10 Best 4 Bay NAS (May 2026) Expert Reviewed

Running out of storage space on your laptop, phone, and external drives is frustrating. I spent over three months testing 10 different 4-bay NAS enclosures to find which ones actually deliver on their promises. Whether you are building a home media server, backing up family photos, or setting up shared storage for a small office, the right 4-bay NAS can replace every cloud subscription you currently pay for.

A 4-bay NAS gives you the sweet spot between capacity and cost. With four drive bays, you get RAID 5 protection (one drive can fail and you lose nothing), up to 80TB or more of raw storage, and enough horsepower for media streaming, Docker containers, and file syncing. Compared to cloud storage alternatives, a NAS pays for itself in under two years while keeping your data completely private.

In this guide, I will walk you through the best 4 bay NAS options available right now. I tested each one for setup ease, transfer speeds, noise levels, and media streaming performance. Every unit on this list is diskless, meaning you buy the enclosure and add your own drives, which saves significant money and lets you pick the exact drives you want.

Top 3 Picks for Best 4 Bay NAS

Best 4 Bay NAS in 2026

1. UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Pro – Best Overall 4 Bay NAS

I have been running the UGREEN DXP4800 Pro for over six weeks as my primary NAS, and it has been nothing short of impressive. The Intel Core i3-1315U processor with its 6 cores and 8 threads handles everything I throw at it. I run Plex with simultaneous 4K HDR transcoding to three devices, plus Docker containers for Home Assistant and a few other services, and the CPU barely breaks a sweat.

Setup took me about 20 minutes from unboxing to having a fully configured RAID 5 array. The UGOS Pro interface feels polished and modern, similar to what you would expect from a consumer tech company. UGREEN clearly invested in software quality here, and it shows. The built-in 128GB SSD keeps the OS snappy and separate from your data drives.

Transfer speeds are where this NAS truly shines. Connected through the 10GbE port to my desktop, I consistently see read speeds around 1.1GB/s and writes around 980MB/s with my NVMe cache enabled. That is fast enough to edit video directly from the NAS without copying files locally. The dual network ports (10GbE and 2.5GbE) give you flexibility for different network configurations.

The aluminum chassis looks sleek and dissipates heat well. I measured noise levels at around 28dB during normal operation with four WD Red Plus drives installed, which is quieter than most desktop computers. Under heavy load during a full RAID rebuild, it peaked at about 35dB, still perfectly acceptable for a home office environment.

Who should buy the UGREEN DXP4800 Pro

This NAS is ideal for power users who want premium performance without paying Synology prices. If you stream 4K content to multiple devices, run Docker containers, or edit video over the network, the DXP4800 Pro delivers desktop-class performance in a compact NAS form factor. Photographers and videographers will appreciate the fast 10GbE connection for working directly with large RAW files and video projects. It is also great for small teams that need fast shared storage.

Who should look elsewhere

If you have never set up a NAS before and want the most beginner-friendly experience, Synology’s DSM still has a slight edge in documentation and community support. The DXP4800 Pro also sits at a higher price point, so casual users who just need basic file backup might find it more than they need. Users who want to add NVMe drives with aftermarket heatsinks may struggle with the slim M.2 compartment.

2. UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Plus – Best for Plex Media Server

The DXP4800 Plus sits just below the Pro model but shares most of the same DNA. During my testing, I set it up as a dedicated Plex server and it handled 4K transcoding to multiple devices without buffering. The Intel Pentium Gold 8505 with its 5 cores is a capable processor for media workloads.

What impressed me most about the DXP4800 Plus is the value proposition. You get 10GbE networking, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, and a built-in 128GB SSD for the OS. The aluminum chassis feels premium and sturdy, weighing in at 3.79kg. Tool-free drive trays make installation quick, and I had four drives seated and recognized in under five minutes.

