When searching for a 4 bay NAS for Plex, the goal is to find a device that balances storage capacity, streaming performance, and ease of use. The Ugreen NASync DXP4800 Plus stands out for its powerful Intel processor and fast network options, making it ideal for demanding media setups. The QNAP TS-932PX-4G offers high-speed connectivity with dual 10GbE ports, perfect for multi-user environments. However, buyers face tradeoffs between raw performance, expandability, and budget. Continue reading for a detailed breakdown of these top options to find the best fit for your Plex server needs.
Key Takeaways
- High-performance NAS options like UGREEN and QNAP excel in streaming and multitasking, but come at a higher price point.
- Diskless models such as Synology DS423 and TERRAMASTER F4-425 offer better upgradeability and value for DIY builders.
- Pre-populated models like Buffalo LinkStation 220 are easier for beginners but may have limited flexibility and performance.
- Network connectivity, especially 10GbE support, is a key factor for future-proofing Plex streaming.
- Power efficiency and noise levels vary significantly, impacting placement in home environments.
| UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay Desktop NAS, Intel Pentium Gold 8505, 8GB DDR5, 128GB SSD, 10GbE & 2.5GbE, M.2 NVMe Slots, 4K HDMI, Diskless |  | Best Overall Performance for Small Offices and Enthusiasts | Processor: Intel Pentium Gold 8505 5-Core | RAM: 8GB DDR5 | Storage: 128GB SSD (diskless, drives sold separately) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TS-932PX-4G 5+4 Bay High-Speed NAS with Dual 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ports |  | Best for Bandwidth-Heavy Environments with Hybrid Storage | Processor: AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324 ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core 1.7GHz | Drive Bays: 5 x 3.5-inch + 4 x 2.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s | Memory: 4 GB DDR4 SODIMM (Max 16GB) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Synology DiskStation DS423 4-Bay Diskless NAS |  | Best for Data Security and Home/Small Business Use | Product Type: System Cabinet | Model: DS423 | Color: Black | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TERRAMASTER F4-425 4-Bay NAS Storage Diskless |  | Best for Home Users Needing 4K Media and Quiet Operation | Processor: Intel x86 Quad-Core | RAM: 4GB | Number of Bays: 4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Buffalo LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with Hard Drives Included |  | Best for Simple Home Backup with Included Drives | Storage Capacity: 4TB (2x2TB) | Number of Bays: 2 | RAID Support: Yes (RAID 0 and RAID 1) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TERRAMASTER F2-425 2-Bay NAS Storage – Intel Quad-Core, 4GB RAM, 2.5GbE LAN, Multimedia Server for Home |  | Best for Compact Home Use with Powerful Transcoding | Processor: Intel x86 Quad-Core | RAM: 4GB | Storage Capacity: Up to 60TB (2 x 30TB) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay Desktop NAS, Intel Pentium Gold 8505, 8GB DDR5, 128GB SSD, 10GbE & 2.5GbE, M.2 NVMe Slots, 4K HDMI, Diskless
The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus stands out for its powerful Intel Pentium Gold 8505 processor and high-speed 10GbE port, making it ideal for users who need fast data transfers and robust processing power. Compared to the QNAP TS-932PX, it offers better raw performance, especially with its DDR5 RAM and NVMe slots, but requires users to purchase drives separately, which could add to the initial cost. Its support for large capacities up to 136TB and AI-powered photo management makes it suitable for creative professionals or small business environments that value speed and flexibility. However, the need for separate hard drives and initial setup complexity might be a barrier for less tech-savvy users.
Pros:- Powerful Intel Pentium Gold processor enabling smooth multitasking
- High-speed 10GbE port for rapid data transfer
- Supports large storage capacity up to 136TB
- Includes AI-powered photo organization
Cons:- Hard drives are sold separately, increasing initial setup costs
- Limited out-of-the-box ease for non-technical users
Best for: Small business owners or tech-savvy home users needing fast, expandable storage with advanced features.
Not ideal for: Beginners or users seeking an all-in-one package with included drives and simple setup.
