SSD caching or containers on this model, so long term scale and heavy app use are constrained. Overall it suits buyers who want a cheap, mostly turnkey alternative to cloud storage and USB drives, rather than a platform for heavier virtualization or high speed workloads.

What we said in our October 2025 Review HERE:

The UGREEN DH2300 represents a carefully positioned step in the company’s ongoing effort to make private storage approachable for non-technical users. Its hardware configuration, led by the Rockchip RK3576 processor and 4GB of fixed memory, provides solid baseline performance for a two-bay ARM-powered NAS at this price point. Although its single 1GbE network port may limit throughput for larger file transfers, the system compensates with a highly efficient power profile, quiet operation, and full support for common RAID configurations. The inclusion of a dedicated 32GB eMMC system drive, HDMI 4K60 output, and an NPU capable of AI-based photo indexing places it above most similarly priced entry-level alternatives from QNAP and Synology. However, certain aspects of UGREEN’s marketing—particularly the way the dual quad-core CPU clusters are presented as a single 8-core design—could be clearer. Likewise, the absence of upgradeable memory or faster networking options limits its long-term scalability for users seeking to expand their NAS environment beyond basic media and backup tasks.

From a broader standpoint, the DH2300’s strongest appeal lies in its simplicity and low operational overhead. UGOS Pro, though still developing in maturity, has evolved into a competent, user-friendly platform offering the key features needed for home data management, multimedia access, and scheduled backups. The OS’s stability, combined with efficient hardware and lightweight design, makes this NAS a practical alternative to annual cloud subscriptions for users who simply want local control over their data. It is not a system aimed at enthusiasts or professionals demanding virtual machines, multi-gig networking, or broad third-party OS support, but rather those seeking a self-contained, reliable, and low-maintenance device. Within that niche, the DH2300 delivers strong value and performs consistently well for the intended demographic—serving as an accessible first step into local storage ownership.

Buy the UGREEN DH300 on Amazon @209	Buy the UGREEN DH2300 on UGREEN.COM	Buy the UGREEN DH2300 on B&H
	STORE

SOFTWARE - 7/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 10/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.2

PROS

Efficient Rockchip RK3576 processor (dual quad-core ARM design) provides strong performance for a low-power NAS.
Integrated 6 TOPS NPU enables local AI functions such as face, text, and object recognition without cloud reliance.
UGOS Pro offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface with features like RAID management, snapshots, Docker, and backups.
Low noise output (31–45 dBA) and excellent power efficiency (9–13W typical use) suit 24/7 home operation.
Dedicated 32GB eMMC system drive keeps the OS separate from data volumes for better reliability.
HDMI 2.0 4K60 output allows direct media playback and display management.
Competitive pricing around $200 makes it a strong entry-level NAS alternative to subscription cloud storage.

CONS

Single 1GbE LAN port limits transfer speeds and network scalability.
Fixed 4GB memory restricts heavy multitasking or Docker use.
Spending just $100-150 more gets you much, much more capable x86 powered systems

#2 UniFi UNAS 2 – $199

SPECS: Quad core ARM Cortex A55 1.7 GHz – 4 GB RAM – 2 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays – 1 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 with PoE++ – no internal M.2 SSD slots, 1 x USB C 5 Gb/s expansion.

UniFi UNAS 2 targets users already invested in the UniFi ecosystem who want basic network storage and UniFi Drive integration at a low buy in price. Two SATA bays are enough for a mirrored pair of HDDs or SSDs for small site backups, UniFi Protect recordings or general file storage, and the 2.5 GbE plus PoE++ design keeps cabling simple by combining power and data on a single link to an existing UniFi switch. UniFi OS and UniFi Drive provide a simplified management layer for object storage, simple file shares and cloud synced folders, with a small color LCM display giving at a glance system status without needing to log in. The main limitation at this price is that UniFi’s NAS software is still relatively immature, with no native support for third party media servers or advanced NAS apps and no SSD cache tier, so it is best treated as a small, integrated storage node rather than a full featured general purpose NAS. For users who want a cheap box that drops straight into a UniFi rack and handles basic storage quietly and efficiently, it fits that role.

What we said in our September 2025 Review HERE:

The UniFi UNAS 2 is presented as a compact and affordable two-bay NAS designed for straightforward storage and backup tasks, particularly within environments already using UniFi networking hardware. Its PoE++ design is distinctive, allowing both power and connectivity to be delivered over a single cable, simplifying installation where compatible PoE switches are available. This approach aligns with UniFi’s strategy of reducing external hardware requirements, though it also means that a failed port or damaged cable will disable both power and network access simultaneously. For non-UniFi users, the reliance on PoE++ creates an additional barrier, as adoption requires either compatible infrastructure or the included 60W injector. The shared dual-drive tray, lack of hot-swap support, and absence of expansion options further reinforce the system’s role as a fixed-capacity solution, best suited to smaller or secondary deployments. With a maximum drive budget of 52W and overall consumption limited to 60W, the device is power-efficient, but its architecture prioritises simplicity over flexibility.

On the software side, the UNAS 2 provides a user-friendly interface with access to snapshots, RAID configuration, system backups, and integration into the UniFi identity ecosystem. However, the limited hardware constrains the range of features available, and certain tools seen in UniFi’s larger NAS models are absent, such as encrypted volumes or extended network protocol support. Performance testing showed sequential read speeds up to 260 MB/s and write speeds around 160–180 MB/s, which make full use of the 2.5 GbE interface but leave little headroom for more demanding tasks. Thermals during extended use regularly pushed the CPU into the high 70s Celsius, and although fan management can be adjusted, sustained workloads highlight the limits of the system’s cooling design. The software’s omission of iSCSI and advanced backup filters also narrows its role, making it less competitive against established vendors in professional or virtualisation scenarios.

Ultimately, the UNAS 2 is most appropriately positioned as an edge or secondary NAS, providing basic networked storage for existing UniFi users who value plug-and-play deployment and ecosystem consistency, but it is not equipped to serve as a primary system in larger or more demanding environments (VMs, Containers, etc). A great and unique NAS that will nbe at it’s most appealing if you are already invested in the UniFi ecosystem, or have a NAS already that needs a network backup.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 10/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.4

PROS

Benefits from almost a year of development of the UNAS Pro by UniFi, resulting in a much more complete solution in both hardware and software
Exceptionally appealing price point
Extremely low impact (power use, noise level, physical scale all great)
Introduction of USB C 5Gb/s Connectivity is very welcome
Supports complete network/local access if preferred, as well as full remote connectivity with the UI.com account and site manager services
Wide Hard Drives and SATA SSD Support (UniFi branded drives and those from 3rd parties such as Seagate Ironwolf, WD Red and Toshiba N300)
Comprehensive network storage software in UniFi NAS OS and Drive.
Latest OS updates have included fan control, flexible RAID configurations, encrypted drive creation, customizable snapshots, more backup client choices/targets
\'Single Pane of Glass\' management and monitoring screen is very well presented!
One of the fastest to deploy turnkey NAS solutions I have ever personally used!

CONS

Single network port, though not a dealbreaker (as this is still just 2x SATA throughput), is not great in terms of a network failover or in deployment of SATA SSDs
Choice of PoE deployment unusual and limits some deployments
USB C connectivity does not support network adapters, NAS expansions or 3rd party UPS devices
Very modest base hardware, but understandable relative to the price
HDD injection is very unique, but it prevents hot swapping
Still a lack of client applications native to the NAS services for Windows, Mac, Android and Linux

#3 Beelink ME Mini – $209 to $279

SPECS: Intel Processor N150 quad core up to 3.6 GHz – 12 GB or 16 GB LPDDR5 – 0 x SATA bays / 6 x M.2 2280 NVMe slots (5 x PCIe 3.0 x1, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x2, up to 24 TB) – 2 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 – 64 GB eMMC plus up to 2 TB NVMe preinstalled.

