Network attached storage (NAS) with 4K streaming capabilities is ideal for streaming movies, TV shows, and other video files at ultra-high definition. It offers an efficient way to store, back up, and share large quantities of data, making it a great choice for media-rich applications. These days, nearly everyone is streaming media, and an unbelievably high number of streaming services are available. If you’re like us, have grown fed up with the expensive monthly bills, and have difficulty remembering which subscriptions you have active, we have put together the best NAS for 4K streaming. You can create personalized Netflix and Spotify utilizing these user-friendly small servers!
Top Rated: Best NAS For 4K Streaming
- Synology DiskStation DS920+
- QNAP TVS-672XT
- Synology DiskStation DS220+
- TerraMaster F2-221 2-Bay Cloud Storage NAS
- QNAP TS-453D-4G
Synology DiskStation DS920+
The Synology DS920+ can be seen as a NAS box that uses the fundamentals of the DS220+ and enhances them to make it capable of media streaming operations. This device is powered by a faster Intel Celeron J4125 processor, M.2 slots for SSD caching, has 4GB of RAM, and can provide 64 TB of storage capacity thanks to its four best hard drive bays for Synology NAS. The DS220+ NAS box offers two-gigabit ethernet ports, USB 3.0 ports, and an eSATA port on the back. Like its predecessor, it can handle the transcoding 1080p media without issues, allowing you to stream 1080p media on any device effortlessly.
For streaming 4K media optimally, the DS920+ is a good choice as it can handle 4K transcoding fairly well. However, if you are looking to create a large library of 4K content, then connecting directly to a 4K capable device like a TV or streaming box is the best option. Running 4K transcoding requires more power than 1080p transcoding, and 4K capable devices often have dedicated codecs and containers to optimize performance. To ensure the smooth streaming of 4K content, the only critical factor is sufficient bandwidth. The DS920+ comes with dual gigabit ethernet ports, making it easier to maintain sufficient bandwidth capability in the best case for NAS and ample space to store large 4K files. This Synology 920+ is the best NAS for video editing. If you are in the market for something specifically to stream 4K media content, the DS920+ is the ideal choice.
Pros:
- 64TB upgrade Storage
- Best for Plex.
- It effectively converts 4K videos.
- M.2 Slots SSD caching.
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- Fantastic Software Feature.
Cons:
- Expensive
QNAP TVS-672XT
If you need a NAS box that is tailor-made for streaming 4K media, QNAP’s 672XT is the one to get. Its design was made with media consumption in mind, further proving its intended purpose. At the rear of the enclosure is an HDMI 2.0 port to facilitate media transmission. It is also equipped with an Intel i3-8100T processor, which makes streaming 4K media a breeze. It’s the best NAS for a media server.
Although it is a more costly option when compared to others, this NAS box is worth it if you’re committed to accessing 4K content. Additionally, two 2.5 Gb Ethernet ports ensure there is no lack of bandwidth when streaming. Moreover, the NAS box has support for Citrix and VMware. QNAP’s 672XT is the ideal NAS box for 4K streaming, equipped with six bays, 8 GB RAM, HDMI out, 72 TB of maximum capacity, dual Ethernet ports, and a robust processor. Moreover, this QNAP TVS-672XT is the best NAS for a home user.
Pros:
- Excellent QNAP OS
- Robust Intel Core i3 processor
- Extendable DDR4 RAM
- Great Software support
Cons:
- The amount of electricity used is a bit high.
Synology DiskStation DS220+
I have discussed several NAS solutions that are most optimal for 4K streaming. However, if you have more limited streaming needs and you want the NAS box to do more than just media streaming, then this would be a different situation.
When money is not an issue, and you want to use a NAS for streaming and other tasks, the DS220+ is the ideal choice. This machine has an Intel Celeron J4025 chipset and 2GB of RAM. It is equipped with two storage bays that can each hold up to 16TB, giving you a total storage capacity of up to 32 TB. There are two Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can be used with link aggregation to double the data transfer rate. You can also bridge the ports to achieve even faster speeds.
The Synology DS220+ is a fantastic option for the best NAS for 4K streaming. Equipped with USB 3.0 ports and powerful media streaming capabilities, it’s easy to set up and use. It is known as the best NAS for photographers. It also has great transcoding abilities for 1080p media and, with only minor issues, can even transcode 4K media. On top of that, Synology’s software is some of the best in the business, allowing users to easily create backups and set up email, audio, video, and even a VPN server. All of these amazing features make the DS220+ a great choice.
Pros:
- Great Software.
- Dual gigabit Ethernet.
- This device is capable of streaming and transcoding 4K media.
- Dependable internal components.
- Storage capacity of up to 32 TB is available.
- Not SSD caching
- Misses eSATA port
TerraMaster F2-221 2-Bay NAS
No doubt the previous choices I outlined here are top-notch, but they come at a hefty cost. If you aren’t prepared to invest such a high amount, the F2-221 NAS box by TerraMaster is your best bet. This budget-friendly NAS box contains two drive bays capacity of up to 128TB and is powered by Intel’s J3355 processor, the best NAS for a small office. This CPU is best for NAS and more than capable of streaming 4K video files on a home network, although it may be unable to handle transcoding tasks. The F2-221 is certainly the cheaper option, but it is still as reliable and efficient as any of the other alternatives. It’s the best budget NAS for plex.
