The Best M.2 SSD NAS of the Year

As we close out 2024 and move into 2025, the evolution of SSD-based NAS systems has been nothing short of remarkable. This year has seen a surge in brands embracing M.2 NVMe and SATA-based SSD systems over traditional hard drives. Today, we highlight the best SSD flash NAS systems of the year, featuring three standout recommendations and one honorable mention. These systems leverage the enhanced performance of Gen 3, Gen 4, and even Gen 5 SSDs, providing exceptional speed and versatility.

Criteria for Selection

1. Availability: The NAS must have been released and available for purchase before October 2024.
2. Focus on M.2 NVMe: While SATA-based SSDs are still popular, this list emphasizes systems that utilize the high-performance potential of M.2 NVMe SSDs.
3. Turnkey Solutions: DIY systems are excluded; we’re focusing on fully integrated, ready-to-use NAS devices.

With those criteria in mind, let’s dive into the list, starting with our honorable mention.

Honorable Mention: Asustor Flashstor Gen 2

6/12x M.2 NVMe SSD Bays (Gen 4/3), Ryzen 4 Core / 8 Thread CPU, ECC Memory, 10GbE, USB4, 10G USB – $999-1499 HERE

• Written Review HERE
• YouTube Video Review HERE

The Asustor Lockerstor Gen 2 is a fantastic example of how NAS devices are evolving to meet modern performance demands. Designed for users who need a balance of speed, reliability, and compact design, this NAS delivers enterprise-level features in a smaller form factor. Its Ryzen V3000 processor, paired with 6 or 12 bays for M.2 NVMe drives, makes it a powerhouse for demanding workloads. Whether you’re handling virtualization, multimedia editing, or advanced backups, this NAS is built to perform without breaking a sweat.

The Asustor Lockerstor Gen 2 narrowly misses the top spots but remains an impressive NAS. Powered by a Ryzen V3000 processor, this system is available in 6-bay and 12-bay configurations, offering:

• 10GbE and USB 4 connectivity, enabling network and Thunderbolt functionality.
• ECC memory support, depending on the configuration.
• Gen4 SSD Bandwidth
• Compact design with powerful performance, ideal for modern workloads.

This NAS combines robust hardware and versatile connectivity. The Ryzen V3000 processor ensures efficient multitasking, making it suitable for demanding applications such as virtualization, multimedia editing, and high-speed backups. The inclusion of ECC memory in specific configurations enhances data integrity, making it an excellent choice for professionals requiring reliability.

What we said in our Flashstor Gen 2 Review 03/24:

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.

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.

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While this NAS has only just started to reach reviewers, its potential is clear. If it performs as promised, it may well dominate 2025’s rankings. For now, it earns a well-deserved honorable mention, as it is simply too new to be compared against devices that have had more time in the market for user feedback.

Flashstor Gen 2 on Amazon Below:

Best Business M.2 NVMe SSD NAS – The QNAP TBS-h574

5x M.2 NVMe SSD Bays (Gen 3 E1.S), Intel 13th Gen Core i3/i5/i7 4/6/8 Core 10-12 Thread CPU, up to 64GB Memory, 10GbE, USB4/TB4, 10G USB – $1199-1449 HERE

• Written Review HERE
• YouTube Video Review HERE

The QNAP TBS-h574 redefines compact NAS design by delivering robust performance and advanced features in a small footprint. Targeted at professionals and small businesses, this NAS offers seamless integration of hardware and software, leveraging the speed of M.2 NVMe SSDs to enhance data management workflows. With its hot-swappable SSD bays and high-speed connectivity options, the TBS-h574 is perfect for scenarios demanding speed, reliability, and minimal space requirements.

The QNAP TBS-h574 is a powerhouse NAS with:

• 5 M.2 NVMe bays (supporting Gen 3 SSDs with hot-swapping capabilities).
• Intel Core i3 or i5 processor options.
• 10GbE and USB4/Thunderbolt connectivity.
• ZFS support through QNAP’s QUTS OS, allowing for advanced RAID configurations like Write Once Read Many (WORM).