The Beelink ME Mini trades spinning disks for six M.2 slots in a 99 mm cube, making it one of the most storage dense budget options for users who already have or plan to buy multiple NVMe SSDs. At this price bracket it offers far more raw flash capacity potential than traditional 2 bay HDD NAS units, and the dual 2.5 GbE ports allow the box to push enough throughput for small media servers, backup targets and home lab services once an appropriate OS such as TrueNAS, Proxmox, Linux or a lightweight NAS distribution is installed. The integrated PSU, WiFi 6 and compact chimney style cooling keep the physical footprint small while still supporting continuous operation as a low to moderate power SSD based server. The main limitation is that PCIe lane allocation and the N150 CPU cap per drive performance and the unit can run hot under sustained load, so you do not get high end NVMe speeds from each slot and there is no turnkey NAS OS included. It is therefore best suited to buyers who value maximum flash capacity per dollar in a very small chassis and are comfortable treating it as a DIY NAS platform rather than a plug-and-play appliance.

What we said in our June ’25 Review HERE:

The Beelink ME Mini NAS delivers an uncommon blend of size, functionality, and efficiency in a market segment often dominated by larger, louder, and less integrated alternatives. It is not designed to compete with traditional enterprise-grade NAS devices or modular, scalable solutions for prosumers. Instead, its strengths lie in targeting the needs of home users who want a quiet, energy-efficient storage solution that is easy to deploy, aesthetically unobtrusive, and capable of handling daily tasks such as media streaming, file backup, or soft routing. The inclusion of six M.2 NVMe SSD slots—paired with a Gen 3 x2 system slot—offers a rare level of expansion in such a small enclosure. The integration of an internal PSU, silent fan-assisted cooling, and a surprisingly effective thermal design are thoughtful touches that differentiate it from the majority of DIY NAS mini PCs.

That said, it is not without limitations. The memory is non-upgradable, thermal accumulation at the base suggests room for improvement, and bandwidth ceilings imposed by Gen 3 x1 lanes will constrain users who demand high parallel throughput. Still, for its price point—particularly when pre-order discounts are applied—the ME Mini offers significant value, especially when compared to ARM-based NAS solutions with similar or lower specifications. With bundled Crucial SSD options and support for a wide range of NAS operating systems, it positions itself as a ready-to-go platform for tech-savvy users wanting to avoid the assembly of a fully DIY system. Overall, while not a product for every use case, the Beelink ME Mini succeeds in its aim to be a compact, stylish, and capable home NAS.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 10/10

8.8

PROS

Compact cube design (99x99x99mm) ideal for discreet home deployment
Supports up to 6x M.2 NVMe SSDs with total capacity up to 24TB
Integrated PSU eliminates bulky external power adapters
Dual 2.5GbE LAN ports with link aggregation support
Wi-Fi 6 and UnRAID7 Support means not limited to 2x2.5G
Low power consumption (as low as 6.9W idle, ~30W peak with full load)
Silent fan and effective internal thermal management via large heatsink
Includes Crucial-branded SSDs in pre-configured options for reliability

CONS

Five of the six SSD slots are limited to PCIe Gen 3 x1 bandwidth
Memory is soldered and non-upgradable
Not 10GbE Upgradable (maybe m.2 adapter - messy)
Bottom panel retains heat due to lack of active ventilation

#4 Xyber Hydra N150 – around $208 to $249

SPECS: Intel Processor N150 quad core up to 3.6 GHz – 16 GB LPDDR5 – 0 x SATA bays / 4 x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x2 slots – 2 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 plus WiFi 6 – 64 GB eMMC with Ubuntu preinstalled and 512 GB NVMe SSD included on many models.

The Xyber Hydra N150 aims at budget buyers who want an NVMe based NAS that is closer to ready out of the box, combining 4 PCIe 3.0 x2 M.2 bays with 16 GB of memory, preloaded Ubuntu and often a preinstalled 512 GB NVMe system drive. That combination makes it straightforward to stand up containers, Docker stacks or lightweight NAS services immediately, then expand capacity by populating the remaining M.2 slots with SSDs as budget allows. Dual 2.5 GbE ports with link aggregation give enough network bandwidth to take advantage of parallel NVMe arrays for home lab or small office workloads, and the revised metal baseplate plus dual fan cooling run cooler than earlier G9 derived designs while still keeping power use modest. The main limitation at this price is that RAM is soldered and each M.2 slot is only x2, so neither memory capacity nor per drive bandwidth can be increased later, and some tuning of fan curves is needed to keep thermals in check under heavy use. For users who want an inexpensive, compact NVMe appliance with more polish than bare boards but are comfortable managing their own OS and RAID layout, it offers a pragmatic middle ground.

What we said in our July ’25 Review HERE:

The Xyber Hydra N150 NAS represents a deliberate and measured evolution of the budget-friendly compact NAS formula, clearly designed to resolve key weaknesses of similar products like the GMKTec G9 without altering the fundamental architecture. Its use of a thicker, thermally conductive metal base plate provides demonstrable improvement in heat dissipation compared to the plastic underside of the G9, a difference borne out in extended load testing where temperatures stabilized more quickly and stayed lower when fan profiles were adjusted. The pre-installed 64GB eMMC module running Ubuntu out of the box eliminates the initial configuration barrier often faced by novice users, while still allowing more experienced users to easily replace it with their OS of choice, such as ZimaOS or TrueNAS. The inclusion of a 512GB NVMe SSD in the primary M.2 bay adds immediate storage capacity without requiring an upfront investment in additional drives, an uncommon but practical feature at this price point.

Internally, the decision to provide 16GB of fixed LPDDR5 memory — 4GB more than its nearest comparable competitor — gives the Hydra slightly more headroom for memory-intensive tasks, such as running lightweight container workloads or maintaining a larger metadata cache for media streaming applications. While the memory remains non-upgradable, the choice of capacity is a reasonable compromise given the constraints of the Intel N150 platform and the system’s focus on cost efficiency. The integrated Wi-Fi 6 module, with dual antennas and full UnRAID compatibility, is another meaningful addition, enabling wireless deployments where cabling is impractical and expanding the deployment scenarios for home and small office users. These subtle but important upgrades make the Hydra feel more complete out of the box, catering to a broader range of use cases with fewer compromises.

That said, the Hydra still shares many of the inherent trade-offs of its class. The N150 processor is adequate for modest workloads, but becomes saturated under sustained high parallel usage, especially when all four M.2 slots are simultaneously active and the CPU nears 100% utilization. The PCIe lane limitations of the platform, with each M.2 slot limited to Gen3 x2 speeds, restrict the aggregate performance potential of RAID arrays or concurrent high-bandwidth operations. Similarly, the continued reliance on dual 2.5GbE ports limits maximum external throughput despite the internal SSD bandwidth being capable of more, and although M.2-to-10GbE adapters remain an option, they come at the cost of sacrificing one storage slot. BIOS-level adjustments are also required to extract the best thermal and fan performance under heavy use, something that more advanced users will appreciate but could frustrate beginners.

Overall, at its introductory price of $218.99, the Xyber Hydra N150 achieves a strong balance of value, practicality, and refinement in the entry-level NAS segment. The thoughtful inclusion of extras — the 64GB bootable eMMC, 512GB SSD, improved cooling, and additional memory — make it feel more turnkey than competing models, while still leaving room for advanced customization. It’s a sensible option for users seeking a compact and efficient NAS for personal cloud storage, light virtualization, or as a dedicated media server, provided expectations around CPU and networking throughput are kept realistic. For its target audience, the Hydra is a compelling and notably improved choice that addresses many of the criticisms of earlier designs without abandoning the affordability that defines this class of devices.