For those with limited task and operations needs, the F2-221 is an ideal choice for both file backup and 4K streaming. This NAS box is powerful enough to transmit 4K ultra HD video with H.265 streaming and can easily be connected to 4K TVs or other supporting devices. You can enjoy the ease of use that this NAS box offers. It is simple to install Plex, transfer data, move movies, link consoles, and other gadgets, and configure everything. It is not intended for heavy transcoding, but if that isn’t your purpose, this is a great budget choice.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- The maximum storage capacity is 128 terabytes.
- Great Intel Celeron CPU
- Dual Gigabit
- Extendable DDR4 RAM
Cons:
- Lack of proficiency in transcoding.
- Operating systems can be improved.
QNAP TS-453D-4G
If you’re looking for the best NAS for a Plex server and 4K streaming, the TS-453D-4G is the ideal choice. Despite its small size, it has all the features you need. It may not be as big as other options I’ve mentioned, but it has the power to back it up. This device is designed to fit neatly into your PC desk and improve the overall look. Further, QNAP TS-453 is the best NAS for the home.
What is the best NAS for your home NAS?__ It features four bays that can be upgraded as necessary. These bays can be used as independent drives or as the best RAID configuration for home NAS, also perfect for those needing to prioritize data security and redundancy. It’s the best NAS for streaming movies. There is also the potential to boost the memory up to 8GB by utilizing the second slot provided close to the bays. This QNAP NAS offers plenty of connectivity options, including 3 USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports, an RJ45 LAN, two 2.5Gbe, and an HDMI 2.0 port. Additionally, Intel HD Graphics 600 has been integrated to increase media streaming capabilities.
Pros:
- Fantastic compact design.
- It makes a stylish addition to a PC desk.
- Provide support for various RAID types.
- The device is kept cool due to its plastic body.
- Excellent connectivity options.
Cons:
- The system is accessible to third-party software.
- Software needs to be enhanced.
What is the best NAS for 4K streaming
Selecting the top best NAS for a functioning Plex Media Server could be slightly difficult in comparison to deciding the best server to save data and take care of other duties. You don’t need to spend too much on a NAS enclosure that can easily store and stream your preferred audio and movie files. However, if you want to transcode material, you may need something that packs more punch.
If you only need Plex for music, you can purchase an inexpensive NAS with a few drive bays and an ARM processor. Two drive bays should do the trick. However, if you plan on streaming movies and shows, particularly 4K, you’ll need more storage and an Intel CPU since these files tend to be huge. Transcoding is also necessary for this purpose. Brands like Synology, QNAP, and TerraMaster offer an abundance of Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. We consider the QNAP TVS-H672, with its Intel Core processor and six drive bays, to be the most powerful NAS out there. A cheaper option for those just starting might be the TerraMaster F2-221.
If you’re trying to save money while still making the most of your budget, the Synology DiskStation DS220+ is a viable option that features an ARM processor and two drive bays. This device is suitable for storing music and photos, but if you intend to use it for streaming media, such as 4K content, you should put more thought into it than if you were streaming music since 4K files take up much more space.
What are the shared characteristics of the most superior 4K streaming NAS drives?
It is important to remember that not all Plex NAS drives are made equal! There may be plenty of cheaper brands online that might seem like a great deal, but many of them do not offer reliable solutions and can disappear before you even have the chance to take advantage of your warranty. So, whether you are looking at the best 4K streaming NAS for Max solutions, I am recommending below, or you are looking elsewhere, all strong NAS systems should offer the following services and software:
- This guide covers NAS systems that can be utilized by a range of different operating systems, such as Windows, Android, Mac, and Linux.
- Buying the hardware comes with a bundle that includes mobile apps, a web browser GUI, and desktop client applications.
- NAS Solutions typically feature a two to three-year Warranty.
- The newest NAS systems are equipped with the capacity to utilize the current 20TB NAS hard drives, and they are kept up-to-date regularly.
- The suggested solutions can facilitate a range of drive settings using RAID, which helps to secure against drive faults and optimizes performance.
- No matter the brand, the top NAS solutions contain backup and sync tools that can be installed on a user’s computer. These tools offer the ability to make regular backups of files and system information.
When searching for a NAS solution, be sure it has all the features discussed above. Many companies will offer cheaper NAS servers that do not include these features, but they are often of much lower quality. Therefore, if you’re interested in a Plex 4K streaming NAS, it’s best to invest in one that has all the features you need.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it possible to access a 4K video from a NAS?
With Video Station and its accompanying mobile app, DS video, you can watch videos on your web browser or mobile phone. To get the most out of streaming 4K videos on your Synology NAS over the Internet, I suggest you have an upload speed of 25 Mbps or above.
Which NAS is the most suitable for 4K transcoding of Plex?
The DiskStation DS220+ remains an outstanding NAS server choice for Plex streaming. It has two drive bays, necessary wired connectivity, and can manage Plex streaming and transcoding effortlessly.
In what format is 4K streaming offered?
4K is a way to watch videos with very high resolution. If you watch any video distributed by YouTube, Netflix, Max, HBO, or comparable services with a resolution of 3,840×2,160, you can stream in 4K.
Conclusion
I have found the finest NAS drives for 4K media streaming which allow for sufficient performance and space so that your photos, movies, and music can be kept without the stress that you will run into issues when reaching this content. When selecting a NAS, keep in mind how much storage you could need in the near and distant future, if it securely stores backups and assists redundancy, and how several hard drives you might need to purchase as the majority will not include those. Good Luck!