Review of the UniFi UNAS Pro 4 NAS – Possibly the Best Value 1U Rack Ever?

Over the last 18-24 months, Ubiquiti has shifted the ‘UniFi’ label from being a networking and bridging ecosystem into a wider storage hardware and software platform that now includes a steadily expanding NAS line under UniFi Drive. Early UniFi UNAS storage products leaned heavily on simple file sharing and basic backup, but the pace of updates and the broader product rollout in 2025/2026 pushed the range closer to what small business buyers expect from an entry level NAS platform: clearer storage management, stronger snapshot and backup tooling, and tighter integration with the UniFi account and identity layer for remote access and user control (with the recent Drive 4.0 Update really uping their game considerably). The UniFi UNAS Pro 4 sits within that context as a compact 1U, 4 bay rack mount system designed mainly for file storage and sharing over SMB and NFS, rather than running third party applications, containers, or virtual machines. At $499, it is priced noticeably lower than many competing 1U rack NAS products at broadly comparable “headline” hardware, particularly where dual 10Gb networking and NVMe caching are concerned, which makes it hard to ignore if the goal is simple, high bandwidth storage in a rack footprint without moving into significantly higher spend.

UniFi UNAS Pro 4 Review – Quick Conclusion

The UniFi UNAS Pro 4 is a 1U, 4 bay rack mount NAS aimed at straightforward SMB and NFS file storage, and its main differentiator is value: at $499 it undercuts many comparable 1U rack units while still offering 2x 10Gb SFP+ plus a separate 1GbE management port, 4 hot swap bays for 3.5 inch or 2.5 inch drives, and 2 M.2 NVMe slots for read and write caching. In testing with 4 HDDs in RAID 5 over 10GbE, it delivered strong real-world file transfer results for a small SATA array, with synthetic benchmarks showing high peak throughput but some variability depending on the tool used, and the platform’s power draw and noise profile were heavily influenced by drive choice and fan mode, including very loud output if maximum cooling is forced. UniFi Drive covers the core fundamentals expected at this level, including snapshots, encrypted volumes, and a wide range of backup targets (NAS, SMB, and multiple cloud services, with Microsoft 365 direction evident in recent updates), but the interface still limits deeper tuning in places and the feature set remains focused on storage rather than apps. The main downsides are structural and easy to identify up front: NVMe can only be used for cache rather than storage pools, the NVMe carriers are an extra purchase, there are no USB ports for local copy tasks, the PSU is internal and not a hot swap module, and missing features like iSCSI, ECC, and RAM upgradability place a clear ceiling on more advanced workloads, though those trade-offs are broadly consistent with a $499 ‘turnkey’ NAS appliance in 2026 though and hard to criticise!

Here are all the current UniFi NAS Solutions & Prices: UniFi UNAS Pro 4 (4 Bay + 2x M.2, $499) – HERE UniFi UNAS 2 (2 Bay, $199) – HERE UniFi UNAS 4  (4 Bay + 2x M2, $379) – HERE UniFi UNAS Pro (7 Bay, $499) – HERE UniFi UNAS Pro 8 (8-Bay + 2x M.2, $799) HERE

You can buy the UniFi UNAS Pro 4 NAS via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

 

UniFi UNAS Pro 4 Review – Design & Storage

The UNAS Pro 4 uses a conventional 1U rack mount layout, with a plain, functional front panel and an all metal enclosure intended for permanent installation rather than desktop use. It ships with rails and rack handles, which removes the usual extra step of sourcing mounting hardware separately. The chassis depth is about 400 mm, so it is not in the “full depth server” category, and that helps in smaller cabinets where rear clearance and cable management space can be limited.

Across the front are 4 hot swap bays supporting both 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch SATA drives. The trays are set up for tool-less 3.5 inch HDD installation with a click-in fit, while 2.5 inch SSDs still require screws to secure them properly. Each bay has status lighting, and the front panel also provides system level indicators so you can identify basic state and drive activity at a glance without logging into the interface. The trays feel rigid and spring-loaded, but they are not lockable, which is a practical consideration if the unit is placed in a shared rack or anywhere physical access is not strictly controlled.

From a capacity and planning perspective, this system is defined by its fixed 4 bay layout. You can configure a conventional RAID group within those bays, but there is no built-in path to scale beyond the internal slots, and there is no supported external expansion shelf option to push the same chassis further later on. That means the decision on drive sizes and redundancy level matters upfront, because the ceiling is reached quickly compared with higher bay count rack units. In a small rack deployment, it also means the unit is either a compact standalone store or part of a broader multi-NAS approach rather than a single box that grows over time.

In addition to the SATA bays, the chassis supports 2 M.2 NVMe slots intended specifically for SSD caching. The caching model is designed to accelerate HDD-based storage by using SSDs as a performance layer, rather than allowing NVMe drives to become their own primary pool for general file storage. Practically, that positions the NVMe feature as a supplement for mixed workloads, such as improving responsiveness for frequently accessed data and smoothing write behavior, rather than a route to running the system as a small all flash NAS.