BUILD QUALITY - 7/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.0

PROS

Improved thermal design with a thicker metal base plate for better heat dissipation compared to similar models.
Includes 64GB eMMC storage preloaded with Ubuntu OS for out-of-the-box usability.
Ships with a 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD in Bay 1, providing immediate usable storage.
Fixed 16GB LPDDR5 memory — higher than comparable devices — supports more concurrent tasks.
Wi-Fi 6 module with dual antennas, compatible with UnRAID, enabling flexible wireless deployment.
Four M.2 NVMe bays, each supporting PCIe Gen3 x2, allowing up to 4 SSDs for flash storage arrays.
Dual 2.5GbE ports with link aggregation support for improved network throughput.
Compact, quiet, and energy-efficient form factor suitable for home and small office environments.

CONS

Memory is soldered and non-upgradable, limiting future scalability.
PCIe Gen3 x2 and CPU bandwidth constraints limit maximum aggregate performance under full load.
Fans require BIOS adjustments for optimal thermal control during heavy sustained workloads.

#5 ZimaBoard 2 1664 – $239 to $349

SPECS: Intel Processor N150 quad core up to 3.6 GHz – 16 GB LPDDR5X – 2 x SATA 3.0 ports (via cables to external drives) – 2 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 – 1 x PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, 64 GB eMMC OS storage.

ZimaBoard 2 1664 is a single board x86 server positioned for budget home lab builders who want more flexibility than a fixed enclosure can offer while staying under typical entry level NAS pricing. The board exposes 2 SATA ports with power for attaching HDDs or SSDs in whatever chassis or external mounting the user prefers, alongside dual 2.5 GbE, USB 3, Mini DisplayPort and a full PCIe 3.0 x4 slot that can host extra NICs, HBAs or NVMe adaptors to scale storage and connectivity over time. ZimaOS comes preinstalled and supports alternative systems such as CasaOS, Linux and Windows, so it can act as a low cost base for self hosted services, small virtualisation labs or custom NAS builds using external drive cages or repurposed cases. The main limitation is that there is no built in drive bay system or enclosure, so buyers must factor in the cost and effort of adding their own storage chassis, cabling and cooling if they want something as neat as a traditional NAS. For those willing to do that, it offers one of the most flexible and expandable x86 platforms in the budget bracket, with enough CPU and RAM headroom to grow beyond simple file serving as needs evolve.

What we said in our April ’25 Review HERE:

The ZimaBoard 2 is a competent and thoughtfully assembled single-board server that builds meaningfully on IceWhale’s earlier efforts, especially the original ZimaBoard and the ZimaBlade. Its design clearly targets users who want more flexibility and performance than traditional ARM-based boards can offer, but who also value power efficiency, silence, and a small footprint. The use of an Intel N150 CPU, 8GB of LPDDR5x memory, dual 2.5GbE ports, and a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot makes it viable for a variety of home server roles—from basic NAS and smart home coordination to lightweight container hosting and local media streaming. Features like onboard SATA, USB 3.1, and a DisplayPort connection further add to its utility. However, there are hardware limitations that may affect long-term suitability for advanced deployments. The soldered RAM cannot be upgraded, and the internal eMMC storage, while useful for initial setup, is too slow for OS-level responsiveness in more demanding use cases. Passive cooling, while appreciated for silence, also imposes some thermal limitations depending on the deployment environment.

On the software side, ZimaOS offers a decent out-of-the-box experience that caters to users with minimal technical background. It handles core tasks like application deployment, file sharing, and system monitoring without requiring advanced configuration, and its Docker-based App Store simplifies access to popular tools. For more experienced users, the system supports third-party OS installation, which is likely how many will ultimately use the ZimaBoard 2. Still, as a bundled solution, ZimaOS has matured significantly and now presents itself as a lightweight, capable, and non-intrusive platform for those who prefer to get started immediately. In the broader context of DIY server hardware, ZimaBoard 2 occupies a middle ground: more powerful and modular than Raspberry Pi-class systems, yet more constrained than full x86 mini PCs or enthusiast-grade NAS hardware. For those who understand and accept these trade-offs, and are willing to plan around its limitations, the ZimaBoard 2 offers a reliable and flexible foundation for compact, energy-efficient computing at the edge.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 10/10

9.0

PROS

x86 Architecture – Compatible with a wide range of operating systems including ZimaOS, Unraid, TrueNAS SCALE, and Proxmox.
Dual 2.5GbE LAN Ports – Offers strong networking capabilities for multi-service workloads and gateway setups.
PCIe 3.0 x4 Slot – Enables high-speed expansion for 10GbE NICs, NVMe storage, or combo cards.
Fanless, Silent Operation – Completely passively cooled, ideal for home or quiet office environments.
Compact and Durable Build – Small footprint with an all-metal chassis that doubles as a heatsink.
ZimaOS Included – User-friendly OS with a Docker-based App Store and basic VM tools, ready out of the box.
Flexible Storage Options – Dual SATA ports plus USB 3.1 support for connecting SSDs, HDDs, or external drives.
Low Power Consumption – Efficient 6W CPU with ~10W idle and ~40W max under heavy load scenarios.

CONS

Non-Upgradable RAM – 8GB of soldered LPDDR5x limits long-term scalability for memory-intensive tasks.
Slow/Small Default Internal Storage – 32GB eMMC is convenient but underperforms for OS-level responsiveness or high I/O workloads.
Thermal Headroom is Limited – Passive cooling alone may not be sufficient in closed environments or under sustained load without added airflow.
Not Launching on Traditional Retail, but instead on Crowdfunding.

Taken together, the UGREEN DH2300, UniFi UNAS 2, Beelink ME Mini, Xyber Hydra N150 and ZimaBoard 2 show the different ways vendors are trying to hit the sub 250 dollar bracket without stripping out the core value of a NAS. Some focus on simplicity and bundled software with limited scale, others trade turnkey polish for dense NVMe storage or flexible bare board layouts that assume you are willing to do more of the setup yourself. None of these devices removes the usual compromises around bays, performance, noise or software maturity at this price level, but each offers a clear path away from pure cloud dependence and USB drives. The practical decision is less about which is objectively “best” and more about whether you want a small 2 bay appliance, a compact all flash cube or a configurable single board system that can grow with your skills and requirements over time.

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Seagate Ironwolf vs WD Red (Which is Best in 2025/2026)?

In late 2025, choosing between Seagate IronWolf and WD Red for a NAS is less about raw performance and more about secondary factors such as noise, power consumption, pricing, and ecosystem. Both brands now offer broadly similar SATA performance in their mainstream and Pro lines once you reach 7200 RPM, 256 MB cache, and CMR recording, and both quote comparable workload ratings and multi bay support for NAS use. Durability claims in MTBF, workload per year, and 24 by 7 operation are also effectively at parity on paper, and the underlying engineering around vibration control, error recovery, and NAS specific firmware has converged to a large extent. Where meaningful technical differences still exist is in the maximum capacities on offer and how they are positioned. Seagate currently leads on headline capacity in the NAS tier with IronWolf Pro drives up to 30 TB, while WD Red Pro tops out slightly lower but overlaps most of the mainstream size points that home and small business users are likely to deploy. As a result, the decision for many buyers is less about which brand is objectively better and more about how each behaves in real deployments in terms of acoustics, energy use, long term running costs, warranty extras such as bundled recovery services, and regional pricing patterns at specific capacities.

Seagate vs WD (and Toshiba!) Market Share in 2025/2026?

Across the HDD industry in 2024 and early 2025, Western Digital and Seagate remain closely matched, with Western Digital holding a slight lead by several common measures. Public breakdowns of exabytes shipped in 2024 put Western Digital at roughly 38.6 percent of HDD capacity shipped worldwide, Seagate at about 37 percent, and Toshiba at around 24.4 percent, confirming that the market is effectively a 2 vendor race with a smaller but still significant third player. Although the exact percentages vary depending on whether you look at units, capacity, or revenue, the pattern is consistent, with Western Digital marginally ahead and Seagate following closely behind.