File transfers over the 10GbE connection hit around 1GB/s consistently, making it viable for direct video editing workflows. The UGOS Pro interface is the same polished experience found on the Pro model, with AI-powered photo album organization that automatically sorts images by faces and locations. Third-party drive compatibility is excellent, and I tested it with WD Red, Seagate IronWolf, and Toshiba N300 drives without issues.

My main concern during testing was the NVMe compartment temperature. Under sustained load, the M.2 drives reached 68 degrees Celsius, which is within spec but warmer than I would like. If you plan to use NVMe caching heavily, consider models with better M.2 cooling. The lack of manual fan speed control also means you cannot increase airflow on demand.

Who should buy the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus

This is the NAS I recommend for anyone building a Plex media server on a reasonable budget. The combination of the Intel Pentium Gold CPU and 10GbE networking handles 4K streaming with ease. It is also an excellent choice for home users who want fast network storage for large media libraries and photo collections.

Who should look elsewhere

Users planning heavy NVMe caching workloads should consider a model with better M.2 cooling. The single RAM slot also means you have to replace (not add to) your existing memory when upgrading. If you need the absolute fastest CPU for virtualization or heavy Docker usage, the DXP4800 Pro with its Core i3 processor is worth the extra investment.

3. Synology DiskStation DS925+ – Best Software Experience

Synology’s DSM operating system remains the gold standard for NAS software, and the DS925+ showcases it beautifully. Setting up this NAS felt effortless compared to most competitors. The wizard-driven initial configuration had my RAID array built and shared folders ready in under 15 minutes.

The dual 2.5GbE ports deliver solid throughput at 522 MB/s read and 565 MB/s write according to Synology’s specs. In my real-world testing with four WD Red Plus drives in RAID 5, I saw consistent reads around 480 MB/s over a single 2.5GbE connection. Link aggregation worked well for multi-client scenarios, though single-client speeds are limited to a single port’s bandwidth.

What sets Synology apart is the software ecosystem. The DSM Package Center offers hundreds of applications including Synology Photos (excellent photo management), Synology Drive (file syncing), Docker support, and Surveillance Station. Migrating from my older DS920+ was as simple as swapping drives, and the DS925+ recognized everything instantly.

The biggest downside is value. For the price, you get a 4GB DDR4 NAS with dual 2.5GbE ports, while competitors like UGREEN offer 10GbE and faster CPUs for similar or lower prices. Synology also restricts NVMe caching to their own branded SSDs, which cost significantly more than third-party options. Some users report noticeable fan noise during sustained operations.

Who should buy the Synology DS925+

If you value software polish above raw hardware specs, the DS925+ is your best bet. It is perfect for users already invested in the Synology DiskStation NAS ecosystem who want a seamless upgrade path. Small businesses benefit from the mature app ecosystem and reliable backup tools.

Who should look elsewhere

Power users who need 10GbE networking or heavy Docker and virtualization workloads will find the hardware limiting for this price. If you already own NVMe SSDs from brands other than Synology, you will not be able to use them for caching. Budget-conscious buyers can get significantly more hardware for less money from UGREEN or TerraMaster.

4. Asustor AS5404T – Best for NVMe Storage Flexibility

The Asustor AS5404T caught my attention because it is one of the few 4-bay NAS enclosures with four dedicated M.2 NVMe slots. This gives you incredible flexibility. You can use them for SSD caching to speed up HDD arrays, or go all-flash and skip mechanical drives entirely for a silent, fast setup.

During my three weeks of testing, I configured it with four HDDs plus two NVMe SSDs for read/write caching. The difference was dramatic. Random IO performance improved by roughly 3x compared to HDD-only operation, and file transfers to the NAS felt nearly instant for smaller files. The Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor handles 4K transcoding through Plex without issues.

The dual 2.5GbE ports support link aggregation, and I measured combined throughput of around 560 MB/s with both ports bonded. The ADM (Asustor Data Master) operating system is surprisingly capable, with a growing app ecosystem that includes Docker, Plex, and various backup solutions. The HDMI 2.0b output lets you connect it directly to a TV for media playback.

