Best NAS You Can Buy Right Now (Mid-2025) for Under $249

As personal data storage needs continue to grow in 2025, more users are seeking cost-effective alternatives to cloud services and monthly subscription platforms. Whether you’re backing up years of photos, hosting your own video library, or managing light business data locally, a dedicated NAS (Network Attached Storage) device offers greater privacy and control without recurring fees. Fortunately, the sub-$249 price point now includes a variety of surprisingly capable systems. Thanks to developments in low-power processors, DDR5 memory adoption, and more efficient operating systems, these devices can now handle everything from Plex streaming to light container workloads with relative ease. In this article, we explore five NAS solutions currently available at or below this price point, offering a balance of performance, connectivity, and storage potential for those looking to build their own storage solution on a modest budget.

Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy!

Before diving into the specific NAS models, it’s important to understand the limitations and shared characteristics of devices in this price range. Most sub-$249 NAS units do not include any hard drives or SSDs, and many rely on M.2 NVMe slots or 2.5″/3.5″ SATA bays that must be populated separately. Some models ship with basic onboard storage (e.g., 32GB–64GB eMMC) sufficient only for the operating system. As such, the actual cost of getting a fully operational NAS with adequate storage for your needs may exceed the base unit price. Buyers should also be aware that these devices are best suited for home users, personal cloud use, and entry-level tasks, rather than intensive business or enterprise workloads. Additionally, several of the devices covered in this list do not come with a full-featured NAS operating system. Instead, they either rely on lightweight Linux-based platforms like CasaOS or ZimaOS, or they provide a basic UI designed for local file access and container management. While these OS options are improving in terms of user-friendliness, they may lack advanced features like comprehensive RAID management, automated snapshots, or multi-user file permission systems found in higher-end platforms like Synology DSM or TrueNAS. These NAS units are most appropriate for users with some technical confidence, or for those looking for a basic plug-and-play setup with limited customization needs.

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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 device aimed at users who want high-speed, SSD-based storage in a minimal footprint. Measuring just 99mm on each side, it features six M.2 2280 NVMe slots, providing up to 24TB of total capacity when fully populated. Powered by the Intel N150 processor and paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, it offers a decent balance between performance and energy efficiency. Connectivity is handled via dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, making it suitable for both wired and wireless environments. The unit is cooled passively and contains an integrated power supply, reducing cable clutter and making it ideal for placement in home media setups or small offices.

However, the device does not include an operating system, and users will need to install a preferred NAS OS themselves — whether that’s CasaOS, Ubuntu Server, or something container-based. There’s also no bundled storage beyond the 64GB eMMC system partition, so the overall cost will rise depending on your NVMe selections. It lacks support for traditional 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA drives, making this NAS most suitable for users seeking a quiet, SSD-only setup with strong networking performance and flexibility for custom OS installation.

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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 offers similar internal hardware to the Beelink ME Mini, including the same Intel N150 processor and 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, but with a more rectangular chassis and fewer SSD slots — four instead of six. The system includes 64GB of onboard eMMC storage, primarily used for booting Ubuntu 24.10, with the option to dual-boot into Windows 11 if a suitable SSD is installed. Like the Beelink, it lacks traditional SATA support and focuses on high-speed NVMe storage via M.2 2280 slots, up to 4TB per drive. The unit is cooled actively and includes dual HDMI outputs, making it more appealing for those who may want to use it as a lightweight desktop or media output device in addition to a NAS.

One of the notable differences is its broader OS support and better I/O variety, including three USB 3.2 ports and a DisplayPort-capable USB-C connector. This NAS is best suited to users looking for a more configurable or multi-purpose system with better visual output options. However, as with the Beelink, users must add their own NVMe storage, and setup requires a basic understanding of system boot configuration and OS installation. Note – this one GETS HOT, so get SSD heatsinks and ensure a good active airflow wherever you deploy it!

