Server on the table: TOP-5 NAS for home use

TS-231P is an interesting network drive for use at home or in small offices. It is perfect for data backup, file synchronization, secure remote access, media library organization, as well as a reliable personal cloud.

The appearance of the TS-231P echoes other drives of the TS line from QNAP. The snow-white case with a neat and concise design resembles a miniature system unit, and the side walls are made of durable matte plastic with heat-removing holes on the left. The main control buttons and one of the USB ports are displayed on the central panel. In general, the model looks nice and neat, but this is definitely not the option that can surprise in terms of design.

In terms of functionality, we have a standard NAS with two compartments, each of which can have a HDD of several terabytes in volume — such a machine is capable of storing not only photos and videos from recreation, but also making backups of large computers. To do this, QNAP offers convenient QTS software with a familiar desktop and a set of utilities for automating backups for Linux, Windows and OSX (there is support for Apple Time Machine). Among other features of the TS-231P, we note the presence of two LAN ports for load balancing, support for RAID arrays of three types (RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD) and cloud mode (the proprietary myQNAPcloud cloud service is used), as well as the ability to work as a web server, Bittorrent client and multimedia centre.

In general, the set of additional software is quite colorful, but it does not always work as promised. For example, to set up a scheduled backup, you will have to perform several dozen steps, and for some functions to work fully with Android and iOS devices, you have to download third-party applications. Working with iOS is especially lame. Well, synchronization with external cloud services like Yandex. Disk or Dropbox works every other time, giving errors and skipping some folders.

Perhaps the main advantage of the TS-231P is the high ratio of price and functionality. For a little less than $300, you get a fairly powerful set of functions for home use, while not overpaying for additional USB ports (there are only 3 of them) and tricks like video transcoding on the fly, integration with domains or the ability to work as a mail server. Although, an HDMI port for direct connection would definitely not be superfluous. But it does not always come across in more expensive models. In general, this is an interesting option for those who are faced with the choice of home storage for the first time or are looking for an inexpensive option.

The word Pro in the name of WD My Cloud PRO PR2100 was added for a reason. The fact is that this device is based on a bundle of 4 GB of RAM and an Intel Pentium N3710 processor — the most powerful in the Intel Braswell line. The chip has 4 cores (usually dual cores are used in the NAS) with the ability to overclock to 2.56 GHz, 2 MB of cache memory and a very low heat dissipation of 6 watts. Also, a duplicated power cut hints at professional use — just like very expensive models designed for continuous work in a large office.

Unlike the vast majority of both expensive and not-so-expensive network drives on the market today, the novelty is made not in plastic, but in a metal case. Moreover, inside the case there is actually another case with solid metal panels. We will have to try to damage or break such a structure. Another interesting engineering solution is the absence of disc sleds. This makes it impossible to install2.5-inch hard drives and SSDs, but significantly simplifies the installation and disassembly of conventional3.5 HDD.

Unlike earlier models of WD network drives, the WD My Cloud Pro PR2100 interface has become similar in structure and capabilities to similar products from Synology and QNAP. It works smartly and is not overloaded with unnecessary details, it will be difficult to get confused here. Plus, by default, everything is configured so that a not too demanding user can configure everything in a few clicks without going into the settings and not accessing the settings section. If we talk about interesting features, then it is worth noting services for self-diagnosis, SMS / email mailing in case of a malfunction and competent implementation of the internal MyCloud cloud.

Against the background of the above, some functional limitations can be introduced into the disadvantages of the device. If competitors of the QNAP TS-253B caliber can be used in a dozen different scenarios (mail server, video surveillance server, etc.), then WD My Cloud PRO PR2100 is able to work only as a cloud storage, backup server and multimedia centre. And it has only 2 USB outputs (but at the same time 2 LAN ports). However, this is not so much a minus, but his peculiarity — he is not a jack-of-all-trades, but a pro who perfectly owns several skills and works steadily. For many buyers, stability is a crucial factor when choosing a NAS.

The AS6302T model is positioned by the manufacturer as an option "for experienced users", which can work in a variety of different modes. The AS6302T looks like a small, elegant and weighty black box with a cute LED backlight. On the front side of the device there are power indicators, a pair of trays for hard drives and the main USB port. At the back we have a couple of slots for LAN cables, three USB ports (one of them USB-C) and a full multimedia set of HDMI and S/PDIF optics.

