Depending on your production house's specific needs, there are a variety of suitable NAS units on the market, highly capable of offering the storage and speeds required for high-end video editing. We've selected some of our favorites in today's guide, breaking down their respective strengths - and any potential weaknesses - each has.

How We Picked the Best NAS for Video Editing

Video editing is a complex and multi-faceted process with multiple stages. Coordinating even a small editing team can be difficult, especially when it comes to asset management. We assessed our NAS systems based on speed and scalability, prioritizing units that could accommodate several large hard drives to store logged footage and audio safely. NAS systems with capable CPUs and RAM were considered the most worthwhile, in order to ensure fast processing the ability to handle complex and simultaneous tasks. Programs such as AVID, DaVinci Resolve or AfterEffects all consume large amounts of processing power, so we ensured that our NAS choices were capable of matching them.

We settled on four products: from professional NAS options for post-production suites through to simple shared storage for small videography teams. Across an array of budgets, these network storage solutions are fast, reliable and easy to use - and ideal for the standard array of editing programs.

Taking the gold medal in today's ranking is the Synology DS1823xs+, a top NAS for video editing. Dependable and dynamic, Synology prove why their NAS units top most professional rankings.

Desktop-sized and capable of handling dozens of complex processes, the DS1823xs+ encourages a super-streamlined storage solution. With built-in compatibility for off-site backups, DIT headaches are a thing of the past. Synology NAS units are always scalable, and you can add additional HDD drive units should you need them - but with eight bays in the base DS1823xs+ model, you've plenty of scope to store large-scale editing projects.

If we had to pick a flaw in the DS1823xs+, it would be the noise level being slightly louder than we'd like for our NAS units - especially when editing requires concentration. It's a small price to pay, and doesn't hamper this from being our top choice for a NAS storage solution.

Meanwhile our top pick for a high-end professional video editing NAS system is the QNAP TVS-h874, a supremely powerful NAS for even the largest post-production crews to become accustomed to. For all your video editing needs, opt for this top-end network storage solution.

Coming with a variety of configuration options, we've opted for a beastly combination of an i5 processor and 8 bays for hard drives - but there are even larger options if that sounds too weak. The TVS-h874 also comes with SSD cache acceleration for even greater processing speeds on top of the terrifically fast RAM and CPU options. It's easily able to render high-end video in software like AVID, DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro, and won't break a sweat with it's incredibly fast read-write speeds as high as 10GB/s.

However, as these impressive stats may highlight, this is a high-end NAS system. Mid-range video editing companies will likely find this unit to be overkill, and those top speeds may never be needed. But for the absolute apex of NAS storage, the TVS-h874 is our top choice.

If you work in a smaller post-production environment, then the Synology DS723+ may be a better option. Budget-friendly but brilliant, this NAS has all the mainstays of a top end storage solution - with a low-end price tag.

For your low cost, you get a dual-drive NAS system with 2GB of DDR4 RAM. An upgrade from the previous DS720+ model, the DS723+ now has a 10GBpE ethernet port for fast editing. This means that even the largest of video files can be edited both speedily and simultaneously. With impressive read-write speeds and a compact design, this NAS is a great option for in-house videographers or independent editing teams.

However, the DS723+ does have its limits. The two HDD bays mean your hard drive options are limited, with little scope for upgrading. But as a budget-friendly storage option, the DS723+ is hard to beat.

Did you look at the QNAP TVS-h874 and worry that you may run out of storage? With space for four more HDDs, the Terramaster T12-450 puts those concerns to rest. Ideal for video editing, this NAS will give you access to all the terabytes of storage that you could need.

With a total of 12 hard drive bays, you won't struggle to accommodate large video or audio files. With 8GB of DDR4, you'll be able to undertake complex tasks simultaneously without issues. What's more, the 10Gbps network speeds mean response times from devices on the NAS are always responsive. The T12-450 also comes optimized for video editing programs, for seamless editing of the largest videos. If your business needs reams of storage for large video productions, then this NAS is ideal.

One thing that does limit the T12-450, however, is it's native operating system. Whilst setting up this NAS system is a breeze, the OS makes using it a challenge - though you can swap it out for your preferred brand of NAS software. If you can stomach some manual tinkering the T12-450 is an ideal network storage unit for large-scale post-production.