This NAS stands out for its compact design and enterprise-level features. The hot-swappable M.2 bays make maintenance and upgrades easy, while the integration of Thunderbolt provides exceptional data transfer speeds. The Intel Core processors ensure robust performance, supporting applications like virtual machines, multimedia transcoding, and high-speed backups. Despite its higher price point, it offers robust performance, excellent warranty support, and a growing software ecosystem. Its lack of ECC memory and throttled M.2 speeds due to CPU lane limitations are minor drawbacks. Still, its balance of hardware, software, and scalability secures it a top spot on this list.

What we said in our QNAP TBS-h574TX NAS Review on 01/24:

The QNAP TBS-h574TX NAS emerges as an exceptional and uniquely compact yet robustly powerful system, offering outstanding performance and bandwidth capabilities. Its sleek and innovative design sets a new standard in the NAS market, particularly notable for its integration of advanced features like Thunderbolt 4 and a high-capacity 10G connection. These features are further enhanced by the utilization of cutting-edge E1.S/NVMe SSD storage, all seamlessly managed by a highly capable CPU architecture. This makes the TBS-h574TX not just a NAS, but a powerhouse of data management and connectivity. Especially appealing to photo and video editors, the NAS excels in aesthetics, portability, and functionality, making it a viable alternative to traditional portable direct-attached storage systems like LaCie or G-Tech. Its ability to support multi-user access and provide immediate local network connectivity straight out of the box adds to its versatility. Additionally, the system boasts a modest power supply and impressively efficient power consumption relative to the bandwidth it offers, highlighting QNAP’s commitment to balancing performance with energy efficiency.

However, users must note some trade-offs, such as the limitation in PCIe bandwidth for each of the SSD bays, and the fixed memory capacity. While these are necessary adjustments for its compact form, they are points for consideration. Despite these minor limitations, the 13th Gen Intel Core processor used in its configurations demonstrates QNAP’s dedication to incorporating top-tier technology, although there are more advanced CPUs in other models. This system is a testament to QNAP’s ability to innovate, offering a package that promises the high performance of larger NAS units but in a remarkably portable format. It raises the question: Is this the ideal NAS for everyone? Perhaps not. But for those seeking a high-performance, Thunderbolt-enabled NAS that combines portability with powerful capabilities, the QNAP TBS-h574TX is a formidable choice.

SOFTWARE - 9/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 10/10

PRICE - 8/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.8

PROS

Exceptionally future-proof 13th Gen i3/i5 Processor (Mid-2023 series) with high end Int.Gfx
2x Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, one is front mounted for convenience
Also features a 10GbE and 2.5GbE Connection for direct editing and/or high-speed local networking
High internal and external performance and bandwidth for such a compact system
Compact and portable, ideal for on-site creators to share and collaborate on-the-fly
Enhanced security protocols post-Deadbolt ransomware attack.
Wide range of multimedia and business tools.
Equipped with QVR Pro for extensive surveillance and numerous Backup/Sync tools as standard.
QuTS Has numerous ZFS based advantages + QSAL Antiwear leveling
Supports AI photo recognition, AI Surveillance Tools, 4K/8K Plex Support and VM Tools.
Arrives with 1TB of Cloud Space with MyQNAPCloudOne for 12 months.

CONS

High price range of $1800-$2000. Check out the TVS-h674T for similar pricing and alternative Tiering/Bandwidth allocation
Limited PCIe bandwidth on SSD bays.
Not a silent operation due to cooling fans.