Recent industry and financial reporting also shows Western Digital gaining momentum in high capacity nearline drives, particularly in data center and cloud deployments, with disk based revenue and shipped capacity outpacing Seagate in at least some recent quarters. At the same time, Seagate retains a leadership position in very large capacity models, including 30 TB HAMR based NAS and nearline drives that are already commercially available and aimed at the same high density markets.

Taken together, these data points indicate a tightly contested landscape where Western Digital currently leads in overall shipped capacity and revenue, while Seagate pushes the capacity envelope and remains highly competitive in large scale deployments.

Seagate Ironwolf vs WD Red NAS Hard Drives – Price

In late 2025 there is a clear pattern in how Seagate and WD position their HDDs on price, even if individual deals move around constantly. In general Seagate tends to be slightly cheaper per terabyte across many mainstream retailers and regions, particularly for larger 16 TB to 24 TB IronWolf and Exos capacities. WD pricing is often a little higher at like for like capacity in third party channels, especially for newer Red Plus and Red Pro models, although temporary sales can narrow or reverse this gap. Both brands are heavily discounted during seasonal events, so headline price screenshots are only ever a snapshot rather than a permanent rule.

Where WD changes the picture is through its own direct store. WD sells Red, Red Plus and Red Pro drives through its retail site and often undercuts third party resellers by a noticeable margin, especially during promotions. That means in some regions the cheapest way to buy WD is directly from WD, while Seagate relies entirely on partner channels and keeps relatively steady discounting through Amazon and similar outlets. As a result it is common to see Seagate come out cheaper in most general marketplaces while WD can be the lowest price only on its own store, which is not available in every country.

Once you move up into Pro and nearline class drives, such as IronWolf Pro versus WD Red Pro or WD Gold, pricing becomes more fragmented. Seagate keeps a fairly consistent capacity step pricing model where higher capacities scale in a relatively predictable way. WD on the other hand often runs multiple Red Pro and enterprise SKUs at the same capacity with different cache sizes or internal designs, which leads to overlapping prices and large swings between models that appear similar on paper. In practice this means that at the Pro tier Seagate is usually easier to price compare, while WD may offer good value on specific model IDs or capacities but requires more careful checking of part numbers and current discounts before purchase.

Seagate Ironwolf vs WD Red – Noise Level Comparison

Capacity	Idle Seagate Ironwolf	Idle WD Red Plus	Idle Winner	Seek Seagate Ironwolf Pro	Seek WD Red Pro	Seek Winner
30TB	28 dBA (ST30000NT011)	no WD equivalent	Seagate	32 dBA (ST30000NT011)	no WD equivalent	Seagate
28TB	28 dBA (ST28000NT000)	25 dBA (WD281KFGX)	WD	32 dBA (ST28000NT000)	32 dBA (WD281KFGX)	Tie
26TB	no Seagate model	25 dBA (WD260KFGX)	WD	no Seagate model	32 dBA (WD260KFGX)	WD
24TB	28 dBA (ST24000NT002)	25 dBA (WD241KFGX), 20 dBA (WD240KFGX)	WD	26 dBA (ST24000NT002)	32 dBA (WD241KFGX), 32 dBA (WD240KFGX)	Seagate
22TB	28 dBA (ST22000NT001)	32 dBA (WD221KFGX)	WD	26 dBA (ST22000NT001)	32 dBA (WD221KFGX)	Seagate
20TB	28 dBA (ST20000NT001)	20 dBA (WD202KFGX, WD201KFGX)	WD	26 dBA (ST20000NT001)	32 dBA (WD202KFGX, WD201KFGX)	Seagate
18TB	28 dBA (ST18000NT001)	20 dBA (WD181KFGX)	WD	26 dBA (ST18000NT001)	36 dBA (WD181KFGX)	Seagate
16TB	28 dBA (ST16000NT001)	20 dBA (WD161KFGX)	WD	26 dBA (ST16000NT001)	36 dBA (WD161KFGX)	Seagate
14TB	20 dBA (ST14000NT001)	20 dBA (WD142KFGX), 20 dBA (WD141KFGX)	Tie	26 dBA (ST14000NT001)	36 dBA (WD142KFGX), 36 dBA (WD141KFGX)	Seagate
12TB	28 dBA (ST12000NT001)	20 dBA (WD121KFBX), 34 dBA (WD122KFBX)	WD	26 dBA (ST12000NT001)	36 dBA (WD121KFBX), 39 dBA (WD122KFBX)	Seagate
10TB	28 dBA (ST10000NT001)	20 dBA (WD102KFBX), 34 dBA (WD103KFBX)	WD	30 dBA (ST10000NT001)	36 dBA (WD102KFBX), 39 dBA (WD103KFBX)	Seagate
8TB	28 dBA (ST8000NT001)	20 dBA (WD8003FFBX, WD8005FFBX)	WD	30 dBA (ST8000NT001)	36 dBA (WD8003FFBX, WD8005FFBX)	Seagate
6TB	28 dBA (ST6000NT001)	21 dBA (WD6003FFBX, WD6005FFBX)	WD	30 dBA (ST6000NT001)	36 dBA (WD6003FFBX, WD6005FFBX)	Seagate
4TB	28 dBA (ST4000NT001)	20 dBA (WD4003FFBX), 29 dBA (WD4005FFBX)	WD	30 dBA (ST4000NT001)	36 dBA (WD4003FFBX, WD4005FFBX)	Seagate
2TB	28 dBA (ST2000NT001)	21 dBA (WD2002FFSX)	WD	30 dBA (ST2000NT001)	31 dBA (WD2002FFSX)	Seagate

The difference becomes more apparent once you move beyond a simple 1 or 2 bay NAS and start populating 4, 6 or 8 bay chassis. Multiple Seagate drives running together produce a slightly harsher mechanical sound profile, with more pronounced click and clunk patterns during head movements, as well as higher cumulative vibration. WD drives, particularly Red Plus and most of the more recent Red Pro helium models, lean toward a smoother background hum with less sharp seek noise and lower ambient vibration. For users placing a NAS in a living room, bedroom or under a desk, this cumulative effect can be significant, even if each individual drive only differs by a couple of dBA on paper.

It is worth noting that not every capacity behaves identically. Lower capacities and some air filled WD Red Plus models idle very quietly and can be comparable with the quietest Seagate SKUs, while some high capacity Red Pro variants with 7200 RPM motors and larger caches approach IronWolf Pro levels of seek noise. However, when you average across the current CMR product stacks in late 2025, WD holds a small but consistent advantage in both idle and seek acoustics, especially in multi bay deployments where background noise and vibration build up over time.

Seagate Ironwolf vs WD Red – Power Consumption (Idle / Active)

Looking purely at spec sheets, both Seagate and WD publish idle and seek values that cluster in similar bands, typically around the low 20 dBA range at idle and high 20 to mid 30 dBA under seek as capacities and spindle speeds rise. In practice though, the character of the noise differs between the brands. IronWolf and IronWolf Pro models tend to produce a sharper mechanical click pattern during head seeks and a more noticeable spin up profile, while WD Red Plus and Red Pro lines usually present as a smoother hum with less abrupt transitions between idle and active states. In a quiet room this difference in tone can matter as much as the numeric dBA rating itself.

