11 Best 4 Bay NAS in 2024

By Robin Owens 11 days ago, Hardware

Affordable and high-quality 4 Bay NAS.

top 3 4 bay nas

From the moment Network Attached Storage (NAS) appeared on the market, its popularity has grown significantly among users. Those who care about storing personal files or work with Big Data, look for a good NAS server that combines high power and capacity. For such cases, we recommend considering a 4-bay NAS. These devices can hold up to 4 hard drives or SSDs for storage.

Top 11 4 Bay NAS

  1. Synology DS920 - Our choice
  2. QNAP TS-453D-4G - For video editing
  3. WDBVBZ0040JCH-NESN - For streaming
  4. Synology DS918+ - Quiet and efficient
  5. QNAP TS-451D2-4G - Both for business and home users
  6. Asustor AS5304T - Live broadcasting of games
  7. Seagate ST4000VN008 - Ideal for up to 8 bay NAS
  8. Asustor AS5202T - For gamers
  9. WDBCTL0040HWT-NESN - For Mac users
  10. Synology DX517 - Hot-swappable drive trays
  11. Buffalo LinkStation 210 - Best price

Another argument in favor of NAS is its support for business operations streamlining. We have prepared an overview of the best 4 bay NAS options to help you make an informed choice.

1. Synology DS920

Our choice
synology ds920 4 bay nas

Max capacity: 64TB (16TB x4) (Capacity may vary by RAID types) | CPU: Intel Celeron J4125 4-core 2.0 GHz (burst 2.7 GHz) | RAM: 4GB DDR4 (Max 8GB) | RPM: 7200

  • ✚ Scalable up to 9 drives
  • ✚ Bulletproof backup
  • ✚ Easy access with QuickConnect
  • Extra license are very expensive
Rating

The NAS DS920+ uses an Intel Celeron platform, 4GB of RAM (2x expandable), and has two Gigabit network ports, four 3.5′′ or 2.5′′ drive bays, and two M.2 slots for caching SSD. By supporting the connection of an external expansion unit, the number of bays can be increased to nine. In terms of configuration and performance, this model is suitable for demanding home users, as well as for the SOHO and SMB segments.

The advantages of the model include a convenient and attractive case design, a low noise level while observing the required temperature regime. Today it is one of the most versatile and convenient options in this segment.

2. QNAP TS-453D-4G

For video editing
qnap ts-453d-4g 4 bay nas

Max capacity: 96TB (16TB x6) (Capacity may vary by RAID types) | CPU: Intel Celeron J4125 4-core 2.0 GHz (burst 2.7 GHz) | RAM: 4GB DDR4 (Max 8GB) | RPM: 5400

  • ✚ High-speed data transfer
  • ✚ PLEX integration
  • ✚ Public cloud flexibility
  • Not good as a memory for write cache
Rating

The manufacturer is positioning the QNAP TS-453D-4G to work with video editing systems. Indeed, we have here four 3.5-inch drive bays, the ability to connect external expansion units, a powerful platform, a 5 Gbps transfer speed, three USB 2.0 ports / two USB 3.2 ports for direct connection to a workstation or laptop, and HDMI with support for 4K output.

In terms of performance, the device is comparable to locally installed SATA SSDs, but at the same time it provides significantly higher volume, as well as file sharing. So the proposed use in a small or home studio looks reasonable enough, and thanks to its versatility and expansion options, it can last for a long time.

3. WDBVBZ0040JCH-NESN

For streaming
wdbvbz0040jch-nesn 4 bay nas

Max capacity: 4TB | CPU: Marvell ARMADA 385 2-core 1.3 GHz | RAM: 1GB DDR3 | RPM: 5400

  • ✚ Enhanced data protection
  • ✚ Milestone ARCUS surveillance soft
  • ✚ Simplified file and folder sharing
  • Can be loud
Rating

The WDBVBZ0040JCH-NESN fully meets expectations. It also works as a media server (providing media content for TV), autonomously downloads content from torrents. Access to the admin panel is possible not only from the local network, but also remotely. When downloading torrents at the same time, playback of content on the TV is seamless.

In general, a very professional level of configuration is available. The mobile app allows you to automatically sync photos/videos from your phone to the NAS to a specified folder.

4. Synology DS918+

Quiet and efficient
synology ds918+ 4 bay nas

Max capacity: 56TB (14TB x4) (Capacity may vary by RAID types) | CPU: Intel Celeron J3455 4-core 1.5 GHz | RAM: 4 GB DDR3 (Max 8GB) | RPM: 7200

  • ✚ Up to 9 drives with Synology DX517
  • ✚ 56TB max capacity
  • ✚ AES-NI hardware encryption engine
  • Price
Rating

The Synology DS918+ boasts a low noise level and an efficient cooling system. The speed of the device is at the expected high level. Large companies can use special network equipment to implement a connection through two ports at once, which will increase productivity when working with multiple clients.