A design detail that affects the storage experience is the physical NVMe mounting method. Instead of a simple screw-down slot on a board, the NVMe drives are installed via a tray or carrier mechanism, and that carrier is not included with the base unit. The carrier itself is neatly engineered with a clip-in style insertion and thermal padding, and it supports common M.2 lengths including 2280 and 22110, but requiring an additional part adds friction if caching is part of the plan from day 1. It is a small issue, but it is the kind of detail that can slow down an otherwise straightforward deployment.

UniFi UNAS Pro 4 Review – Internal Hardware

The UNAS Pro 4 is built around a quad core ARM Cortex-A57 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz and paired with 8 GB of memory, which sets expectations for the type of workloads it is designed to handle. This is not a platform aimed at heavyweight compute tasks, but for file services and scheduled backup activity it has enough headroom to keep the system responsive, particularly when multiple users are accessing shared folders and snapshots are being taken in the background.

The CPU choice also reflects a focus on predictable appliance behavior and lower overall platform complexity rather than maximum expandable performance.

Internally, the power system is a single 150 W unit mounted inside the chassis rather than a hot swap module, which influences servicing and downtime planning. If the PSU fails, replacement is more involved than swapping an external canister, and that is a meaningful difference compared with rack systems that use easily replaceable redundant modules.

The unit does, however, support UniFi’s USP-RPS DC input as an alternative redundancy method, which changes the redundancy approach from “dual PSU in the chassis” to “centralized redundant supply for multiple devices,” with different trade-offs in cost, cabling, and rack layout.

A further internal design choice is how the system treats its software environment as a dedicated appliance rather than an OS sharing space with user storage. The system software runs on its own internal storage rather than living on the same disks that hold your data. In practical terms, that reduces the chance of the OS being affected by changes to the main array, and it can make maintenance tasks like drive replacement or pool rebuilds feel more self-contained, because the unit remains manageable even while the primary storage is under stress.

ARM-based NAS platforms typically bring some efficiency advantages, and this model follows that general pattern. The CPU class and memory configuration are aligned with lower baseline overhead than many x86 NAS designs, which can help keep idle draw and sustained power use in check relative to equivalent rack hardware, though drive choice still dominates the total. The trade-off is a lower performance ceiling compared with modern x86 systems for certain workloads, plus the usual limitations seen in this category: no practical RAM upgrade path, no ECC support, and fewer options for buyers who want to push beyond file services into heavier compute. At $499, those omissions are consistent with the target price bracket in 2026 rather than being unexpected corner cutting.

UniFi UNAS Pro 4 Review – Ports and Connections

The rear connectivity is centered on 2x 10Gb SFP+ ports, and that is the defining hardware choice for this NAS in a 1U, 4 bay format. It allows the unit to be placed into a 10Gb environment without adapters, and it also opens up practical options beyond raw throughput, such as separating traffic types, connecting into different switches, or keeping a second path available for failover. The choice of SFP+ over 10GBase-T will suit users already running fiber or DAC links in a rack, but it can be less convenient for small setups built around copper RJ45.

Alongside the 10Gb ports is a separate 1GbE RJ45 port that can be used for management or for general connectivity in networks where 10Gb is not available everywhere. In a mixed UniFi environment, this is useful because it avoids tying basic onboarding and administration to a 10Gb port that might be better reserved for file traffic. It also gives a simple fallback path for access and troubleshooting if the 10Gb side is being reconfigured, moved between switches, or temporarily taken offline.

What is missing is just as relevant as what is included. There are no USB ports for quick ingest, offline copy tasks, or attaching temporary media, which some rack NAS platforms still provide for convenience even in 1U designs. Wireless is not a focus here, though Bluetooth is present for initial setup workflows, which fits the product’s “appliance onboarding” approach more than it does ongoing connectivity. The result is a port layout that prioritizes network-first storage and rack integration, while leaving out local expansion and quick-access I/O features that some users expect on a NAS.

However, (and I am sounding like a broken record at this point) at $499, these ports and connections are a notable degree more than most other turn-key NAS solutions from Synology, QNAP and even Terramaster (the more budget end of the NAS market already) are offering at under 500! So, what is presented here is a great value Day 1 solution in terms of base connectivity, but there is no denying that it might well feel the pinch in 5 years down the road when your storage is filling and your storage speeds begin to bottleneck vs your other equipment bandwidth.

UniFi UNAS Pro 4 Review – Testing Noise, Temps, Power Consumption & Speed

Performance here needs to be framed around the physical limits of 4 SATA bays and the role of SSD caching. Even with dual 10Gb networking available, a 4 drive HDD array has a throughput ceiling that will be reached long before the network becomes the bottleneck in most single-client scenarios. The value of 10Gb in this context is less about hitting theoretical maximums and more about maintaining higher transfer rates consistently, handling multiple simultaneous users, and keeping latency lower when lots of smaller operations are happening alongside big file moves.