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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 fully integrated, single-bay NAS aimed squarely at users who want a no-setup-required solution. Unlike most NAS devices in this price range, it comes pre-configured with a 4TB internal hard drive and a sealed chassis, meaning users don’t need to source or install any storage themselves. It runs on a Realtek RTD1619B ARM-based processor, includes 1GB of DDR4 memory, and connects over a single 1GbE port. The included BeeStation Manager (BSM) OS is designed specifically for beginners, offering cloud-style file access, photo management, and mobile app integration with minimal technical effort.

This NAS is best suited to individuals or households that want a simple local backup and file-sharing solution that behaves more like a smart external hard drive than a customizable NAS. It supports basic multimedia functions, Synology mobile apps, and remote access features, but does not allow for internal expansion or RAID redundancy. The included USB-A and USB-C ports can be used for manual backups to external drives. However, because it’s a sealed single-drive unit with no RAID options, users should plan to back up to another location—either cloud or USB—to ensure data protection. Despite these limitations, its all-in-one design, 3-year warranty, and simple user experience make it one of the few truly plug-and-play NAS systems under $250.

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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 is part of the company’s NASync lineup, aimed at users who want a blend of expandability and affordability. It combines the practicality of traditional HDD storage with the performance benefits of SSDs, offering two 3.5″ SATA bays alongside two M.2 NVMe SSD slots for faster caching or active data operations. At the heart of the system is an Intel N100 processor, a 12th-generation quad-core chip from Intel’s energy-efficient N-series lineup, which supports both basic virtualization and multimedia streaming. This is paired with 8GB of DDR5 memory, non-ECC but upgradable, and a 32GB eMMC used solely for the preloaded UGOS Pro operating system. Connectivity is handled through a single 2.5GbE LAN port and a mix of USB ports on both front and rear panels — including USB-C and 10Gbps-capable USB-A. UGOS Pro, while relatively new, features a clean web-based interface with container support, RAID management (0, 1, JBOD), remote file sharing, and basic multimedia services.

While it lacks the ecosystem polish of Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, it is one of the few turnkey options in this price range that supports both SSD and HDD usage in a flexible, non-proprietary layout. However, buyers should still account for the need to install their own drives and configure the storage pools manually. It’s a solid balance of raw hardware potential and modest software capability for users willing to manage their setup beyond the initial boot.

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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 low-profile, single-board NAS platform designed for flexibility and modularity rather than out-of-the-box convenience. Unlike traditional NAS systems with enclosures and tool-less drive bays, this unit is a bare embedded board that offers direct access to interfaces for those who want to build or customize their own setup. It is powered by the same Intel N150 quad-core processor used in other compact NAS systems, paired here with 8GB of LPDDR5x memory and 32GB of onboard eMMC storage for its pre-installed ZimaOS. This board features two powered SATA 3.0 ports, making it one of the few sub-$250 NAS options that supports HDDs natively without requiring USB-to-SATA adapters or expansion modules.

In terms of connectivity, the ZimaBoard 2 includes dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, USB 3.1, a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and a Mini DisplayPort output supporting 4K60 video. While the PCIe slot expands potential use cases (e.g., additional networking, storage, or accelerator cards), most users will opt to use the SATA ports for reliable storage first. The board is passively cooled with a large integrated heatsink and operates silently, but thermal performance may vary based on enclosure design and ambient temperature. It is particularly well-suited to DIY users looking to build a lightweight NAS, firewall, media server, or container host. ZimaOS includes a web-based UI and supports CasaOS and Linux-based OS alternatives, but configuration still requires basic familiarity with system setup and storage configuration. It’s not intended for users looking for plug-and-play simplicity, but rather those who want total control over their NAS hardware and software environment.

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Each of the NAS options presented here offers a different balance of hardware, expandability, and ease of use, while remaining under the $249 price threshold. Users who prefer pre-configured simplicity may lean toward the Synology BeeStation, while those seeking customization and SSD-focused performance might opt for the Beelink ME Mini or GMKTec G9. The UGREEN DXP2800 provides hybrid storage flexibility with a more developed software interface, and the ZimaBoard 2 appeals to technically inclined users who want complete control over their system stack. While no single device is perfect, all five represent viable paths toward local data ownership and self-hosted media or backup solutions without breaking the bank.

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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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Synology vs QNAP NAS – Which Should You Buy in 2025?