Among the latest new software features, it is worth noting a virtual machine manager, a cloud storage service and new backup modules. The advantages of this product also include support for connecting an external DX517 module. This will allow you to quickly increase the storage capacity while maintaining the current configuration and settings without interrupting work.

5. QNAP TS-451D2-4G

Both for business and home users
qnap ts-451d2-4g 4 bay nas

Max capacity: N/A | CPU: Intel Celeron J4025 2-core 2.0 GHz (burst 2.9 GHz) | RAM: 4 GB DDR4 (Max 8GB) | RPM: 5400

  • ✚ Flexible storage expansion
  • ✚ Wide range of applications
  • ✚ Convenient QTS app
  • Not for beginners
Rating

The QNAP TS-451D2-4G is an ideal storage expander device which can be easily integrated into QoS networks to give complete connectivity solutions for enterprise data centers. With the integration of this NAS into a Wide Area Network (WAN), all stored data will be easily accessible from any PC, tablet, smartphone as long as there is an available Internet connection. Because of its extensive and easy to use remote management and backup features, this expands the capacity of a business network by allowing users to store, manage, and optimize their data in a cost-efficient manner.

The simplified interface allows easy access from any device, whether it is a desktop, notebook, or smartphone. This means you no longer need to set up a dedicated office computer for storing your important files and data. With this NAS device, all you need to do is connect it to the Internet and start accessing your files from anywhere in the world.

6. Asustor AS5304T

Live broadcasting of games
asustor as5304t 4 bay nas

Max capacity: 32TB (16TB x2) (Capacity may vary by RAID types) | CPU: Intel Celeron J4105 4-Core 1.5 GHz (burst 2.5 GHz) | RAM: 4GB DDR4 (Max 8GB) | RPM: 7200

  • ✚ Overwhelming 4K HDR experience
  • ✚ Snapshot center
  • ✚ Gaming-inspired theme for ADM
  • Noisy enclosure
Rating

The Asustor AS5304T provides ample opportunities to solve additional tasks through compatibility or portability of software. In addition, it allows you to flexibly choose the configuration of disk volumes, namely, use simultaneously arrays of different types and with different drive options, replace disks to increase capacity, and so on.

Other features of the model include a convenient and beautiful case, a quiet and efficient cooling system, an option to expand the amount of RAM, the ability to significantly increase the maximum capacity using expansion units, USB and HDMI ports. Other unusual solutions include MyArchive function, which allows you to combine offline data storage with access through a network drive.

7. Seagate ST4000VN008

Ideal for up to 8 bay NAS
seagate st4000vn008 4 bay nas

Max capacity: 4TB | CPU: -- | RAM: -- | RPM: 5900

  • ✚ High level of performance
  • ✚ Large cache memory
  • ✚ High workload rate limit
  • A bit noisy
Rating

During testing, the Seagate IronWolf ST10000VN0004 drive proved to be a very high performance solution that will look great in NAS systems and RAID arrays due to the supported technologies and high reliability. Its main advantages include optimization for the use of multiple drives in one enclosure (AgileArray and Rotational Vibration technologies), as well as a high workload limit (300TB/year).

As a result, Seagate IronWolf has its own specialization and a set of related technologies that help in achieving the goals. Among dedicated HDDs for NAS systems and RAID arrays, this is the only model of this capacity. In addition, the provided volume will allow you to implement a more capacious storage while saving work space.

8. Asustor AS5202T

For gamers
asustor as5202t 4 bay nas

Max capacity: 36TB (18TB x2) (Capacity may vary by RAID types) | CPU: Intel Celeron J4005 2-Core 2.0 GHz (burst 2.7 GHz) | RAM: 2GB DDR4 (Max 8GB) | RPM: 7200

  • ✚ Very high level of performance
  • ✚ Network interfaces with port aggregation
  • ✚ Low noise and heating rates
  • App is not as good as others
Rating

With the Asustor AS5202T, you can build an entire home system, arrange the distribution of music, movies, TV shows, set up a backup of all your photos and collect all your cloud storage in one place. At these speeds, you can even talk about direct video editing.

This is the very level when we can already talk about direct work with video, saving broadcasts and distributing content to multiple sources in the house. If you use the NAS as a local volume via iSCSI, you can install games on it. In our opinion, the Asustor AS5202T is a stable and very easy to configure system.

