10 Best NAS for Mac in 2024 for Backing Up

Get here a list of the best NAS for Mac Sonoma, when it comes to personal storage drives for small businesses and home use.

The NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a must-have mini server to store data. These powerful little enclosures are on to go for the home or in a bustling office, offering a centralized ecosystem for storing data and backup. This article will guide you through the list of best NAS for Macs from top brands, including Synlogy, Western Digital, Asustor Lockerstor, and more.

What is the best NAS for Mac? Here’s the List

Before moving forward to the list of best NAS for Mac, let’s deeply understand What NAS is and whether it is worth buying.     

What Is a NAS for Mac?

NAS, aka Network Attached Storage, is a device you can connect to a network. And this way NAS easily allows users to access and share data across multiple devices. It’s a centralized storage system enables users to backup data, share files and can be accessed from multiple devices.

Is it worth investing on NAS for Mac?

Your Mac device has an in-built app for backup. So why do you require NAS for Mac? That’s because NAS offers many other features compared to Time Machine. Thus, using NAS alongside Time Machine with Mac will show better results. 

As you already know, NAS offers centralized storage, which means it permits devices to access data remotely when you are connected to the network. Moreover, most NAS for Mac provides a better solution if your hard drive fails. Also, NAS keeps your data safe and accessible even when a hard drive fails.

Furthermore, you can easily expand NAS even without upgrading the Mac’s internal storage or replacing a current hard drive. You can seamlessly work and collaborate on similar projects.

And that’s the reason using a Time machine for backup on Mac is best solution, but having NAS devices offers additional aspects. 

How we Picked the best NAS for Mac Users

Here are some points we have considered and picked top eight NAS for Mac storage. 

Compatibility: To work seamlessly, your NAS must be compatible with the latest Mac & macOS. Besides this, it must be compatible with Apple’s native and built-in applications, for instance, Time Machine. 

Performance: Your NAS for Mac should have a high-performance processor & RAM and quality connectivity to experience faster content transfer speed. 

Storage Capacity: One of the prominent reasons why you need a NAS is its storage capacity, so you will need to find the NAS that reaches your storage requirements. 

Ease to Use: To make the best out of the NAS, you need to find one that is easy to use and manage. 

Price: Besides being fully functional, affordability is one factor most users consider. 

Further, you can read our detailed guide on ten reasons to use a NAS for data storage and backup. 

1. Synology 4-Bay Rackmount NAS Rackstation RS422+ 

Synology 4 Bay Rackmount NAS for Mac
Synology
Network ConnectivityDual 1GbE support
Upgrade up to 10GbE
Included CapacityDiskless
FeaturesRack-mountable
SellerAmazon.com 
Installed RAM2 GB (Maximum)
ConnectionUSB
Rotational Speed7200 RPM
RAID Level0, 1, 5, 6, 1+0
Color Black
PriceUnder $700
MAC Time Machine capabilityYes
Protected From Ransomware
Synology rack-mountable NAS for Mac

One of the trusted brands in data storage is Synology. The Rackstation RS422+ is a 4-bay rackmount NAS enclosed in a compact 1U chassis designed to fit a 4-post, 2-post, or wall mount 19″ rack, ensuring it fit in a space-limited environment. Powered by DSM operating system, it offers an affordable all-in-one data solution for synchronization, sharing, and backup, convenient for small businesses and home labs.

It supports vast network file-sharing protocols – like CFS, NFS, FTP, AFP, and more. Synology lets centralized offices and collaborate on projects. In addition, this flexible software smoothly integrates with various offsite backup plans, so at the time of need, you can backup to a local shared folder, external device, etc.

You can install it as an edge server to offer convenient and efficient file access, sharing, and synchronization across various platforms and locations. Moreover, it allows you to protect your premises with Synology’s reliable and VMS solution.