- Processor:Intel Pentium Gold 8505 5-Core
- RAM:8GB DDR5
- Storage:128GB SSD (diskless, drives sold separately)
- Network Ports:1 x 10GbE, 1 x 2.5GbE
- M.2 NVMe Slots:2
- Maximum Storage Capacity:136TB
- Video Output:4K HDMI
- Dimensions:10.14″ D x 7.01″ W x 7.01″ H
Bottom line: This NAS makes the most sense for users who prioritize speed, expandability, and advanced features over simplicity and included drives.
QNAP TS-932PX-4G 5+4 Bay High-Speed NAS with Dual 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ports
The QNAP TS-932PX offers a versatile 9-bay system with dual 10GbE ports and support for HDD/SSD hybrid setups, making it perfect for demanding network environments. Unlike the Synology DS423, which focuses on security and simple data management, this model emphasizes network throughput and flexible storage configurations. Its compact size and durable metal enclosure suit small offices needing high-speed access, but it lacks included drives and maxes out at 16GB RAM, limiting future scalability for intensive applications. This device is best for users who need fast networking and hybrid storage options, not for those seeking plug-and-play simplicity.
Pros:- Dual 10GbE ports provide exceptional bandwidth for demanding tasks
- Supports hybrid HDD/SSD configurations for performance and capacity
- Compact and durable metal enclosure
Cons:- No drives included, adding to the total cost
- Limited maximum RAM capacity of 16GB can restrict heavy multitasking
Best for: Small offices or prosumers needing high bandwidth and flexible storage expansion with hybrid drives.
Not ideal for: Home users or beginners who prefer pre-installed drives and straightforward setup.
- Processor:AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324 ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core 1.7GHz
- Drive Bays:5 x 3.5-inch + 4 x 2.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s
- Memory:4 GB DDR4 SODIMM (Max 16GB)
- Network Ports:2 x 10GbE SFP+ ports, 2 x 2.5GbE
- USB Ports:3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Dimensions:11″ D x 11″ W x 11″ H
Bottom line: This NAS works best for users who need high bandwidth and hybrid storage flexibility, willing to handle a bit of setup complexity.
Synology DiskStation DS423 4-Bay Diskless NAS
The Synology DS423 excels in data security, cloud access, and surveillance support, making it a prime choice for users prioritizing data protection and remote management. Compared with the TERRAMASTER F4-425, which emphasizes multimedia and transcoding, the DS423 emphasizes security and backup features, though it requires separate purchase of drives and camera licenses. Its straightforward setup suits small business owners or home users who prefer comprehensive software support and private cloud options. However, its lack of pre-installed drives and some setup complexity might deter users seeking a quick plug-and-play experience.
Pros:- Supports private cloud access for flexible remote file management
- Includes comprehensive backup and data protection options
- Surveillance support for up to 30 IP cameras
Cons:- Requires separate purchase of drives and camera licenses
- Some setup complexity for less experienced users
Best for: Home users or small business owners focused on security, data backup, and remote access.
Not ideal for: Power users needing high-speed networking or multimedia transcoding without additional setup.
- Product Type:System Cabinet
- Model:DS423
- Color:Black
- Material:Metal
- Dimensions:9 x 6.6 x 7.24 inches
- Warranty:2 years
Bottom line: This NAS is ideal for users valuing security, remote access, and surveillance integration over raw performance or plug-and-play convenience.
TERRAMASTER F4-425 4-Bay NAS Storage Diskless
The TERRAMASTER F4-425 offers a solid balance of speed and quiet performance, with its Intel quad-core processor and 2.5GbE LAN making it suitable for multimedia tasks and backups. Compared to the Buffalo LinkStation 220, which is simpler with included drives, the F4-425 provides more performance and flexibility for users willing to handle drive installation. Its plastic enclosure might be less durable, but it keeps noise levels low at just 21dB, making it ideal for home environments. The main tradeoff is its need for separate HDDs, which can extend setup time and cost.
Pros:- Quad-core processor handles multitasking and media transcoding
- Fast 2.5GbE LAN for quick data transfers
- Supports extensive storage up to 120TB with RAID options
- Quiet operation suitable for living spaces
Cons:- Requires separate purchase of HDDs
- Plastic enclosure may be less durable for long-term use
Best for: Home users who want a quiet, capable NAS for media and backups, and are comfortable installing drives.