Capacity	Idle Seagate Ironwolf	Idle WD Red Plus	Idle Winner	Active Seagate Ironwolf Pro	Active WD Red Pro	Active Winner
30TB	6.8W (ST30000NT011)	no WD equivalent	Seagate	8.3W (ST30000NT011)	no WD equivalent	Seagate
28TB	6.8W (ST28000NT000)	3.6W (WD281KFGX)	WD	8.3W (ST28000NT000)	6.0W (WD281KFGX)	WD
26TB	no Seagate model	3.6W (WD260KFGX)	WD	no Seagate model	6.0W (WD260KFGX)	WD
24TB	6.3W (ST24000NT002)	3.6W (WD241KFGX), 3.9W (WD240KFGX)	WD	7.8W (ST24000NT002)	6.0W (WD241KFGX), 6.4W (WD240KFGX)	WD
22TB	6.0W (ST22000NT001)	3.4W (WD221KFGX)	WD	7.9W (ST22000NT001)	6.8W (WD221KFGX)	WD
20TB	5.7W (ST20000NT001)	2.8W (WD202KFGX), 3.6W (WD201KFGX)	WD	7.7W (ST20000NT001)	6.1W (WD202KFGX), 6.9W (WD201KFGX)	WD
18TB	5.0W (ST18000NT001)	3.0W (WD181KFGX)	WD	7.5W (ST18000NT001)	3.6W (WD181KFGX)	WD
16TB	5.0W (ST16000NT001)	3.6W (WD161KFGX)	WD	7.6W (ST16000NT001)	6.1W (WD161KFGX)	WD
14TB	5.0W (ST14000NT001)	3.0W (WD141KFGX), 3.6W (WD142KFGX)	WD	7.6W (ST14000NT001)	3.0W (WD141KFGX), 6.4W (WD142KFGX)	WD
12TB	5.0W (ST12000NT001)	2.8W (WD121KFBX), 6.1W (WD122KFBX)	WD	7.6W (ST12000NT001)	2.8W (WD121KFBX), 8.8W (WD122KFBX)	WD
10TB	7.8W (ST10000NT001)	2.9W (WD102KFBX), 3.0W (WD103KFBX)	WD	10.1W (ST10000NT001)	4.6W (WD101KFBX), 6.1W (WD103KFBX)	WD
8TB	7.8W (ST8000NT001)	4.0W (WD8003FFBX), 4.9W (WD8005FFBX)	WD	10.1W (ST8000NT001)	4.6W (WD8003FFBX), 6.9W (WD8005FFBX)	WD
6TB	7.1W (ST6000NT001)	3.7W (WD6003FFBX), 4.0W (WD6005FFBX)	WD	9.3W (ST6000NT001)	3.7W (WD6003FFBX), 6.9W (WD6005FFBX)	WD
4TB	7.8W (ST4000NT001)	3.7W (WD4003FFBX), 4.0W (WD4005FFBX)	WD	8.7W (ST4000NT001)	3.7W (WD4003FFBX), 5.8W (WD4005FFBX)	WD
2TB	6.7W (ST2000NT001)	6.0W (WD2002FFSX)	WD	6.7W (ST2000NT001)	7.8W (WD2002FFSX)	Seagate

At lower capacities, especially in the 2 TB to 6 TB range where air filled designs and lower spindle speeds are common, WD Red Plus models are often among the quietest options, with idle noise figures that sit at the lower end of the published spectrum and relatively soft seek sounds. Seagate standard IronWolf drives in these capacities are not especially loud by absolute numbers, but they generally sit slightly higher at idle and under random activity. Once you move into high capacity Pro class drives, WD Red Pro and IronWolf Pro become more comparable, although WD still often maintains a small advantage in idle noise on the newest helium filled models, while seek noise can be quite close on some capacities.

Noise differences increase as you add more bays and drives. A 2 bay or 4 bay NAS with mixed workloads may only expose a modest gap in acoustic behaviour between the brands, but 8 bay and larger systems can amplify any small variations. Multiple Seagate drives seeking at once will create more noticeable cumulative chatter and vibration inside a metal chassis, which can transfer into desks or shelving if the NAS is not well isolated. WD units with otherwise similar specifications and workload ratings usually generate less overall vibration, so the aggregate sound from a populated chassis can be easier to live with in shared spaces.

For users planning deployments in noise sensitive environments, such as a living room media setup or a small office where the NAS will sit in the same room as desks, these differences can be a factor in the buying decision once capacity and performance requirements are defined. Seagate remains attractive where price per terabyte and maximum capacity are the main priorities, and users are able to position the NAS in a cupboard, loft or separate room. WD drives typically suit scenarios where the system will remain close to people for long periods, sacrificing a small amount of price advantage in favour of lower background noise and a slightly less intrusive acoustic profile at both idle and under sustained activity.

Seagate Ironwolf vs WD Red – Verdict & Conclusion

From a technical perspective Seagate and WD now sit very close to one another in most core HDD metrics, particularly in the NAS focused IronWolf, IronWolf Pro, Red Plus and Red Pro ranges. Both brands use CMR recording on their NAS lines, have comparable workload ratings in each class, and converge around similar sustained transfer rates once you reach 7200 RPM and larger cache sizes. The main structural differences are that Seagate currently pushes higher maximum capacities into the consumer and prosumer space and includes bundled rescue data recovery on many NAS models, while WD tends to retain a small advantage in power consumption and acoustic behaviour at equivalent capacities, especially in multi bay systems. Historical issues such as WD Red SMR drives and Seagate high failure rate models at specific points in time are still relevant for older stock, but the current generation NAS ranges for both vendors are broadly aligned in specification and intended workload.

In practical terms the choice between Seagate IronWolf and WD Red often comes down to priority order rather than any single clear winner. Users aiming for the lowest cost per terabyte and the highest capacities available in the near term will usually find Seagate more attractive, particularly in larger IronWolf Pro and Exos class drives, accepting higher power draw and a more noticeable acoustic profile. Users who are sensitive to noise, want marginally lower long term energy usage or prefer WD’s clearer product segmentation may gravitate toward Red Plus or Red Pro, taking care to select the correct CMR models and capacities. In all cases the decision should be made at model level using current datasheets and pricing, not just brand reputation, and should be paired with a sensible RAID plan and an independent backup strategy, since neither vendor can remove the fundamental risk that any individual hard drive can fail.

Idle Seagate Ironwolf	Idle WD Red Plus	Active Seagate Ironwolf Pro	Active WD Red Pro

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Beelink ME Pro NAS Coming Soon

The Beelink ME Pro NAS is a compact, OS agnostic network storage enclosure that follows the earlier ME Mini, which became one of the most popular small NAS releases of 2025 and marked the brand’s first move into this category. I first heard about the ME Pro during a visit to the company headquarters in Shenzhen in November 2025, where staff outlined a broader NAS roadmap for 2026, with the ME Pro positioned as the first hybrid 3.5/2.5 inch plus M.2 unit in that series. As with the ME Mini, the focus is on a small footprint chassis for users who want to install their own NAS operating system, with an emphasis on power efficiency, flexible storage options and network performance that sits above traditional entry level enclosures.

Beelink ME Pro Design and Storage

The ME Pro uses a small vertical chassis with a footprint closer to a mini PC than a traditional 2 or 4 bay NAS, measuring 165.905 x 121 x 115.95 mm. The enclosure is built around a compact internal frame with a slide out lower section that exposes the mainboard side of the system for upgrades and troubleshooting. A separate removable metal base plate covers the M.2 area and doubles as a heatsink, allowing heat from the NVMe drives to be drawn out through the underside of the chassis rather than relying entirely on airflow over the motherboard.

At the front, the system provides 2 SATA bays that accept either 3.5 inch or 2.5 inch drives on individual caddies. These are described as hot swappable, with trays secured by thumb screws on the sides rather than a completely tool free click in mechanism. The intention is clearly that these front bays act as the primary mass storage area for larger and more cost effective HDD or SSD media, while keeping them accessible for maintenance, drive replacement and RAID rebuilds without needing to dismantle the rest of the unit.

Internally, storage is expanded further by 3 M.2 NVMe slots arranged on the mainboard, giving the chassis an effective total of 5 populated drive positions once the front bays are included. One of the M.2 slots is wired as PCIe 3.0 x2 and is expected to carry the bundled OS SSD, with the remaining 2 slots at PCIe 3.0 x1 for additional fast storage, cache, VM volumes or higher performance pools, depending on the operating system chosen by the user. This layout reflects the limits of the available PCIe lanes on the chosen Intel processor platform while still separating bulk SATA capacity from higher speed solid state media.

