Running a small business in 2024 means managing an ever-growing flood of digital data. Important files, documents, media, backups, and more strain limited storage capacity and complicate access for distributed teams. Rather than juggle external drives or pay for cloud subscriptions, many SMBs are turning to network-attached storage (NAS) as a secure, scalable data solution.
A NAS is a centralized, high-capacity storage device with its own processor, memory, and operating system. This allows users to store and retrieve files from a shared location on the local business network. NAS systems also enable remote data access, automated backups, multi-device synchronization, streamlined collaboration, and robust protection against cyberthreats.
With capabilities surpassing both external drives and cloud platforms, a quality SMB NAS in 2024 promises smarter data oversight alongside opportunities to improve productivity and cut IT costs. However, navigating the crowded NAS device market to find an option matching your performance, capacity, and budget needs can prove overwhelming.
That‘s why our expert technology analysts thoroughly evaluated over 50 enterprise and SMB-focused models to spotlight the 5 Best NAS Systems for Small Business in 2024.
How We Chose the Best SMB NAS Devices
Selecting this year‘s top NAS recommendations required extensive research across three dozen devices and 50+ hours of hands-on testing. Our BI experts then ranked each contender based on:
- Capacity – Drive bays and maximum supported storage
- Performance – Processing power, connectivity speed, benchmark results
- Features – Backup/security tools, remote access, OS capabilities
- Ease of Use – Interface intuitiveness, software simplicity
- Scalability – Expandability options to match data growth
- Value – Hardware quality relative to price point
Balancing these considerations with small business preferences and realities, we arrived at five 2024 NAS choices delivering the right blend of ability, reliability, and affordability.
5 Best NAS Systems for Small Business 2024
#1 [Synology DiskStation DS1522+] – Best Overall SMB NAS
With an impressive balance of storage capacity and processing performance, Synology‘s DS1522+ tops our list as 2024‘s premiere NAS for growing small businesses.
Key Advantages:
- Bays: 5 drive bays with up to 166TB storage potential
- Speed: 7,300+ MB/s sequential reading via optional 10GbE connectivity
- Usage: Ideal for data backups, virtualization, media management, surveillance
- Tools: 130+ downloadable apps for collaboration, communications, analytics
- Processor: Quad-core 2.2 GHz AMD Ryzen V1500B with boost to 2.9 GHz
We recommend the DS1522+ for SMBs wanting high-capacity consolidated storage paired with strong performance. It strikes an unrivaled balance of capabilities considering its reasonable price point.
Price: $699.99
#2 [QNAP TS-h886XU-RP] – Top Performance for Media Teams
Multimedia firms and marketing groups needing serious bandwidth from a 6-bay NAS should turn to QNAP‘s flagship TS-h886XU-RP.
Key Advantages:
- Speed: Sequential speeds topping 2,900 MB/s with 10GbE connectivity
- Power: Intel i5-12500H processor and 16GB DDR4 memory
- Usage: Optimized for 4K video editing, music production, design workflows
- Features: HDMI output, PCIe slot for graphics/network cards, remote replication
- Scalability: On-demand capacity expansion with QNAP storage expansion enclosures
From its 12th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU to 10GbE network support, the TS-h886XU-RP delivers unmatched NAS performance perfect for creative teams and marketing departments.
Price: $1,899.00
#3 [ASUSTOR AS6604T] – Best Security Features
The ASUSTOR AS6604T ranks among the most secure NAS appliances available while still fitting SMB budgets.
Key Advantages:
- Protection: AES-NI encryption, firewall, anti-malware, VPN support
- Speed: Sequential performance over 1,100 MB/s
- Scalability: On-tap storage growth via DX213 expansion units
- Processor: Intel Celeron quad-core 2.0 GHz (burst to 2.7 GHz)
- OS: ADM 4.1 operating system with apps tailored for data protection
Alongside four drive bays providing up to 64TB storage, the AS6604T utilizes AI-based anti-ransomware plus progressive backup tools to fully safeguard sensitive business data.
