Okay, you want a catchy introduction for an article about the best NAS drives for 4K video streaming for photographers and videographers, got it. Here you go:
As a photographer or videographer, you know the struggle: massive files, limited storage space, and the constant need for reliable access to your precious creations. Your work demands a solution that can handle the demands of 4K video editing and sharing, while also offering the security and speed you need to keep your workflow running smoothly. Enter the Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive – the unsung hero of digital asset management. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best NAS for your needs?
This article dives deep into the world of NAS drives, specifically focusing on the top contenders for 4K video streaming and editing. We’ll break down the features you need to look for in a NAS drive, including storage capacity, transfer speeds, and multimedia capabilities. We’ll also explore the best options for photographers and videographers who need a powerful, reliable, and user-friendly solution.
Read more on 20 Best Network Attached Storage Media Players for 2024
Get ready to discover the best NAS drives that will revolutionize your creative workflow, freeing you to focus on what you love most – capturing stunning visuals and sharing your stories with the world. From budget-friendly options to high-performance powerhouses, we’ve got you covered.
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Synology DiskStation DS923+ |  |
4.5 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| QNAP TS-h973AX |  |
4.0 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASUSTOR AS6704T |  |
4.3 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TerraMaster F5-422 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Check this blog on 18 Best Network Attached Storage for Streaming
A powerful and versatile NAS designed for demanding users, the Synology DiskStation DS923+ offers exceptional performance and features.
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 12GB)
- Storage: 4 drive bays (supports up to 120TB)
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports), 10GbE (optional)
- Operating System: Synology DSM
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful performance for 4K video editing and streaming
- Extensive feature set including multimedia server, cloud sync, and backup solutions
- Excellent user experience with intuitive interface and mobile app
- Scalable storage with expandable RAM and optional 10GbE network
Reasons to avoid:
- Pricey compared to some other NAS models
- 4-bay configuration may not be enough for large storage needs
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a powerful NAS for demanding workloads, including 4K video editing and streaming
- You prioritize features and functionality, including cloud storage, backup, and multimedia capabilities
- You are willing to invest in a high-quality NAS with excellent user experience
Don't buy it if:
- You have a limited budget and are looking for a more affordable NAS option
- Your storage needs exceed the 4-bay capacity of the DS923+
- You are not comfortable with the learning curve of Synology DSM
Bottom Line: The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is a top-tier NAS that delivers exceptional performance, features, and user experience. It is an excellent choice for photographers and videographers who require a powerful and reliable solution for 4K video editing, streaming, and storage. However, its high price and 4-bay configuration may be limiting factors for some users.
QNAP TS-h973AX
A high-performance NAS with a focus on video editing and streaming, the QNAP TS-h973AX is a great option for photographers and videographers who need fast storage and powerful features.
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12400T processor
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (expandable to 128GB)
- Storage: 8 drive bays (supports up to 128TB)
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (4 ports), 10GbE (2 ports)
- Operating System: QTS
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful performance for 4K video editing and streaming with hardware transcoding
- Large storage capacity with 8 drive bays and support for PCIe expansion
- Extensive feature set including multimedia server, cloud sync, and backup solutions
- Robust security features including encryption and access control
Reasons to avoid:
- Pricey compared to other NAS models
- Requires advanced technical knowledge to configure and manage
- Can be complex for beginners
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding workloads like 4K video editing and streaming
- You prioritize storage capacity and performance, with support for PCIe expansion
- You are comfortable with advanced features and technical configuration
Don't buy it if:
- You have a limited budget and are looking for a more affordable NAS option
- You prefer a simpler user interface and don't need advanced features
- You lack technical expertise in configuring and managing NAS devices
Bottom Line: The QNAP TS-h973AX is a powerful and feature-rich NAS that caters to demanding users, especially those involved in 4K video editing and streaming. Its high performance, large storage capacity, and advanced features make it an ideal choice for professionals. However, its price, complexity, and technical requirements may deter casual users.
Asustor AS6704T
A feature-packed and versatile NAS that balances performance and value, the Asustor AS6704T is a great option for photographers and videographers who need reliable storage and a user-friendly experience.
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB)
- Storage: 4 drive bays (supports up to 40TB)
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports), 10GbE (optional)
- Operating System: ADM
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent performance for 4K video streaming and editing
- User-friendly interface with a focus on simplicity and ease of use
- Comprehensive features including multimedia server, cloud sync, and backup solutions
- Competitive pricing compared to other NAS models
Reasons to avoid:
- 4-bay configuration may not be enough for large storage needs
- Lacks some advanced features found in higher-end NAS models
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable and user-friendly NAS for 4K video streaming and editing
- You prioritize simplicity and ease of use without compromising performance
- You are looking for a good value option with competitive pricing
Don't buy it if:
- Your storage needs exceed the 4-bay capacity of the AS6704T
- You require advanced features like hardware transcoding or PCIe expansion
- You are willing to pay a premium for a high-end NAS model
Bottom Line: The Asustor AS6704T is a well-rounded NAS that offers a balance of performance, features, and value. It is an excellent choice for photographers and videographers who need reliable storage and a user-friendly experience without breaking the bank. However, its 4-bay configuration and lack of some advanced features may limit its appeal for demanding users.
TerraMaster F5-422
A compact and affordable NAS that is a great entry-level option for photographers and videographers, the TerraMaster F5-422 offers reliable storage and decent performance at an attractive price.
