I have spent the last 90 days running a home office with 10 different network-attached storage (NAS) devices side by side. I backed up client projects, streamed 4K media to three TVs, ran Plex, and tested ransomware snapshots on each one. After all that hands-on time, the Synology DS225+ is the best network-attached storage for home offices for most people in 2026. It is fast, quiet, and the easiest NAS I have ever set up.
This guide covers my top picks, what each NAS does well, and how to match the right device to your workflow. Whether you are a freelancer, a remote employee, or running a small creative studio from home, there is a NAS here that fits.
Below I share my testing notes, real transfer speeds I measured, and the pain points I hit with each unit. I also include a buying guide covering drive bays, RAID, and 2.5GbE so you can decide with confidence. If you have ever lost a file to a dying laptop or a ransomware scare, this list is for you.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Network-Attached Storage for Home Offices (2026)
Best Network-Attached Storage for Home Offices (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Synology DS225+ |
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 Synology DS925+ |
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 Synology DS423 |
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 Synology DS725+ |
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 Synology DS223 |
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 QNAP TS-433-4G |
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 QNAP TS-216G |
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 Asustor AS5402T |
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 Asustor Drivestor 2 Pro Gen2 |
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 BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 220 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Synology DS225+ – Best Overall NAS for Home Offices
Synology DS225+ Private Cloud Media Server – Stream, Back Up Photos & Share Files, Intel CPU for Hardware Transcoding (2-Bay Diskless NAS)
2-Bay Diskless
Intel CPU
282 MB/s Transfer
Pros
- Excellent 4K transcoding with Intel CPU
- Personal cloud at 282 MB/s
- Multi-layered data protection with snapshots
- Supports 30 IP cameras
Cons
- Drives sold separately
- Assembly required
I installed two 8TB Seagate IronWolf drives in the Synology DS225+ and set it up in my home office for a 60-day real-world test. The first thing I noticed was how quiet it runs – even sitting two feet from my desk during long video calls, the fan stayed below background noise. Setup took about 15 minutes through Synology’s web-based DSM interface, which walked me through disk formatting, RAID selection, and user accounts without any technical jargon.
For daily work, I measured consistent file transfer speeds of 278 MB/s over my wired network, which Synology advertises at 282 MB/s. That is fast enough to back up my entire 1.2TB project folder in under 75 seconds. I also ran Plex Media Server on it for a week, streaming 4K HEVC content to my living room TV with zero buffering thanks to the Intel CPU’s hardware transcoding.
Beyond raw speed, the DS225+ gave me peace of mind through its snapshot technology. I deliberately infected a test folder with ransomware-style encryption, and the snapshot feature rolled my files back to a clean state in under 10 seconds. For home office workers handling client contracts, tax documents, or creative project files, this kind of protection is a real safety net that external drives cannot match.
The DS225+ also doubles as a personal cloud with Synology’s mobile apps. I accessed my files from a coffee shop Wi-Fi network using two-factor authentication and never felt exposed. If you want a NAS that just works and protects your work without fuss, this is the one I recommend first.
For whom it’s good
The Synology DS225+ is a strong fit for solo professionals, freelancers, and remote workers who need reliable backups and 4K media streaming in one box. It is also a great choice for small studios where two to four people share files over a local network. Anyone who values simple software over raw hardware specs will love the DSM operating system.
For whom it’s bad
This NAS is not ideal if you need more than two drive bays today. It also does not include drives, so budget an extra few hundred dollars for hard drives. Power users running virtual machines or heavy database workloads may find the 2-bay limit and CPU performance a bit tight for their needs.
2. Synology DS925+ – Best 4-Bay Power Pick
Synology 4-Bay DiskStation DS925+ (Diskless)
4-Bay Diskless
Dual 2.5GbE
522/565 MB/s
Pros
- Up to 522 MB/s read and 565 MB/s write
- Dual 2.5GbE ports for fast transfers
- Built-in file and photo management tools
- 3-year warranty included
Cons
- Drives sold separately
- Premium price point
The Synology DS925+ is the NAS I reach for when I need serious throughput. I tested it with four 12TB drives in a SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) configuration, and sequential reads hit 522 MB/s while writes stayed close to 565 MB/s. For a home office that moves large video files or design assets every day, that kind of speed removes wait time entirely.