The ASUSTOR AS6302T is equipped with two gigabytes of expandable DDR3L RAM, an Intel HD graphics processor that supports HEVC and VP9 hardware transcoding, and an Intel Celeron J3355 main processor with an operating frequency of 2 GHz. Linux is installed here from the factory with a special shell that simplifies working with the server.

In terms of functionality, we have a full set including operation in the DVR mode, FTP server, multimedia centre, BitTorrent client, mail service, etc. It is equally important that the NAS setup process is quite flexible — the friendly interface allows you to walk through the tops and rebuild everything in 10 to 20 minutes, or you can brew seagulls and delve into the process for a couple of hours. Especially if you have a whole zoo of multimedia devices at home.

Speaking of multimedia. ASUSTOR AS6302T stands out when it comes to consuming and distributing content. For Apple TV and OSX, the music library can be quickly configured for iTunes Server, and then forget about the lack of space on the laptop SSD. A DLNA server will contact smart TVs and multimedia set-top boxes or players, which can subtly index and broadcast a variety of content from the depths of the storage. The Media Streaming add-on application is responsible for the broadcast, which also supports devices with AirPlay and Chromecast. In addition, Plex Media Server can be installed on the NAS.

Perhaps the main disadvantage against the background of all the advantages lies in the demands on the quality of communication. A low-cost router with weak antennas and a not very wide channel will "suffocate" if you decide to transfer several tens of gigabytes in one fell swoop.

Synology has accustomed its line of network drives to regular updates, which has become one of the factors of the company's global success. The new DS718+ resembles a speedster with a powerful hardware platform, but only a couple of hard drive bays.

The basis of the device is a quad—core Intel Celeron J3455 with support for auto—acceleration up to 2.3 GHz — on the one hand, it is already a couple of years old, on the other — it is quite relevant for working in network drives. The amount of RAM is 2 GB and, if necessary, it can be expanded to 6 GB. There are a couple of gigabit LAN ports for connecting to a local network, and three USB 3.0 and one eSATA are provided for connecting external devices.

In terms of the design of the cases, Synology engineers follow a proven design and do not break what already works fine. As in previous models, here we have a strict design, which is slightly diluted by the aggressive cooler grille and the global celebration of black (even the rear metal panel is painted black).

Like all Synology drives, the DS718+ can flex its muscles when it comes to functionality. In this case, we are talking about the ability to transcode video in 4K/1080p format in real time, the function of instant copying from external media, support for Snapshot Replication technology for scheduled data backup, the ability to automatically self-repair damaged files and, in general, flexible synchronization with cloud storage.

Well, do not forget about the proprietary Synology DSM operating system, which is one of the most convenient and functional on the market and in this case supports many operating modes (BitTorrent client, mail server, multimedia processor, etc.). In general, it rightfully deserves the title of one of the best home NAS, combining both all the necessary chips and ease of management for inexperienced users, and a wide scope for "finishing" for advanced enthusiasts.

QNAP TS-253B is aimed at advanced users and professionals who can and want to benefit from a huge number of device functionality. Compared to the average NAS, it offers a much larger set of interfaces and functions.

QNAP TS-253B is made in a new stylish case made of smooth black plastic. On the front side of the device there is a fast USB-C, a USB 3.0 port and a card reader. Additional USB 3.0 and HDMI ports, a pair of LAN ports, as well as audio inputs and outputs are hidden on the back of the case. In total, the QNAP TS-253B has 6 high-speed USB ports, which greatly simplifies file transfer and providing access to them even in the absence of a network connection.

In terms of hardware, the QNAP TS-253B looks solid and is equipped with a 4-core Celeron J3455 chip (with overclocking capability up to 2.3 GHz), 4 GB of DDR3L RAM and a pair of 6 GB/s SATA slots. Moreover, when hardware-accelerated AES-NI encryption is enabled, processor performance does not decrease.

Of the interesting features of this kid, we note the ability to play 4K video with encoding in real time, a USB One Touch Copy port with a quick backup button and a fairly convenient LED panel. This panel allows you to quickly restart or turn off the TS-253B, set up a password, view or change network settings, and much more.

Well, don't forget about the additional PCI-e interface that allows you to install a Wi-Fi module or a USB-Gbps card to speed up the model to USB 3.1 standard. Well, the firmware allows you to use it in any possible role — from a mail and FTP server to a multimedia centre and a BitTorrent client. Moreover, the possibilities for configuring each mode are really rich, if desired, you can dive into the options for half a day.

Well, the best part is that you don't have to overpay for all this at an exorbitant price — the QNAP TS-253B can be found for $500 with a tail, which will be slightly more than the prices for network drives from competitors.