In testing with 4 HDDs in a RAID 5 configuration over a 10Gb link to a Windows 11 client, measured throughput landed in the range expected of a well-tuned 4 disk array. Using AJA with a repeated 1 GB test file, results sat around 680 to 730 MB/s for download and 520 to 600 MB/s for upload. A real-world Windows file transfer of 101 GB made up of 1,231 mixed files completed in 3 minutes and 57 seconds, which works out at an average of about 426 MB/s across the transfer, reflecting the usual drop from synthetic peak results when file variety and filesystem overhead are introduced.

Synthetic benchmarking results varied depending on the tool used, which is not unusual when caching behavior and test patterns differ. CrystalDiskMark with a 1 GB test file reported 353 MB/s read and 429 MB/s write in this run, with write coming out higher than read, which is atypical enough to treat as an outlier pending further retesting. ATTO produced stronger peak figures of 860 MB/s read and 570 MB/s write at the top end, which aligns more closely with the best-case behavior seen in sequential-focused tests on multi-drive arrays.

Noise, power draw, and thermal behavior were also measured because they affect rack placement and operating cost. With the fan profile set to auto and drives idle, noise sat around 42 to 44 dBA, dropping to roughly 38 to 40 dBA in the lowest RPM mode. Manually forcing maximum cooling pushed noise to around 56 to 57 dBA, and that level remained dominant even when drive activity increased, suggesting the cooling system prioritizes aggressive airflow when pushed. Power consumption with 4 enterprise HDDs measured roughly 49 to 50 W at idle and 60 to 62 W under activity, while swapping to 4 SATA SSDs reduced that to around 32 W during synchronization, underlining how drive choice can change the overall profile as much as the base platform.

UniFi UNAS Pro 4 Review – Software and Services

The UNAS Pro 4 runs UniFi Drive and is managed through the same style of web interface used across the broader UniFi portfolio, with system status, storage, backups, and user access presented in a single dashboard. For basic NAS use, the core functions are in place: creating storage pools, managing shares, enabling file services, and monitoring drive health. The interface is generally structured around doing common tasks quickly rather than exposing every possible tuning option, which keeps setup approachable but also limits deeper control in areas that some experienced NAS users look for.

File access is centered on SMB and NFS, with browser-based file management available for basic upload, download, and folder navigation. The browser file manager covers the essentials and includes sharing link creation, but it is not positioned as a full productivity layer with advanced file handling or rich collaboration features. Remote access and identity-based access tools are tied into UniFi’s account and identity layer, and while local-only deployment is possible, the most integrated remote workflow is clearly designed around UniFi’s own services rather than third party remote networking tools.

Storage protection features include snapshot support, encrypted volumes, and configurable retention policies, which addresses most common rollback and recovery needs for file storage. Backup tooling covers several targets, including backing up to another UniFi NAS, to SMB targets, and to cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, and Wasabi, with Microsoft 365 backup support also part of the broader UniFi Drive direction. These features reflect the brand’s recent focus on strengthening data protection rather than expanding into application hosting or media server style functionality.

The gaps are consistent with the product’s current scope. There is no iSCSI target support, which limits certain virtualization and block-storage workflows, and there is no container or VM layer for running third party services directly on the NAS. NVMe usage remains limited to caching rather than becoming its own storage pool, which narrows the performance paths available if the goal is to build a small all-flash volume.

Client-side tooling is also still limited compared with platforms that provide a dedicated sync-and-pin application, with access leaning on standard network shares and UniFi’s identity-driven access methods rather than a full drive-style client experience.

UniFi UNAS Pro 4 Review – Conclusion & Verdict

The UNAS Pro 4 is a focused 1U, 4 bay NAS that prioritizes networked file storage and straightforward deployment over broader application support. The hardware choices align with that goal: dual 10Gb SFP+ connectivity, 4 hot swap bays, and optional NVMe caching provide a platform that can deliver strong file transfer rates for a small array, while the ARM-based design keeps the system positioned as an appliance rather than a general-purpose server. Its main compromises are largely structural rather than hidden: fixed bay count with no expansion path, NVMe limited to cache, no USB I/O for local tasks, and a single internal PSU rather than a hot swap redundant design.

At $499, the value case is driven by how much rack-oriented networking is included at a price that undercuts many comparable 1U NAS systems, especially those offering 10Gb as standard. The software is usable for core storage tasks and has clearly improved over the last year in areas like snapshots and backup targets, but it still leaves out features that matter to some buyers, including iSCSI and a fuller client sync experience. For users who want a compact rack NAS primarily for SMB or NFS file storage with modern backup and snapshot features, it fits its role well; for users expecting a broader NAS app ecosystem or more hardware serviceability, the limitations are likely to be decisive. But, as Delboy once said, at this price, “what do you want? Jam on it?”. This system is giving more at this price than anyone else right now and for its limitations, for many these will be paletable in the grand scheme of things. 1U 4Bay rackmounts has always been something that most turnkey NAS brands treat poorly, due to the low saturation point of four SATA drives and why waste more capable hardware on that? In that sense, Ubiquiti is really piling on the hardware here at this price – and I for one applaud this.