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Buy the QNAP TBS-h574TX NAS on Amazon Below:

Best Budget 10GbE M.2 SSD NAS – The TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus

8x M.2 NVMe SSD Bays (Gen 3×1), Intel N305 i3 8 Core / 8 Thread CPU, up to 32GB Memory, 10GbE, 10G USB – $599-799 HERE

• Written Review HERE
• YouTube Video Review HERE

The TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus is a standout example of affordability meeting performance in the NAS market. It is tailored for professionals and enthusiasts seeking a turnkey solution with significant storage capacity and power efficiency. Its design focuses on delivering ample M.2 NVMe storage options while maintaining a low overall cost, making it accessible without sacrificing essential features.

The TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus consistently surprises as a value-packed flash NAS solution:

• 8 M.2 NVMe slots, each supporting up to Gen 3 x1 speeds.
• Intel N305 Alder Lake processor with 8 cores, paired with 16GB DDR5 memory.
• Single 10GbE port for high-speed connectivity.

This NAS combines affordability with impressive storage potential. The 8-core Alder Lake processor is designed for power efficiency, keeping energy costs low while maintaining consistent performance. Its 8 M.2 NVMe slots enable significant storage expansion, ideal for professionals managing large data sets or high-definition multimedia. At a price range of $499–$799, this NAS delivers incredible value. While its CPU limits performance to Gen 3 x1 speeds, it is power-efficient and offers significant storage potential. Notably, TerraMaster allows users to install third-party operating systems like TrueNAS or Unraid, providing versatility for advanced users.

What we said in our Review of the Terramaster F8 SSD PLUS NAS on 09/24:

You really have to give Terramaster credit for the F8 SSD Plus, as it stands out impressively among the many brands entering the dedicated flash SSD storage market recently. Despite its compact size, it offers more storage than most competitors, though long-term users may be concerned about heat management. Terramaster has addressed this with effective heatsink placement, angled airflow, and necessary SSD performance adjustments to control temperature. While not perfect and lacking some high-end business features like ECC memory and network failover, it suits prosumers, enthusiasts, and small to medium businesses. Content creators, photographers, videographers, and those managing fast-moving databases will benefit from this system, despite the absence of some enterprise-level hardware. The TOS 6 software has improved significantly, offering a wide array of features such as flexible RAID, BTRFS support, multi-tiered backup, and more. Though the “Windows 11” aesthetic might not appeal to everyone, and there is a notable absence of ZFS, the ability to install third-party OS options like UnRAID and TrueNAS adds versatility. The Terramaster F8 SSD Plus is a capable, affordable, and impressive NAS solution, holding its own in a competitive market for 2024/2025, even if it doesn’t match the software flair of Synology or the aggressive hardware approach of QNAP.

SOFTWARE - 8/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 10/10

8.4

PROS

Compact Size with High Storage Capacity: Despite its small footprint, the F8 SSD Plus can accommodate up to 8 M.2 SSDs, providing significant storage in a compact form factor.
Effective Heat Management: The system features strategic heatsink placement, angled airflow, and SSD performance adjustments to manage heat efficiently.
Affordable Price Point: Offers a cost-effective solution for a flash NAS system, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Versatile Use: Suitable for prosumers, enthusiasts, small to medium businesses, content creators, photographers, videographers, and those managing fast-moving databases.
Improved TOS 6 Software: The latest TOS 6 software version includes a broad range of features such as RAID support, BTRFS, multi-tiered backup, and more.
Support for Third-Party Operating Systems: Users can install third-party NAS software like UnRAID and TrueNAS, offering flexibility and customization options.
Low Power Consumption: Utilizes an efficient Intel N305 i3 processor, which keeps power usage low while still delivering adequate performance.
Quiet Operation: Despite being a pure SSD system, the fan noise is minimal, making it suitable for quieter environments.
Good Connectivity Options: Includes a 10 GbE port and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, allowing for a range of external connections and expansions.
Environmentally Conscious Design: The packaging is mostly recyclable, and the use of external PSUs can help reduce heat and potential e-waste.

