What is a NAS? A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a dedicated device connected to your home network that stores and serves files. Unlike a standard external hard drive that plugs into one computer, a NAS can be accessed wirelessly by multiple devices, smartphones, and smart TVs simultaneously.
If you are just starting your data hoarding journey, you will quickly realize that storing everything on your computer’s internal hard drive is a bad idea.
Eventually, you will run out of space, and if that drive fails, all your data is lost forever. This is where a NAS comes in.
A NAS is the central hub of any serious digital archive. It allows you to safely store terabytes of data, back up your family photos, and even run your own Netflix-style media server. In this guide, we will explain exactly what a NAS is, why you need one, and the best hardware to get started.
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How Does a NAS Work?
A NAS is essentially a miniature computer built specifically for storing files.
It consists of an “enclosure” (the physical box) that contains a basic processor, RAM, and several slots (called “bays”) for hard drives.
Instead of plugging into your computer via a USB cable, a NAS plugs directly into your home internet router using an Ethernet cable. Once connected, the NAS broadcasts its storage space over your Wi-Fi network.
Any device connected to your Wi-Fi—your laptop, your phone, your smart TV—can access the files stored on the NAS just like it was a local folder on the device itself.
The Top 3 Benefits of Owning a NAS
1. Data Protection and RAID
If you buy a standard external hard drive and it breaks, your data is gone. A NAS protects against this using a technology called RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks).
If you buy a 2-bay NAS and insert two 4TB hard drives, the NAS will automatically mirror your data across both drives. If one drive completely dies, you do not lose a single file. You simply pull the broken drive out, insert a new one, and the NAS rebuilds itself.
2. Centralized Backups
Instead of buying a separate external hard drive for your desktop, your spouse’s laptop, and your phones, a NAS centralizes everything. You can set up automatic backups so that every time you walk into your house, your phone automatically backs up its new photos directly to the NAS. If you are backing up physical media like DVDs and Blu-rays to your NAS, you will need to learn how to use MakeMKV to rip the files cleanly.
3. Running a Home Media Server (Plex)
This is the most popular use for a NAS among data hoarders. Modern NAS devices are powerful enough to run applications like Plex Media Server.
You can use Usenet newsreaders to download movies and TV shows directly to the NAS. Plex will then organize those files into a beautiful interface and stream them directly to your smart TV, Roku, or Apple TV. It is like having your own personal, private streaming service. If you are ready to build one, check out our guide to the best Plex servers.
NAS vs. Seedbox: Which Do You Need?
If you have read our guide on what a seedbox is, you might be wondering why you would buy a physical NAS instead of just renting a remote server.
- Choose a Seedbox if: You want to download files securely without exposing your home IP address, and you do not want to manage physical hardware in your house.
- Choose a NAS if: You want total physical control over your data, you want to store personal files (like family photos), and you want a massive, one-time storage purchase without paying monthly server rental fees.
The Best NAS Hardware for Beginners
Building a NAS requires two separate purchases: the enclosure (the brains of the operation) and the hard drives (the storage).
1. The Best NAS Enclosure: Synology
Synology is the undisputed king of the home NAS market. Their operating system (DiskStation Manager) is incredibly easy to use and looks just like a normal Windows desktop in your web browser.
For beginners looking to back up files and run a basic media server, you want a “2-Bay” NAS (meaning it holds two hard drives).
- Best Budget Option: Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223
- Best for Plex Streaming: Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS225+ (The “+” models have upgraded processors that handle video streaming much better).
If you are on a very tight budget and love DIY projects, you can also build a Raspberry Pi NAS for a fraction of the cost.
2. The Best NAS Hard Drives: Seagate IronWolf
You cannot use standard desktop hard drives in a NAS. Because a NAS runs 24/7, standard drives will quickly burn out and fail.
You must use drives specifically engineered for NAS environments. These drives have vibration sensors and firmware designed for continuous operation. The industry standard for NAS storage is the Seagate IronWolf series.
- Best Starter Drive: Seagate IronWolf 4TB NAS Internal Hard Drive
- Best for Data Hoarders: Seagate IronWolf 12TB NAS Internal Hard Drive
(Remember: If you buy a 2-bay Synology enclosure, you need to buy TWO identical hard drives to ensure your data is properly mirrored and protected!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a NAS better than cloud storage?
Yes, for large amounts of data. While cloud storage (like Google Drive) charges you a monthly fee that increases as you store more data, a NAS is a one-time purchase. Furthermore, a NAS gives you complete privacy, as your files are physically located in your own home, not on a corporate server. However, if you prefer offsite backups, you can read our guide to unlimited cloud storage options.
Can I access my NAS when I am away from home?
Yes! Brands like Synology offer built-in “QuickConnect” features. This allows you to log into your NAS via a web browser or a smartphone app from anywhere in the world to access your files or stream your media.
Do I need to plug my NAS into my computer?
No. A NAS plugs directly into your internet router or network switch using an Ethernet cable. You access the NAS wirelessly through your computer’s file explorer or web browser.