Here are all the current UniFi NAS Solutions & Prices: UniFi UNAS Pro 4 (4 Bay + 2x M.2, $499) – HERE UniFi UNAS 2 (2 Bay, $199) – HERE UniFi UNAS 4  (4 Bay + 2x M2, $379) – HERE UniFi UNAS Pro (7 Bay, $499) – HERE UniFi UNAS Pro 8 (8-Bay + 2x M.2, $799) HERE

You can buy the UniFi UNAS Pro 4 NAS via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

PROs of the UniFi UNAS Pro 4 NAS

PROs of the UniFi UNAS Pro 4 NAS

Dual 10Gb SFP+ networking is unusual in a 1U 4 bay NAS at this price point + failover will not result in bandwidth throttle A separate 1GbE port is useful for management or fallback connectivity 1U chassis with relatively short depth is easier to fit in smaller racks and cabinets Rails and rack hardware included, reducing extra setup cost and friction Ubiquiti and UniFi online/brand services are optional (i.e pure offline/LAN is possible)+ no need for a Ubiquiti/UniFi network setup to use NVMe read and write caching support can improve responsiveness in mixed workloads UniFi Drive provides snapshots, encryption, and a broad set of backup targets (NAS, SMB, and multiple cloud providers) Setup and management are streamlined, especially for users already running UniFi infrastructure Drive 4.0 Update scales up the Business Utilities notably

NVMe is cache only, with no option to use M.2 drives as primary storage pools NVMe trays or carriers are not included, adding extra cost and an extra purchase step Single PSU (no redundency) and non-slide removable SFX/ATX PSU (relies on propriatary UniFi Battery Backup rack module or external UPS) No NAS Expansion Support, so 4 HDDs are your limit

 

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Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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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.

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

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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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Review – Best Budget WiFi 7 Travel Router

The Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) is a compact dual band Wi Fi 7 travel router developed by GL.iNet as the successor to the Beryl AX (GL-MT3000), positioned as a mid range portable networking solution that introduces Wi Fi 7 support, dual 2.5GbE ports, and substantially higher VPN throughput while remaining priced at 139.99 dollars. Unlike traditional home routers designed for fixed installations and wide coverage, the Beryl 7 is intended for temporary and mobile deployments such as hotel rooms, shared offices, dorm setups, and remote work environments where portability and flexibility are priorities. Within the travel router segment, the Beryl series has focused on balancing price, control, and performance, and this model shifts further toward higher throughput networking, particularly in wired connectivity and encrypted traffic handling. With advertised VPN speeds of up to 1100Mbps via WireGuard and 1000Mbps via OpenVPN DCO, it exceeds many similarly sized travel routers that remain limited to 1GbE and lower VPN acceleration, yet it does not attempt to compete with higher cost tri band Wi Fi 7 devices that include 6GHz radios. Instead, it sits between entry-level Wi-Fi 6 travel routers and more expensive portable options such as the Slate 7, offering newer wireless standards without entering premium desktop router pricing from brands like Netgear or ASUS. Although branded as Wi Fi 7, it operates on 2.4GHz and 5GHz only, without 6GHz support, limiting full spectrum capability but still enabling features such as Multi Link Operation across its two bands. The device is aimed at technically aware users and frequent travelers who require advanced routing controls, VPN flexibility, and OpenWrt-based customisation in a compact chassis measuring 120 x 83 x 34mm and weighing 205g, modernizing the travel router category without moving into high end pricing tiers.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Review – Quick Conclusion

The Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) is a compact dual band Wi Fi 7 travel router from GL.iNet that builds on the Beryl AX by adding dual 2.5GbE ports, a quad core 2.0GHz MediaTek CPU, 512MB DDR4 memory, 512MB flash storage, and substantially higher VPN throughput of up to 1100Mbps via WireGuard and 1000Mbps via OpenVPN DCO, while maintaining a portable near pocket sized scale and just 205g in weight. It supports Wi Fi 7 features such as Multi Link Operation across 2.4GHz and 5GHz, but omits 6GHz and 320MHz channel width, limiting full spectrum Wi Fi 7 capability. Design priorities include silent passive cooling, foldable antennas, minimal LEDs, and a programmable hardware toggle for VPN control, alongside flexible connectivity through wired WAN, LAN, repeater mode, and USB tethering with automatic failover. Boot time is approximately 51 seconds, captive portal access is typically achieved in around 35 seconds, power draw ranges from roughly 3.7W to 6.7W depending on load, and thermals remain stable under sustained use. The OpenWrt based firmware provides both simplified management and full LuCI access, plus an app ecosystem and GoodCloud remote management, though USB storage performance remains limited to around 50MB/s to 70MB/s and only a single USB port is available. Positioned between entry level Wi Fi 6 travel routers and higher priced portable Wi Fi 7 models such as the Slate 7, it does not include integrated battery, SIM, or 6GHz support, but offers strong wired flexibility, fast VPN acceleration, and granular configuration control at 139.99 dollars, making it a technically capable and competitively placed option for travel and temporary network deployments.

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Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Review – Design and Connectivity

The Beryl 7 follows the compact design language established by earlier Beryl models, maintaining a footprint of 120 x 83 x 34mm and a weight of 205g. It is not pocket sized in the strictest sense, but it remains small enough to fit easily into hand luggage, a laptop bag, or a cable pouch. The chassis uses rounded edges rather than sharp corners, which makes it easier to handle and store alongside other equipment. Ventilation is distributed around the casing to support passive cooling, and there is no internal fan, meaning operation is silent under load.