Features and Considerations

If you're just starting out as a post-production specialist or are looking to upgrade your suite's system, here are some things to consider when investing in a NAS. Arguably most important is the storage capacity: NAS units ship without HDDs, so that users can customize to their storage needs. A base NAS will have a set number of hard drive bays, so consider your target storage size and reverse-engineer the size and number of hard drives you need. Equally, consider how many users need to be on this NAS at any one time. Smaller editing environments, where only a handful of users need access to files, don't need ultra-capable units; but a large-scale post-production venture that does everything from VFX to foley will need to accommodate a lot of PCs.

Where a video editing NAS needs to shine, however, is in processing speeds. If you plan to store the editing cache as well as the footage on a NAS, you will need a reliable and fast unit that can be worked on simultaneously. You'll also need an accommodating amount of memory to ensure smooth running. Beyond that, access to backup services or additional hard drive housing is a welcome bonus.

FAQs

Verdict

Though the noise level may be a hassle for your sound engineer, the DS1823xs+ is a top NAS for video editing. Highly capable and with room to expand, this Synology NAS - or any of the other units on our ranking - are provably excellent for video editing on the highest levels.

For more on how NAS can benefit your workspace, check out our guide on the best NAS for small business today.

To help, we've compiled an array of NAS case options for you to choose from, each with their own strengths to speak of. We've detailed below why you might choose one over the other, so you can make an informed purchase and safely store your storage!

How We Picked the Best NAS Case

Given the size of NAS systems, we opted primarily for ITX PC cases for storing your NAS unit. These smaller units still provide space for small PC builds whilst leaving room for airflow. We considered the available space in our units relative to their effective cooling abilities, and compatibility with various motherboards. We also factored in the durability of each case - though it goes without saying that even with a case you should store your NAS safely.

We settled on five products, across a range of price points, each with their own respective merits. You're sure to find the ideal NAS case with our rankings.

Taking our top spot today is the Jonsbo N3, a great mini-ITX case perfect for NAS systems. Intuitively designed and with plenty of headroom for hard drives, this case is well worth investing in.

Made from a steadfast aluminum frame, the N3 is a robust housing solution. The design accommodates CPU coolers for improved airflow, but the standard 100mm fans do an ample job of keeping the temperature low. You've also got space for an ITX motherboard slot, and an SFX PSU for power. The front panel is easily removed for quick access to the hard drives, making it especially easy to replace or install drives. With so many top features, it's hard to pick a flaw for the N3.

That said, the form factor does limit the case's overall scalability, with you limited to smaller components. Though this still leaves room for eight standard-sized hard drives, and is ideal for most conventional NAS setups. We highly recommend the N3 as a top NAS casing.

For a budget-friendly case housing for your NAS, consider the Cooler Master N200. A great manufacturer of an array of affordable PC parts, this Micro-ATX case makes for a sterling storage solution.

With space for 3 HDD bays, this case manages to be accommodating whilst having a compact form factor - and all retailing at a low price well under $100. The modular design makes it easy to remove the side panels and install new components, and you can fit a moderate amount of ATX components in this 14.9" x 7.9" x 17.5" casing without overcrowding it. With 3 120mm fans, airflow is kept smooth and running is kept quiet.

However, if you find yourself wanting to upgrade your HDDs, we wouldn't recommend doing it too often: due to their rear placement in this case, they can be tough to access. It's a small cost given the savings, and we highly recommend the N200 as an excellent budget NAS case.

If your NAS server is set up to handle a great deal of secure data from your business, you'll want to keep it physically safe as well as digitally secure. Enter the SilverStone CS351, an ITX case designed to protect your information.

The five HDD bays on the CS351 can be locked, to prevent anyone from attempting to take them. If a prospective thief attempts to make off with the whole NAS, the alloyed steel build will certainly slow them down. When there aren't heists taking place, you'll find this case to comfortably accommodate a decent array of components, with space for a cooler to help keep things running smoothly at all times.

We do recommend investing in that cooler, however. Due to the compact nature of the CS351, it can be prone to a buildup of heat. If you keep the airflow cool, then the CS351 is an ideal choice for secure NAS housing.

If your storage solution needs triple-digit terabytes to be safely stored, then the Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 is a great case to do so. With the capacity for ten HDDs, you'll have ample server space in this tower case.

