Choosing the best 4 bay NAS for small business involves balancing performance, ease of use, and cost. The Synology DS423 stands out as the best overall with its reliable software and versatile features. For those prioritizing performance and expansion, the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 offers impressive specs like a Ryzen processor and dual 10GbE ports. Meanwhile, the TERRAMASTER F4-424 provides a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features. The main tradeoffs often revolve around price versus performance, or raw power versus simplicity. Continue reading to find out which model aligns best with your business needs.
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Key Takeaways
- Performance and expandability vary significantly among options, with higher-end models offering faster processors and more RAM.
- Ease of setup and user interface can be a decisive factor for small teams without dedicated IT staff.
- Network capabilities, especially multi-gig ports, are critical for future-proofing and high-speed data transfer.
- Price differences often reflect hardware quality and software features, making it vital to balance budget and needs.
- Pre-installed drives are rare; most models are diskless, requiring buyers to consider storage costs separately.
| Synology DS423 4-Bay Diskless NAS for Backup, File Sharing, and Surveillance |  | Best Overall | Number of Bays: 4 | Type: Diskless NAS | Features: File sharing, backup, video surveillance, private cloud | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS for Families, Creators & Small Teams |  | Best Value for Large Storage | Storage Capacity: Up to 144TB | Number of Bays: 4 | Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Google services | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TS-464eU 4-Bay 1U Short Depth Rackmount NAS |  | Best for High-Performance Storage and Media | CPU: Intel Quad-core up to 2.9 GHz | RAM: 8GB | Drive Bays: 4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TS-473A 4-Bay Desktop NAS |  | Best for Power Users and Virtualization | Processor: Quad-core AMD Ryzen V1500B 2.2 GHz | RAM: 8GB DDR4 (expandable to 64GB) | Drive Bays: 4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ AS6704T v2 4-Bay NAS |  | Best for Media Streaming and Content Creation | Processor: Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core | Memory: 4GB DDR4, expandable to 16GB | Storage Bays: 4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 AS6804T 4-Bay NAS, AMD Ryzen 3.8GHz Quad-Core, 16GB ECC DDR5, Dual 5GbE & 10GbE, Diskless |  | Best Overall for Power and Flexibility | Processor: AMD Ryzen 3.8 GHz Quad-Core | Memory: 16 GB DDR5 ECC | Network: Dual 5GbE & 10GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TERRAMASTER F4-424 Pro NAS 4-Bay, Core i3-N305 8-Core, 32GB DDR5 (Diskless) |  | Best Value for Performance and Expandability | Processor: Core i3-N305 8-core 3.8GHz | Memory: 32GB DDR5 | Ethernet: Dual 2.5G | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS1204T 4-Bay NAS |  | Best for Small Office and Home Use | Processor: Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz Quad-Core | RAM: 1GB DDR4 | Network: 2.5GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 4 bay NAS for small business | Processor |
|---|---|
| Synology DS423 4-Bay Diskless | — |
| UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS | — |
| QNAP TS-464eU 4-Bay 1U Short D | — |
| QNAP TS-473A 4-Bay Desktop NAS | Quad-core AMD Ryzen V1500B 2.2 GHz |
| Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ AS6 | Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core |
| Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 AS68 | AMD Ryzen 3.8 GHz Quad-Core |
| TERRAMASTER F4-424 Pro NAS 4-B | Core i3-N305 8-core 3.8GHz |
| Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS12 | Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz Quad-Core |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Synology DS423 4-Bay Diskless NAS for Backup, File Sharing, and Surveillance
The Synology DS423 stands out for its versatile approach to small business needs, combining robust data protection, private cloud access, and surveillance capabilities. Compared to the QNAP TS-464eU, it offers a more straightforward setup for backup and file sharing, though it lacks the high-performance hardware for intensive media tasks. Its support for up to 30 IP cameras, with optional licensing, makes it ideal for security-focused environments. The main tradeoff lies in its diskless design, requiring users to purchase drives separately, which can add cost and complexity for beginners. This model is best suited for small businesses prioritizing secure data sharing and surveillance over raw processing power.