A distinguishing visual change compared to previous models is the mint green finish, which replaces the darker tones commonly associated with networking hardware. While aesthetic preference is subjective, the color makes the device visually distinct from most black or grey travel routers on the market. The overall construction feels rigid, and the dual external antennas are foldable and adjustable up to 180°, allowing users to reposition them depending on orientation and signal direction.

In terms of physical connectivity, the Beryl 7 includes 2 x 2.5GbE ports, configurable as 1 x WAN and 1 x LAN. This is a notable upgrade over older 1GbE limited travel routers and enables higher throughput when connected to multi gig internet services or high speed local networks. For portable scenarios, this can be relevant in environments such as serviced apartments or offices where faster wired backhaul is available. The inclusion of 2.5GbE on both ports provides flexibility, particularly when using the router in bridge, repeater, or failover configurations.

A single USB 3.0 Type A port is located on the side, supporting external storage devices or USB tethering from a smartphone. While it provides expansion capability, the presence of only one USB port means users must choose between storage and tethering unless they rely on a powered hub, which may introduce stability or power delivery considerations.

Power is delivered via a USB C input, supporting 5V/3A, 9V/3A, and 12V/2.5A. This allows the router to be powered by standard phone chargers, power banks, or USB outlets commonly found on transport systems.

Additional physical controls include a reset button and a programmable toggle button. The toggle button can be configured for tasks such as enabling or disabling a VPN or switching network modes, providing quick hardware level control without accessing the web interface. LED indicators are minimal and can be adjusted or disabled via software, reducing visual distraction in low light environments. Overall, the design prioritizes portability, silent operation, and practical connectivity over integrated batteries or cellular modems, reflecting its focus on wired and Wi Fi based networking rather than standalone mobile broadband functionality.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Review – Internal Hardware

The Beryl 7 is built around a MediaTek quad core processor running at 2.0GHz, marking a clear step up from the dual core 1.3GHz platform used in the previous Beryl AX. This increase in core count and clock speed directly supports higher VPN throughput, improved multi WAN handling, and better performance under concurrent client load. In portable routing scenarios where encryption, traffic shaping, and failover may be active simultaneously, the additional processing headroom is relevant, particularly when compared to entry level travel routers that rely on lower power chipsets.

Memory and storage are provisioned at 512MB DDR4 RAM and 512MB NAND flash. The RAM capacity is sufficient for running multiple services concurrently, including VPN client or server roles, firewall rules, and installed plugins through the OpenWrt environment. The increased flash storage compared to the Beryl AX allows for a broader range of optional packages and services without immediately encountering storage constraints. For users intending to extend functionality beyond basic routing, this additional internal space provides practical flexibility.

On the wireless side, the router supports dual band Wi Fi 7 operation across 2.4GHz and 5GHz, with theoretical combined speeds of 3600Mbps. While it does not include 6GHz support, it does retain Multi Link Operation across the available bands, enabling simultaneous use of both radios for compatible clients. The internal architecture is therefore designed to balance power efficiency and thermal stability with next generation protocol support, rather than pursuing maximum theoretical bandwidth at the expense of heat output or energy draw.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Review – Software and Services

The Beryl 7 runs a customized OpenWrt based firmware developed by GL.iNet, providing a layered interface that caters to both general users and more technically experienced administrators. The primary web interface presents a structured dashboard for managing WAN connections, Wi Fi networks, VPN profiles, client devices, and failover rules without requiring direct interaction with raw OpenWrt configuration files. For users who prefer deeper customization, full access to the underlying OpenWrt LuCI environment is available, allowing granular control over firewall rules, routing tables, VLAN configuration, and advanced networking parameters.

VPN functionality is a central component of the platform. The router supports both client and server modes, including WireGuard and OpenVPN with DCO acceleration. Configuration can be handled manually or through profile imports from commercial VPN providers. A physical toggle button on the device can be assigned to enable or disable VPN connections instantly, providing hardware level control without logging into the interface. This is particularly relevant in travel scenarios where switching between encrypted and non encrypted traffic may be necessary for compatibility with certain captive portals or services.

Multi WAN support is integrated into the firmware, enabling wired WAN, Wi Fi repeater mode, and USB tethering to operate in combination or as automatic failover paths. Users can define priority levels so that if one connection drops, the router transitions to another within seconds.

This feature is typically found in larger business oriented routers and is less common in compact travel models. The ability to combine wired and wireless sources adds resilience in temporary setups where network stability may vary.

An integrated app center allows additional services to be installed directly onto the router’s internal storage or external USB storage if attached. These may include ad blocking tools, network monitoring utilities, file sharing services, and lightweight media server applications. While performance is limited by the ARM based hardware and USB throughput, the software ecosystem provides flexibility beyond standard routing tasks. Remote management is also supported through the GoodCloud platform, enabling off site monitoring and configuration if required.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Review – Tests and Performance

Boot time from a full power off state to complete interface availability measured approximately 51 seconds, which is relatively quick for a router running a full OpenWrt based stack. Accessing and connecting to a public Wi Fi network, including reaching a captive portal login page, typically took around 35 seconds from initial startup. In practical travel scenarios, this reduces setup friction when moving between networks in hotels, cafés, or shared office environments.