Due to the size of the Enthoo Pro 2, both component capacity and cooling capabilities are top-notch. This large NAS case can not only accommodate a large amount of drives, but also as many as 15 fans to keep them cool. Even without, this case optimizes its airflow to ensure your unit doesn't overheat. Sturdy thanks to it's design primarily comprised of alloyed steel, the Enthoo Pro 2 is a sterling addition to any large-scale business' NAS.

However, we should stress that it is primarily made of steel. The plastic components are reportedly quite flimsy, and can cause issues. It's a rarity for anything to break. We still highly recommend the Enthoo Pro 2 as a top large-scale NAS storage solution.

With the same HDD capacity as the large Enthoo 2 Pro in a more compact body, the Fractal Design Node 804 closes out our ranking. For a reliable home NAS storage unit, this versatile case is ideal.

With space for both HDDs and SSDs, the Node 804 can be customized to suit your specific needs. Coming with two 120mm fans, your unit is kept cool no matter the component combination. The NAS case also supports installing additional fans to your heart's content, and features dust filters at every contact point to prevent contamination. A good 10" shallower than the Enthoo 2 Pro, this is a great option for limited spaces in home office or small businesses.

So why isn't the Node 804 the best NAS case? As an ATX case, this unit will be tightly packed with full-size components, especially if you want to maximize the number of HDDs in there. This can make installing or swapping parts a hassle, but for a mainstay home NAS that requires minimal maintenance, you can't beat the Node 804.

Features and Considerations

If you're looking for a different NAS case from the ones selected today, there are a few features to factor into your purchase. Most pressing is the HDD capacity, which will determine how much storage your Network-Attached Storage can accommodate. This pairs with the physical footprint of the case: larger cases can accommodate more hard drives, but will take up more space. Bulkiness is a worthy consideration, too, as these devices are quite heavy - and too large a case will compound that effect.

The more technical aspects include the fan capacity and airflow: just like with any custom PC, good airflow will ensure your server doesn't overheat. Most cases come with slots for fans of various sizes, but you can also invest in CPU coolers to further improve airflow. You should also consider the motherboard slot on the NAS case in question, as that will determine the ease of installing all other components such as your power supply. Finally, we recommend a degree of security for your case - even a simple lock-and-key solution will ensure your drives stay safe.

FAQs

Verdict

Capable, albeit compact, the Jonsbo N3 is our favorite NAS case: striking an excellent balance between form an function with it's eight-bay capacity and Mini-ITX board factor. This case, or any of the other units we've suggested, are all great NAS options: guaranteeing damage-free and secure housing for your network storage.

Looking for a pre-built NAS for your office? Check out our guide on the best NAS for small business today.

Depending on your specific business needs, there are different NAS hard drives available. We've broken down our favorite options below, factoring in different budgets, respective strengths - and any weaknesses - that each HDD has. To ensure your business' storage is up to the task, invest in one of these today.

How We Picked the Best NAS Hard Drives

Not every HDD is set up for NAS compatibility, so your selection is somewhat limited. There's still an array of different manufacturers creating compatible drives, each with their own merits. We've assessed these NAS hard drives by their storage capacities, cache sizes and performance. RAID compatibility, which ensures optimized speeds, was also a bonus.

We settled on five products, across a range of budgets and suited to different use cases. Ranging from huge drives for entire office suites to compact ones for home use, you're sure to find the best NAS hard drive to suit your needs.

Fast and reliable, the Seagate IronWolf Pro series of NAS hard drives easily take the top spot on our ranking. With sizes from 3TB up to as large as 20TB, any business should be well-serviced with this versatile HDD.

With a 7200 RPM spindle speed and 256MB cache, read and write speeds on the IronWolf Pro drives are super-fast. The hard drive has built-in rotational vibration sensors and an AgileArray firmware for boosted performance with no lag. Even if you reach its maximum workload, it’ll still perform excellently 24/7. The IronWolf Pro also comes with three years of Rescue Data Recovery Services to protect you from data losses in cases of errors, malware viruses, or power outages. Boasting a barebones design, the IronWolf prioritizes substance over style – avoiding flashy aesthetics and opting for built-in vibration compensation and device health management to optimize the drive for constant use.

That said, the IronWolf isn’t quite perfect. Configuring the drive, particularly for NAS setups, can be cumbersome – and may alienate those wanting a simple storage solution. It’s the only black mark against these stunning HDDs, however, and we’re happy to recommend the IronWolf as the best 16TB hard drive on the market today!