Pros:- Secure private cloud access for remote file sharing
- Supports up to 30 IP cameras for surveillance
- Comprehensive data protection with snapshots and multi-destination backup
Cons:- Camera license must be purchased separately
- No included hard drives, increasing initial setup cost
- Potential complexity for users unfamiliar with NAS configuration
Best for: Small businesses seeking a secure, reliable NAS for backup, file sharing, and surveillance without the need for high-end media processing
Not ideal for: Small teams or users needing advanced media editing or heavy virtualization, due to limited hardware acceleration
- Number of Bays:4
- Type:Diskless NAS
- Features:File sharing, backup, video surveillance, private cloud
- Warranty:2 years
Our verdict“An excellent choice for small businesses prioritizing security, backups, and surveillance over raw media performance.”
UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS for Families, Creators & Small Teams
The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus offers an impressive combination of high storage capacity and advanced features like Docker and virtual machines, making it suitable for creators and small teams needing extensive media and data handling. Unlike the QNAP TS-473A, it emphasizes raw storage and virtualization, but its speed depends heavily on network setup, which might limit performance for certain workflows. Its support for up to 144TB of storage and secure encryption makes it a flexible choice for those managing large media libraries or collaborative environments. However, its lack of built-in Wi-Fi and the necessity to purchase drives separately add to setup complexity and initial costs. This NAS is best for users who need vast storage and virtualization capabilities in a secure, centralized platform.
Pros:- High storage capacity up to 144TB
- Supports advanced features like Docker and VMs
- Secure private cloud with encryption and permission controls
Cons:- Hard drives are not included, increasing initial investment
- Speed varies with network setup, not guaranteed high throughput
- Supports only wired Ethernet, no Wi-Fi connectivity
Best for: Small teams or creators managing large media libraries and requiring virtualization and remote access
Not ideal for: Users with limited network infrastructure or those seeking a plug-and-play solution with included drives
- Storage Capacity:Up to 144TB
- Number of Bays:4
- Compatibility:Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Google services
- Transfer Speed:10GbE network port and 10Gbps USB ports
- Encryption:Advanced encryption
- Hard Drives Included:No
Our verdict“A strong pick for users needing massive storage and virtualization, provided they can handle setup complexity.”
QNAP TS-464eU 4-Bay 1U Short Depth Rackmount NAS
The QNAP TS-464eU excels in high-performance environments, thanks to its Intel quad-core CPU up to 2.9 GHz and dual 2.5GbE ports, making it ideal for fast file transfers and media streaming. Compared with the QNAP TS-473A, it offers a more compact rackmount form factor, suitable for tight server rooms, but its limited depth can restrict expansion options. Its support for SSD caching and 4K media playback with HDMI output makes it appealing for media-heavy small businesses. The main tradeoff is its shorter depth, which may limit hardware expansion or additional drives, and it lacks explicit details on included accessories. This model works best for small businesses that need high-speed data access and media capabilities in a rackmount setup.
Pros:- High-performance Intel quad-core CPU
- Dual 2.5GbE ports for fast network transfers
- Supports SSD caching for enhanced performance
Cons:- Short depth design limits expansion and accessories
- No mention of included drives or additional hardware
- Potentially higher cost due to enterprise features
Best for: Small business environments requiring high-speed storage, media streaming, and rackmount deployment
Not ideal for: Teams seeking straightforward desktop NAS solutions or those needing extensive expansion bays
- CPU:Intel Quad-core up to 2.9 GHz
- RAM:8GB
- Drive Bays:4
- Network Ports:Dual 2.5GbE
- SSD Slots:2 M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x1
- Video Output:HDMI 1.4b (4K @30Hz)
Our verdict“Perfect for small businesses needing a compact, high-speed rackmount NAS for media and intense data tasks.”
