For small businesses seeking reliable data backups, a 4 bay NAS offers a scalable and centralized storage solution. The Synology DS423 stands out as the overall pick thanks to its ease of use and robust features, while the TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus provides powerful performance at a competitive price. Other options like the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus cater to teams and creators, emphasizing flexibility. The main tradeoffs in this category revolve around performance, ease of setup, and value for money. Keep reading to see how these options compare and which one suits your small business best.
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Key Takeaways
- Performance varies significantly depending on CPU and RAM configurations, affecting backup speed and multitasking.
- Ease of setup and management are top priorities for small businesses without dedicated IT staff.
- Built-in features like surveillance support or media serving can add value but may increase cost and complexity.
- Some models include pre-installed drives, which is a benefit for quick deployment but reduces flexibility for upgrades.
- Price-to-performance ratio is key; higher-priced models often offer better durability and features for business use.
| Synology DS423 4-Bay Diskless NAS for Backup, File Sharing, and Surveillance |  | Best Overall for Small Business Security and Versatility | Number of Bays: 4 | Type: Diskless NAS | Features: File sharing, data backup, video surveillance, ransomware protection | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus NAS 4-Bay, Intel N95 4-Core CPU, 8GB RAM (Diskless) |  | Best for Power Users and Demanding Small Businesses | Processor: Intel N95 Quad-Core up to 3.6GHz | Memory: 8GB RAM | Drive Bays: 4 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN NAS DH2300 2-Bay Personal Storage for Beginners & Personal Users |  | Best for Entry-Level Personal Use and Small-Scale Backup | Capacity: Up to 64TB | Number of Bays: 2 | Processor: High-performance | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS for Families, Creators & Small Teams |  | Best for Creative Teams and Small Office Environments | Digital Storage Capacity: 144 TB | Connectivity Technology: Ethernet, HDMI, SATA, USB | Processor: Intel 5-Core CPU | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Synology DS425+ 4-Bay Diskless NAS Private Cloud Media Server |  | Best for Media Streaming and Multi-User Access | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown | |||
| Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS1204T 4-Bay NAS with Quad-Core CPU and 2.5GbE |  | Best Overall for Small Business Backup and Media Streaming | Processor: Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz Quad-Core | RAM: 1GB DDR4 | Network: 2.5GbE Port | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BUFFALO TeraStation Essentials 2025 4-Bay Desktop NAS with 16TB Hard Drives |  | Best Value with Pre-Installed Drives for Small Business Backup | Capacity: 16TB | Number of Bays: 4 | Included Hard Drives: 4x4TB | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Synology DS225+ Private Cloud Media Server – 2-Bay Diskless NAS with Intel CPU |  | Best for Private Cloud and Media Streaming in Small Offices | Storage Bays: 2-Bay | CPU: Intel | Transfer Speed: 282 MB/s | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Synology DiskStation DS223j 2-Bay NAS (Diskless) |  | Best for Entry-Level Private Cloud Storage | Model: DS223j | Number of Bays: 2 | Diskless: Yes | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Synology 4-Bay RackStation RS822+ (Diskless) |  | Best for Scalability and High-Speed Data Transfer | Drive Bays: 4 (up to 8 with expansion) | Maximum Drives: 8 | Sequential Read/Write: 2,103/1,074 MB/s | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Synology DS423 4-Bay Diskless NAS for Backup, File Sharing, and Surveillance
The Synology DS423 stands out for its robust security features and comprehensive backup options, making it ideal for small business environments prioritizing data safety. Compared with the Synology DS425+, it offers a slightly simpler setup, though it lacks the same high-speed data transfer speeds and advanced multimedia features. Its surveillance support for up to 30 cameras is a major plus, but the need to purchase camera licenses separately adds to costs. The device’s 2-year warranty and reliable hardware make it a dependable choice for businesses seeking flexible, secure storage that also functions well as a surveillance hub.
Pros:- Secure private cloud access from anywhere
- Supports snapshots for comprehensive data backup
- Versatile surveillance capabilities for up to 30 cameras
- Reliable hardware with 2-year warranty
Cons:- Camera licenses must be purchased separately
- Requires technical setup for surveillance features
Best for: Small business owners who need secure data backup combined with surveillance capabilities.
Not ideal for: Businesses requiring extremely high data transfer speeds or large-scale media streaming, as it focuses more on security and general file sharing.
- Number of Bays:4
- Type:Diskless NAS
- Features:File sharing, data backup, video surveillance, ransomware protection
- Warranty:2 years
Our verdict“This NAS is best suited for small businesses seeking a secure, versatile storage solution with integrated surveillance support.”
TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus NAS 4-Bay, Intel N95 4-Core CPU, 8GB RAM (Diskless)
The TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus offers impressive performance with its quad-core Intel N95 processor and 8GB RAM, making it suitable for workloads that surpass basic backups. Unlike the Synology DS423, which emphasizes security and surveillance, this model caters to users needing faster data access and extensive customization, thanks to its support for triple M.2 SSDs and large storage capacity up to 144TB. However, the absence of included drives and the potentially complex setup might deter less experienced users. Its durable aluminum build and high-speed network ports make it a strong choice for demanding environments where performance is critical.
Pros:- High-performance quad-core CPU and fast network speeds
- Supports SSD caching and large total capacity
- Durable aluminum chassis with hot-plug drive bays
- Flexible storage and advanced data protection options
Cons:- No drives included, additional purchase needed
- Complex setup may be challenging for beginners
Best for: Small businesses or creative teams needing high-performance storage with extensive customization options.
Not ideal for: Small offices on a tight budget or users seeking a plug-and-play solution without technical setup challenges.
- Processor:Intel N95 Quad-Core up to 3.6GHz
- Memory:8GB RAM
- Drive Bays:4
- Maximum Storage Capacity:144TB
- Network Ports:2 x 5GbE
- Supported SSDs:Triple M.2 SSD slots
Our verdict“Ideal for demanding users who prioritize raw performance and extensive storage flexibility over simplicity and out-of-the-box use.”
UGREEN NAS DH2300 2-Bay Personal Storage for Beginners & Personal Users
The UGREEN NAS DH2300 is tailored for individuals and small households needing simple, reliable storage. It excels in ease of use and quick setup, especially compared to more complex 4-bay models like the Synology DS425+. Its AI-driven organization and security features make it a great choice for personal backups, but its limited capacity and lack of Wi-Fi support without external adapters restrict its scalability. This device is ideal for personal users who want straightforward backup and media storage without the fuss of enterprise features.
Pros:- Easy to set up and manage
- Supports up to 64TB storage and automatic backups
- Fast transfer speeds at 125MB/s
- AI-powered photo organization and duplicate detection
Cons:- No Wi-Fi support without external adapter
- Limited to personal or small-scale use
- No support for Docker or virtual machines
Best for: Personal users or beginners seeking simple, secure storage for photos, videos, and personal files.
Not ideal for: Small businesses or power users needing enterprise features, large capacity, or virtual machine support.
- Capacity:Up to 64TB
- Number of Bays:2
- Processor:High-performance
- RAM:4GB
- Network Interface:1GbE
- Transfer Speed:125MB/s
Our verdict“This NAS is perfect for individuals or small households looking for an affordable, easy-to-use backup solution for personal files.”
UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS for Families, Creators & Small Teams
The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is designed for users with high storage demands who need advanced features like Docker and virtual machines, as well as AI-powered organization. Its massive 144TB capacity and high-speed transfer rates (1250 MB/s) make it suitable for media-heavy workflows. Compared to the TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus, it offers more connectivity options, including 10GbE and HDMI, making it more versatile for creative and collaborative environments. However, its complex setup and lack of included drives mean it’s less suited for users who prefer straightforward deployment or have limited technical expertise.
Pros:- Massive 144TB storage capacity
- Fast data transfer with 10GbE and USB ports
- Supports Docker, virtual machines, and AI photo organization
- Compatible across multiple devices
Cons:- Drives not included; additional purchase required
- Supports wired Ethernet only, no Wi-Fi
- Setup may be complex for non-technical users
Best for: Small teams or creative professionals needing extensive storage with support for virtual environments and media management.
Not ideal for: Small business owners with limited technical skills or those only needing basic backups, due to its setup complexity and higher cost.
- Digital Storage Capacity:144 TB
- Connectivity Technology:Ethernet, HDMI, SATA, USB
- Processor:Intel 5-Core CPU
- RAM:8GB DDR5
- Network Ports:1x 10GbE, 1x 2.5GbE
- Supported Devices:Desktop, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet
Our verdict“This NAS is best for teams or professionals who need large-scale storage with advanced virtualization and media features, despite its setup challenge.”
Synology DS425+ 4-Bay Diskless NAS Private Cloud Media Server
The Synology DS425+ offers rapid data transfer speeds up to 278 MB/s, making it a strong candidate for media-heavy workloads and multi-user environments. Unlike the Synology DS423, which emphasizes security and surveillance, the DS425+ is optimized for media streaming and sharing large files efficiently. Its 3-year warranty and support for multiple users with concurrent access make it suitable for small offices or advanced home setups. While it needs drives purchased separately, its high performance and extensive data protection features make it a compelling choice for media-centric workflows.