Power consumption remained low across multiple usage patterns. With 3 wireless client devices streaming 4K video simultaneously, draw averaged between 3.7W and 3.8W. Under heavier mixed load involving multiple wireless clients, an active wired WAN and LAN connection, and repeated speed testing, consumption increased to roughly 5W to 6W. When adding a USB connected SSD and sustained traffic, readings reached approximately 6.4W to 6.7W. These figures allow the device to be powered reliably by common USB C chargers and mid capacity power banks without stability issues.

Thermal behavior reflected the passive cooling design. After 1 hour of sustained wireless streaming load, external casing temperatures remained around 41°C to 42°C. Under heavier combined wired and wireless traffic for a similar duration, surface temperatures rose to approximately 51°C to 54°C, with localized vent readings reaching about 56°C. No thermal throttling was observed during testing, and the absence of an internal fan resulted in silent operation throughout.

VPN throughput and failover functionality were key performance areas. Using WireGuard, speeds approached the advertised 1100Mbps ceiling under favorable conditions, while OpenVPN DCO performance reached close to 1000Mbps over Ethernet. Compared to non VPN traffic, throughput reductions of roughly 20% to 25% were observed depending on server location and encryption overhead. Multi WAN failover switching between wired, repeater, and tethered connections typically completed within 4 to 5 seconds, maintaining active sessions in most cases. USB storage performance, however, was limited, with transfer rates generally between 50MB/s and 70MB/s, indicating that while file sharing is possible, it is not a replacement for a dedicated NAS.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) represents an incremental but meaningful update to the Beryl travel router line. It introduces dual 2.5GbE connectivity, significantly higher VPN throughput, and Wi Fi 7 protocol support within a compact and low power chassis. Its strengths lie in wired flexibility, strong encryption performance, multi WAN failover capability, and the depth of control provided by its OpenWrt based firmware. Boot times are short, public Wi Fi onboarding is quick, power consumption remains modest even under mixed wired and wireless load, and thermal behavior stays within reasonable limits despite the absence of active cooling. The programmable hardware toggle for VPN control adds practical usability in travel scenarios, and the ability to power the device from common USB C chargers or transport based USB outlets increases deployment flexibility. At the same time, it omits 6GHz support, limiting full spectrum Wi Fi 7 functionality and restricting channel width to 160MHz rather than 320MHz. USB storage performance remains modest compared to dedicated network storage devices, and the single USB port can constrain simultaneous tethering and storage use without additional powered accessories.

In market terms, the device sits between entry level Wi Fi 6 travel routers and higher priced Wi Fi 7 portable platforms such as the Slate 7. It does not attempt to compete with tri band hardware, integrated batteries, SIM or eSIM functionality, or touchscreen management panels. The release timing also places it within a crowded product window that includes closely related models from the same manufacturer, which may narrow differentiation for some buyers. However, at 139.99 dollars, it provides an accessible entry point into multi gig wired networking and high speed VPN acceleration in a travel focused form factor. It does not redefine the category or present itself as a flagship device, but for users who prioritize portability, advanced routing controls, reliable failover, and strong encrypted throughput over full band Wi Fi 7 or integrated mobile broadband features, the Beryl 7 remains a technically competent and competitively positioned option within its segment.

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Gl.iNet Beryl 7 PROs

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 PROs

Dual 2.5GbE WAN and LAN ports enable multi gig wired connectivity WireGuard performance up to 1100Mbps with strong OpenVPN DCO throughput Wi Fi 7 support with Multi Link Operation across 2.4GHz and 5GHz Compact 120 x 83 x 34mm chassis with 205g weight for travel deployment Low power consumption between ~3.7W and ~6.7W under typical loads Fast boot time of approximately 51 seconds from cold start Robust OpenWrt based firmware with full LuCI access and app ecosystem Multi WAN failover across wired, repeater, and USB tethering sources

No 6GHz band support, limiting full Wi Fi 7 capability USB storage performance limited to approximately 50MB/s to 70MB/s Only 1 USB 3.0 port, restricting simultaneous tethering and storage use

 

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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.

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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Jonsbo N6 Case Review PROs

Jonsbo N6 Case Review CONs

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

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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Gl.iNet Beryl 7 vs Beryl AX Travel Router – Which Should You Buy?

The GL.iNet Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) and the GL.iNet Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) are two compact travel routers from the same product line, aimed at users who need portable, secure network access for travel, remote work, or temporary deployments. They share a similar physical footprint, OpenWrt based software environment, USB powered design, and the ability to convert a single wired or wireless uplink into a private network for multiple client devices. The comparison between them is relevant because the price difference is relatively modest, yet they are based on different wireless generations and hardware platforms. As a result, prospective buyers and existing Beryl AX users may reasonably question whether the newer Beryl 7 represents a meaningful upgrade, or whether the earlier model remains sufficient for most travel focused networking requirements.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Travel Router		Gl.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router
Buy From Gl.iNet	Buy From Amazon	Buy From Gl.iNet	Buy From Amazon

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 vs Beryl AX – WiFi 6 vs WiFi 7 (Do You Need It?)