QNAP TS-473A 4-Bay Desktop NAS
The QNAP TS-473A delivers exceptional power with its AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core processor and expandable RAM up to 64GB, making it ideal for heavy multitasking, virtualization, and intensive data management. When compared to the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+, it offers a more robust CPU and greater RAM capacity, but at a higher price point. Its dual 2.5GbE ports and multiple USB 3.2 ports support fast networking and high-speed data transfers, while the dual M.2 NVMe slots allow for effective caching. Its complexity may challenge beginners, but for small businesses with technical expertise, it provides a flexible, high-performance platform. This NAS is best suited for those who need a combination of computing power, extensive RAM, and connectivity options.
Pros:- Powerful AMD Ryzen processor
- Upgradeable RAM up to 64GB
- Dual M.2 NVMe slots for caching
Cons:- Higher price point for advanced features
- Setup can be complex for novices
- More than needed for straightforward storage needs
Best for: Small businesses with technical staff seeking virtualization, intensive data processing, and expandability
Not ideal for: Less experienced users or small teams needing quick setup and simple file sharing
- Processor:Quad-core AMD Ryzen V1500B 2.2 GHz
- RAM:8GB DDR4 (expandable to 64GB)
- Drive Bays:4
- Network Ports:2 x 2.5GbE
- SSD Slots:2 M.2 PCIe Gen 3 NVMe
- USB Ports:Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2
Our verdict“Ideal for small businesses that demand high performance, virtualization, and future expandability with technical know-how.”
Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ AS6704T v2 4-Bay NAS
The Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ provides a compelling mix of media features, with dual 5GbE ports, support for both SATA and NVMe SSDs, and hardware 4K transcoding. Compared with the Synology DS423, it offers more hardware acceleration options and HDMI output, making it ideal for media streaming or content creation in small business environments. Its support for hybrid storage allows flexible configurations, but the diskless setup requires users to purchase drives separately, and RAM upgrades are capped at 16GB, limiting future scalability. Its HDMI output and transcoding support make it well-suited for multimedia-heavy workflows, although setup can be more complicated for beginners. This NAS excels in media-rich environments where real-time transcoding and local output matter.
Pros:- Supports SATA and NVMe SSDs for hybrid storage
- Hardware 4K transcoding with HDMI output
- Dual 5GbE ports for fast data transfer
Cons:- Diskless, requires separate drive purchase
- Maximum RAM limited to 16GB
- Setup complexity for less technical users
Best for: Small businesses or content creators needing media streaming, 4K transcoding, and hybrid storage options
Not ideal for: Organizations seeking simple, plug-and-play data backup or surveillance solutions
- Processor:Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core
- Memory:4GB DDR4, expandable to 16GB
- Storage Bays:4
- Network Connectivity:Dual 5GbE ports
- SSD Slots:4 M.2 NVMe
- Video Output:HDMI
Our verdict“A prime choice for media-focused small businesses with multimedia streaming and transcoding needs.”
Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 AS6804T 4-Bay NAS, AMD Ryzen 3.8GHz Quad-Core, 16GB ECC DDR5, Dual 5GbE & 10GbE, Diskless
The Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 stands out for its potent combination of a powerful AMD Ryzen quad-core processor and 16GB ECC DDR5 memory, making it well-suited for demanding tasks like video editing or virtualization. Compared with the TERRAMASTER F4-424 Pro, it offers higher raw processing power and faster network options, but this comes with a larger, less space-friendly footprint and a more complex setup. The dual 5GbE & 10GbE ports ensure rapid data transfers, making it ideal for small businesses that need high throughput. However, since it ships diskless, users must invest in drives separately, and its larger size may pose challenges for tight spaces. This NAS is best suited for tech-savvy teams needing robust performance and expansion options, though less so for those seeking a straightforward, plug-and-play experience.
Pros:- Powerful AMD Ryzen quad-core processor for demanding workloads
- Large 16GB ECC DDR5 memory enhances stability and multitasking
- Multiple M.2 NVMe slots for high-speed storage expansion
- Dual 5GbE & 10GbE ports enable fast network connectivity
Cons:- Diskless configuration requires separate purchase of drives
- Bulkier design may be unsuitable for small or cluttered spaces
- Setup can be complex for less experienced users
Best for: Small businesses with IT resources that require high performance, virtualization, or video editing capabilities.