When choosing a NAS solution in 2025, two brands dominate the conversation: Synology and QNAP. These Taiwan-based companies have evolved their offerings significantly over the years, adapting to changing user needs in backup, multimedia, virtualization, and enterprise storage. Synology, with a strong emphasis on software polish and ecosystem integration, continues to appeal to users who prioritize stability and consistency. QNAP, by contrast, leans into offering higher-spec hardware, customization, and flexibility, targeting tech-savvy users who want granular control over their system. This article explores how the two compare across hardware, storage capabilities, software platforms, security, pricing, and overall value. Both Synology and QNAP share a lot of baseline features: multi-platform support across Windows, Mac, and Linux; mobile apps for Android and iOS; web-based GUIs; encryption; multi-user access; and strong community ecosystems. Yet important distinctions emerge as you look deeper. These differences often boil down to Synology delivering a more consistent, “appliance-like” experience, while QNAP offers broader hardware choices and wider compatibility. Neither brand is universally better, but each fits different user priorities. Let’s break down how Synology and QNAP stack up in detail for 2025.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Hardware Comparison

In terms of hardware variety and specification, QNAP clearly maintains an advantage in 2025. QNAP offers a wider range of NAS models across every price tier, providing more options for users looking for features like 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports, Thunderbolt connectivity, PCIe expandability, and support for AI or GPU cards. Many QNAP systems at even mid-tier levels offer multi-core CPUs, 2.5GbE as a minimum, and M.2 NVMe slots for caching or storage pools. Synology, while offering a hardware range from ARM-based entry units to Xeon-powered enterprise models, typically emphasizes efficiency and stability over raw horsepower, often shipping systems with lower-core-count processors and 1GbE networking by default.

However, Synology’s hardware strategy is tightly coupled to its software-first philosophy. Devices are designed to maximize compatibility, power efficiency, and seamless operation with DSM. Some newer 2025 Synology models do offer improvements — such as M.2 NVMe storage pools and optional 10GbE upgrades — but their pace remains slower compared to QNAP’s frequent hardware refresh cycles. For users whose priority is high performance, customization, or bleeding-edge hardware, QNAP offers far more compelling options. For those seeking low-power, quiet, turnkey systems, Synology still provides highly reliable appliances.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Storage Services and Scalability 

Storage capabilities represent a growing area of divergence. Synology’s storage ecosystem emphasizes stability and data integrity through Btrfs file systems, SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID), fast RAID rebuilds, and snapshot technology. However, Synology has dramatically tightened its drive compatibility rules from 2025 onwards, particularly in the Plus series and higher, limiting users to certified Synology drives for initialization. This hardline approach restricts flexibility, as users cannot freely install third-party HDDs or SSDs. Meanwhile, users still benefit from technologies like SHR, making mixed-drive RAID arrays easier to manage, though concerns remain about SHR’s future viability under Synology’s evolving drive policies.

	SERVICE	SYNOLOGY	QNAP	Notes
File Services	SMB, AFP, NFS			Cross-platform sharing
	WebDAV			Remote access
	FTP/FTPS			Standard protocols
	Rsync/Remote Sync			Sync across systems
RAID & Storage	Basic, JBOD, RAID 0/1/5/6/10			Core RAID support
	SHR (Hybrid RAID)			Synology-exclusive
	Qtier Auto-Tiering			QNAP-exclusive SSD/HDD tiering
	ZFS Support	(DSM 7.2+ select models)	(QuTS hero)	Synology uses Btrfs more widely
	Storage Pools			Pool-based management
	Thin Provisioning			On supported file systems
	Storage Snapshots	(Btrfs-based)	(ZFS/ext4-based)	Both support snapshot schedules
	Inline Deduplication	(Btrfs)	(ZFS)	Both support dedup, method differs
	SSD Cache (Read/Write)			Model-dependent
	Encryption (AES-256)			Volume/folder-level encryption
Backup & Sync	Hyper Backup / HBS3	(Hyper Backup)	(Hybrid Backup Sync 3)	Functionally equivalent
	Active Backup for Business			Enterprise-grade backup (free)
	Snapshot Replication			Data versioning support
	Cloud Sync			Multi-cloud sync integration