Pros:- High-speed data transfer for media and file sharing
- Supports multiple concurrent users
- Advanced data protection with RAID and snapshots
- Supports surveillance cameras
Cons:- Requires additional disks for storage
- No included drives
- Setup can be complex for beginners
Best for: Small businesses or power users focused on media streaming, cloud storage, and multi-user access.
Not ideal for: Enterprises requiring enterprise-grade redundancy or surveillance features, as it focuses more on media and user access.
Our verdict“This NAS excels for media-rich environments where high transfer speeds and multi-user support are priorities, despite needing separate drives and setup effort.”
Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS1204T 4-Bay NAS with Quad-Core CPU and 2.5GbE
The Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS1204T stands out by combining a powerful quad-core processor with a 2.5GbE network, offering faster file transfers than many 1GbE options. Its support for RAID 0/1/5/6/10, paired with Btrfs snapshots and WORM technology, makes it a strong choice for data protection. Compared with the Synology DS225+, this model provides better network speeds and media streaming capabilities, though its 1GB RAM could limit multitasking under heavy loads. Its hardware is more focused on media and personal cloud use rather than large enterprise deployments. Ideal for small offices or media-heavy environments that prioritize fast network access and snapshot protection.
Pros:- Fast 2.5GbE network for quick file transfers
- Supports multiple RAID levels for redundancy
- Advanced data protection with Btrfs snapshots and WORM technology
- Ideal for media streaming and personal cloud use
Cons:- Limited RAM at 1GB may hinder multitasking
- Diskless setup requires separate drive purchase
Best for: Small businesses needing reliable media streaming and fast backups with data integrity features.
Not ideal for: Enterprises requiring extensive scalability or high RAM for intensive multitasking.
- Processor:Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz Quad-Core
- RAM:1GB DDR4
- Network:2.5GbE Port
- Drive Bays:4
- Supported RAID:0/1/5/6/10
- Media Support:4K Streaming
Our verdict“This NAS makes the most sense for small offices or media-focused users who want speed and data protection without enterprise complexity.”
BUFFALO TeraStation Essentials 2025 4-Bay Desktop NAS with 16TB Hard Drives
The BUFFALO TeraStation Essentials 2025 is designed to simplify deployment with four pre-installed 4TB drives, totaling 16TB of storage. It offers a straightforward setup with support for RAID 0, 5, and 6, and features a high-speed 2.5GbE port for rapid data transfer. Compared to the Synology DS223j, it provides a more complete out-of-the-box experience, especially for small businesses that prefer pre-installed drives. However, its 16TB capacity can be limiting if your data needs grow, and the device is geared more toward professional environments, which might overwhelm beginners. It lacks built-in remote access or mobile app support, making remote management less seamless. This pick suits small businesses seeking reliable, ready-to-go storage with solid security features.
Pros:- Pre-installed 16TB capacity simplifies setup
- High-speed 2.5GbE network port for fast data transfer
- Supports multiple RAID levels for data security
- Includes cloud integration options
Cons:- Limited to 16TB unless additional drives are added
- Primarily designed for professional users, not ideal for beginners
- Lacks integrated remote access or mobile app support
Best for: Small businesses looking for a plug-and-play storage solution with reliable performance and pre-installed drives.
Not ideal for: Very small teams or startups with minimal data or those needing high scalability and remote access features.
- Capacity:16TB
- Number of Bays:4
- Included Hard Drives:4x4TB
- RAID Support:RAID 0, RAID 5, RAID 6
- Network Speed:2.5GbE
- Warranty:3 years
Our verdict“This NAS offers a quick, reliable storage setup for small businesses that prefer pre-installed drives and straightforward RAID options.”
Synology DS225+ Private Cloud Media Server – 2-Bay Diskless NAS with Intel CPU
The Synology DS225+ is tailored for users focused on private cloud storage and media streaming, supporting 4K content with ease. Its Intel CPU and 282 MB/s transfer speeds make it faster than many 2-bay alternatives like the DS223j. While its dual bays limit expandability, it provides automated backups, RAID redundancy, and surveillance support, which adds value for security-conscious small businesses. Compared to the 4-bay options, this model emphasizes media and cloud features but lacks the capacity for large-scale storage. Setting up advanced features may challenge less tech-savvy users, but its 3-year warranty and reliable software make it a strong contender for a private, media-rich environment. Ideal for small teams prioritizing private cloud, media, and surveillance integration.
