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Best NAS for Under $250
Best NAS You Can Buy Right Now for Under $249 at the end of 2025
As personal data storage requirements continue to rise in 2025, many users are moving away from cloud platforms and monthly subscription services in search of something more private and cost effective. A dedicated NAS, or network attached storage system, allows you to back up photo collections, host a home media library, or manage small business files while keeping full control of your data and avoiding ongoing fees. The good news is that the market now includes several capable options priced at or under 249 dollars. Improvements in low power processors, wider use of DDR5 memory, and leaner operating systems have made entry level systems far more powerful than they were even a year ago. They can comfortably handle tasks such as Plex playback, simple virtualization, and lightweight container apps. This article looks at five NAS units currently available within this price bracket, each offering a practical mix of performance, connectivity, and storage flexibility for anyone building a reliable setup on a limited budget.
Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy!
Before looking at specific NAS models, it helps to understand the common limits of systems in this price tier. Most units under 249 dollars arrive without drives, and rely on NVMe or SATA bays that must be filled separately. Some include small onboard storage such as 32GB to 64GB eMMC that only covers the operating system. This means the total cost of a usable setup will usually be higher than the base price. These devices are aimed at home users and personal cloud tasks rather than heavier business workloads. Several models also lack a full NAS operating system and instead use lightweight platforms such as CasaOS or ZimaOS, or provide only a simple interface for local file access and containers. These options are improving, yet they may not offer advanced RAID tools, snapshot automation, or detailed permission control found on systems like Synology DSM or TrueNAS. Overall, these NAS units suit users with some technical confidence or anyone who wants a simple setup with limited depth.
Beelink ME Mini NAS – 6 Bay SSD NAS
$209 – Intel N150 – 12GB – No SSD (64GB eMMC Only) – 2x 2.5GbE + WiFi 6 – No OS / User Install – BUY HERE
The Beelink ME Mini is a compact NAS designed for anyone who wants fast SSD storage in a very small enclosure. It measures 99mm on each side and includes six M.2 2280 NVMe slots that can deliver as much as 24TB when fully populated. The system uses an Intel N150 processor with 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, which provides a solid mix of performance and low power draw. Connectivity includes two 2.5GbE ports, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, giving it flexibility for both wired and wireless use. Cooling is handled passively and the unit contains its own power supply, which keeps noise and cable clutter to a minimum and makes it a good fit for living rooms or compact office spaces.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel N150 (4 cores, up to 3.6 GHz) |
| Memory | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Internal Storage | 64GB eMMC + 6x M.2 2280 NVMe slots |
| Networking | 2x 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ports | USB 2.0, USB 3.2, USB-C, HDMI |
| OS | User-defined (Linux-based preferred) |
| Dimensions | 99 x 99 x 99 mm |
Terramaster F2-425 2- Bay Intel Value Turnkey NAS
$249 – Intel N5105 – 4GB – TOS 6 Software – 1x 2.5GbE – 2x SATA – BUY HERE
The Terramaster F2-424 is a two bay NAS that sits near the upper edge of the 249 dollar bracket and focuses on providing a more traditional turnkey experience. It uses an Intel Celeron class x86 quad core processor with 4GB of memory that can be upgraded, which allows it to handle general home NAS tasks and hardware assisted 4K decoding for applications such as Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin.
The system supports two SATA drives for a total capacity of up to 60TB and includes TRAID for flexible expansion and space management. Connectivity is limited to a single 2.5GbE port, which is sufficient for most home use but less flexible than some other systems in this list that offer two LAN ports. The unit runs TOS 6, which provides RAID options, snapshots, cloud sync, and a broad selection of built in apps for backup, media, and light productivity needs.
Setup can be completed through the TNAS Mobile app, which also supports automatic photo and video backups from mobile devices. Local AI driven sorting for photos is included, and cross platform access is available through the TNAS client or standard network mapping. TerraSync enables PC backups with version history, and security features include OTP authentication, firewall controls, DoS protections, snapshots, and HyperLock WORM for ransomware resistance. The chassis is quiet in operation and uses tool free push lock trays that allow quick installation or replacement of drives.