QNAP’s storage flexibility is far greater. Users can utilize almost any NAS-rated or server-class drive from vendors like Seagate, Toshiba, and WD, without vendor lock-in. Beyond standard RAID levels, QNAP offers Qtier for intelligent auto-tiering between SSDs and HDDs and supports ZFS through its QuTS hero operating system. ZFS integration introduces enterprise-grade features such as inline deduplication, compression, triple-parity RAID options, and even faster rebuilds. Expansion is another strong suit for QNAP, with broad support for external expansion enclosures over USB and PCIe, while Synology supports far fewer expansion units. In short, QNAP offers a more powerful, flexible storage environment but demands more technical knowledge to manage effectively.

Synology DSM vs QNAP QTS/QuTS  – Software Compared

Synology’s DSM (DiskStation Manager) remains the benchmark for NAS operating systems in terms of polish, consistency, and ease of use. Its streamlined UI, consistent app design, and stable system management tools make it highly user-friendly. DSM’s integration with Synology Drive, Hyper Backup, Active Backup for Business, and its Office suite provide turnkey productivity and backup solutions. However, Synology is moving increasingly toward a closed ecosystem, prioritizing first-party apps and services over broader third-party integration. Applications like Surveillance Station remain best-in-class, but recent trends — such as discontinuing Video Station — indicate Synology’s increasing control over its ecosystem.

QNAP’s QTS and QuTS hero systems offer greater flexibility and third-party support at the cost of consistency. Users can deploy a much wider range of apps, including those for AI recognition, media streaming, and backup tasks, often with deeper customization options. QNAP’s app ecosystem embraces both QNAP-native and third-party applications, with tools like HybridMount and Hybrid Backup Sync offering robust cloud and backup integrations.

However, design inconsistencies and a more complex setup process make QNAP platforms better suited to technically proficient users. QNAP systems offer more functionality out of the box but can feel less cohesive than Synology’s more curated environment.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Security 

Synology continues to lead in NAS security in 2025. The company’s multi-layered approach — including an in-house Security Response Team, bug bounty programs, pen-testing partnerships, and rapid patching policies — maintains its reputation as one of the most secure NAS ecosystems. Security Advisor, SSL certificate management, encrypted folders, and proactive system audits are standard across DSM systems. Remote access via QuickConnect is tightly controlled to minimize exposure. This emphasis on hardening and responding quickly to vulnerabilities makes Synology a strong choice for users prioritizing security with minimal manual intervention.

	Service	Synology	QNAP	Notes
Security & Access	2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)			User-level protection
	VPN Server (OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP)			Standard features
	Firewall + IP Blocking			Security policy management
	SSL Certificate Management			Let’s Encrypt, custom certs
	Security Advisor			Built-in vulnerability scanner

QNAP has made substantial strides in recent years to bolster its security posture, responding to earlier criticisms following ransomware incidents. The introduction of its own PSIRT team, participation in Pwn2Own, and improvements to myQNAPcloud services represent real progress. However, QNAP’s security tools, like Security Counselor, often need to be manually installed and configured. While they now offer multi-factor authentication and SSL options, the user experience around setting up and maintaining a secure environment still lags slightly behind Synology. Power users comfortable with managing network-level protections can achieve strong security on QNAP, but casual users may find Synology’s default setup safer out of the box.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Price Point and Value 

QNAP consistently offers better raw hardware value for the price across its product range. A mid-tier QNAP NAS typically features higher-core CPUs, 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking, and expandability features like PCIe slots and multiple M.2 NVMe slots — features that, with Synology, are only available at much higher price points.

Additionally, QNAP’s lack of strict HDD compatibility listing (as currently the case for the Synology 2025 series, at the time of writing) and broader compatibility with storage and memory components can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership for DIY-minded users. Synology’s pricing, while generally higher, reflects its software development investment and the overall polish of its systems.