If you need the largest possible NAS hard drive for your business, consider the Western Digital Red series of HDDs. With sizes from 2TB to 24TB, storage is maximized on these stellar drives.

Rated for a 550TB/year work rate, the Red Pro is capable of being put through its paces. Installation is easy thanks to these drives being optimized for NAS systems. The Western Digital drive is equipped with the specifically designed firmware NASware 3.0. This firmware improves the drive's storage performance and boosts its speed, which can reach up to 256MB per second. Using a RAID-optimized system structure, this unit can scale to fit your business needs. Given the scalability and value for money of this drive, there's a lot to like about the Red.

However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to dislike. The drive does run more audibly than other hard drive options, which can be disturbing in certain environments. Though it’s not deal-breaking, it can prove problematic for some. As a budget 16TB HDD, it’s hard to beat the Red Pro.

Though you'll struggle to find a reliable and cheap NAS hard drive, we think the Toshiba N300 Pro range offers the best value for money of the available options - hopefully you will too.

The N300 is rated for 300TB per year in transfers, ensuring longevity and reliability from your NAS network. The hard drive is also equipped with heat prevention controls to protect it against shocks and extreme heat. It also features built-in rotational vibration sensors and error recovery controls to reduce downtime and protect your data from unexpected losses. With sizes ranging from 4TB to 22TB, there's a great array available for different use cases - and with dedicated options for small or larger businesses, Toshiba has a NAS for every environment.

However, one thing to be aware of is that the N300's protectivity tools aren't perfect, and the drives can overheat or be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). If those risks can be mitigated, then the N300 drives are the best budget NAS hard drives on the market.

If you want to sync up your home office into a productivity powerhouse, then the Western Digital Gold range of NAS HDDs are the perfect fit. Though not capable of running a huge office, these drives are still incredible investments.

Whether you choose 1TB or 24TB of storage, Gold drives are great high-performance options. The HelioSeal technology means data transfers are fast and reliable. Designed to handle 550TB per year, these drives are tremendously powerful. To protect your data from losses as a result of power outages, the drive comes with an ArmorCache power loss protection technology. This way, if any unexpected error or outage occurs, your data will be safe. Overall, these are highly ranked Western Digital drives, ideal for NAS systems.

We should stress small NAS systems, however: the Gold's major weakness compared to Red drives is they are only suited to smaller 4-drive NAS units, rather than the larger capacities of other systems. It's why we recommend it for homes, however, for reliable home storage.

With sizes ranging from as little as 2TB all the way up to 18TB, the Seagate IronWolf series is our final pick for the best NAS hard drive on the market today. Boasting an array of professional storage features, including NAS compatibility, this range of hard drives is sure to suit every need.

Boasting a 7200RPM spindle and a 256MB cache, the IronWolf drives are responsive and fast-loading. Rated for a 2 million-hour mean time between failures (MTBF), these HDDs are sure to stay reliable in the long-run and can handle consistent long-term use. The multi-bay NAS compatibility expands this hard drive’s reach and makes it perfect for business or household storage. There’s a lot to love about the IronWolf drives.

However, there’s one aspect of the drives that we don’t love. Like the Western Digital Red range, these Seagate HDDs are noisy in operation, which can be frustrating in areas needing peace and quiet. It's an issue, but one not big enough to make us avoid recommending the IronWolf drives.

Features and Considerations

If you're looking to set up a NAS HDD with a different drive, it's worth considering a handful of factors. Naturally, NAS compatibility is key - as mentioned, not all HDDs are NAS-compatible. Equally, however, is the ease of that NAS compatibility: we found that Western Digital's NAS-optimized approach made for the easiest connection. You should also consider your prospective size requirements, factoring in how many devices will be on the network. HDDs such as these are capable of huge storage quantities.

For more specialized or high-pressure storage solutions, ensure that your choice of HDD is compatible with RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) for boosted performance speeds. Most drives come with a specialist feature, whether it is dedicated data recovery or vibration compensation (an essential given the spindle that an HDD operates by). So once you've considered all other factors and are stuck between two drives, consider the specialist feature.

FAQs

Verdict

Though they can be tricky to install, the Seagate IronWolf Pro range are our top picks for stellar NAS performance. If your business or home office needs a reliable network storage solution, then these drives - or any of the alternatives on our list - are sure to impress.

Interested in NAS units themselves? Check out our guide on the best NAS for small business today.