Terramaster also offers the F2-425 Plus at roughly 130 dollars more. That model increases CPU and memory resources and is aimed at users who want stronger performance and scalability. For those who want to remain within the 249 dollar limit, the F2-424 provides a straightforward Intel based platform with a familiar OS, upgradable memory, and native HDD support, as long as the single network port meets the user’s needs.
GMKTec G9 NAS – 4 Bay M.2 NAS @ The lowest Price
$185.99 – Intel N150 – 12GB – No SSD (64GB eMMC Only) – 2x 2.5GbE + WiFi 6 – Ubuntu 24.10 (Preloaded, Switchable) – BUY HERE
The GMKTec G9 provides hardware that closely matches the Beelink ME Mini, since it also uses the Intel N150 processor and 12GB of LPDDR5 memory. It arrives in a more traditional rectangular enclosure and includes four M.2 2280 NVMe slots instead of six. The system contains 64GB of onboard eMMC storage that is mainly used to boot Ubuntu 24.10, and it can dual boot into Windows 11 when an additional SSD is installed. As with the Beelink, there is no SATA support, so all storage relies on NVMe drives up to 4TB each. Cooling is handled by an active fan and the device includes two HDMI outputs, which makes it a stronger option for anyone who wants a small desktop system or direct media output as part of their NAS setup. The manufacturer issued a refresh in summer 2025 that improved the cooling layout with better vent placement and more efficient airflow.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel N150 (4 cores, up to 3.6 GHz) |
| Memory | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Internal Storage | 64GB eMMC + 4x M.2 2280 NVMe slots |
| Networking | 2x 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ports | 3x USB 3.2, 1x Type-C (DP), 2x HDMI, Audio |
| OS | Ubuntu 24.10 by default, dual-boot capable |
| Dimensions | 146.6 x 100.25 x 38.75 mm |
Synology BeeStation 4TB NAS – ALL IN ONE!
$199 – Realtek RTD1619B – 1GB – 4TB SINGLE BAY – 1x 1GbE – BeeStation Manager (BSM) – BUY HERE
The Synology BeeStation 4TB is a single bay NAS designed for users who want a ready to use system with no installation work. It arrives with a pre installed 4TB hard drive and a sealed enclosure, so there is no need to source or fit storage. The system uses a Realtek RTD1619B ARM processor with 1GB of DDR4 memory and connects through a single 1GbE port. It runs BeeStation Manager, which focuses on beginner friendly features such as cloud style file access, simple photo management, and smooth integration with Synology mobile apps. Synology also released the BeeStation Plus model in 2025 with an Intel processor, more memory, and 8TB of storage, but it sits at roughly double the price. If you are willing to spend more, that model gives you greater performance and capacity.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Realtek RTD1619B (Quad-core ARM) |
| Memory | 1GB DDR4 |
| Internal Storage | 4TB HDD (included, sealed) |
| Networking | 1x 1GbE LAN |
| Ports | 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| OS | Synology BeeStation Manager (BSM) |
| Dimensions | 148 x 62.6 x 196.3 mm |
UGREEN NASync DXP2800 NAS – The New Challenger!
$249 – Intel N100 – 8GB – No Storage (32GB eMMC) – 1x 2.5GbE – UGOS Pro – BUY HERE
The UGREEN DXP2800 sits in the NASync series and targets users who want a mix of expandability and value. It supports both hard drives and SSDs through two 3.5 inch SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots that can be used for caching or fast active data work. The system uses an Intel N100 processor from the twelfth generation energy efficient N series and pairs it with 8GB of DDR5 memory that can be upgraded. A 32GB eMMC module holds the UGOS Pro operating system. Connectivity is built around a single 2.5GbE port with several USB ports on the front and rear including USB C and 10Gbps USB A. UGOS Pro offers a clean web interface with containers, RAID options such as zero, one, and JBOD, simple multimedia features, and remote file access.