CONS

Lacks High-End Business Features: Missing enterprise-level features such as ECC memory and network failover, which are important for more demanding business environments.
Single 10 GbE Port: Only one network port limits redundancy and failover options, potentially creating a bottleneck for data transfer.
Aesthetic and UI Concerns: The new “Windows 11” aesthetic of TOS 6 may not appeal to all users, and the lack of the familiar TOS 5 desktop style might be a drawback for some.
No Native ZFS Support: Although there are alternative file systems available, the absence of native ZFS support, which benefits SSD use with features like data integrity and snapshot capabilities, may be seen as a limitation.

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PROs of the F8 SSD PLUS NAS	CONs of the F8 SSD PLUS NAS
Compact Size with High Storage Capacity: Despite its small footprint, the F8 SSD Plus can accommodate up to 8 M.2 SSDs, providing significant storage in a compact form factor. Effective Heat Management: The system features strategic heatsink placement, angled airflow, and SSD performance adjustments to manage heat efficiently. Affordable Price Point: Offers a cost-effective solution for a flash NAS system, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Versatile Use: Suitable for prosumers, enthusiasts, small to medium businesses, content creators, photographers, videographers, and those managing fast-moving databases. Improved TOS 6 Software: The latest TOS 6 software version includes a broad range of features such as RAID support, BTRFS, multi-tiered backup, and more. Support for Third-Party Operating Systems: Users can install third-party NAS software like UnRAID and TrueNAS, offering flexibility and customization options. Low Power Consumption: Utilizes an efficient Intel N305 i3 processor, which keeps power usage low while still delivering adequate performance. Quiet Operation: Despite being a pure SSD system, the fan noise is minimal, making it suitable for quieter environments. Good Connectivity Options: Includes a 10 GbE port and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, allowing for a range of external connections and expansions. Environmentally Conscious Design: The packaging is mostly recyclable, and the use of external PSUs can help reduce heat and potential e-waste.	Lacks High-End Business Features: Missing enterprise-level features such as ECC memory and network failover, which are important for more demanding business environments. Single 10 GbE Port: Only one network port limits redundancy and failover options, potentially creating a bottleneck for data transfer. Aesthetic and UI Concerns: The new “Windows 11” aesthetic of TOS 6 may not appeal to all users, and the lack of the familiar TOS 5 desktop style might be a drawback for some. No Native ZFS Support: Although there are alternative file systems available, the absence of native ZFS support, which benefits SSD use with features like data integrity and snapshot capabilities, may be seen as a limitation.

Best Value Multimedia M.2 SSD NAS – Asustor Flashstor 6/12 Gen 1 

6/12x M.2 NVMe SSD Bays (Gen 3×1), Intel N5105 Core / 4 Thread CPU, up to 16GB Memory, 2.5G/10GbE, 10G USB – $449-749 HERE

• Written Review HERE
• YouTube Video Review HERE

The Asustor Flashstor 12 Pro offers an exceptional balance of capacity and affordability, making it ideal for users looking to build high-performance SSD storage arrays without exceeding their budget. Its focus on M.2 NVMe storage is matched by its compact design, ensuring it fits seamlessly into any workspace. Despite using an older processor, this NAS continues to deliver reliable performance for a variety of applications.

Although the Asustor Flashstor 12 Gen 1 uses an older Intel Celeron N5105 processor, it remains a strong contender due to its:

• 12 M.2 NVMe slots for extensive storage capacity.
• 10GbE and HDMI output.
• Compact design and affordable pricing, starting at just $750 for the 10GbE model and just $449 for the 2x 2.5G model (same CPU and Memory

This NAS’s 12-bay configuration is a standout feature, allowing users to create expansive SSD arrays. The Celeron N5105 processor is modest but sufficient for basic NAS tasks, including backups, media streaming, and data synchronization. Its HDMI output adds versatility for local multimedia playback or monitoring.