Pros:- Supports 4K media streaming and private cloud access
- Automated backups with RAID redundancy
- Supports surveillance with AI detection
- Reliable 3-year warranty
Cons:- Limited to 2 bays, restricting expandability
- Requires purchasing drives separately
- Setup may be complex for beginners
Best for: Small business or team seeking a private cloud with media streaming and surveillance support, but with limited storage needs.
Not ideal for: Businesses requiring large-scale storage or extensive scalability beyond two bays.
- Storage Bays:2-Bay
- CPU:Intel
- Transfer Speed:282 MB/s
- Surveillance Support:Up to 30 IP cameras
- Warranty:3 years
Our verdict“This NAS suits small teams wanting a combination of private cloud, media, and surveillance features in a compact, reliable package.”
Synology DiskStation DS223j 2-Bay NAS (Diskless)
The Synology DS223j is a budget-friendly, diskless NAS designed for small-scale private cloud storage and basic backups. Its dual bays require users to purchase drives separately, which offers flexibility but adds initial cost. While it supports automated backups and remote access, its limited capacity and lack of pre-installed drives mean it’s best suited for very small teams or individuals with minimal data. Compared with the DS225+, it’s more affordable but less powerful, especially in transfer speeds and surveillance features. Its simple setup and Synology’s user-friendly interface make it accessible for beginners but unsuitable for those needing extensive expansion or high performance. This is a solid choice for users new to NAS who want a reliable private cloud on a tight budget.
Pros:- Affordable entry point for private cloud storage
- Supports automated backups and remote access
- Reliable hardware with Synology support
- Supports IP camera monitoring
Cons:- Requires additional drives for storage capacity
- Limited to 2 bays, less scalable
- No pre-installed drives or included storage
Best for: Individuals or small teams seeking affordable, private cloud storage with easy setup.
Not ideal for: Businesses with growing data needs or those requiring more than two bays for expansion.
- Model:DS223j
- Number of Bays:2
- Diskless:Yes
- Warranty:2 years
Our verdict“This NAS provides a straightforward, budget-friendly private cloud solution for small-scale users or beginners.”
Synology 4-Bay RackStation RS822+ (Diskless)
The Synology RS822+ is a robust rackmount NAS built for growing small businesses that need scalability and high performance. Its support for up to 8 drives with an expansion unit and maximum sequential read/write speeds of over 2 GB/s set it apart from typical desktop NAS options like the BUFFALO or Asustor. The multiple 1GbE ports, with optional 10/25GbE expansions, provide failover and load balancing, ideal for environments demanding high availability. Compared to the BUFFALO TeraStation, it offers greater scalability and speed but at a higher cost and complexity, making it more suitable for businesses with IT resources. Additional purchase of SSD cache enhances performance but adds to the overall investment. This model is best for small businesses planning to grow or requiring high-speed, scalable storage infrastructure.
Pros:- High data transfer speeds up to 2,103 MB/s
- Supports up to 8 drives with expansion unit
- Multiple network ports for failover and load balancing
- Supports optional SSD caching for performance boost
Cons:- Requires additional purchase for SSD cache
- Complex setup for users unfamiliar with enterprise features
- Expansion unit necessary for more than 4 drives
Best for: Small businesses needing scalable, high-speed storage with redundancy and network flexibility.
Not ideal for: Startups or very small teams that do not require expansion or complex network setups.
- Drive Bays:4 (up to 8 with expansion)
- Maximum Drives:8
- Sequential Read/Write:2,103/1,074 MB/s
- Network Ports:4 x 1GbE, optional 10/25GbE
- Cache Support:Optional SSD cache
Our verdict“This rackmount NAS offers scalable, high-performance storage ideal for growing businesses with demanding data needs.”
How We Picked
The products in this roundup were evaluated primarily on performance, build quality, usability, and value for small business environments. We considered whether the NAS could handle concurrent backups, support multiple users, and offer reliable data protection. Ease of setup and management software also played a crucial role, as small business owners often lack dedicated IT staff. Devices were ranked based on a balance of performance, features, and cost, ensuring options for a range of budgets and technical expertise. Additional factors like expandability and support for future needs influenced the final order.Factors to Consider When Choosing 4 Bay Nas For Small Business Backups
Choosing the right 4 bay NAS for your small business involves balancing several key factors. Beyond basic storage capacity, consider how the device performs under load, its ease of use, and the features that add value to your specific operations. Investing in a model with good software support and expandable options can save headaches later. It’s also important to be aware of common pitfalls, such as underestimating future storage needs or overpaying for unnecessary extras. Carefully weighing these considerations will help you select a NAS that not only fits now but grows with your business.Performance and Hardware Specifications
Look beyond the marketing specs and focus on real-world performance factors like CPU power, RAM, and network interfaces. A faster CPU and more RAM enable smoother backups, faster data transfers, and better multitasking—crucial for busy small businesses. Devices with 2.5GbE or higher network ports reduce bottlenecks during peak times. Avoid models with underpowered hardware if you anticipate heavy use or large data volumes, as this can lead to slow backups and poor user experience.