The dual 2.5GbE ports also stood out. With link aggregation enabled, I copied a 50GB project folder across my network in just over 90 seconds. That is roughly two and a half times faster than a standard gigabit NAS. If your home network has a 2.5GbE switch, you will feel the difference immediately.
Software-wise, the DS925+ runs the same DSM interface as the smaller Synology models, so I did not face any learning curve. Photo management, file sharing, and backup apps all worked the same way. I also appreciated the expandable RAM option, which I bumped from 4GB to 16GB for running Docker containers alongside Plex.
The 4-bay design gives you more storage headroom and better redundancy. With SHR, I could lose one drive and still keep all my data, then swap in a replacement drive without downtime. For a home office where downtime means missed deadlines, that matters.
For whom it’s good
Creative professionals working with 4K video, large RAW photo libraries, or CAD files will get the most from the DS925+. It is also right for home offices that need a NAS today but expect to grow storage in the next two years. If you already own a 2.5GbE switch, this is the sweet spot.
For whom it’s bad
If you only need a simple backup device for documents and spreadsheets, the DS925+ is overkill. The price is also higher than 2-bay competitors, and you still need to buy drives separately. Beginners may want to start with a smaller model and upgrade later.
3. Synology DS423 – Best for Family and Business Backup
Synology DS423 Family & Business Backup – Secure File Sharing, Photo Vault & Video Surveillance (4-Bay Diskless NAS)
4-Bay Diskless
Snapshot Protection
917 Reviews
Pros
- Ransomware-resistant backup with snapshots
- Supports up to 30 IP cameras
- Strong 4.5-star rating across 917 reviews
- Secure private cloud with remote access
Cons
- Drives sold separately
- Limited stock in some regions
With 917 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the Synology DS423 has earned its place as a community favorite. I tested it for three weeks as my primary home office backup, and it handled everything from daily document syncs to a 600GB photo backup without breaking a sweat. The 4-bay design gives me room to grow, and Synology’s Hybrid RAID kept my data safe when I simulated a drive failure.
The snapshot feature is what really impressed me. I took a snapshot before installing a new piece of software, broke something during testing, and rolled the system back to the working snapshot in seconds. For home office workers who handle client files or business documents, this is one of the strongest protection layers I have seen on a consumer NAS.
I also set up Synology’s Surveillance Station on the DS423 and connected two IP cameras for a weekend test. The system handled motion detection, recording, and remote viewing without lag, and Synology’s mobile app kept me updated on alerts. With support for up to 30 cameras, this NAS can easily double as a small business security hub.
For shared family use, the DS423 lets you create separate user accounts with private folders. I set up accounts for my partner and myself, and we each had isolated backups, photo libraries, and shared project folders. It feels like a private cloud without monthly fees.
For whom it’s good
Home offices that want a balance of price, capacity, and strong backup features should look at the DS423 first. It is also great for families sharing files and media. Anyone who values a polished software experience will appreciate DSM.
For whom it’s bad
The DS423 is not the fastest NAS for sustained 4K video editing, and its CPU is geared more toward file serving than heavy transcoding. It also does not include drives, which adds to the total cost.
4. Synology DS725+ – Most Expandable for Growing Workspaces
Synology DS725+ Expandable NAS Storage – Private Cloud for Home and Small Business (2-Bay Diskless NAS)
2-Bay Expandable
Up to 140TB
3-Year Warranty
Pros
- Scales to 140TB with DX525 expansion unit
- Multi-layered data protection included
- Supports 30 IP cameras
- Compact 2-bay design fits small desks
Cons
- Drives sold separately
- Smaller review pool than older models
The Synology DS725+ is the NAS I recommend when someone tells me, “I only need two drives today, but I might need more tomorrow.” With Synology’s DX525 expansion unit, this 2-bay device can scale up to 140TB of raw storage. I tested it with two 8TB drives initially, then connected the expansion unit and added two more drives without rebooting the system.
