Memory & Storage 4 NAS Enclosures for Safe Home Data Storage Setups
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By the Pickpedia Team
·4 picks compared
·Last verified September 2026
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Quick answer
The best home NAS for most people is the Synology DS223j, because it runs full Synology DSM software for backups, file sharing, and remote access across two bays, backed by a quad core processor and a 1GbE network port. Beginners leaving cloud subscriptions will find the UGREEN DH2300 friendly, with 4GB of onboard memory. If you only need fast storage wired to one computer, the four bay TerraMaster D4-320 delivers USB 3.2 Gen2 speed, while the CENMATE two bay keeps a desk setup simple. Match true network storage against direct attached use to your needs first.
4 NAS Enclosures for Safe Home Data Storage Setups at a glance
Why you can trust this guide
We compared network attached storage and direct attached enclosures using manufacturer and retailer specifications, current listings, and patterns in owner feedback.
We looked at type, bays, processor and memory, software, and interface speed. We do not present this as hands on laboratory testing.
How we chose: We compared four multi-bay storage boxes across bays, connection type, drive support, and cooling, separating true network units from direct-attached enclosures.
Shoppers often lump every multi-bay box under the label NAS, but two very different tools sit here. A NAS runs its own software and connects over your network, so any device can reach files. A direct-attached enclosure, by contrast, simply holds drives and plugs into one computer over USB.
This roundup keeps that line clear. Synology and UGREEN units are genuine network storage with apps, backups, and remote sharing. TerraMaster and CENMATE options are USB enclosures, quick and simple, though tied to whatever machine they connect to. Match the type to how you actually plan to reach your data.
Our top picks
Synology builds the DS223j as a true two-bay NAS, giving you a private cloud with full data ownership and access from anywhere. Owners rely on its set-and-forget backups for Macs, PCs, and phones, syncing to multiple destinations including external drives. It doubles as a home security recorder with support for IP cameras and remote viewing. Synology backs the hardware with a two-year warranty plus ongoing software updates and a deep knowledge center. As an entry-level model, its modest processor suits backups and file sharing more than heavy multi-user media transcoding.
TypeNetwork storage (NAS), 2 bay
ProcessorRealtek RTD1619B quad core, 1GB DDR4
SoftwareSynology DSM with backups and remote access
Ports1GbE LAN, USB 3.2 Gen1, 2 year warranty
Pros
- Full DSM software with private cloud access
- Automated backups for computers and phones
- Two-year warranty and ongoing updates
Cons
- Entry-level processor limits heavy transcoding
- Drives sold separately
Who should buy it
- You want a true NAS with apps and remote access
- You want Synology DSM for backups and file sharing
- You want a dependable two bay home server
Skip it if
- You only need storage wired to one computer
- You want to run heavy virtual machines or transcoding
Check price on Amazon ›
UGREEN aims the DH2300 at newcomers moving off cloud services or scattered external drives. This two-bay NAS supports up to 64TB and carries 4GB of onboard RAM with a 1GbE port, so transfers reach up to 125MB/s per UGREEN. Its AI photo features tag faces, places, and objects, then flag duplicates for quick cleanup. Security includes RAID modes, two-factor authentication, permission controls, and encrypted transfers, backed by TÜV SÜD certification. Reviewers note it does not support Docker or virtual machines, so power users wanting containers should look higher up the range.
TypeNetwork storage (NAS)
Bays2
Memory4GB onboard RAM
Network1GbE, up to 125MB/s
Pros
- Beginner-friendly setup and interface
- AI photo tagging and duplicate cleanup
- Layered security with RAID and 2FA
Cons
- No Docker or virtual machine support
- Single 1GbE port caps transfer speed
Who should buy it
- You are leaving cloud subscriptions and want a simple NAS
- You want 4GB onboard RAM for smoother use
- You want gigabit networking up to 125MB/s
Skip it if
- You want the widest third party app ecosystem
- You need direct attached speed to one PC
Check price on Amazon ›
TerraMaster is upfront that the D4-320 is a DAS, not a NAS, so it connects to a single computer over USB rather than your network. Based on specifications it uses USB 3.2 Gen2 for up to 10Gbps, with combined four-drive throughput listed near 1,016 MB/s. It accepts four 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drives, a single disk up to 30TB, and up to 120TB total. Hot swapping, tool-free trays with a push-lock design, and a temperature-controlled fan round it out. The main limitation is no RAID, so drives appear as four separate volumes with no built-in redundancy.