9. WDBCTL0040HWT-NESN

For Mac users
wdbctl0040hwt-nesn 4 bay nas

Max capacity: 4TB | CPU: 2-Core Processor | RAM: N/A | RPM: 5900

  • ✚ Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0
  • ✚ Stream to DLNA/UPnP-certified devices
  • ✚ Compatible with Apple Time Machine
  • Bot for those who struggle with PCs
Rating

The all new Western Digital WDBCTL0040HWT-NESN solidifies your business communications in a world where data and technology travel at the speed of light. Equip your network with state-of-the art technology and the performance you demand. The NAS gives you the power you require to transform your media across multiple devices, instantly. You also get the powerful speed and performance to stream high definition media, quickly, easily and effortlessly.

Connect your desktop or notebook computer to the super-fast, inexpensive and easy-to-use Western Digital WDBCTL0040HWT. Create, store, retrieve, organize, archive and transfer your files in the blink of an eye. Achieve ultimate network speed with NAS disk cloning. With easy access, backup and restore are simple and hassle-free. Achieve total network control and visibility with easy NAS management.

10. Synology DX517

Hot-swappable drive trays
synology dx517 4 bay nas

Max capacity: 50TB (10TB x5) (Capacity may vary by RAID types) | CPU: N/A | RAM: N/A | RPM: 5900

  • ✚ Hot-swappable drive tray design
  • ✚ Synchronized operation with DiskStation
  • ✚ Quick system setup
  • Can’t dim the lights
Rating

With Synology DX517 you can access your data using a laptop, desktop, or both, and enjoy access to your data through the Internet or through your mobile device. The device is designed for speed, security, and reliability. It provides the perfect solution for data-intensive businesses that need the best in security and data backup. If you want the fastest, most reliable network attached storage available today, a Synology DX517 is the perfect choice for your business.

The model provides all the functionality needed to store and manage your data files such as databases, files, applications, system applications, user data, system settings, and more. One of the best things is the 50TB disk capacity. No matter how large your data files are, the NAS will be able to accommodate them all without slowing down your entire network. You'll never be left out of the loop when it comes to data backup, high priority access, and instant access to your files and data.

11. Buffalo LinkStation 210

Best price
buffalo linkstation 210 4 bay nas

Max capacity: 4TB | CPU: 800 MHz 2-Core | RAM: 256MB | RPM: 7200

  • ✚ Budget-friendly
  • ✚ DLNA-ready NAS device
  • ✚ Easy to set up
  • Setup app insists on using Firefox
Rating

The Buffalo LinkStation 210 is designed to deliver the most cutting edge technology for homes everywhere, featuring a high-performance, Ruggedized NAS appliance with 6TB capacity in the fastest configuration available. Connecting multiple devices to a single NAS device is simple with Buffalo LinkStation 210, allowing you to manage servers and network devices via one centralized location. The NAS allows you to perform everyday tasks like updating the list of users in your network, controlling the server settings, and setting up alerts so that you know when certain functions have been completed successfully.

No matter how many computers share a single network, Buffalo LinkStation 210 offers total convenience to multiple computer users at one time. As your network expands, the ease and speed of operating Buffalo LinkStation 210 will be stable as well, providing you with strong network performance.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
synology-ds920-4-bay-nas-table
Synology DS920
Our choice
  • Scalable up to 9 drives
  • Bulletproof backup
CHECK PRICE
qnap ts-453d-4g 4 bay nas
QNAP TS-453D-4G
Video editing
  • High-speed data transfer
  • PLEX integration
CHECK PRICE
wdbvbz0040jch-nesn 4 bay nas
WDBVBZ0040JCH-NESN
For streaming
  • Enhanced data protection
  • Milestone ARCUS surveillance soft
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Best 4 Bay NAS?

how to choose the best 4 bay nas

Why 4 Bays?

A good 4 bay NAS comes with a reasonable price tag. As a rule, you get most software support from the brand at an affordable price, where RAID 5 configurations are a priority. Besides, a 4-bay NAS is designed as a starting point for most of the latest hardware options. This trend demonstrates the rapid evolution of the 4-Bay NAS between brands. What's more, multiple updates that came in 2020 in the storage world have been applied to the specs of just a few 4-bay NAS. When compared to 2018-2019 technologies, it can result in successful bargains.

Diskless Drives

Many NAS devices have diskless drives. Thus, the network-attached storage device works without any storage device. Besides, some low-priced devices that come with little memory may not be upgradeable, so you have to buy additional hard drives. Keep this in mind while looking for the best 4 bay NAS.

how to choose the best 4 bay nas

Processing Power

Since NAS uses dedicated central processing units or computer processors, it has much in common with a personal computer. Though the processors of NAS and computers are similar, even the best 4 bay NAS has less power compared to a PC. Since NAS doesn’t require launching the OS or loading executable files, the workflow is satisfactory with lower speeds.

RAM

Another common function of NAS and PC is RAM. It demonstrates the speed with which the network-attached storage can access or call up files located on disk drives. In this case, the more RAM, the better. We especially recommend choosing a bigger RAM value for those who work with large files and need a lot of storage space for keeping them.

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