Price: $489.99
#4 [Synology DS220j] – Best Budget NAS
Cost-conscious small business can still benefit from networked storage via our budget pick – the Synology DiskStation DS220j.
Key Advantages:
- Value: Sub-$200 price with 2TB HDD included
- Usage: Suitable for backing up, accessing, sharing everyday business files
- Speed: 112 MB/s sequential reading and writing
- Scalability: Link with up to one DX517 expansion unit
- Size: Compact 17 x 10 x 17 cm chassis fits anywhere
While not built for intensive applications, the DS220j lets businesses affordably centralized documents, databases, emails, and other essential data needing regular protection.
Price: $169.99
#5 [QNAP TS-230] – Best Portable NAS
Road warriors who want network-attached storage accessible from anywhere should choose the QNAP TS-230 portable NAS.
Key Advantages:
- Mobility: Ultra compact and lightweight for use anywhere
- Drives: Dual 2.5-inch SATA SSD/HDD bays
- Speed: JMicron JMS567 SATA 6Gb/s controller
- Usage: File storage/sharing, media streaming, RTRR backups
- Power: Bus-powered; no AC connection required
With its durable lightweight aluminum frame, military-grade shockproofing, and flexible internal storage, the TS-230 travels wherever your users go while keeping data availability maximized.
Price: $229.00
What Actually Matters in a SMB NAS for 2024
Beyond hardware specs, selecting an optimized NAS solution for your expanding venture requires matching priorities around usage, connectivity, data protection, and more against device capabilities:
Usage Needs
- What data volumes or types (documents, media files, databases, backups, etc.) will your NAS store?
- What tasks will it handle like shared access, streaming, surveillance, automation?
- How many users will utilize the NAS simultaneously?
Connectivity
- Will users connect to the NAS via WiFi, LAN, WAN?
- Do you require accessibility from branch locations or mobile devices?
Data Protection
- What degree of RAID drive redundancy does your SMB want?
- Will you run comprehensive backups or snapshots?
- Is AES encryption for stored data essential?
Management Complexity
- Does your team have full IT resources to manage NAS upkeep or prefer turnkey simplicity?
Growth Path
- What 12/24-month projections for capacity demand, connected devices/users/locations should the NAS support?
Real-World SMB NAS Benefits
Transitioning from external HDDs or cloud services to a purpose-built NAS delivers tangible small business dividends:
- Hardware Cost Savings – Avoid recurring subscription fees via on-premise infrastructure
- Productivity Lift – Streamline document management and team collaboration
- Enhanced Protection – Establish role-based access governance and resilient RAID data mirroring
- Increased Agility – Scale storage easily as needs evolve
- Better Continuity – Reduce reliance on internet access enabling uninterrupted workflows
Despite the significant upside, we recommend small companies still maintain layered data protection via cost-effective cloud backups covering your most vital information. This way your business can enjoy the performance, control, and cost advantages of NAS without risking data loss.
Final Recommendations on Finding Your 2024 SMB NAS
Migrating business storage to a modern NAS appliance removes infrastructure restraints plaguing growth for today‘s small companies. After comparing top-rated options based on business-critical factors, we suggest:
The powerful yet affordable [Synology DS1522+]() as 2024‘s best overall NAS for maximizing everyday SMB storage capabilities
Media production teams invest in the high-speed [QNAP TS-h886XU-RP]() to support intensive bandwidth demands
Security-focused firms leverage the [ASUSTOR AS6604T‘s]() robust protection tools to fully safeguard sensitive data
Budget-limited businesses enjoy networked storage via the [Synology DS220j]()
Frequent travelers always stay connected to vital data using the ultraportable [QNAP TS-230]()
No organization stores more mission-critical information than today‘s modern small business. We hope our careful NAS buying recommendations help SMB leaders make informed decisions securing your company‘s invaluable digital assets throughout a productive 2024 and beyond.