Not ideal for: Users seeking an all-in-one solution with included drives or very large storage capacity.
- Processor:Intel x86 Quad-Core
- RAM:4GB
- Number of Bays:4
- Max Storage Capacity:120TB
- Network Interface:2.5GbE LAN
- Supported OS:Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
- Dimensions:8.74″D x 7.05″W x 6.06″H
Bottom line: This NAS suits home media enthusiasts who want high performance and quiet operation without the hassle of included drives.
Buffalo LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with Hard Drives Included
The Buffalo LinkStation 220 offers a straightforward, ready-to-use solution with hard drives included, making it ideal for users who want a simple setup for home backups and shared files. Its dual-bay design supports RAID 0 and 1, providing basic data security. Compared with the Synology DS423, it offers less advanced software features but wins in quick deployment and affordability. Its 4TB capacity suits small households, but expanding storage requires additional drives, and the enclosure’s material is unspecified, which could affect durability. It’s best for those who want a no-fuss, pre-configured network storage device.
Pros:- Pre-installed drives simplify setup
- Supports RAID 0 and 1 for data security
- User-friendly for non-technical users
- Includes US-based support and warranty
Cons:- Limited to 4TB unless additional drives are added
- Enclosure material is unspecified, raising durability questions
Best for: Home users needing an easy, all-in-one backup solution with included drives.
Not ideal for: Power users or those with larger storage needs seeking more advanced features or higher capacity.
- Storage Capacity:4TB (2x2TB)
- Number of Bays:2
- RAID Support:Yes (RAID 0 and RAID 1)
- Connectivity:Network (Ethernet)
- Weight:454 grams
- Color:Black
Bottom line: This NAS is perfect for home users seeking an easy, ready-to-go backup solution with included drives and basic sharing features.
TERRAMASTER F2-425 2-Bay NAS Storage – Intel Quad-Core, 4GB RAM, 2.5GbE LAN, Multimedia Server for Home
The TERRAMASTER F2-425 stands out for its impressive processing power in a small form factor. Its Intel quad-core processor ensures smooth multitasking and 4K transcoding, making it a strong choice for media-heavy households, especially compared to the Synology DS423, which offers more storage bays but less raw processing power. While the F2-425 supports up to 60TB with flexible RAID options, its two-bay design limits future expansion, which could be a drawback for users planning long-term storage growth. The device’s quiet operation and user-friendly, tool-free HDD installation make it accessible for home setups, but some may find the setup process less intuitive without network experience. Additionally, the reliance on network configuration may challenge less tech-savvy users. Overall, this NAS is best suited for users needing robust media capabilities in a compact, quiet package.Pros:- Powerful quad-core processor handles multitasking and 4K transcoding smoothly
- Supports extensive storage up to 60TB with flexible RAID options
- Quiet operation at just 19dB, suitable for home environments
- User-friendly tool-free HDD installation
Cons:- Limited to 2 bays, restricting storage expansion compared to larger NAS devices
- Requires some network setup knowledge for optimal use
- Customer reports of setup or compatibility issues
Best for: Home users who prioritize media transcoding and a small footprint with decent storage capacity.
Not ideal for: Users needing extensive storage expansion or enterprise-level features, as the 2-bay design limits capacity.
- Processor:Intel x86 Quad-Core
- RAM:4GB
- Storage Capacity:Up to 60TB (2 x 30TB)
- Network:2.5GbE LAN
- Dimensions:8.74 x 4.69 x 6.06 inches
- Weight:2.86 pounds
Bottom line: This NAS makes the most sense for home users needing strong multimedia performance in a compact, quiet form factor.