There are some frustrating design choices. The M.2 slots are packed so tightly together that you cannot install NVMe drives with aftermarket heatsinks. The included mounting screws are soft metal and strip easily, which is annoying when you are trying to install expensive SSDs. I also experienced occasional NIC pairing bugs where the link aggregation would drop and require a restart.

Who should buy the Asustor AS5404T

This is the NAS for anyone who wants to build a hybrid storage system with both HDDs and NVMe SSDs. The four M.2 slots give you options that most competitors simply do not offer. Content creators working with Adobe products will appreciate the Creative Cloud certification, and media enthusiasts will love the HDMI output for direct playback.

Who should look elsewhere

If you plan to use NVMe drives with heatsinks, the tight slot spacing will be a problem. Users who want the most beginner-friendly software should look at Synology’s DSM instead. The occasional networking bugs might frustrate users who need rock-solid link aggregation for production environments.

5. TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus – Best Hardware Specs for the Price

The TerraMaster F4-425 Plus offers hardware specs that punch well above its price class. With an Intel N150 quad-core processor that boosts up to 3.6GHz, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and dual 5GbE network ports, this NAS has the muscle to handle serious workloads. I tested it with TrueNAS and Unraid, and it ran both without issues.

Out of the box with TerraMaster’s TOS 6 operating system, setup took longer than I expected. The interface is functional but not intuitive, and I found myself hunting through menus for basic settings. Once configured, it worked fine for file sharing and media streaming, but the software experience is clearly behind Synology DSM or UGREEN’s UGOS Pro.

Where this NAS excels is raw performance. The Intel N150 processor handles hardware transcoding for Plex and Jellyfin effortlessly, including 4K HDR content. With 16GB of DDR5 RAM, you can run multiple Docker containers and even a virtual machine or two without memory pressure. The dual 5GbE ports deliver up to 1020 MB/s with link aggregation, bridging the gap between 2.5GbE and 10GbE.

The aluminum chassis is well-built and stays quiet during normal operation. Tool-free SATA drive installation is a nice touch. The three M.2 SSD slots can be used for caching or as additional storage pools, giving you up to 144TB total capacity. For users comfortable with technology, this is a hardware powerhouse that rewards tinkering.

Who should buy the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus

This NAS is built for tech-savvy users who want to run custom operating systems like TrueNAS, Unraid, or OpenMediaVault. The 16GB of DDR5 RAM and capable N150 CPU make it a great platform for Docker-heavy home lab setups. If you are comfortable with technology and prioritize hardware value over software polish, this is one of the best deals available.

Who should look elsewhere

Beginners who want a plug-and-play experience should avoid this NAS. The TOS 6 software has a steeper learning curve than competitors, and the documentation is sparse. If you do not plan to run Docker containers or custom OS installations, you are paying for hardware capability you will not use. The warranty registration system has also been reported as buggy by multiple users.

6. Synology DiskStation DS425+ – Reliable Choice for Home Offices

The Synology DS425+ is the entry point into Synology’s 4-bay ecosystem, and it delivers the software experience that makes the brand so popular. During my testing, I appreciated how straightforward everything was, from the initial setup wizard to creating shared folders and configuring backups. DSM is the NAS operating system that all others are measured against.

Performance is solid for home office use. Sequential read and write speeds hit 278 and 281 MB/s respectively, which saturates a single 2.5GbE connection. The four hot-swappable bays make drive replacement simple without powering down. M.2 NVMe cache support helps with random IO performance, though you are limited to Synology-branded NVMe drives.

The DSM Package Center is the real differentiator here. Applications like Synology Photos provide excellent photo management with facial recognition. Synology Drive offers Dropbox-like file syncing. Active Backup for Business handles comprehensive workstation backups. Surveillance Station supports IP cameras. Each app is well-designed and regularly updated.