Buyers are paying for a more turnkey experience, better documentation, and consistent performance across the board. Moreover, Synology’s inclusion of powerful free tools like Active Backup for Business and Synology Drive adds enterprise-grade features without additional licensing costs, which in some cases offsets the hardware premium. Nonetheless, for users whose priority is maximum hardware performance and component freedom, QNAP usually offers a stronger return on investment.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Conclusion and Verdict 

Choosing between Synology and QNAP in 2025 depends largely on user priorities. Synology remains the best choice for users seeking a polished, consistent, stable, and secure NAS experience. Its streamlined DSM platform, reliable first-party apps, and strong support infrastructure make it ideal for small businesses, prosumers, and general users who want a “set it and forget it” solution. However, Synology’s movement toward hardware and software lock-in may be off-putting to users who value flexibility or those unwilling to buy only Synology-branded components. QNAP, by contrast, excels in offering more powerful hardware, greater configuration freedom, and broader third-party app support. Users who want to customize, expand, virtualize, and maximize their system’s capabilities — and who are comfortable managing more complex setups — will find QNAP to be the more empowering platform. While its software consistency and security history lag slightly behind Synology, the gap has narrowed considerably. Ultimately, Synology is the stronger pick for users valuing simplicity and long-term stability, while QNAP offers more opportunities for those willing to trade simplicity for flexibility and raw performance.

NAS Solutions	NAS Solutions
+ Better Software (In almost every respect!) + Much Better Global Support Presence + More business desirable + Larger Range of solutions – Compatibility restrictions on HDD and Upgrades More and more – Underwhelming hardware (comparatively)	+ Better Hardware for Price + Wider Variety of Solutions and Hardware Profiles + Supports ZFS and/or EXT4 (with ZFS platform now available on latest Intel Celeron Systems) + Wide accessory range and compatibility – Software can often feel inconsistent – Hit by Security Issues if the past
Check Amazon By Clicking Below:	Check Amazon By Clicking Below:

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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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QNAP Tech Summit 2025 – All New Hardware and Software Solutions Unveiled

During Computex 2025 in Taipei, QNAP hosted its annual Tech Summit to unveil a broad array of new hardware and software solutions aimed at addressing evolving demands across creative, enterprise, and edge environments. The event marked a continued shift in QNAP’s product direction—placing greater focus on hybrid cloud integration, high-speed connectivity, and on-premises AI deployment. With an emphasis on real-time collaboration, secure multi-site operations, and scalable infrastructure, the brand introduced several next-generation NAS systems, networking components, and AI-ready platforms.

Among the standout themes were high-availability architecture with modular redundancy, scale-out storage clusters for petabyte-class expansion, Thunderbolt 5 and USB4-enabled creative workflows, and new AI capabilities integrated directly within NAS environments. Surveillance, backup automation, and cloud services also featured prominently in QNAP’s roadmap for 2025. This article provides a structured breakdown of each individual hardware product and software solution announced or demonstrated during the summit, using verified details from the live showcase and official press releases.

TVS-AIh1688ATX – Thunderbolt, AI Workloads, and Hybrid SSD/HDD Architecture

The TVS-AIh1688ATX is QNAP’s latest high-performance desktop NAS solution designed for creative professionals, AI developers, and hybrid storage environments. Powered by Intel’s 15th-generation Core Ultra processors, this system offers up to 24 cores with an integrated 13 TOPS NPU, making it one of the most compute-capable QNAP NAS systems available to date. Designed for high-throughput workloads such as video editing, AI model inference, and multi-user virtualization, the unit blends storage flexibility with modern I/O and connectivity. The TVS-AIh1688ATX features 12 x 3.5-inch SATA HDD bays and 4 x 2.5-inch U.2 NVMe SSD bays, providing tiered storage suitable for media caching, fast data ingestion, and archival. Although the M.2 slot configuration has not been officially confirmed, the design suggests focus has been placed on high-speed U.2 storage instead. Memory is expandable up to 192GB DDR5 ECC, supporting both VM-intensive and AI-enhanced environments.

On the connectivity side, the system offers dual Thunderbolt 4 (USB4) ports built-in, with optional expansion for Thunderbolt 5 using the QXP-T52P PCIe upgrade card, which utilizes Intel’s JHL9580 controller. It includes 2 x 10GBASE-T Ethernet ports and supports 25GbE/100GbE expansion via available PCIe Gen 4 x4 slots. This makes it viable for multi-user 4K/8K content workflows, fast data offloads, and scalable network integration.