While its hardware shows its age, the Flashstor 12’s low power consumption, excellent software support, and compatibility with TrueNAS or Unraid make it a fantastic choice for users seeking high-capacity storage at a competitive price.

What we said in our Review of the Asustor Flashstor Gen 1 NAS on 06/12:

I cannot stress enough how impressed I am that the Flashstor 6 and Flashstor 12 Pro are priced at $499 and $860, respectively, given the level of hardware on offer here. These are by no means enterprise-grade NAS server solutions, nor should they be thought of as such. However, given the cost of typical fully featured 4x HDD solutions from their competitors and the brand themselves, which often start at $550 and above, it is quite remarkable that the six M.2 SSD system with comparable internal hardware comes in at $499. As long as a user keeps their expectations in line with what this cost versus its capabilities, it’s really tough to argue with the price point that these two devices have arrived at on the market. The Asustor FS6712X Flashstor 12 Pro NAS presents a unique offering in the NAS market, leveraging NVMe technology to provide high-capacity, ultra-high-performance storage. The device’s design, with its rhombus-shaped enclosure and twelve M.2 NVMe slots, sets it apart from traditional NAS devices and offers a sleek and modern aesthetic. The tool-less drive installation mechanism makes it easy to set up and expand the storage capacity. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The limited number of PCIe lanes provided by the Intel Celeron N5105 processor may restrict the performance of high-speed NVMe drives.

The single 10GbE LAN port also presents a potential network bottleneck, limiting the device’s overall network performance. Users seeking maximum performance and network throughput may find alternative solutions better suited to their needs. Despite these limitations, the FS6712X shines as a storage solution for users who prioritize high-capacity storage, quiet operation, and low power consumption. The device’s ability to directly output 4K video, along with its range of Asustor-approved apps, makes it an excellent choice for media distribution and presentation. In terms of pricing, the FS6712X comes with a price tag of $850+. While this may appear high at first glance, it is comparable to 8 bay drive NAS SATA devices and many of those do not even include NVMe slots or 10GbE. Users looking for a more cost-effective option can consider the Flashstor 6, which offers half the number of slots and 2x 2.5GbE enabled ports for $499. As the cost of flash modules continues to drop, and larger capacity drives become available all the way up to 8TB (even without QLC), the FS6712X provides an attractive solution for those seeking high-capacity and high-performance NAS storage. While some underlying performance relativity by the end user needs to be factored in and hardware limitations exist thanks to the use of that Celeron to remain budget-friendly, the FS6712X is a tremendously smart move by Asustor. A well-designed NAS that presents a much more confident solution demonstrating the benefits of NVMe-focused NAS devices to an audience that would have assumed such things are way, WAY outside the realms of affordability!

SOFTWARE - 7/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 10/10

VALUE - 10/10

8.4

PROS

12x NVMe SSD Flash NAS for under $1000 - COME ON!
10GbE onboard
Full 1st Party NAS OS Included
USB 3.2 Gen 2 10G Connectivity and wide USB Support/Compatibility
Very Slick and compact design
SP/DIF and HDMI 2.0b Outputs will hugely please the multimedia user community
Likewise, Plex Performance is very good for 4K and 1080p conversions

CONS

12x NVMe Performance will never be realised because of the Intel Celeron CPU inside 
Only 1x network port means Failover or NIC priority management is not possible
4GB default memory in the 12 Bay model seems too low for day 1 (12x M.2 + 10G, plus same as 6 Bay)

 Check Amazon for the Flashstor FS6706T and FS6712X NAS Below:

Final Thoughts

2024 has been an incredible year for SSD-based NAS systems, showcasing innovation and value across the board. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge performance or affordable versatility, there’s an option here for you. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Did we miss a NAS that deserves recognition? Let us know in the comments below or check out our linked article for a deeper dive into these systems. If you’re planning a purchase, consider using the affiliate links to support NASCompares—it helps us keep delivering content for the community.

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