Beelink ME Pro – Internal Hardware

For processing, the Beelink ME Pro is built around Intel N series silicon, with configurations based on the N95 or N150. Both are 4 core, 4 thread CPUs aimed at low power desktop and embedded roles, and are already familiar from compact mini PCs and small DIY NAS builds in 2024 and 2025. The N150 sits slightly higher in the stack and is likely to be the more capable option for users planning heavier multi user file access, container workloads or light virtualisation, while the N95 variant is positioned as the more affordable entry tier. Integrated Intel graphics are used rather than a discrete GPU, which is typical in this class and sufficient for display output and hardware assisted media handling via the HDMI port.

Memory is specified as LPDDR5 at 4800 MHz, with Beelink listing 12 GB and 16 GB options, and the N150 configuration earmarked for the higher capacity tier. This aligns with the broader positioning of the two SKUs, with the N150 build intended for users expecting to run more demanding NAS operating systems, services or virtual machines in parallel. At the time of writing, Beelink has not confirmed whether this memory is socketed or permanently attached, and therefore whether end users will be able to upgrade it beyond the factory configuration.

The underlying platform also integrates several system level features that are relevant to 24/7 network appliance use. A hardware TPM 2.0 implementation is supported for operating systems that can make use of secure boot and encryption features, and the BIOS exposes options for real time clock scheduling, automatic power on after power loss and Wake On LAN, all of which are useful in a NAS role. Wireless connectivity is handled by a MediaTek MT7920 module in M.2 2230 format, providing WiFi and Bluetooth 5.4, while dedicated front panel buttons offer CMOS reset and system recovery, reflecting the design intent of a user-managed, OS agnostic appliance rather than a locked down turnkey NAS.

Beelink ME Pro – Ports and Connections

Physical connectivity on the Beelink ME Pro is split between data, display and management focused ports. For wired networking, the chassis provides 1x 5 GbE port based on the Realtek RTL8126 controller and 1x 2.5 GbE port using the Intel i226 V, giving users a choice between higher throughput on a single link or separate interfaces for LAN and dedicated services. HDMI output is available via a single port rated up to 4K at 60 Hz, covering roles such as local console access, lightweight media playback or direct system management without relying solely on network tools.

USB connectivity consists of 1x USB 3.2 port rated at 10 Gbps and 2x USB 2.0 ports at 480 Mbps on standard type A connectors, alongside 1x USB Type C port that is also specified for data and video at up to 10 Gbps. This mix allows for external backup media, peripheral input devices and additional adapters, with the faster ports suitable for high speed external drives or expansion units, and the slower USB 2.0 ports reserved for keyboard, mouse or low bandwidth accessories. The front facing power button is complemented by a white power LED that indicates system status during operation and startup.

Wireless networking is enabled by a MediaTek MT7920 module in an internal M.2 2230 slot, and the chassis provides 2 antenna connections labeled MAIN and AUX via FPC plus coaxial leads to external antenna points. This arrangement allows the unit to operate in environments where wired LAN is not available or convenient, while still prioritising Ethernet as the primary interface for sustained NAS traffic.

Beelink ME Pro – Worth Waiting For?

The Beelink ME Pro positions itself as a compact, OS agnostic NAS platform aimed at users who want more flexibility than a typical turnkey 2 bay appliance without moving to a full custom build. Its combination of mixed 3.5/2.5 inch SATA bays, 3 internal M.2 slots, paired 5 GbE and 2.5 GbE networking and low power Intel N series CPUs gives it a distinct profile within the current wave of small DIY NAS enclosures that usually stop at 2.5 GbE and either all SATA or all M.2 storage. The chassis layout, serviceable base and inclusion of RTC, recovery and CMOS controls further underline that it is designed to be opened, adjusted and reconfigured by the end user rather than treated as a sealed consumer appliance.

At the same time, there are still several unknowns that will decide how viable it is in practice. Final pricing, memory upgradability, PSU design, fan profile and sustained thermals will determine whether the ME Pro is a practical choice for 24/7 mixed workloads or better suited to lighter duties, and will influence how it compares against both the earlier ME Mini and established NAS brands once it reaches general availability. As part of a wider Beelink NAS roadmap for 2026, the ME Pro functions as an initial hybrid storage step in that series rather than a complete answer for every deployment scenario, and prospective buyers will need to weigh its compact footprint and flexible storage layout against the absence of a bundled NAS OS and the still evolving details of its final hardware implementation.

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Is the Sipeed NanoKVM Safe? On-board Microphone Identified

The Sipeed NanoKVM Cube is a low cost, network connected KVM built around the LicheeRV Nano RISC-V module, and recent reporting has drawn attention to the fact that this first generation hardware quietly inherited an onboard analog microphone from that core board. While the LicheeRV Nano documentation clearly lists audio input and output capabilities, the NanoKVM product materials initially focused on its KVM role and did not prominently call out the presence of a microphone on the internal PCB. That gap in presentation, combined with the device’s origin in China and its role as an always-on, remotely accessible appliance, has led to questions about transparency and potential privacy impact. This article reviews what is actually on the hardware, how Sipeed has responded, which issues have been addressed in software, and what residual risk remains for users who already have the NanoKVM Cube deployed.

The NanoKVM Cube and That Microphone – What We Learned?

The initial detailed public discussion of the NanoKVM Cube microphone came from a Telefoncek.si research article, which documented security testing of early units and highlighted the presence of a small, operational microphone on the device’s PCB. The NanoKVM Cube is built on the LicheeRV Nano platform, and that design decision is the origin of the audio hardware. The LicheeRV Nano specification explicitly lists an onboard analog silicon microphone for audio input and a PA amplifier for driving a small speaker, because the module is intended as a general purpose SBC for a range of embedded applications. When Sipeed used this module as the core of a consumer facing KVM, the Cube inherited that audio circuitry intact, including the tiny surface mount MEMS microphone, even though typical KVM usage does not require audio capture capabilities.

What Telefoncek.si article from Feb ’25  drew attention to was the combination of this hardware and a software stack that already contained working audio tooling. Researchers who obtained early NanoKVM units found that, with SSH access, standard ALSA tools such as amixer and arecord could be used to adjust gain and record ambient sound through the built in microphone, and that the resulting audio files could be copied or potentially streamed off the device. At that time, the NanoKVM product page described its relationship to the LicheeRV Nano SDK and resources in general terms, but did not highlight that a functioning microphone remained present on the KVM board. For many users, that gap between what the SBC documentation said and what the KVM product page emphasized was perceived as a lack of clear disclosure rather than a predictable consequence of module reuse.

The NanoKVM Security Concern and Presentation Issues

The initial concern around NanoKVM security was not limited to the microphone. Early firmware builds shipped with default credentials, SSH enabled, weak web security controls, and hardcoded encryption keys that were identical across devices. Researchers also found diagnostic and security utilities present on the system image that were more appropriate for development or lab use than for a small appliance likely to be exposed on home or small business networks. These findings created a picture of a product that had been moved from prototype to retail relatively quickly, with baseline functionality in place but limited attention paid to hardening or least privilege.

Presentation played a significant role in how the microphone issue was perceived. For the LicheeRV Nano SBC, the presence of audio input and output is clearly listed as part of the hardware specification, and that makes sense for a general purpose module. For NanoKVM Cube, the public facing documentation initially focused on KVM features, HDMI input, and compatibility with the LicheeRV Nano SDK, while leaving the inherited audio hardware implicit. Only later did the NanoKVM wiki entry gain explicit wording that the Cube retains display, touch, microphone, and amplifier circuits from the base module, and that newer firmware versions would remove the relevant drivers and future production runs would omit these components entirely.