This NAS runs either QTS (EXT4) or QuTS hero (ZFS), depending on user preference, with support for ZFS features like inline compression, deduplication, and near-limitless snapshots. It is also fully compatible with FileTiers, Qsirch with AI-enhanced RAG search, myQNAPcloud One, and VM Station with GPU pass-through for AI workloads. These attributes enable it to serve both as a media production hub and localized AI platform.

TS-h1077AFU – 1U All-Flash Rackmount NAS with Ryzen 7 and PCIe Gen 4

The QNAP TS-h1077AFU is a 1U rackmount NAS designed for high-performance, latency-sensitive workloads requiring SSD-only configurations. It is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7745/7700 processor, offering up to 8 cores and a maximum boost clock of 5.3GHz. This CPU choice allows for substantial multi-threaded throughput, making the unit suitable for containerized environments, virtualization, and enterprise-grade data services. The system features 10 x 2.5-inch SATA SSD bays, optimized for full flash arrays (AFA), which support consistently high IOPS and bandwidth for applications like VDI, database hosting, or video post-production. For expansion, it includes 2 x PCIe Gen 4 x8 slots, enabling the addition of 25GbE NICs, SAS expansion cards, or even GPU accelerators depending on thermal and power constraints.

Networking is built-in with 2 x 10GBASE-T and 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, providing flexible connectivity options for core and edge deployments. With DDR5 ECC memory support, the TS-h1077AFU can be expanded up to 192GB, ensuring system reliability in mission-critical operations. This system runs on QuTS hero, leveraging the ZFS file system with support for deduplication, compression, inline snapshots, and real-time synchronization. It integrates easily into hybrid storage environments through FileTiers, Hybrid Backup Center, and QuTScloud support.

TS-h1655XeU-RP – Short-Depth 3U Rackmount NAS with Hybrid SSD Support

The QNAP TS-h1655XeU-RP is a 3U short-depth rackmount NAS designed for environments requiring high-density storage in shallow enclosures, such as edge data centers or space-constrained AV deployments. It combines large-capacity HDD storage with high-speed SSD caching capabilities, making it suitable for virtualized infrastructure, surveillance archiving, or tiered storage environments. The system is powered by an Intel Atom C5125, an 8-core processor operating at 2.8GHz, which balances efficiency with adequate performance for file services, surveillance management, and backup workloads. It supports ECC RAM and offers two DDR4 SODIMM slots, with expansion support for up to 64GB depending on configuration.

The chassis includes 12 x 3.5-inch SATA drive bays, supporting high-capacity HDDs, and 4 x E1.S or M.2 2280 PCIe SSD slots, ideal for deploying SSD caches or high-IOPS VM storage volumes. This hybrid layout enables intelligent data placement and supports FileTiers for tiered storage strategies.

Networking consists of 1 x 10GBASE-T and 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, with optional PCIe 3.0 expansion via 2 available slots for additional NICs or storage interface cards. This unit runs QuTS hero, leveraging ZFS features such as inline deduplication, compression, SnapSync, and nearly unlimited snapshots. With its short-depth 12-inch chassis and redundant PSU (RP) support, the TS-h1655XeU-RP is targeted at deployments where rack depth, service uptime, and flexible media configurations are primary considerations.

Hybrid Backup Center and myQNAPcloud One – Unified Backup, Immutability, and Multi-Site Control

QNAP used the Tech Summit 2025 to unveil an upgraded version of its data protection ecosystem, anchored by the new Hybrid Backup Center and the expanding capabilities of myQNAPcloud One. Together, these tools aim to provide a unified, policy-driven backup infrastructure for NAS-to-NAS, NAS-to-cloud, and multi-site environments.

The Hybrid Backup Center builds upon the earlier HBS3 platform, providing a centralized dashboard for managing backup tasks across all connected devices. It includes a real-time topology view, allowing administrators to visualize active jobs, destination targets, and data flow between NAS units and cloud services. The system supports local snapshots, remote replication, and cloud synchronization, all of which can be monitored and managed from a single interface.