TypeDirect-attached (DAS)
Bays4
InterfaceUSB 3.2 Gen2, up to 10Gbps
Max capacity120TB total
Pros
- Four bays with fast USB 3.2 Gen2 connection
- Hot-swap and tool-free push-lock trays
- Temperature-controlled fan for quieter running
Cons
- No RAID, so no built-in redundancy
- Tied to one computer, not networked
Who should buy it
- You want fast local storage on one computer
- You want four bays with USB 3.2 Gen2 up to 10Gbps
- You store large media libraries locally
Skip it if
- You want network access from many devices
- You want built in NAS software
Check price on Amazon ›
CENMATE keeps things simple with an aluminum two-bay enclosure for 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives, each up to 20TB. It connects over USB 3.0 at up to 5Gbps, moving a 1GB file in roughly three to five seconds per the listing. Hot swapping lets you change drives without powering down, and tool-free trays make installation plug and play. A daisy-chain host port can expand capacity across up to three devices. The honest catch is fan noise, which CENMATE rates around 40 to 50 decibels, so it may bother anyone sensitive to sound.
TypeDirect-attached (DAS)
Bays2
InterfaceUSB 3.0, up to 5Gbps
Max per drive20TB
Pros
- Aluminum body with active cooling fan
- Hot-swap and tool-free drive trays
- Daisy-chain expansion across three devices
Cons
- Fan noise rated around 40 to 50 decibels
- USB 3.0 caps speed at 5Gbps
Who should buy it
- You want a simple two bay direct attached enclosure
- You want an aluminum body with a cooling fan
- You connect over USB 3.0 up to 5Gbps
Skip it if
- You want network or remote access
- You need four or more bays
Check price on Amazon ›
What to look for
NAS versus DAS, know the difference
A NAS connects to your router and serves files to every device on the network, complete with its own operating system. A direct-attached enclosure plugs into one computer over USB and appears like a large external drive. Decide first whether you need networked access or just extra local disks, because that choice narrows the field faster than any spec sheet.
How many bays you actually need
Two bays cover most homes, giving room for a working drive plus a mirror for redundancy on true NAS units. Four bays suit larger media libraries or anyone storing more raw footage and archives. Remember that extra bays only help if you plan to fill them, since empty slots add nothing until drives go in.
Connection speed and ports
Direct-attached boxes lean on USB, with USB 3.2 Gen2 reaching 10Gbps and older USB 3.0 topping out near 5Gbps. Network units are usually limited by a single 1GbE port, so real-world transfers sit around 125MB/s. Weigh how often you move large files against how the box connects, because the interface sets your ceiling.
Cooling and noise matter at home
Drives run cooler and last longer with active airflow, so a built-in fan is worth having. Noise is the tradeoff, and some enclosures sit quietly while others hum audibly. If the unit lives in a bedroom or office, check the rated decibel level, since a loud fan quickly becomes the reason a good enclosure ends up unplugged.
Frequently asked questions
Is a NAS the same as a hard drive enclosure?
No. A NAS runs its own software and connects to your network so any device can reach files. A plain enclosure holds drives and plugs into one computer over USB. Two of these picks are true NAS units, and two are direct-attached enclosures.
Do these come with drives included?
No, all four ship diskless. You choose and install your own SATA hard drives or SSDs based on the capacity you want. That lets you match storage to your needs, but factor the drives into your planning since they are required to use any unit here.
Which picks support RAID for redundancy?
The Synology DS223j and UGREEN DH2300 support RAID modes for mirroring or protection. The TerraMaster D4-320 has no RAID and shows drives as separate volumes. The CENMATE enclosure is a simple USB box without built-in RAID, so redundancy there depends on your own backup routine.
Can I access these away from home?
The two NAS units, Synology and UGREEN, offer remote access and private cloud features so you can reach files from anywhere. The direct-attached enclosures do not, since they connect to a single computer over USB and stay local unless that host machine shares them.
How much storage can they hold?
Capacity varies. The TerraMaster D4-320 reaches up to 120TB total across four bays, the CENMATE supports up to 20TB per drive, and the UGREEN DH2300 scales to 64TB. Actual usable space depends on the drives you install and any redundancy setup you choose.
Are they compatible with Mac and Windows?
Yes. The direct-attached enclosures work across Mac, Windows, and Linux since they behave like standard USB drives. The Synology and UGREEN NAS units back up and sync across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS through their own software, so mixed households are well covered.
Which is best for a beginner?
The UGREEN DH2300 is designed for first-time NAS users, with a simple interface and guided setup. The Synology DS223j is also approachable and adds a mature software ecosystem. Either suits someone new to network storage, while the USB enclosures are simplest if you only want extra local disks.
Are the fans loud?
It depends on the model. TerraMaster uses a temperature-controlled fan with sound-absorbing panels for quieter running. CENMATE, by contrast, rates its fan around 40 to 50 decibels and warns noise-sensitive users. Consider where the unit will live before deciding how much fan noise you can tolerate.
The verdict
Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskles...
9.2/10
For a genuine home network drive, the Synology DS223j is the best overall, pairing full software with dependable backups and remote access. Beginners leaving cloud subscriptions will find the UGREEN DH2300 friendly and secure. If you only need fast local storage on one computer, the four bay TerraMaster D4-320 delivers speed, while the CENMATE two bay keeps things simple for a modest desk setup.
Check price on Amazon ›
Our top pick, secure checkout via Amazon
Note: Availability and specifications change often. Always confirm the current details on Amazon before buying.