Sipeed’s public responses combine these two aspects. On the one hand they point to the LicheeRV Nano documentation and the updated NanoKVM wiki as evidence that the microphone is not intended to be secret. On the other hand they argue that, from a threat model perspective, the presence of a board level microphone does not materially change risk once an attacker has obtained full control of the device, since they could already perform sensitive actions through the host system. For critics, the issue is less about the technical possibility of audio capture in a fully compromised scenario and more about expectation and trust: a network attached KVM marketed primarily on its remote control capabilities but not clearly calling out built in audio capture hardware is likely to be treated with more suspicion, especially when it comes from a vendor that has already needed several rounds of security fixes.

Reality Check – How Much of a Concern is this?

From a strict security engineering viewpoint, the onboard microphone in the NanoKVM Cube does not create a new, independent way into the device. An attacker still needs a working exploit, exposed service, or misconfiguration to gain sufficient access before any audio capture is possible. In that sense, the primary risk is still the usual set of issues that apply to any IP KVM: exposed management interfaces, weak credentials, unpatched firmware, or poor network segmentation. If those fundamentals are handled correctly, the probability that a remote attacker can turn the Cube into a listening device is significantly reduced, and using alternative firmware or a locked down software stack can further narrow the options.

The impact side of the equation is different. Once a NanoKVM Cube is compromised at a system level, the presence of a functional microphone increases the potential harm compared with a KVM that only relays keyboard, video, and mouse. A device that sits in a home office, lab, or equipment room and can capture ambient sound can turn a general compromise into a privacy incident that extends beyond the connected host system. For some users that incremental risk will be acceptable if the device is strictly isolated, regularly updated, and treated as an untrusted appliance at the edge of the network. For others, the residual possibility of room audio capture from a small, unattended box may be enough to justify either physical removal of the mic, replacement with a later hardware revision, or avoiding this particular model altogether.

Note. Here is the board view of the NanoKVM USB and NanaKVM Pro PCIe, with no microphone visible:

Asking Sipeed Questions about the NanoKVM Microphone Issue – How and Why This Occurred?

To clarify how the microphone ended up in a shipping KVM product and what Sipeed intends to do about it, I put a series of written questions to the company. The goal was not to reassess the technical findings already covered by independent research, but to obtain clear statements from the vendor on 4 points: how they view the documentation and disclosure around the microphone, which specific NanoKVM variants and hardware revisions include it, what mitigations they believe limit its security and privacy impact for existing deployments, and what concrete changes they are planning for future production runs. The questions and Sipeed’s responses are reproduced in full below. Thanks again to Caesar Wu for his time in answering my questions.

Why was there a microphone on the device, and how/why it’s absent from the documentation?

This premise contains a serious factual error made by the original article. The presence and rationale for the microphone are not undocumented; they are explicitly mentioned on the product’s main Wiki page: https://wiki.sipeed.com/hardware/en/kvm/NanoKVM/introduction.html#NanoKVM

Which Version/Batch/Revisions of NanoKVM feature this Microphone?

The microphone is featured on the NanoKVM Lite and NanoKVM Cube versions. These are derivative products based on the LicheeRV-Nano (RISC-V SBC core module) and consequently inherited its Single Board Computer (SBC) peripherals, including the microphone, speaker, and MIPI touchscreen support.

Is this present on other versions of NanoKVM (i.e PCIe, Pro, USB, etc)?

No. Other products use custom-designed boards dedicated solely to the KVM scenario. They do not reuse the SBC module and therefore do not include non-KVM-essential components.

Why was this microphone not eliminated at the point of production?

The core part of NanoKVM-Cube/Lite is LicheeRV Nano. We reuse LicheeRV Nano as a standard “SOM” in many different products, like AI Camera MaixCAM:    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006912917562.html . And our toB customer also use it as a standard linux core board(Just like RPi CM4, CM5), they are very satisfied with the onboard microphone, speaker, and touch screen.  As stated in my previous email, we maintain that logically, the retention of the microphone on the board does not introduce any negative impact on security. While the onboard components (microphone, speaker power amplifier (PA), and touchscreen connector) introduce a slight increase in Bill of Materials (BoM) cost, this decision significantly simplifies inventory management.

In fact, the base LicheeRV Nano product already comes in 4 configuration variants (Basic, Eth, WiFi, and Ethe+WiFi).  If we were to further segment the inventory by adding options for the presence or absence of the microphone and touchscreen connector, the total number of SKUs  would increase exponentially(the number of SKUs multiplies by two for every added configuration options). Therefore, based on a comprehensive consideration of security, cost efficiency, and inventory management complexity, we maintain the microphone, speaker PA, and touchscreen connector as the default base configuration.

What steps are being taken to ensure that this does not pose a Security/Privacy threat to user who have the nanoKVM in active deployment?

Users must understand the threat model: an attacker can only listen via the onboard mic if the NanoKVM itself has already been fully compromised. The paradox is that once compromised, the attacker already has sufficient privileges to perform high-level operations (include record audio via PC’s own mic). Therefore, the presence of the onboard mic does not increase the inherent security risk of the device. We emphasize that proper network risk awareness and isolation configuration by the user are essential, regardless of whether the device is a NanoKVM, JetKVM, GL.iNet KVM, or PiKVM.

What further steps have been made/planned at Production to avoid this occurring again in future hardware releases?

As stated in Question 4, we plan to remove the microphone in the next batch of the Lite/Cube models purely for psychological comfort and ease of mind for our users. We acknowledge this step will inevitably increase our inventory management complexity due to the need for separate SKUs and production processes. We are also implementing more rigorous hardware audits to ensure compliance with the Principle of Least Privilege in future designs.

Conclusion – Should NanoKVM Owners Be Worried?

For current NanoKVM Cube owners, the level of concern depends largely on how and where the device is deployed. In a well segmented environment where the KVM sits on an isolated management network, with updated firmware and strong access controls, the presence of a dormant microphone on the board is a secondary issue behind the more general risk of any remote management appliance. In small or less structured setups where the NanoKVM has direct exposure to the internet or shares a LAN with everyday client devices, both the historical software weaknesses and the possibility of audio capture in a successful compromise are more relevant factors in deciding whether to keep using the unit unchanged.

Looking ahead, Sipeed has stated that newer firmware removes the audio drivers and that future Lite and Cube batches will omit the microphone and related circuitry entirely, which addresses the concern for new buyers over time. For existing devices, users who are uncomfortable with any residual audio capability have practical options: physically removing or disabling the mic at board level, reflashing with a minimal or community maintained software stack, or replacing the hardware with a later revision or a different KVM platform. The key is to treat the NanoKVM Cube as a high impact management tool rather than a neutral accessory, and to decide whether its cost and feature set justify the additional precautions it requires in a given environment.

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New KVMs, Travel Routers and WiFi 7 Tech on the way from Gl.iNet Soon

Gl.iNet is preparing several new devices for late 2025 and early 2026 that expand its presence in mobile networking, remote access management, and high speed home routing. These include the Beryl 7 travel router, the Comet 5G RedCap KVM with an integrated WiFi access point, and the Flint 3e dual band WiFi 7 desktop router. Each system is positioned to address a specific operational requirement, ranging from portable VPN-enabled wireless access to remotely deployable KVM control and multi gigabit home connectivity. The updated lineup also includes the Brume 3 high speed VPN security gateway, which builds on the Brume 2 by adding faster encrypted throughput and broader support for open VPN standards such as AmneziaVPN. Collectively, these releases indicate that Gl.iNet is prioritising more capable processors, improved wireless performance, and tighter integration between VPN features and local network tools.

Beryl 7 Travel Router (GL-MT3600BE)

The Beryl 7 is positioned as an updated travel router that builds on the feature set of the original Beryl while shifting to a more capable Qualcomm quad core processor running at 1.1GHz and 256MB of DDR4 memory. It uses IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax and be wireless standards and supports dual band WiFi 7 operation on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Although it does not include 6GHz support, it delivers higher throughput than its predecessor, reaching 688Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2882Mbps on 5GHz. The unit also integrates two foldable external antennas and two 2.5GbE ports that can be configured as WAN plus LAN or as dual LAN for specific on-the-go deployment requirements.