One of the most significant upgrades is support for immutable backups, which can be enforced on both local NAS volumes and cloud targets. This ensures that backup data cannot be modified or deleted for a user-defined retention period, protecting against ransomware, accidental deletion, or tampering. Integration with QuLog Center also enables alerting and auditing, helping IT administrators track backup success/failure and user interaction with backup sets.

myQNAPcloud One, originally introduced in earlier product cycles, now operates as a full-featured object and file storage platform. It’s available under a subscription model with transparent pricing tiers that avoid bandwidth or API call surcharges. Designed for enterprise users, it supports tiered archiving from FileTiers, cloud snapshots, and off-site replication of backup tasks. When paired with QTS or QuTS hero NAS systems, it enables hybrid backup strategies with automatic data tiering between local SSD, HDD, and cloud storage.

These platforms are also tightly integrated with AMIZcloud, QNAP’s centralized fleet and lifecycle management portal, which provides global monitoring, health checks, and backup verification reports across large deployments.

QBoat Industrial NAS – Fanless M.2-Based System for Harsh Environments

The QNAP QET Industrial NAS is a rugged, compact network-attached storage solution designed specifically for deployment in industrial and factory environments, where environmental conditions may exceed the tolerance of traditional IT hardware. Engineered for wide temperature operation, the unit is rated for -40°C to +70°C, making it suitable for remote monitoring stations, production lines, and embedded data logging systems.

The system is built in a fanless chassis with enhanced thermal design, allowing passive cooling even under load. Internally, it supports 3 x M.2 NVMe SSDs, delivering full solid-state storage performance without the moving parts or vibration concerns associated with HDDs. These M.2 drives are ideal for applications requiring high-speed writes and reliability, such as sensor data capture or control system logging.

Connectivity is handled via 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are sufficient for industrial deployment scenarios where redundancy or dual-network operations are required. The device is powered via a robust industrial-grade power input, supporting wider voltage ranges and enhanced electrical protection.

The QET Industrial NAS is managed using QTS or QuTS hero, depending on the specific configuration, and supports standard QNAP services such as Hybrid Backup, QVR surveillance integration, and remote management via AMIZcloud. It provides a low-maintenance solution with on-prem AI inference support, allowing local deployment of lightweight AI models using hardware such as Google Coral TPUs or M.2 AI accelerators.

QET Industrial NAS – Specifications

QAI-H1290FX – Edge AI NAS with RTX GPU Acceleration and On-Prem RAG Search

The QNAP QAI-H1290FX is a purpose-built edge AI storage server designed to enable on-premises deployment of large language models (LLMs) and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) workflows without relying on cloud infrastructure. Positioned as an appliance for enterprises seeking data privacy, lower latency, and full control over their AI infrastructure, the QAI-H1290FX includes pre-installed GPU hardware and integrated AI software capabilities.

Internally, the unit can be configured with either two NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada GPUs or a single RTX 6000 Ada, providing the CUDA cores and VRAM necessary to host and serve advanced AI models such as DeepSeek, Qwen, Mistral, and LLaMA. These models are deployed using either Virtualization Station or Container Station, and are tightly integrated with QNAP’s AI-enhanced Qsirch engine. The device supports RAG-based natural language search, allowing users to query locally stored documents using plain language and receive contextual, reference-backed answers.

The system includes standard QNAP management utilities as well as GPU monitoring, model download management, and resource orchestration tools accessible via a centralized interface. For businesses with compliance obligations or sensitive data workloads, this appliance offers a CapEx-friendly AI solution that avoids data residency concerns and ongoing cloud inference costs.

The QAI-H1290FX also supports FileTiers, QuTS hero for ZFS storage management, and can offload archived or low-priority data to myQNAPcloud One or external NAS systems, maintaining high-speed access to AI-critical datasets on SSD or NVMe storage pools.

