How we tested

Obviously, each drive had to work perfectly with Time Machine for backup and recovery. We also tested the speed of each drive copying files of different sizes when the drive was connected directly to our Mac. Finally, we tested whether we could access the drives from beyond our local network, using their accompanying iOS app, if they had one. Higher…

Drobo 5N2 drobo.com $499.99

The key to this five–bay NAS is that you can add and remove any drive of any size any time, without shutting it down and while keeping data safe.

…or lower? Buffalo Linkstation LS210 2TB buffalo-technology.com About $150

If you’re happy with a single–bay NAS and don’t need extra bells and whistles, this Time Machine– compatible NAS is a bargain.