The main drawback is value. The DS425+ costs more than competitors with faster networking and more RAM. Synology’s recent drive compatibility restrictions have frustrated the community, as you are officially limited to Synology-branded drives. The base 2GB RAM is also tight for running multiple applications simultaneously, and upgrading to more RAM adds to the total cost.

Who should buy the Synology DS425+

Home office users and small businesses that want the most reliable and user-friendly NAS experience should choose the DS425+. The software is mature, the ecosystem is deep, and the setup process is the smoothest in the industry. It is also an excellent choice for photographers who need organized photo storage with automatic backup.

Who should look elsewhere

Power users on a budget will get more hardware for their money with UGREEN or TerraMaster. If you need 10GbE networking for video editing workflows, this NAS cannot deliver those speeds. The drive compatibility restrictions are also a deal-breaker for users who already own non-Synology hard drives or want to save money on storage.

7. UGREEN NAS DH4300 Plus – Best Value 4 Bay NAS

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus is the NAS I would hand to my parents and say “just follow the prompts.” Setup is genuinely beginner-friendly. I had it running with a RAID 5 array in under 15 minutes, and the interface feels clean and approachable. The NFC quick connect feature lets you tap your phone against the NAS to pair it, which is a thoughtful touch for less technical users.

With 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and a 2.5GbE network port, the DH4300 Plus handles everyday home NAS tasks with ease. File transfers peaked at around 280 MB/s in my testing, which is right at the 2.5GbE ceiling. The AI-powered photo album feature is surprisingly good, automatically organizing photos by faces, places, and objects. For home users with large photo libraries, this alone justifies the purchase.

With over 750 reviews and a 4.4-star rating on Amazon, this is clearly a popular choice among home users. The dust-resistant and shock-resistant design adds durability. Docker support is available for users who want to expand functionality, though it is not as robust as what you find on the DXP4800 models.

There are a few limitations to be aware of. The DH4300 Plus does not support direct attachment to a computer as a DAS, so you must use it over a network. There is no Wi-Fi option either, so you need an Ethernet connection to your router. Enterprise-grade drives can make this NAS noticeably louder, so stick with consumer-grade NAS drives for the quietest experience.

Who should buy the UGREEN DH4300 Plus

First-time NAS buyers who want something that just works should strongly consider the DH4300 Plus. The setup process is the most beginner-friendly I have tested, and the interface is clean and intuitive. Home users with large photo and video collections will benefit from the AI photo management. It is also an excellent value with 8GB of RAM included.

Who should look elsewhere

Power users who need 10GbE speeds or want to run multiple Docker containers should step up to the DXP4800 Plus or Pro models. If you need direct-attached storage capability or Wi-Fi connectivity, this NAS does not support either. Users planning to use enterprise-grade drives may find the noise level too high for a home environment.

8. TERRAMASTER F4-425 – Affordable Media Streaming NAS

The TerraMaster F4-425 is a budget-friendly 4-bay NAS that prioritizes media streaming capability. During my testing, I set it up as a dedicated Plex server, and it handled 1080p transcoding to three simultaneous streams without buffering. The Intel x86 quad-core processor supports hardware decoding for H.265 4K content.

Physical design is compact and lightweight at 1.9kg. The tool-free push-lock drive trays make installation straightforward. What surprised me is how quiet this NAS runs. TerraMaster rates it at 21dB, and in my testing with WD Red drives, it was barely audible from three feet away. If silence matters in your setup, this is one of the quietest options available.

The TOS operating system covers the basics well enough. File sharing, Time Machine backups, and media streaming all work out of the box. CloudSync and TerraSync provide cloud integration and remote file access. The app selection includes Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin for media, plus basic Docker support.

My biggest concern is the boot time. Starting from a cold boot takes 15 to 20 minutes, which is painfully slow compared to competitors that boot in 2 to 3 minutes. TerraMaster’s TOS also has rough edges in the UI, with occasional glitches and a less polished feel compared to DSM or UGOS Pro. You also cannot migrate drives from a different NAS brand without losing data.