2. Western Digital 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra Network Attached Storage 

Western Digital 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra Network Nas for Mac
Western Digital
Network ConnectivityGigabit Ethernet
Included Capacity8TB Storage
FeaturesPersonal Cloud Storage
SellerAmazon.com 
Installed RAM‎1 GB
ConnectionUSB
Rotational Speed7200 RPM
RAID Level0, 1
Color Gray / Silver
PriceUnder $400
MAC Time Machine capabilityYes
Protected From RansomwareNo
Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra 

Organize your media collection at a single spot on this high-performance Western Digital NAS solution and access it from anywhere. Using My Cloud EX2 Ultra, you will experience ultra-fast transfer speeds for smooth HD streaming. And the best part is you can handily sync content across computers and share files & folders. Moreover, you can create multiple backup options to easily customize a personalized system.

It’s upgraded with an advanced powerful Marvel Armada 385 1.3 GHz dual processor, you’ll experience ultra-fast rates for high-performance streaming. With this NAS for Mac, you can automatically synchronize media and files across your Computer and my cloud device.  

The best part of this Mac NAS is that it includes SmartWare Pro backup software, Mac users have complete access to Apple Time Machine for personalized backup. In addition to that, you will receive a centralized plex media server that keeps your photos, videos, and music beautifully organized and prepared for streaming gaming consoles, mobile devices, etc.

3. Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 AS6704T – 4 Bay NAS 

Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 AS6704T Nas for Mac
Asustor
Network ConnectivityDual 2.5GbE (Upgradable to 10GbE)
Included CapacityDiskless
Features
SellerAmazon.com 
Installed RAM4GB DDR4 RAM
ConnectionUSB
Rotational Speed
RAID Level5
Color AS67
PriceUnder $700
MAC Time Machine capabilityYes
Protected From RansomwareYes
Asustor NAS for Mac 

Another in the list that you must consider buying is Asustor Lockerstor 4 GEN2 AS6704T NAS for Mac. It includes a snapshot center that utilizes Btrfs and iSCSI volumes to capture snapshots of the information stored inside a NAS every five minutes, which means backup can be easily restored in case data is lost or damaged. 

What makes it more convenient is the three-step installation, you can directly install it using a PC-less software installation on your Mobile. The Asustor lockerstor 4 can wake from anywhere, no specialized settings or equipment to wake the NAS. All you need to do is use Assustor’s wide variety of apps, such as AiMaster, AiMusic, and AiVideo to turn NAS on and off remotely. 

It includes an updated version of ADM to protect your data from Ransomware. No more need to edit video on your Mac and then store to NAS, you can directly do so on your NAS using Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premier. Having built with 4 SSD, a considerable amount of head can be generated. However, to cool it, there is extra ventilation.

4. TERRAMASTER F4-223 4Bay NAS Storage

TERRAMASTER F4-223 4Bay NAS for Mac
TERRAMASTER
Network ConnectivityGigabit Ethernet
Included CapacityDiskless (Max. internal Raw capacity: 80TB)
FeaturesPersonal Cloud Storage
SellerAmazon.com 
Installed RAM4 GB
ConnectionSATA
Rotational Speed
RAID Level1, 5, 6, 1+0
Color Silver aluminum alloy enclosure
Price
MAC Time Machine capabilityYes
Protected From RansomwareNo
Terramaster NAS for Mac

The TERRAMASTER NAS server 4-Bay F4-223 is suitable for SMB users who require high-performance storage solutions. It means the users can easily handle high-load assignments, while multiple business-level backup solutions ensure your data is always safe. The NAS enclosure uses a Celeron N4505 dual-core processor with 2.0 GHz and a maximum turbo to 2.9 GHz. 

In addition, it is integrated with GPU graphics cards, AES NI hardware encryption and designed with two 2.5 GbE interfaces and 4GB DDR4 dual-channel memory, which is further expandable. Moreover, it has multiple backup applications such as Centralized Backup, Cloudsync, Duple backup, Terrasync, and more, this NAS uses a visual user interface and trusted storage technologies to protect your precise data.   