How We Picked
These products were evaluated based on their hardware performance, network capabilities, ease of setup, expandability, and value for Plex streaming. We prioritized models with reliable software ecosystems, strong hardware specs, and features that enhance media serving, such as multiple LAN ports and hardware transcoding. The ranking reflects a balance between high-end performance and affordability, ensuring options suit different user needs and technical comfort levels. Products with notable tradeoffs, like higher cost or limited upgrade paths, were included to provide a comprehensive overview.Factors to Consider When Choosing 4 Bay Nas For Plex
Choosing the right 4 bay NAS for Plex involves several critical factors beyond raw specifications. Understanding these can prevent common pitfalls like underestimating your storage needs or overpaying for features you won’t use. The following sections highlight key considerations to help you make an informed decision tailored to your media setup and budget.Performance and Hardware Capabilities
For smooth Plex streaming, especially in multi-user households or 4K content, hardware performance is vital. Look for CPUs with hardware transcoding support, such as Intel Pentium or higher, and sufficient RAM to handle multiple streams. Cheaper models with basic specs might suffice for small libraries and single-user setups but can struggle under heavier loads, leading to buffering or lag.
Network Connectivity and Speed
Fast network interfaces like dual 10GbE ports are a game-changer for high-bitrate 4K streams or multiple simultaneous users. If your home network supports such speeds, prioritize NAS options with these features. For standard use, gigabit Ethernet may be enough, but investing in faster ports future-proofs your setup and reduces bottlenecks.
Expandability and Storage Flexibility
Diskless models give you the freedom to choose and upgrade drives, which can be more cost-effective long-term. Consider whether the NAS supports hot-swapping drives, has enough SATA ports, and offers expansion options like external drives or additional bays. Pre-filled units may be easier initially but limit future storage growth.
Software Ecosystem and User Experience
An intuitive interface and reliable media server software are critical for a seamless Plex experience. Brands like Synology and QNAP offer mature OSes with extensive app support and regular updates, reducing setup headaches. Cheaper or lesser-known brands might lack this polish, leading to a steeper learning curve or stability issues.
Power Consumption and Noise
Home media servers run continuously, so energy efficiency and noise levels matter. High-performance processors tend to consume more power and generate more heat, which can be disruptive in quiet living spaces. Check specs and user reviews for noise ratings, especially if the NAS will be placed in a living room or bedroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 4 bay NAS handle multiple 4K streams simultaneously?
Yes, but only if it has a powerful CPU with hardware transcoding capabilities and sufficient RAM. Models with dual 10GbE ports or multi-gigabit Ethernet support can better handle multiple streams without buffering. For heavy multi-user setups or 4K HDR content, prioritize high-end hardware to ensure smooth playback.
Is it better to buy a diskless NAS or one with drives included?
Choosing a diskless NAS offers greater flexibility to select drives suited to your needs and upgrade later. Pre-filled models are simpler to set up initially and may come with warranty support for the drives, but they often limit your upgrade options and can be more expensive long-term. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize ease or customization.
How important are network ports for Plex performance?
Network ports, especially 10GbE or multiple LAN ports, significantly impact streaming quality and server responsiveness. Faster ports reduce potential bottlenecks, particularly when streaming high-bitrate 4K content or serving multiple users. If your network infrastructure supports it, investing in these ports can future-proof your setup.
Should I prioritize a specific brand for Plex compatibility?
Brands like Synology and QNAP are known for their stable software ecosystems and regular updates, which can lead to fewer issues and smoother Plex performance. Lesser-known brands may offer cheaper options but could lack the same level of software support and community resources, potentially complicating setup and maintenance.
What’s a common mistake when choosing a NAS for Plex?
One frequent error is undervaluing the importance of hardware transcoding support. Many users focus solely on storage capacity but neglect CPU capabilities, leading to playback issues with high-resolution content. Ensuring your NAS has a suitable processor for hardware-accelerated transcoding is key to a satisfying Plex experience.
Conclusion
The best overall pick for most users is the QNAP TS-932PX-4G, thanks to its high-speed network and flexible hardware. The Synology DS423 offers excellent value for DIYers and those new to NAS, with a user-friendly interface and upgrade options. For power users seeking top-tier performance, the UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus delivers robust hardware and connectivity. Beginners or those on a tight budget should consider the Buffalo LinkStation 220 for simplicity, while media enthusiasts with demanding 4K content will benefit from models with hardware transcoding like the QNAP or UGREEN units. Your choice should align with your technical comfort, storage needs, and streaming demands.