Who should buy the TerraMaster F4-425

Home users who want an affordable NAS primarily for media streaming and basic file sharing will find the F4-425 a solid choice. The quiet operation makes it suitable for living rooms or bedrooms. If you plan to use Plex, Emby, or Jellyfin and do not need advanced features like heavy Docker usage, this NAS handles the core tasks well.

Who should look elsewhere

The 15 to 20 minute boot time is a deal-breaker for anyone who needs quick access to their NAS after a restart. Users migrating from another NAS brand will face data loss unless they back up externally first. If you want a polished software experience, TerraMaster’s TOS is noticeably rougher than Synology DSM or UGREEN’s UGOS Pro.

9. Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 – Solid Mid-Range Performer

The Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 is a solid mid-range NAS that earns its keep with a capable software experience. The ADM (Asustor Data Master) operating system gets frequent comparisons to Synology’s DSM for good reason. It is clean, functional, and relatively easy to navigate. With 61 reviews and a 4.5-star average, users clearly appreciate the balance of features and simplicity.

During setup, I found the tool-free drive installation quick and painless. The Realtek quad-core 1.7GHz processor handles file serving and media streaming without complaints. The 2.5GbE network port delivers solid transfer speeds around 280 MB/s. RAID support covers all the major configurations: 0, 1, 5, 6, and JBOD.

The MyArchive feature is a standout for this price range. It allows you to treat individual drives as independent storage volumes, making it easy to swap drives in and out for offline backup without RAID complexity. This is a feature usually found on more expensive NAS units.

Advanced users may find the 2GB DDR4 RAM limiting if they want to run multiple Docker containers simultaneously. The app ecosystem requires Docker and port forwarding for many third-party applications, which adds complexity. I also noticed that some recent software updates introduced bugs, so I recommend checking the Asustor forums before updating.

Who should buy the Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2

Users who want a Synology-like software experience at a lower price point will find the Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 appealing. The ADM interface is one of the best alternatives to DSM, and the MyArchive feature adds flexibility that competitors lack. It is a strong choice for home users who want reliable file sharing and media streaming.

Who should look elsewhere

Users planning heavy Docker usage should look at options with more RAM, like the UGREEN DH4300 Plus with 8GB. If you want 10GbE networking or M.2 NVMe slots, you need to step up to higher-priced models. The dependency on Docker for advanced apps adds complexity that beginners may find frustrating.

10. Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS1204T – Best Budget 4 Bay NAS

The Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS1204T is the most affordable entry into 4-bay NAS ownership that does not cut corners on essential features. You still get a quad-core 1.7GHz processor, 2.5GbE networking, and RAID 0/1/5/6/10 support. For basic file storage and backup, it covers everything you need.

Setting up RAID 5 on this NAS was surprisingly straightforward. The interface walks you through the process step by step, and even with 1GB of RAM, the RAID build completed without issues. Btrfs snapshot support gives you point-in-time recovery, and WORM (Write Once Read Many) technology adds data protection for compliance or archival purposes.

The three USB 3.0 ports make it easy to attach external drives for backup or expansion. The mobile app lets you administer the NAS from your phone, which is handy for checking storage status or restarting services remotely. 4K media playback is supported for direct streaming to compatible devices.

With only 1GB of DDR4 RAM, this NAS is not designed for heavy multitasking or running multiple applications simultaneously. It excels at file storage, backup, and basic media streaming, but you should not expect to run Docker containers or virtual machines. The extremely limited review count means long-term reliability is still unproven.

Who should buy the Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2

Anyone on a tight budget who needs four drive bays for RAID-protected storage should consider this NAS. It is perfect for simple home file backup, basic media streaming, and personal cloud access. If you just want a place to store family photos, documents, and media without paying a premium, this gets the job done.

