Nifty NAS boxes for next to nix

UPGRADE YOUR NETWORK STORAGE ON A BUDGET WITH AN AFFORDABLE TWO- OR FOUR-BAY NAS BOXES.

THESE DAYS, NAS boxes are powerful mini computers that can handle a huge range of tasks beyond basic data storage. While the wealth of features is fantastic, it also means that higher-end network-attached storage devices can be very expensive. So what options are available for those who don’t have a lot to spend, but still want plenty of everyday functionality? To find out, we tested 10 two- and four-bay NAS boxes, with prices under $250 and $350, respectively, for diskless models. At this range, some brands have very few NAS boxes available (or none at all), and many of the better value options are slightly older models, which now sell significantly under their launch prices. As always, it’s very important to shop around, as even with shipping costs, some retailers offer significantly better prices.

While most of the network-attached storage devices are aimed at home use, there are also a few four-bay models designed to suit small offices. The most common extra feature is dual Gigabit LAN ports, which allows link aggregation for almost doubling of the access speeds.

ASUSTOR AS3102T MEDIA LOVERS REJOICE.

LAUNCHED BACK IN 2016, the AS3102T is one of the few ASUSTOR NAS boxes under $250, and only then if you shop around very well. Still, it’s worth the effort, as the NAS uses a grunty dual-core Intel Celeron N3050 CPU, a standout 2GB of RAM, Gigabit Ethernet and three USB 3.0 connections. Uniquely, though, it has a HDMI 1.4b spec output that can play back media directly to a TV at up to 4K resolutions and can perform on the fly hardware transcoding. The 3102T also has an optional remote available (AS-RC10 $35) or can be controlled using a smartphone app, or USB keyboard and mouse.

The 3102T is fast and easy to get up and running, and can be managed via the excellent web interface, or a gaggle of Android and iOS apps. Performance is among the best we tested, and encryption is supported with minimal slowdown.

The ASUSTOR also has loads of third-party apps available to run on the NAS itself, such as Plex, IP camera recording, download management and more.

QNAP TS-228 A MORE POWERFUL AND AFFORDABLE NAS.

EASILY FOUND FOR under $200, the dual-bay QNAP TS-228 is aimed at home users who still want enough grunt to handle tasks beyond the basics. The NAS is powered by a 1.1GHz dualcore ARM v7 CPU, and has a better-than-most 1GB of RAM. It takes two 3.5-inch drives and has the usual single Gigabit Ethernet connection, as well as USB 3.0 on the front, and USB 2.0 on the rear for connecting external storage.

Dropping in drives and getting the QNAP NAS up and running is dead simple, and the web interface and operating system are excellent. The TS-228 includes software for making backups, including across local and cloud storage. It also has a range of top-notch apps available for access and management from mobile devices.

The TS-228 has no trouble maxing out the network connection, and has enough grunt to reliably stream HD video while performing other tasks at the same time. It also has thirdparty apps available, and can handle your downloads, IP webcams and more.