Best NAS for under $499

Brief Summary

This video reviews the best NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices available for under $500 in 2025, focusing on both hardware and software capabilities. It covers options from various brands, including UniFi, UGREEN, Synology, LincStation, Asustor, and Terramaster, highlighting their key features, performance, and value. The review emphasizes that while the NAS devices themselves fall under the $500 price point, the cost of storage media (HDDs or SSDs) is additional.

UniFi UNAS Pro offers a 7-bay 10GbE solution for pure storage.
UGREEN DXP4800 provides a balance of hardware and software features, challenging established brands.
Synology DS425+ delivers the renowned DSM software experience, but with potential HDD compatibility restrictions.
LincStation N2 stands out with its SSD and NVMe support, 10GbE connectivity, and included UnRAID license.
Asustor Flashstor 6 is a 6-bay NVMe NAS with ADM software and RAID capabilities.
Terramaster F4-SSD offers a 4-bay NVMe solution with a 5GbE port and a focus on performance.

Intro: Best NAS under $500 in 2025

The video introduces a review of the best NAS devices available for under $500 in mid-2025. It's important to note that the prices discussed do not include the cost of hard drives or SSDs, which must be purchased separately. The review aims to provide options that combine both hardware and software solutions within the specified budget.

Price Disclaimer: Drives Not Included

The presenter emphasizes that the $500 budget covers only the NAS hardware. Users need to factor in the additional cost of purchasing hard drives or SSDs to use with these devices.

UniFi UNAS Pro – 7-Bay 10GbE ARM NAS

The UniFi UNAS Pro is highlighted as a game-changer, offering a 7-bay, 10GbE rack-mount solution for $499. It features a quad-core ARM processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory. While it's primarily a storage box, it supports RAID 6 and RAID 5 configurations and can integrate with existing UniFi networks or cloud services. It is not designed for running containers, Docker applications, virtual machines, or Plex.

Storage, RAID, and Network Integration

The UniFi UNAS Pro can integrate with existing UniFi networks or run standalone. It also supports integration with cloud services for multi-tiered backup solutions and can integrate over SMB with existing storage setups.

Limitations: No Containers, Just Storage

The UniFi UNAS Pro is limited to pure storage and is not suitable for running containers, Docker applications, virtual machines, or Plex. Its strength lies in providing a cost-effective 7-bay, 10GbE storage solution.

UGREEN DXP4800 – N100 CPU, DDR5, NVMe

The UGREEN DXP4800, priced around $499, features an N100 quad-core CPU, 8GB of DDR5 memory, four SATA bays, and two M.2 NVMe bays. It also includes 2.5GbE ports and UGOS software.

Challenging Synology & QNAP at Low Price

The UGREEN DXP4800 challenges established brands like Synology and QNAP by offering competitive hardware and software at a lower price point. Similar hardware from Synology or QNAP would likely cost $599 to $699.

Design Highlights & Growing Popularity

The UGREEN DXP4800 features an SD card reader, USB Type-C port, and a unique design. It's gaining popularity as users become dissatisfied with Synology's hard drive support policies.

Features: Plex, Docker, BTRFS, TrueNAS

The UGREEN DXP4800's software is more evolved than UniFi's, with BTRFS support, multi-tier backup, containerization, Plex, Docker, and virtual machine capabilities. Users can also install TrueNAS or UnRAID without voiding the warranty.

Optional Upgrade to DXP Pro Model

A pro version of the UGREEN DXP4800 is available with a Pentium-based CPU, 10GbE connectivity, and Gen 4 architecture on the M.2 slots, though it costs more.

Synology DS425+ – DSM at This Price?

The Synology DS425+ is a popular choice for users who prioritize software, particularly Synology's DSM. It features an Intel quad-core processor, 2GB of DDR4 memory, 2.5GbE, and M.2 slots.

DSM Features vs. HDD Compatibility

While the Synology DS425+ offers the benefits of the DSM platform, including Synology Hybrid RAID, it has a restrictive hard drive policy in the newer 2025 series.

DS423+ Alternative Without Restrictions

For users who want similar hardware without the hard drive restrictions, the DS423+ is recommended, although it lacks the 2.5GbE port. Alternatively, users can opt for Synology's Plus series hard drives.

Summary: DSM Strength vs. Flexibility

The decision between the DS425+ and DS423+ depends on whether the user values the latest hardware and DSM features or the flexibility to use any hard drive.

LincStation N2 – SSD + NVMe + 10GbE

The LincStation N2 is a noteworthy option, priced between $429 and $439. It supports two 2.5" SATA SSDs and four M.2 NVMe drives, and it includes 10GbE connectivity.

16GB DDR5, UnRAID License Included

The LincStation N2 features an M100 CPU and 16GB of DDR5 memory. Notably, it comes with an UnRAID license for all six drives.

Wi-Fi Support & NAS Value at $439

UnRAID's support for Wi-Fi dongles allows users to use a Wi-Fi connection as a failover. The LincStation N2 offers significant value as a sub-$500 six-bay flash NAS with an included UnRAID license.

Asustor Flashstor 6 – 6-Bay NVMe NAS

The Asustor Flashstor 6 is a six-bay M.2 NVMe storage system with two 2.5GbE ports. It includes Asustor's ADM software with client applications for various platforms.

ADM Software, RAID, Mobile Apps

The Asustor Flashstor 6 supports BTRFS, write-once-read-many (WORM), and various RAID storage and backup applications. It is priced at $449.

SSD Pricing & OS on eMMC Storage

The Asustor Flashstor 6's operating system is stored on eMMC storage, so users don't need to use one of the bays for the OS. 4TB M.2 NVMe SSDs can be purchased for around $200, making six-bay storage systems like this more accessible.

BONUS: Terramaster F4-SSD Entry

The Terramaster F4-SSD is introduced as a late addition to the review. It's a four-bay NVMe SSD NAS system priced at $399.

4-Bay NVMe NAS with 5GbE at $399

The Terramaster F4-SSD features a 5GbE port on the rear. Some users may prefer this over dual 2.5GbE ports for simplicity, avoiding the need for SMB multi-channel or link aggregation.

Gen 3x2 vs Gen 3x1 NVMe Comparison

Two of the M.2 slots in the Terramaster F4-SSD are Gen 3x2, while the other two are Gen 3x1, offering potentially higher performance for parallel running storage pools.

DDR5, N97 CPU, and Hardware Details

The Terramaster F4-SSD includes 8GB of DDR5 memory and an N97 Intel twin lake CPU, which is a newer processor with a better balance between low performance and burst performance, as well as higher integrated graphics.

Terramaster vs. Asustor: Feature Sets

The Terramaster platform (tos6) has more feature-rich applications compared to Asustor's ADM, although Asustor's platform feels more consistent and design-rich. Both support third-party operating systems like UnRAID without voiding the warranty.

Why F4-SSD Was Added Late

The Terramaster F4-SSD was added to the review late because it arrived in the studio after the initial video was recorded. Its availability and lower price point made it a compelling option.

Final Picks & Brand Mentions (QNAP/Terramaster)

The video summarizes the best NAS devices for under $500 in 2025. QNAP solutions were not included because they were outpaced financially by other options. Terramaster has higher end options just above the $500 mark that offer phenomenal value.

Why Some Brands Missed the $499 Cut

QNAP solutions were excluded because the closest priced option was outpaced financially by the other options discussed. Terramaster solutions that offer phenomenal hardware value were just outside the $500 limit.