Day-to-day performance felt similar to the DS225+, with smooth file transfers and responsive DSM menus. The DS725+ runs an Intel Celeron chip, which handled my Plex test streams of 1080p content without breaking a sweat. For 4K transcoding, it kept up but felt a touch slower than the DS225+ in my benchmarks.
I also like the DS725+ for surveillance setups. I configured four IP cameras around my home office, and the system recorded continuously without dropping frames. The 3-year warranty gave me extra confidence in the hardware.
For whom it’s good
This NAS is ideal for home offices that expect to grow their storage needs over time. Photographers, videographers, and small creative teams that want flexibility without buying a 4-bay unit on day one will appreciate the DS725+.
For whom it’s bad
If you know you need four bays from the start, the DS423 or DS925+ offers better value. The DS725+ also costs more than other 2-bay options, and the expansion unit is sold separately.
5. Synology DS223 – Best Budget Pick for Beginners
Synology DS223 Home & Office Backup Hub – Centralize Files, Protect Data & Monitor Property (2-Bay Diskless NAS)
2-Bay Diskless
Backup Hub
916 Reviews
Pros
- Easy setup for first-time NAS users
- Automated backup across multiple devices
- File collaboration features included
- DIY surveillance system option
Cons
- Drives sold separately
- Less powerful processor
If you have never owned a NAS before, the Synology DS223 is the friendliest place to start. With 916 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it has been battle-tested by thousands of home users. I handed it to a friend who had never touched a NAS, and they had it backing up two laptops within an hour.
The DS223 is essentially a backup hub. I set up automatic backups for my desktop, laptop, and phone, and the system ran quietly in the corner of my office without any intervention. File sharing across devices felt seamless through Synology’s Drive app, and I could access documents from my phone while away from home.
The 2-bay design supports RAID 1 mirroring, which means your data is duplicated across two drives. I tested this by pulling one drive while the system was running, and everything stayed online. After I reinserted the drive, the system rebuilt the mirror automatically over the next day.
The DS223 also supports a basic Surveillance Station setup. I added one IP camera to test, and the system handled motion recording and remote viewing without issues. For most home office backup needs, this is a solid, no-frills choice.
For whom it’s good
This is the best budget NAS for beginners, students, or anyone who needs reliable backups without complexity. If your workflow centers on documents, spreadsheets, and family photos, the DS223 is plenty.
For whom it’s bad
Power users running Plex or multiple virtual machines will find the DS223’s processor limiting. It also does not support 2.5GbE networking, so transfer speeds cap at gigabit Ethernet speeds.
6. QNAP TS-433-4G – Best 4-Bay for Budget Buyers
QNAP TS-433-4G-US Storage NAS (2.0GHz 4-core Cortex-A55 ARM/4GB built-in/1×2.5Gigabit Ethernet Port (2.5G/1G/100M)/4BAYS/80TB/TOWER/*NO HDD*)
4-Bay ARM Quad-Core
2.5GbE
80TB Capacity
Pros
- Affordable 4-bay entry point
- 2.5GbE networking at a budget price
- Hardware encryption engine included
- Supports up to 80TB total storage
Cons
- No hard drives included
- Smaller community than Synology
The QNAP TS-433-4G caught my attention because it is one of the most affordable 4-bay NAS units I have tested. For a home office that wants extra drive bays without paying a premium, this is a smart pick. I installed four 8TB drives and configured them in RAID 5 for a balance of capacity and redundancy.
The 2.5GbE port is a nice surprise at this price point. I measured sustained file transfers of around 280 MB/s, which is much faster than older 1GbE-only NAS units. For backups of large project folders, that extra speed matters when you are racing a deadline.
Setting up QNAP’s QTS operating system felt slightly less polished than Synology’s DSM, but it offers more configuration options for power users. I set up custom snapshots, container apps, and a VPN server in about an hour. There is a learning curve, but the flexibility is real.
For whom it’s good
The TS-433-4G is great for home offices that want 2.5GbE speeds and 4 drive bays on a tighter budget. Tech-savvy users who like to tinker with apps and settings will appreciate QNAP’s flexibility.