QNAP SSD 700 Series – Enterprise E1.S NVMe SSDs for NAS and Flash Expansion

The QNAP SSD 700 Series introduces enterprise-grade E1.S NVMe SSDs aimed at delivering consistent performance, endurance, and reliability for QNAP NAS and expansion enclosures, particularly those supporting U.2, E1.S, or hybrid SSD configurations. These drives are designed for deployment in all-flash NAS environments, as well as tiered storage setups requiring high IOPS for AI, virtualization, or database workloads.

Built on PCIe Gen 4 x4 architecture, the SSD 700 drives deliver random read performance up to 900K IOPS, with write performance up to 60K IOPS. These metrics are tuned for mixed-use environments with a DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) rating of 1, balancing endurance and cost-effectiveness for sustained 24/7 operations.

Drives are available in 1.92TB and 3.84TB capacities, with a 9.5mm E1.S form factor, making them compatible with newer QNAP NAS platforms such as the TS-h1655XeU-RP and TS-h974TX. They include Power Loss Protection (PLP) to protect in-flight data during unexpected shutdowns, and support TCG Opal 2.0 for hardware-level encryption and secure data sanitization.

These drives are warrantied for 5 years, aligning with typical enterprise storage lifecycles, and are designed to operate reliably under sustained load and elevated ambient temperatures often found in densely populated NAS enclosures.

QXP-T52P – Dual-Port Thunderbolt 5 Expansion Card for High-Speed NAS Connectivity

The QXP-T52P is QNAP’s new Thunderbolt 5 expansion card, designed to bring next-generation 80Gbps connectivity to compatible QNAP NAS systems with available PCIe Gen 4 x4 slots. This card allows NAS units to directly interface with high-bandwidth creative workflows, fast data ingest setups, or multi-user collaborative environments that rely on low-latency throughput.

The card is built around the Intel JHL9580 Thunderbolt 5 controller, and provides 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, each capable of handling up to 80Gbps bi-directional bandwidth. It is backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 hosts or accessories, ensuring broad interoperability with editing suites, external RAID enclosures, and high-speed JBODs.

Installation is supported in QNAP NAS units equipped with PCIe Gen 4 support and appropriate cooling and power headroom. Once installed, the card enables DAS-style access to the NAS at ultra-high speeds, which is particularly beneficial for large file editing (4K/8K video), VFX production, and real-time content review.

The QXP-T52P is intended to complement QNAP systems such as the TVS-AIh1688ATX, which includes native Thunderbolt 4 ports but can expand further using this card, creating up to four Thunderbolt connections for simultaneous editing stations.

QVR Surveillance and TVR-AI200 – Unified VMS and Edge AI for Security Deployment

In the surveillance segment of the Tech Summit 2025, QNAP presented an expanded role for its video monitoring ecosystem, centered on the TVR-AI200 NVR appliance and an updated QVR Surveillance platform. These solutions aim to simplify system deployment, enhance video intelligence at the edge, and consolidate multi-site management under a single interface. The TVR-AI200 is a compact, standalone NVR that supports up to 16 IP cameras via built-in PoE+ ports. With a setup time of under 10 minutes and support for offline initialization, it is positioned as a rapid-deployment solution for retail chains, branch offices, and remote sites. Unlike standard NAS-based surveillance, this unit is dedicated solely to VMS tasks, running QVR Pro/Elite natively and optimized for AI-enhanced video analytics such as facial recognition, motion detection, and object tracking.

On the software side, the QVR Surveillance suite has received architectural and interface updates. Key enhancements include multi-channel event playback, real-time timeline navigation, and customizable recording profiles. New AI event triggers—such as virtual boundaries, unattended object detection, and license plate recognition—can be configured to trigger alerts or backups through myQNAPcloud One or secondary NAS units. Additionally, QNAP highlighted its ongoing partnership with Network Optix, enabling full support for Nx Witness VMS across QNAP NAS models. This integration allows QNAP devices to host both the video management software and the recorded footage, reducing the need for external VMS servers and helping small-to-medium deployments consolidate hardware. Storage management is enhanced with FileTiers, ensuring high-frequency footage stays on SSD or U.2/NVMe volumes, while archival video is moved automatically to slower disks or cloud targets. This helps reduce costs while maintaining fast access to recent recordings.

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