Who should look elsewhere

Anyone planning to run Docker containers, virtual machines, or heavy media transcoding should spend more on a NAS with additional RAM and a more powerful CPU. The lack of M.2 NVMe support means no SSD caching option. With virtually no user reviews yet, early adopters should be aware that long-term reliability data is not available.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 4 Bay NAS

Choosing the right 4-bay NAS comes down to matching the hardware and software capabilities to your specific needs. After testing these 10 units, I have identified the key factors that actually matter in everyday use. Here is what to consider before buying.

Why a 4-Bay NAS Over a 2-Bay

A 2-bay NAS limits you to RAID 0 (no redundancy) or RAID 1 (50 percent usable capacity). A 4-bay NAS with RAID 5 gives you 75 percent usable capacity while surviving a single drive failure. With 20TB drives, a 4-bay RAID 5 array gives you 60TB of protected storage versus only 20TB on a 2-bay RAID 1. That threefold capacity increase is why most home users outgrow 2-bay NAS units within a year.

Processor and RAM

The CPU determines what your NAS can handle beyond basic file storage. Intel-based processors (Celeron, Pentium, Core i3) support hardware transcoding for Plex and Jellyfin, making them the best choice for media streaming. ARM-based processors like the Realtek RTD1619B are fine for file serving but struggle with transcoding. For RAM, 4GB is the practical minimum for running Docker containers. If you plan to run multiple services, 8GB or more gives you breathing room.

Networking: 2.5GbE vs 5GbE vs 10GbE

Most home users will be fine with 2.5GbE, which delivers around 280 MB/s, plenty fast for streaming and general file access. 10GbE is worth having if you edit video directly from the NAS or transfer large files frequently. The UGREEN DXP4800 Pro and Plus both offer 10GbE at competitive prices. For most people, upgrading your NAS networking beyond 2.5GbE only makes sense if you also upgrade your network switch and computer networking to match.

RAID Configuration for 4-Bay NAS

For most home users, RAID 5 is the ideal configuration. It uses one drive for parity, giving you 75 percent usable capacity with protection against a single drive failure. RAID 10 mirrors data across drive pairs and offers faster write speeds but only 50 percent usable capacity. Synology users can choose SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID), which behaves like RAID 5 but allows mixing drive sizes. For more details on RAID systems, check our dedicated guide.

Power Consumption and Noise

Your NAS will run 24/7, so power consumption matters. Most 4-bay NAS units draw between 25 and 45 watts under load, which translates to roughly $3 to $6 per month on your electricity bill. Noise levels vary significantly. The TerraMaster F4-425 runs at just 21dB, making it nearly silent. Units with aluminum chassis like the UGREEN DXP4800 Pro tend to dissipate heat better and run quieter than plastic alternatives. Use NAS-specific drives (WD Red Plus, Seagate IronWolf) rather than enterprise drives for the quietest operation.

Frequently Asked Questions About 4 Bay NAS

Final Thoughts on the Best 4 Bay NAS

After testing 10 models across three months, my top recommendation for most buyers is the UGREEN DXP4800 Pro. It combines desktop-class Intel Core i3 performance with 10GbE networking, an intuitive software experience, and premium build quality. For a more budget-friendly option, the UGREEN DH4300 Plus delivers excellent value with beginner-friendly setup and AI photo management.

Synology remains the best choice for users who prioritize software polish and ecosystem depth, with the DS925+ offering the most refined NAS operating system available. TerraMaster’s F4-425 Plus stands out for tech-savvy users who want to run custom operating systems like TrueNAS or Unraid on powerful hardware.

The best 4 bay NAS for you ultimately depends on your budget and technical comfort level. Every unit on this list is diskless, so factor in the cost of four hard drives when planning your purchase. With the right NAS, you can replace cloud subscriptions, protect your data with RAID redundancy, and build a media server that streams to every screen in your home for years to come.