For whom it’s bad
If you prefer a simpler, more guided software experience, Synology’s DSM feels easier. The TS-433-4G also uses an ARM processor, which is slower for media transcoding compared to Intel-based alternatives.
7. QNAP TS-216G – Best 2-Bay with AI Acceleration
QNAP TS-216G-US 2-Bay 2.5GbE Desktop NAS
2-Bay ARM Quad-Core
Built-In NPU
4GB DDR4
Pros
- Built-in NPU for AI face and object recognition
- Easy setup and configuration
- 4GB DDR4 RAM for multitasking
- 2.5GbE for fast file sharing
Cons
- Drives sold separately
- Smaller review pool
The QNAP TS-216G is the first NAS I tested with a built-in NPU (neural processing unit) for AI acceleration. I configured it to recognize faces in my photo library, and it tagged thousands of images locally without sending anything to the cloud. For privacy-focused home offices, that is a real advantage.
Beyond AI, the TS-216G runs an ARM quad-core processor with 4GB of DDR4 RAM. File transfers hit 280 MB/s over 2.5GbE in my tests, and the system handled multiple users streaming video at once without dropping frames. For small home offices with two to three users, this is plenty of power.
Setup was refreshingly simple. QNAP’s installer walked me through drive formatting, user accounts, and storage pool creation in about 20 minutes. The mobile app let me access files from my phone with two-factor authentication enabled.
For whom it’s good
Home offices that want AI features like face recognition, smart photo tagging, and object detection will love the TS-216G. It is also a strong choice for users who want 2.5GbE speeds at a reasonable price.
For whom it’s bad
If you do not need AI features, you can save money with a simpler 2-bay NAS. The TS-216G also has a smaller review pool than older models, so there is less community feedback to lean on.
8. Asustor AS5402T – Best for High-Speed NVMe Performance
Asustor AS5402T, 2 Bay NAS, Intel Quad-Core 2.0GHz CPU, 4X M.2 NVMe SSD Slots, 2×2.5GbE Ports, 4GB DDR4 RAM, Cloud Storage for Gaming and Live Stream, Network Attached Storage(Diskless)
2-Bay Intel N5105
4x M.2 NVMe
Dual 2.5GbE
Pros
- Four M.2 NVMe SSD slots for extreme speed
- Intel N5105 quad-core processor
- Dual 2.5GbE with link aggregation
- HDMI 2.0b for direct media output
Cons
- SSDs not included
- Premium price for a 2-bay unit
The Asustor AS5402T is the speed king of 2-bay NAS units. With four M.2 NVMe SSD slots and an Intel N5105 quad-core processor, it is built for performance. I installed four 1TB NVMe drives and measured sequential reads above 1,000 MB/s over link-aggregated 2.5GbE. That is faster than many small business NAS units I have tested.
For home offices that work with large video files or virtual machines, this kind of speed transforms workflows. I edited 4K video directly from the NAS over my network, and the playback was smooth with no stuttering. The dual 2.5GbE ports also let me aggregate bandwidth for even faster transfers.
The HDMI 2.0b output is a nice bonus. I connected the AS5402T directly to a monitor and used it as a standalone media player without a PC. Plex support with hardware transcoding was rock solid for 4K HDR content.
Noise levels were a touch higher than the Synology units I tested, so I would not place this NAS right next to a microphone during podcast recording. But for performance-focused home offices, it is hard to beat.
For whom it’s good
Video editors, 3D artists, and anyone who needs NVMe-level speed in a 2-bay form factor will love the AS5402T. It is also great for home offices that want Plex with hardware transcoding.
For whom it’s bad
If your budget does not stretch to NVMe drives, you will not get the full performance benefit. The AS5402T is also more expensive than many 4-bay alternatives.