The GL.iNet Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) is based on the WiFi 6 standard, supporting dual band operation across 2.4GHz and 5GHz with a combined theoretical maximum of 3000Mbps, rated at 574Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2402Mbps on 5GHz. The GL.iNet Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) moves to WiFi 7 and increases the combined theoretical bandwidth to 3600Mbps, rated at 688Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2882Mbps on 5GHz. Both devices operate on 2 bands only, as the Beryl 7 does not include 6GHz support, meaning it does not use the additional spectrum sometimes associated with WiFi 7 implementations.

The practical distinction between WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 in this comparison lies less in raw peak numbers and more in protocol efficiency and connection handling. WiFi 7 introduces Multi Link Operation, allowing compatible client devices to connect across multiple bands simultaneously rather than selecting a single band. In supported environments, this can improve throughput consistency and reduce latency under load. However, the benefit depends on the presence of WiFi 7 capable client hardware. Devices limited to WiFi 6 or earlier will connect using backward compatible standards, reducing the generational advantage to incremental improvements in signal handling and overhead efficiency.

In real world travel scenarios such as hotel rooms, shared apartments, or temporary office spaces, both routers provide sufficient bandwidth for streaming, browsing, cloud access, and moderate file transfers across multiple devices.

The Beryl 7 offers higher theoretical wireless ceilings and additional aggregation capability for compatible hardware, while the Beryl AX provides established WiFi 6 performance that remains adequate for most sub 2.5Gb internet connections. The decision between them in wireless terms is therefore primarily influenced by client device compatibility and the value placed on higher theoretical throughput within a portable deployment context.

It is also worth noting that 6GHz WiFi support, while often associated with WiFi 7, currently has more limited regulatory and client adoption in parts of Europe compared to other regions. Even if a travel router in this class were to include 6GHz radios, many users in European markets would not consistently benefit from the wider 320MHz channels or expanded spectrum due to regional availability constraints and lower client device penetration. In practical terms, this reduces the immediate advantage of tri band WiFi 7 for a large portion of the target audience. Integrating 6GHz capability would also require more advanced RF design, revised antenna layout, higher power handling, and often a different class of processor platform, frequently moving toward higher tier Qualcomm solutions. That shift would increase component cost, thermal requirements, and overall retail pricing, placing the device in a materially different market segment than the current dual band Beryl models.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 vs Beryl AX – Wired Connectivity for WAN and LAN?

Both the GL.iNet Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) and the GL.iNet Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) include 2 Ethernet ports that can be configured as WAN or LAN depending on deployment needs. The structural difference lies in port speed allocation. The Beryl AX provides 1 x 2.5G port and 1 x 1G port, while the Beryl 7 provides 2 x 2.5G ports. This distinction directly affects how multi-gigabit internet connections and high speed wired clients can be distributed within the local network.

On the Beryl AX, users must decide whether the 2.5G interface will function as WAN or LAN if both upstream and downstream multi gigabit throughput is required. If the 2.5G port is assigned to WAN for an internet connection above 1G, the remaining LAN port is limited to 1G for wired clients such as a NAS or workstation. In contrast, the Beryl 7 allows a multi gigabit WAN input and a separate 2.5G LAN output simultaneously. This removes the need to prioritize one side of the connection when operating in environments with faster than gigabit internet access.

In lower bandwidth scenarios, such as hotel or public WiFi uplinks that rarely exceed 1G, the practical difference may be minimal. However, in deployments involving fiber connections above 1G, local high speed storage, or internal data transfers over wired connections, the dual 2.5G configuration of the Beryl 7 provides greater flexibility. The distinction is therefore less about port quantity and more about simultaneous throughput capability when handling multi gigabit traffic on both WAN and LAN interfaces.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 vs Beryl AX – Internal Hardware (and what difference it makes?)

The GL.iNet Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) uses the MediaTek MT7981B dual core processor running at 1.3GHz per core, whereas the GL.iNet Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) moves to a MediaTek quad core processor running at 2.0GHz per core. This is not simply an incremental clock speed increase, but a combination of higher per core frequency and a doubling of available cores. In practical routing workloads, additional cores allow parallel handling of encryption, NAT, firewall inspection, QoS rules, and multiple concurrent sessions. The higher clock speed per core also improves single threaded tasks such as certain VPN operations and packet inspection routines. As network traffic increases, particularly when VPN encryption is enabled, the scaling advantage of 4 cores at 2.0GHz becomes more relevant than raw wireless bandwidth alone.

Both devices include 512MB DDR4 memory, so runtime capacity for active services and simultaneous connections is comparable at a base level. The difference lies in onboard NAND flash storage. The Beryl AX provides 256MB of flash, while the Beryl 7 includes 512MB. For basic firmware and light package installation, 256MB is typically sufficient. However, users deploying additional OpenWrt packages, extended logging, container based services, or more complex VPN and DNS filtering configurations may benefit from the additional internal storage headroom on the Beryl 7. The larger flash capacity reduces the need to offload configuration or expand storage through external means.