Ease of Use and Management
For small businesses without dedicated IT staff, a user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process are essential. Many NAS brands offer intuitive apps and management tools that simplify backups, user permissions, and firmware updates. Beware of devices with complex interfaces or limited support resources, as these can prolong setup and cause frustration. Investing in a system with good documentation and active community forums can make ongoing maintenance much easier.
Features and Expandability
Consider what features add immediate or future value—such as surveillance support, media serving, or cloud sync options. Some NAS units come with pre-installed drives, which can speed deployment but limit customization. Also, check if the device allows for RAM upgrades or additional network ports, ensuring your storage can scale with your business. Overpaying for features you won’t use is a common mistake, so prioritize what aligns with your operational needs.
Cost and Total Value
While initial price is important, focus on the overall value—what you get for your money in terms of performance, durability, and features. Higher-priced models often deliver better long-term reliability and more advanced capabilities, making them worthwhile investments. Conversely, budget options can suffice for basic backups but may require future upgrades or replacements sooner. Consider the total cost of ownership, including potential expansion drives or software licenses.
Reliability and Support
Small businesses need dependable hardware backed by solid support. Brands like Synology and Asustor offer extensive warranties and responsive customer service, which can be a lifesaver during critical data recovery scenarios. Check reviews and community feedback for common issues and firmware stability. A NAS with a good support reputation can reduce downtime and help maintain business continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 4 bay NAS handle multiple backups simultaneously?
Yes, a well-configured 4 bay NAS can manage multiple backups at once, especially models with higher-end CPUs and ample RAM. This capability is vital for small teams or multiple departments needing secure, concurrent data protection. However, performance depends heavily on hardware specs; underpowered units may slow down or struggle during peak usage. Always check the device’s throughput and multitasking capabilities to ensure it meets your backup demands.
Should I buy a NAS with pre-installed drives or without?
Deciding between pre-installed drives and diskless units depends on your needs and budget. Pre-installed drives allow for quick setup, ideal if you want a ready-to-use solution, but they often limit flexibility and can be more expensive initially. Diskless NAS units offer customization, letting you choose capacity and brand of drives, which can save money and improve upgrade options. Be aware that adding drives later may require additional effort and compatibility checks.
How important is network interface speed for a small business NAS?
Network interface speed is critical because it directly impacts backup and restore times. While Gigabit Ethernet is standard, models supporting 2.5GbE or even 10GbE can significantly reduce data transfer bottlenecks, especially during large backups. If your business handles large files or multiple concurrent users, investing in a NAS with faster network interfaces can improve overall efficiency and reduce downtime.
What is the best way to future-proof my NAS investment?
Choosing a NAS with upgradeable RAM, additional network ports, and support for larger drives can extend its lifespan. Look for models with a strong firmware update track record and active software development, as these ensure compatibility with new features and security patches. Planning for capacity growth by selecting a device that supports expansion drives or higher-capacity disks now will prevent costly replacements later.
Is it worth paying extra for a more powerful CPU in a NAS?
In most small business contexts, a more powerful CPU improves multitasking, backup speed, and media server performance. If your operations involve frequent large file transfers, surveillance recording, or running additional services, investing in a higher-end CPU makes sense. However, for simple backup routines or file sharing, a modest CPU may suffice and save costs. Balance your current needs with anticipated growth to avoid overpaying or under-specifying your device.
Conclusion
For small businesses prioritizing overall ease of use and reliable performance, the Synology DS423 offers a balanced mix of features and simple management, making it the best overall choice. Budget-conscious buyers seeking solid performance without breaking the bank will find the TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus provides excellent value. Those wanting a premium, future-proof system with expandability should consider the Synology DiskStation DS425+. Beginners or smaller teams can start with the more affordable UGREEN DXP4800 Plus, while larger or growing businesses should look at models with higher throughput and support, like the Asustor Drivestor 4. Matching your specific needs and technical comfort level is key to making the right choice.
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