Conclusion

The Netgear takes a left field approach with its ARM-based CPU and it almost comes off. The non-windowed interface is simple, but it’s not as pleasant to use as app-based ones. While it handles H.265 1080p files, it doesn’t have the power to transcode 4K, so for us, it’s too expensive for what it is.

The QNAP was a contender for an award, thanks to its exhaustive feature list. It’s a great NAS and the ability to plug it into a TV or monitor via HDMI and use it as a mini workstation is appealing. What let it down was its noisy operation, and the fact that it didn’t match the Synology for 4K transcoding.

The WD will appeal to anyone who wants a NAS but doesn’t want the hassle of having to install their own hard disks. It’s compact and easy to use, and considering it comes with two disks preinstalled, it’s a bargain, earning itself a Recommended award.

If you are willing to install disks, go for the Asustor, which also picks up a recommended award. No, it’s not fast enough for transcoding but it does everything else very well, from set up, construction, ease of use and quiet operation. What swings it though is that it is a four-bay for the same price as most two bays.

The Best Buy award goes to the Synology. On paper, it loses out to the QNAP, but in practice its class shone through, with superbly simple set up, the best-looking OS, the widest range of apps, and the most power under the hood – it was the only one that comfortably transcoded our 4K test files. It’s also quiet in operation and a stylish and well-made box. It’s a winner.