It has 4K decoding capability, and the F4-223 media server is compatible with UPnP/DLNA protocol, allowing you to stream videos to various multimedia devices such as smartphones, computers, televisions, and media players. At last, NAS storage is configured with two 2.5 GbE interfaces.

5. BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 220

BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 220 Nas for Mac
BUFFALO
Network Connectivity1 Gb Ethernet
Included Capacity4 – 12 TB
FeaturesPersonal Cloud Storage
SellerAmazon.com 
Installed RAM256 MB
ConnectionUSB
Rotational Speed
RAID Level0 or 1
Color Black
PriceUnder $400
MAC Time Machine capabilityYes
Protected From RansomwareYes
BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 220

If you’re in search of an affordable NAS for Mac, consider buying BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 220. It’s a dual-drive network storage solution, on to go for home, office, prosumers & creative professionals. It’s handy to set up, plug, and play for network storage. However, storing and securing on your network is always tougher with LinkStation SoHo. 

The best part is it supports direct support, it means if your device has a USB port, you can easily connect it directly to the LinkStation SoHo. This function allows you to create a backup to the device’s storage instead of a console. Moreover, this Mac NAS USB port and 400 Mbps transfer speed is designed for 4K video streaming on your Mac.

With this NAS, you can be confident that your data is secure when save it. That’s because this device includes a closed system, which is a strong deterrent to hacking. Another admirable feature is LinkStation SoHo, which allows you to access the device via SSL encryption.

The LinkStation Active Directory is likable by professional users because AD allows administrators to manage permission and access to network resources, so you can design network infrastructure as per your need.

6. LaCie 1big Dock 10TB Thunderbolt 3 External Hard Drive

LaCie 1big Dock 10TB Thunderbolt 3 External Hard Drive NAS for Mac
LaCie
Network ConnectivityThunderbolt 3
Included Capacity10 TB
FeaturesExternal Hard Drive
SellerAmazon.com 
Installed RAM‎10 GB
ConnectionFront: USB port,
Back: USB Type C, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt
Rotational Speed7200 RPM
RAID Level
Color Black
PriceUnder $700
MAC Time Machine capabilityYes
Protected From RansomwareNo
LaCie NAS for Mac

The LaCie 1big Dock 10TB has been designed as an epicenter for 4k workflow. It combination a 10TB Seagate IronWolf Pro 7200 rpm SATA 3.5” that offers transfer speed up to 280 MB/s with dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 output for 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, 1080p, and 720p video, and SD and CompactFlash card slots, a USB 3.0 Type-A port.  

The operational temperature will remain cool thanks to its aluminum enclosure and thermoregulated fan. While one of the Thunderbolt 3 ports is used to connect 1 huge dock to your compatible system running macOS 10.12, and the rest can be used to daisy-chain for up to six additional devices or offer up to 70W of charging power.

However, in order to receive a complete 70W of charging power, your Mac computer must plugged in via its power supply. Or else you’ll get 45W of power or 30W if you have connected multiple devices. Moreover, it includes a 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 cable, a USB 3.0 cable, and an external power supply. 

7. Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD

Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD Nas for Mac
Seagate
Network ConnectivityUSB 3.0
Included Capacity(2 TB – 5 TB)
FeaturesPortable Hard drive
SellerAmazon.com 
Installed RAM
ConnectionUSB C & USB 3.0
Rotational Speed5400 RPM
RAID LevelNot available
Color Black
PriceUnder $400
MAC Time Machine capabilityYes (Requires Reformatting)
Protected From Ransomware
Seagate Portable Hard Drive for Mac 

If you are searching for a serious storage upgrade for your Mac without spending a huge, this external portable hard drive from one of the well-known brands in the business is on to go. It easily lets you store and access 5TB of content. The best part is that alongside Mac, it works with Windows as well.