Specifications:
- Processor: Realtek RTD1619B quad-core processor
- RAM: 2GB DDR4 (expandable to 8GB)
- Storage: 5 drive bays (supports up to 60TB)
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports)
- Operating System: TOS
Reasons to buy:
- Compact and affordable NAS with a focus on value
- Reliable storage with 5 drive bays and support for RAID configurations
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Decent performance for 4K video streaming
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited processing power compared to higher-end NAS models
- May struggle with demanding tasks like video editing
- Lacks advanced features found in more expensive models
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a compact and affordable NAS for basic storage needs
- You prioritize value and simplicity over performance and advanced features
- You are new to NAS and want an easy-to-use option
Don't buy it if:
- You need a powerful NAS for demanding tasks like video editing
- You require advanced features like hardware transcoding or PCIe expansion
- You are willing to spend more for a higher-performance NAS
Bottom Line: The TerraMaster F5-422 is a solid entry-level NAS that offers a balance of affordability and functionality. It is a good option for photographers and videographers who need reliable storage for their files and want a simple and user-friendly experience. However, its limited processing power and lack of advanced features may not meet the needs of demanding users.
Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra
A user-friendly and feature-rich NAS designed for home users, the Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a good option for photographers and videographers who need a simple and reliable storage solution.
Find more on 7 Best Network Attached Storage for 4K Video Streaming with 10 Gigabit Ethernet
Specifications:
- Processor: Marvell Armada 385 processor
- RAM: 2GB DDR3
- Storage: 2 drive bays (supports up to 20TB)
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports)
- Operating System: WD My Cloud OS 3
Reasons to buy:
- User-friendly interface with a focus on simplicity and ease of use
- Automatic backups for computers and mobile devices
- Cloud access to files through My Cloud web service
- Affordable price point
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited performance compared to other NAS models
- Small storage capacity with only 2 drive bays
- Lacks advanced features like hardware transcoding or PCIe expansion
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a simple and reliable NAS for storing and accessing photos and videos
- You prioritize ease of use and automatic backups
- You are looking for an affordable option with cloud access
Don't buy it if:
- You need a powerful NAS for demanding workloads like video editing
- You require a large storage capacity with multiple drive bays
- You are looking for advanced features like hardware transcoding or PCIe expansion
Bottom Line: The Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a solid entry-level NAS that offers a balance of affordability and simplicity. It is a good option for photographers and videographers who need a reliable storage solution for their files and want easy access to them from anywhere. However, its limited performance and small storage capacity may not meet the needs of demanding users.
Netgear ReadyNAS 424
A reliable and feature-rich NAS designed for small businesses and home users, the Netgear ReadyNAS 424 is a good option for photographers and videographers who need a secure and easy-to-use storage solution.
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Celeron N3050 dual-core processor
- RAM: 2GB DDR3L (expandable to 8GB)
- Storage: 4 drive bays (supports up to 32TB)
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports)
- Operating System: ReadyNAS OS 6
Reasons to buy:
- Reliable and secure storage solution with RAID support
- User-friendly interface with a focus on simplicity
- Automatic backups for computers and mobile devices
- Good performance for basic storage needs
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited processing power compared to other NAS models
- May struggle with demanding tasks like video editing
- Lacks advanced features like hardware transcoding or PCIe expansion
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable and secure NAS for storing and backing up your photos and videos
- You prioritize ease of use and automatic backups
- You are looking for a NAS with a good balance of features and affordability
Don't buy it if:
- You need a powerful NAS for demanding workloads like video editing
- You require a large storage capacity with multiple drive bays
- You are looking for advanced features like hardware transcoding or PCIe expansion
Bottom Line: The Netgear ReadyNAS 424 is a solid NAS that offers a balance of reliability, security, and ease of use. It is a good option for photographers and videographers who need a secure and reliable storage solution for their files and want a simple and intuitive experience. However, its limited processing power and lack of advanced features may not meet the needs of demanding users.
Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay
Dive deeper into 7 Best Network Attached Storage for 4K Video Editing with RAID Support
A simple and affordable NAS designed for home users, the Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay is a good option for photographers and videographers who need a basic storage solution for their files.
Read more on 7 Best Network Attached Storage for 4K Video Streaming for Home Users
Specifications:
- Processor: Marvell Armada 385 processor
- RAM: 1GB DDR3
- Storage: 2 drive bays (supports up to 16TB)
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (1 port)
- Operating System: Seagate Personal Cloud OS
Reasons to buy:
- Simple and affordable NAS for basic storage needs
- Easy to set up and use
- Cloud access to files through Seagate Personal Cloud web service
- Good value for the price
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited performance compared to other NAS models
- Small storage capacity with only 2 drive bays
- Lacks advanced features like hardware transcoding or PCIe expansion
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a simple and affordable NAS for storing and accessing your photos and videos
- You prioritize ease of use and cloud access
- You are looking for a budget-friendly option with a small footprint
Don't buy it if:
- You need a powerful NAS for demanding workloads like video editing
- You require a large storage capacity with multiple drive bays
- You are looking for advanced features like hardware transcoding or PCIe expansion
Bottom Line: The Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay is a simple and affordable NAS that offers a basic storage solution for home users. It is a good option for photographers and videographers who need a reliable and easy-to-use way to store and access their files. However, its limited performance and small storage capacity may not meet the needs of demanding users.
So, there you have it! These are some of the best network attached storage (NAS) options for photographers and videographers who need to store and stream their 4K video files. No matter your needs or budget, you're sure to find a NAS that will keep your precious footage safe and secure.
When choosing a NAS, consider factors like storage capacity, speed, and features. Do you need a NAS with a lot of storage space, or are you more concerned about speed? What features are important to you, such as RAID support, backup options, and remote access? Once you've considered these factors, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect NAS for your needs.
Ultimately, the best NAS for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. But with so many great options available, you're sure to find a NAS that meets your requirements and helps you keep your creative work safe and accessible.
Investing in a NAS is a smart move for any photographer or videographer. It's a reliable way to store and access your work, and it can even help you improve your workflow. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a NAS today and start enjoying the benefits!
Amira 
Mohammed 
Reem