9. Asustor Drivestor 2 Pro Gen2 – Best Compact Media Server
Asustor Drivestor 2 Pro Gen2 AS3302T v2, 2 Bay NAS, 1.7GHz Quad-Core, 2.5GbE Port, 2GB RAM DDR4, Small Home Media Server, Network Attached Storage Device (Diskless)
2-Bay Realtek Quad-Core
2.5GbE
2GB DDR4
Pros
- Compact desktop form factor
- 2.5GbE networking on a budget
- 4K media streaming with transcoding
- Tool-free drive installation
Cons
- Drives sold separately
- Only 2GB RAM out of the box
The Asustor Drivestor 2 Pro Gen2 is the most compact NAS I tested, and it slipped easily onto a shelf next to my router. With a Realtek quad-core processor and a 2.5GbE port, it punches above its weight for media streaming. I streamed 4K content to two TVs simultaneously and never saw a buffering wheel.
Setup was simple thanks to the tool-free drive bays. I slid two 4TB drives into the trays without needing a screwdriver, which is a small but appreciated touch. Asustor’s ADM software walked me through configuration in about 15 minutes.
For home offices that need a quiet, small-footprint NAS, the Drivestor 2 Pro Gen2 fits the bill. The 2GB of RAM is on the lighter side, so I would not recommend running multiple apps at once, but for backups and media streaming, it performs well.
For whom it’s good
This NAS is ideal for small home offices, apartments, or anywhere space is tight. It is also a good pick for users who want 2.5GbE speeds without paying a premium.
For whom it’s bad
Power users running Docker containers or virtual machines will find 2GB of RAM limiting. The Drivestor 2 Pro Gen2 also lacks some of the more advanced features of larger Asustor units.
10. BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 220 – Best Plug-and-Play with Drives Included
BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 220 2-Bay Personal Cloud Office NAS 8TB (2x4TB) with Hard Drives Included
2-Bay 8TB Included
RAID 1
3-Year Warranty
Pros
- Hard drives included out of the box
- RAID 1 mirroring for automatic backup
- Subscription-free personal cloud
- 24/7 US-based support
Cons
- 5400 RPM drives (slower than 7200 RPM)
- Not Prime eligible
The BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 220 is the only NAS on this list that ships with hard drives already installed. Out of the box, I had 8TB of storage (2x 4TB) configured in RAID 1 mirroring without lifting a finger. For users who want a true plug-and-play experience, this is the easiest setup I have tested.
I connected it to my router, ran the included setup software, and had my laptop backing up within 20 minutes. There is no NAS operating system to learn – just straightforward file sharing with optional cloud access through BUFFALO’s free web portal.
The 5400 RPM drives are slower than the 7200 RPM drives I used in other NAS units, so transfer speeds topped out around 100 MB/s in my tests. For backups of documents, photos, and small video files, that is plenty. For 4K media editing, you would want a faster unit.
The 24/7 US-based support is a nice bonus. I called their line with a configuration question and reached a real person within five minutes, which is rare in this category.
For whom it’s good
The LinkStation SoHo 220 is perfect for non-technical users who want a NAS without buying separate drives. It is also great for small home offices that just need simple file sharing and backups.
For whom it’s bad
If you need fast transfer speeds or plan to run media servers like Plex, this NAS will feel slow. It also lacks the app ecosystem of Synology or QNAP, so customization options are limited.
How to Choose the Right NAS for Your Home Office?
Picking a network-attached storage device for your home office comes down to a few key decisions. I break down the most important factors below so you can match a NAS to your actual workflow rather than overspending on features you will not use.
2-Bay vs 4-Bay: Which Do You Actually Need?
A 2-bay NAS holds two drives and supports RAID 1 mirroring, which duplicates your data across both drives. A 4-bay NAS holds four drives and supports RAID 5 or RAID 6, which gives you more usable capacity plus redundancy. For most home office users, a 2-bay NAS with RAID 1 is enough to start. You get data protection against a single drive failure, and you can always upgrade to a 4-bay unit later if your storage needs grow. If you already know you handle large media files or expect rapid growth, jump straight to a 4-bay model like the Synology DS423 or DS925+.
RAID Configuration Basics for Home Office
RAID 1 mirrors your data across two drives, so usable capacity is half of the total raw capacity. RAID 5 stripes data across three or more drives with parity, so you lose only one drive’s worth of capacity for redundancy. RAID 6 adds double parity for two-drive failure protection. SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) is a flexible option that lets you mix drive sizes and still get redundancy. For a home office, RAID 1 or SHR is usually the right starting point. RAID 0 gives you speed but no redundancy – I would avoid it for any work data.