Both routers feature a single USB 3.0 port for data connectivity, while the separate USB Type C port is dedicated to power input. This means there is only 1 usable USB interface for peripherals. External storage devices such as USB flash drives or portable SSDs can be connected for file sharing via Samba or WebDAV, effectively turning the router into a lightweight network storage node. However, using the USB port for storage prevents simultaneous use for USB tethering or a USB cellular dongle. In travel deployments where USB tethering to a smartphone or 4G or 5G modem is required, the port cannot be shared. As a result, internal flash capacity and USB role allocation may influence configuration decisions depending on whether the router is being used primarily for storage sharing, mobile broadband input, or wired WAN operation.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 vs Beryl AX – Performance and Deployment Scale Long term

The hardware and wireless differences between the GL.iNet Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) and the GL.iNet Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) translate into measurable differences in VPN throughput and concurrent device handling. The Beryl AX is rated for up to 300Mbps via WireGuard and up to 150Mbps via OpenVPN in client mode. The Beryl 7 increases those ceilings to 1100Mbps via WireGuard and 1000Mbps via OpenVPN DCO. These figures are dependent on network conditions and configuration, but the scaling difference reflects the impact of the stronger quad core 2.0GHz processor on encryption and packet processing workloads.

Client device capacity is also higher on the Beryl 7. The Beryl AX is positioned to support 70 plus connected devices, while the Beryl 7 is rated for 120 plus. In most travel scenarios, such as hotel rooms or short term rentals, both limits exceed realistic usage. However, in small office, lab, classroom, or event environments where a travel router may be used as a temporary gateway, the higher client handling ceiling provides additional headroom. The increase is less about encouraging high density deployments and more about ensuring stability when multiple devices are actively transferring data simultaneously.

Deployment flexibility also differs when combining wired, wireless, and VPN loads. On the Beryl AX, performance limitations are more likely to appear when multi gigabit WAN input, active VPN encryption, and numerous client sessions are all enabled concurrently. The Beryl 7, with dual 2.5G ports, higher wireless ceilings, and stronger CPU resources, is designed to sustain heavier mixed workloads before reaching saturation. In low bandwidth environments such as standard hotel WiFi, both units operate comfortably within their limits. The divergence becomes more apparent in high speed fiber connections, homelab testing, or sustained VPN dependent remote work scenarios.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 vs Beryl AX – Which One Should You Buy?

The GL.iNet Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) and the GL.iNet Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) occupy the same physical category and share a similar deployment philosophy, but they differ meaningfully in processing capability, wired configuration flexibility, wireless ceiling, and VPN throughput. The Beryl AX remains a WiFi 6 based travel router with 2.5G WAN support, stable OpenWrt integration, and sufficient CPU resources for encrypted traffic at moderate broadband speeds. For users operating within sub gigabit internet connections, running standard VPN client configurations, and connecting a typical number of personal devices, its limitations are unlikely to surface in normal travel use. It continues to provide a compact, USB powered solution for converting public or shared internet access into a private subnet.

The Beryl 7 expands on that foundation with WiFi 7 protocol support across 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Multi Link Operation, dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, higher VPN throughput ceilings, a stronger quad core 2.0GHz processor, and increased onboard flash storage. These upgrades primarily increase performance headroom rather than altering the use case itself. In environments involving faster than 1G internet connections, sustained encrypted traffic, heavier concurrent client activity, or mixed wired and wireless high throughput workloads, the Beryl 7 is less likely to encounter processing or port bottlenecks. The higher rated VPN performance, particularly with WireGuard and OpenVPN DCO, may also be relevant for remote workers whose encrypted tunnel speed is constrained by router hardware rather than the upstream connection.

It is also relevant that the Beryl 7 does not include 6GHz spectrum support, meaning it does not implement the full 3 band WiFi 7 feature set. Within the broader portfolio of GL.iNet, development is ongoing toward a 6GHz capable WiFi 7 travel platform, referenced as the Slate 7 Pro, which is expected no earlier than Q2 2026. As such, the Beryl 7 represents an incremental step forward within dual band travel routers rather than the final stage of WiFi 7 implementation in this segment. Buyers prioritizing immediate WiFi 7 support with stronger processing and dual 2.5G ports may find the Beryl 7 aligned with their requirements, while those satisfied with WiFi 6 performance and lower VPN ceilings may find the Beryl AX remains proportionate to its price and intended scope.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Travel Router		Gl.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router
Buy From Gl.iNet	Buy From Amazon	Buy From Gl.iNet	Buy From Amazon
PROs	CONs	PROs	CONs
+ WiFi 7 and MLO + Dual 2.5G WAN/LAN + Better CPU + More Storage	– More Expensive – Lack of 6Ghz – Same RAM/Memory	+ Cheaper + Lower Power Use + Same RAM/Memory + Same Software & Features	– Lacks MLO – Less Base Storage – Lower USB PD Support

 

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