The system maintains the travel-focused design of the original model by keeping compact dimensions, low power requirements and USB-C power delivery suitable for laptops, power banks and small chargers. The physical toggle switch remains, allowing quick selection between standard routing and VPN operation without navigating menus. VPN capability is supported by OpenVPN DCO, WireGuard and AmneziaVPN, enabling users to run a VPN server at home and connect to it through the Beryl 7 when travelling. As noted during the demonstration, the WiFi 7 implementation prioritises improved packet handling and multi-link operation rather than wide-band 6GHz performance, which keeps the device compatible in regions where 6GHz availability is limited or restricted.

The Beryl 7 aims to retain pricing similar to the original Beryl while scaling both its internal hardware and wireless capabilities. It uses a gigabit-class Ethernet configuration, supports sub-18W peak power draw and retains a form factor suited for hotel WiFi, temporary offices and public hotspot environments. The inclusion of 2.5GbE, higher throughput on both bands and broader VPN support allows it to operate as a compact edge router for users needing reliable encrypted access across multiple devices. Despite carrying a WiFi 7 label, it does not support the 6GHz band, mirroring the Slate 7, and instead focuses on maximising performance within the 2.4GHz and 5GHz ranges. Nevertheless, this is going to be a disappointment to users who were hoping to see ‘full fat’ WiFi 7 with that 3rd frequency in play, and really maximize MLO use.

Comet 5G KVM with Redcap 5G SIM/LTE Support (GL-RM10RC)

The Comet 5G is a RedCap-based KVM device that integrates remote management, HDMI capture and mobile connectivity into a single compact unit. It uses a quad core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, 1GB of DDR3 memory and 64GB of eMMC storage, matching the hardware profile of the existing Comet Pro. The device includes both HDMI in and HDMI out, allowing it to be used for remote console access, system monitoring and basic pass-through scenarios. A 2.22-inch touchscreen provides local visual feedback including IP address, active WiFi status and connection indicators. Wireless capability is delivered through 802.11a/n/ac/ax at 150Mbps on 2.4GHz and 286Mbps on 5GHz, supported by an external dual band WiFi 6 antenna rather than a WiFi 7 module.

A key addition to this model is the integrated 5G RedCap SIM slot. This allows the device to operate independently of the local network when deployed on-site, which is relevant for administrators or engineers who need to access remote systems without relying on customer-provided WiFi or Ethernet. The mobile connection also supports failover for situations where the primary network becomes unavailable, ensuring that remote KVM access remains possible. During the demonstration, it was highlighted that this improves usability for workloads such as multi-day monitoring or configuration tasks performed in locations where network restrictions or firewall rules prevent direct access.

The Comet 5G retains a familiar selection of ports including USB-C for power, USB-A for peripherals, a gigabit Ethernet port for direct LAN connection and a SIM slot for mobile data. The device is not PoE-powered, although an injector or adapter is expected to be offered as an accessory. This approach keeps the unit closer in design to a travel-friendly tool rather than a fixed enterprise appliance. It remains suited to users who already deploy compact KVM units as part of their field equipment and who require a method of accessing remote devices through either wired, wireless or cellular links.

The combination of 5G failover and HDMI-based remote access positions it as a small-scale management device for distributed environments, temporary field sites or systems that require out-of-band connectivity. Many users will make comparisons between this and the recently crowdfunded ‘Comet Pro’ device (very similar, but alongside a few small changes internally and adjustable antennae, also does not support a 5G SIM CARD/LTE), as well as the Comet PoE device recently released. This is largely the same, but tailored towards a different, decidedly more mobile deployment.

Flint 3e Dual Band WiFi 7 Router (GL-BE5600)

The Flint 3e is a dual band WiFi 7 router aimed at users who want higher wireless throughput and multi gigabit Ethernet connectivity without moving to a full tri band system. It is built around a Qualcomm quad core processor running at 1.5GHz with 1GB of DDR4 memory and 512MB of NAND storage. Wireless support covers IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax and be, delivering 688Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5764Mbps on 5GHz. The unit includes four external foldable antennas, a dual colour LED indicator and a housing designed for stable operation in home or small office environments. Connectivity is centred around five 2.5GbE ports, with one operating as a dedicated WAN input and the remainder configurable as LAN. This gives the router a faster wired backbone than earlier consumer models from the brand.

The router maintains a focus on local performance and low latency operation rather than offering the widest possible spectrum support. It does not include 6GHz capability, placing it closer to the Beryl 7 and Slate 7 in terms of band allocation. However, the higher 5GHz ceiling and improved channel management provide an upgrade path for users moving from WiFi 6 or earlier models who still want to take advantage of WiFi 7 features such as improved modulation and multi link operation. USB 3.0 support is included for storage or tethering tasks, and the system integrates the company’s familiar software stack with options for AdGuard Home, parental controls and fast VPN throughput, including WireGuard and OpenVPN DCO at speeds up to 680Mbps.

The Flint 3e is presented as a more accessible alternative to the full tri band Flint 3, offering similar processing power and Ethernet flexibility while reducing overall wireless complexity. Its design suits users who require multi gigabit wired networking for NAS systems, workstations or mesh uplinks, while maintaining predictable WiFi coverage within standard two band environments. Power consumption remains below 25W without USB load and below 37.2W with active USB devices. This allows the router to operate efficiently in homes with multiple connected devices, including smart home hubs, streaming systems and personal storage servers.

When comparing the Flint 3e with the currently available Flint 3, the key distinction lies in wireless scope and deployment scale. The Flint 3 includes an additional 6GHz band with a 5765Mbps ceiling, a larger 8GB eMMC module and the same five port 2.5GbE layout. This gives the Flint 3 wider spectrum availability, higher aggregate throughput and more headroom for larger properties or higher density environments. The Flint 3e, by contrast, focuses on delivering similar processor performance and identical wired networking while intentionally omitting the 6GHz band to reduce cost and complexity. The result is a model suited for medium sized homes or users who rely primarily on 5GHz and wired backhaul, while the Flint 3 is positioned for broader coverage, multi floor layouts and deployments with more simultaneous wireless clients.

When will the Comet 5G, Beryl 7 and Flint 3e Be Released and What Price?

Gl.iNet’s forthcoming device trio is designed to cover distinct deployment needs across travel, remote management and wired-performance routing. The Beryl 7 travel router brings dual-band WiFi 7, USB-C power, 2.5GbE wired ports and VPN switch functionality; it is estimated to launch at a price similar to the original Beryl AX model. The Comet 5G KVM device increases flexibility by adding 5G RedCap connectivity, HDMI I/O, gigabit Ethernet and WiFi 6, positioning it in terms of design and feature set somewhere between the Comet Pro and the Slate 7; pricing is yet to be confirmed. The Flint 3e desktop router offers dual-band WiFi 7 and five 2.5GbE ports while foregoing the 6GHz band, making it more affordable than the tri-band Flint 3; this pricing strategy targets users seeking strong wired and wireless performance without full spectrum coverage. All models are expected to be formally announced at CES 2026 and become available in Q1 2026.

Gl.iNet Comet KVM Series on Amazon HERE	Gl.iNet Slate 7 Mobile Router on Amazon HERE

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Want to follow specific category? Also Read...Gl.iNet Reveal the Flint 4 WiFGl.iNet Flint 4 WiFi7 Router RGl.iNet Slate 7 Pro Revealed aGl.iNet Slate 7 Pro (GL-BE1000Gl.iNet Beryl 7 WiFi 7 Travel Gl.iNet Beryl 7 WiFi 7 Travel Gl.iNet Mudi 7 Revealed - DualGl.iNet Mudi 7 RevealedNew Gl.iNet Beryl 7, Comet 5G GL.iNet Comet Pro Review - The Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you. Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which is used to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H. You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks! To find out more about how to support this advice service check HERE