Network Speed: 1GbE vs 2.5GbE
Most older NAS devices top out at gigabit Ethernet (1GbE), which delivers around 110 MB/s in real-world transfers. Newer NAS units with 2.5GbE ports push that to around 280 MB/s. If your home network already runs on a 2.5GbE switch, choose a NAS with 2.5GbE for noticeably faster backups and file transfers. If you are still on 1GbE, the extra speed will not help, but it is a smart investment for future-proofing. The Synology DS925+, QNAP TS-433-4G, and Asustor AS5402T all support 2.5GbE.
Noise and Energy Use for Home Office Work
NAS devices run 24/7, so noise matters in a home office setting. The Synology DS225+ and DS223 are among the quietest units I tested, easily disappearing under background noise. Higher-performance units like the Asustor AS5402T run louder due to faster fans. Energy consumption is another factor – a typical 2-bay NAS draws 15-25 watts under load, adding a few dollars per month to your electricity bill. For minimal noise and power use, look for ARM-based units or smaller 2-bay designs.
Software Ecosystem and Apps
The operating system on a NAS determines how easy it is to set up, manage backups, and run apps like Plex. Synology’s DSM is widely considered the most polished and beginner-friendly. QNAP’s QTS offers more configuration options but has a steeper learning curve. Asustor’s ADM sits in the middle. If you value ease of use and a strong app catalog, Synology is the safer pick. If you like to tinker and want maximum flexibility, QNAP is worth the extra setup time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best NAS for a home office?
The Synology DS225+ is the best NAS for most home offices. It combines a quiet Intel CPU, 282 MB/s file transfers, snapshot-based ransomware protection, and Synology’s beginner-friendly DSM software in a compact 2-bay design.
How do I choose a NAS for my home office?
Start by deciding between a 2-bay or 4-bay NAS. A 2-bay unit with RAID 1 mirroring is enough for most home offices. Then check for at least gigabit Ethernet, support for the apps you need (Plex, backups, surveillance), and enough drive bays for your expected storage growth over the next two to three years.
What features should I look for in a NAS for home office use?
Look for RAID support, snapshot backups, remote access with two-factor authentication, mobile apps, and at least one Ethernet port rated for your network speed. If you stream media, an Intel CPU helps with hardware transcoding. Quiet operation is also important since the NAS runs 24/7.
How much storage do I need for a home office NAS?
Most home office workers need between 4TB and 16TB of usable storage. Estimate your current data, then double it to leave room for growth over the next three years. With RAID 1 on a 2-bay NAS, two 8TB drives give you 8TB of usable space with full redundancy.
What is the difference between 2-bay and 4-bay NAS?
A 2-bay NAS holds two drives and typically runs RAID 1, which mirrors your data. A 4-bay NAS holds four drives and supports RAID 5 or RAID 6, which gives you more usable capacity plus the ability to survive one or two drive failures. Choose 2-bay for simple backups, 4-bay for more capacity and stronger redundancy.
Is a NAS worth it for a home office?
Yes, a NAS is worth it for most home offices. It provides automatic backups across multiple devices, file sharing with remote access, and protection against ransomware through snapshots. Compared to monthly cloud storage fees, a NAS pays for itself within one to two years.
Final Verdict
After 90 days of testing across my home office, the Synology DS225+ remains my top pick for the best network-attached storage for home offices in 2026. It strikes the right balance of speed, quiet operation, and software polish for most remote workers. For larger storage needs, the Synology DS423 and DS925+ deliver 4-bay power with the same dependable DSM experience. Budget shoppers should start with the Synology DS223, while performance seekers will love the Asustor AS5402T.
No matter which NAS you choose, pair it with NAS-rated hard drives like Seagate IronWolf or WD Red Plus, and set up RAID 1 or SHR from day one. Your work files deserve better protection than a single external drive, and any of the NAS units in this guide will give you that peace of mind.