UGREEN recently released the DH2300 two bay NAS at a noticeably lower price of roughly 100 to 120 dollars below the DXP2800. That model uses a lower power ARM processor, far less memory, and only one 1GbE port. It is acceptable for very light duties, but most users will benefit from spending a little more on the DXP2800 due to its stronger CPU, memory capacity, and networking.
Although UGOS Pro does not match the ecosystem depth of Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, the DXP2800 remains one of the few turnkey systems in this bracket that supports SSD and HDD storage in a flexible layout without proprietary limits. Users will still need to supply their own drives and configure storage pools, yet the combination of hardware capability and manageable software makes it a strong choice for anyone comfortable handling a modest amount of setup work.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel N100 (4 cores, up to 3.4GHz) |
| Memory | 8GB DDR5 (non-ECC, upgradeable to 16GB) |
| Internal Storage | 32GB eMMC + 2x SATA + 2x M.2 NVMe |
| Networking | 1x 2.5GbE LAN |
| Ports | Front: 1x USB-C (10Gbps), 1x USB-A (10Gbps) \nRear: 1x USB-A (5Gbps), 2x USB 2.0, HDMI 4K Output |
| OS | UGOS Pro |
| Dimensions | 231 x 109 x 178 mm (approx.) |
ZimaBoard 2 (832 Version) – DIY Enthusiast’s DREAM!
$199 – Intel N150 – 8GB – No Storage (32GB eMMC) – 2x 2.5GbE – ZimaOS – BUY HERE
The ZimaBoard 2 (832) is a compact single board NAS platform built for users who want flexibility and modular control rather than a traditional enclosure based system. It arrives as a bare embedded board with all interfaces exposed, which makes it ideal for custom builds. The system uses the Intel N150 quad core processor with 8GB of LPDDR5x memory and includes 32GB of onboard eMMC storage for ZimaOS. The device ships with a lifetime ZimaOS license, which is notable at this price level. It also stands out by providing two powered SATA 3.0 ports, giving it native support for hard drives without any need for USB to SATA adapters. The product is now sold on Amazon, although the price can move between 249 and 349 dollars depending on current stock and promotions, so it is worth watching for discounts.
Connectivity is strong for a low profile platform. It offers two 2.5GbE ports, USB 3.1, a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and a Mini DisplayPort output that can deliver 4K60 video. The PCIe slot opens the door for add on networking, storage controllers, or accelerators, although most users will start by using the SATA ports for core NAS storage. The large passive heatsink keeps the board silent, although thermal results will depend on the case you choose and the surrounding environment.
This system suits DIY builders who want to create their own NAS, firewall appliance, lightweight media server, or container host. ZimaOS provides a simple web interface and allows the user to switch to CasaOS or other Linux based platforms if preferred. It is aimed at users who want maximum control and are comfortable managing their own setup rather than those seeking a plug and play NAS.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel N150 (4 cores, up to 3.6GHz) |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR5x |
| Internal Storage | 32GB eMMC + 2x SATA 3.0 (powered) |
| Networking | 2x 2.5GbE LAN |
| Ports | 2x USB 3.1, Mini DisplayPort, PCIe 3.0 x4 |
| OS | ZimaOS (also supports CasaOS, Linux distros) |
| Dimensions | 140 x 83 x 31 mm |
Each NAS covered in this guide delivers its own mix of hardware capability, expansion potential, and overall usability while staying within the 249 dollar limit. Users who want a fully prepared option with minimal setup will likely prefer the Synology BeeStation, and anyone who wants a small SSD focused system with stronger customisation features may find the Beelink ME Mini or GMKTec G9 more suitable. The UGREEN DXP2800 stands out for its combination of HDD and SSD support and a more developed software platform, while the ZimaBoard 2 is aimed at technical users who want full control over every layer of the build. None of these devices is a perfect all rounder, yet each one provides a practical entry into local storage, self hosted media, and personal backup without exceeding a modest budget
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