To set up, you only need to connect a portable hard drive to a Mac computer for automatic recognition software recognition. What makes this hard drive super convenient is that it includes 

Where this portable hard drive hits because it includes rescue services that let you recover for up to 2 years. 

8. QNAP TS-932PX-4G 5+4 Bay High-Speed NAS with Two 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ports

QNAP TS 932PX 4G 5+4 Bay High Speed NAS for Mac
QNAP
Network ConnectivityTwo 10GbE & 2.5GbE support
Included CapacityDiskless
FeaturesPersonal Cloud Storage
SellerAmazon.com 
Installed RAM4 GB DDR4 RAM (expandable to 16 GB)
ConnectionUSB
Rotational Speed
RAID Level0, 5
Color Black
PriceUnder $700
MAC Time Machine capabilityYes
Protected From RansomwareNo
QNAP 10 GB ethernet NAS for Mac

The QNAP TS is equipped with two 10 GbE SEP+ and dual 2.5 GbE LAN RJ45 ports, offering great support for high-speed networking and supporting port trunking to enhance your network infrastructure. It is equipped with a Snapshot feature that quickly restores the files to their previous states in case they are accidentally modified for deletion. 

Besides being compatible with Mac, the TS-932PX also supports Windows and LINUX/UNIX devices. With Qsync, any files uploaded over there are available for all linked devices. It also helps you handily synchronize or back up the TS-932PX to a different QNAP NAS remote server. 

You can use myQNAPcloud link to download, share, access, and manage files saved on HQ-based NAS through the internet. It also supports VPN service for remote access to the NAS and resources on the private network using the internet. At last, it’s convenient for both home and office usage. 

In case you want a similar NAS brand with different functionalities and capabilities, read our article on best QNAP NAS

Which NAS works best with Apple?

We are big fans of the Synology 4-Bay Rackmount NAS Rackstation RS422+, and for obvious we recommend this NAS from launch. The upgradable RAM and dual 1 GbE ports mean it can run the latest apps and services without any problem. In addition, with Synology’s outstanding DiskStation Manager OS and cloud platform, thus you’ve got the best NAS ecosystem. It’s the best choice for those willing to purchase their first NAS and want something more powerful. 

However, it’s not for someone who has a tight budget. Rather than this, it will win awards for expandability or performance, but the NAS will definitely act as a means for backing up some important files and running an app or service or two. All I can say is that having access to Synology’s DSM operating system is a big win.  

Final Thought!

Well, as you can see, there’s a wide variety of NAS for Mac. Most of them include warranties, so they are must-have accessories for Mac. Let us know in the comment section below which one you prefer. 

If you’re convenience buying NAS, you can read our article Best NAS Deals USA to keep track of deals.

Can I use a NAS with a Mac?

Yes, setting up network-attached storage is quick if the router’s interface is intuitive, and configuring the drive is pretty straightforward in macOS. 

Is Synology compatible with Mac?

Yes, Synology NAS is compatible with Mac. It offers complete, robust support for macOS, including the latest macOS, making it handy for Mac users to integrate their NAS into a workflow seamlessly.

Is NAS better than Cloud?

Compared to the cloud, NAS is comparatively cheaper. Besides this, you have handy access to your files from both. Regardless of the solution you choose, the performance depends on your internet’s speed as well the amount of data you’re storing.

Is NAS easy to manage?

Some NAS from the above list can deduplicate data and take replicates and snapshots to cloud or alternative NAS device. NAS is easy to manage. NAS doesn’t require dedicated persons to manage simple NAS systems. However, it depends entirely on the level of NAS system you’re using and for what purpose.

What is the risk of using NAS?

When NAS systems are connected to a public rather than a private network, they’re opened to internet vulnerabilities. Public internet vulnerability includes malware attacks, botnets, denial of service attacks, etc. 

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood, a Wellington-based journalist, excels in covering Apple and tech trends. With a diverse background in public safety, government, and education reporting, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, offering readers a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. Contact Her Team:- [email protected] [OR] [email protected]

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