Not ideal for: Small offices with limited space or users seeking an out-of-the-box simple setup without additional hardware investment.
- Processor:AMD Ryzen 3.8 GHz Quad-Core
- Memory:16 GB DDR5 ECC
- Network:Dual 5GbE & 10GbE
- Storage Bays:4
- Operating System:ASUSTOR Data Master (ADM)
- Form Factor:Black, 7.28 x 6.69 x 9.06 inches
Our verdict“Best suited for small businesses needing high-performance, expandable NAS with advanced connectivity options and tech-savvy users.”
TERRAMASTER F4-424 Pro NAS 4-Bay, Core i3-N305 8-Core, 32GB DDR5 (Diskless)
The TERRAMASTER F4-424 Pro offers a compelling balance of performance and cost, featuring an 8-core Intel Core i3-N305 CPU and 32GB DDR5 RAM. Its high-performance hardware makes it a strong competitor to the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3, especially for users who prioritize processing power over the latest network speeds. The dual 2.5G Ethernet ports provide fast connectivity, and the easy-to-install SSD slots simplify storage upgrades. However, it’s important to note that the diskless setup means additional drive purchases are necessary, and the locked-in RAM limits future upgrades. Its slightly noisier operation can be a concern for quiet office environments. This NAS makes the most sense for small to medium-sized businesses that want solid performance and flexible RAID options at a more accessible price point, though it may fall short for those needing the highest network speeds or future scalability.
Pros:- Powerful 8-core Intel Core i3-N305 CPU handles multitasking efficiently
- Generous 32GB DDR5 RAM supports heavy workloads and multiple users
- Easy SSD installation with tool-free design
- Multiple RAID options and comprehensive backup solutions
Cons:- Requires purchasing drives separately, increasing initial cost
- Non-upgradable RAM limits future expansion
- Potential noise levels may be unsuitable for quiet environments
Best for: Small to medium businesses looking for reliable, high-performance storage with room for future upgrades and flexible RAID options.
Not ideal for: Organizations that need the absolute fastest network speeds or plan to upgrade RAM later, since this model’s RAM is non-upgradable.
- Processor:Core i3-N305 8-core 3.8GHz
- Memory:32GB DDR5
- Ethernet:Dual 2.5G
- Storage Bays:4
- RAID Support:RAID 0/1/5/6/10/JBOD/Single
- Form Factor:Diskless
Our verdict“A smart choice for small businesses that prioritize raw processing power and expandability without high network speed demands.”
Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS1204T 4-Bay NAS
The Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 offers a straightforward, budget-friendly solution for small offices or home-based businesses, featuring a quad-core 1.7GHz processor and 2.5GbE network port. Its simple setup and support for multiple RAID configurations make it suitable for light to moderate data sharing and media streaming. Compared with the Lockerstor 4 Gen3, it sacrifices processing power and faster network options for affordability and ease of use, but this means it may struggle under heavy multitasking or large file transfers. Limited to 1GB RAM, performance could slow down when multiple users operate simultaneously. It’s ideal for users who need a reliable, no-fuss NAS for basic backups, file sharing, and media streaming, but less so for demanding workloads or virtualization.
Pros:- Affordable price point for basic NAS needs
- Supports multiple RAID configurations for data redundancy
- High-speed 2.5GbE network enhances transfer speeds
- Supports 4K media streaming for multimedia use
Cons:- No included hard drives, diskless setup requires additional investment
- Limited 1GB RAM may hinder multitasking and heavy use
- Lower processing power compared to higher-end models
Best for: Small office or home users needing reliable storage for backups and media streaming without complex configuration.
Not ideal for: Businesses with higher data processing needs or those requiring rapid file transfers and advanced features, due to its limited RAM and slower processor.
- Processor:Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz Quad-Core
- RAM:1GB DDR4
- Network:2.5GbE
- Drive Bays:4
- Media Streaming:Supports 4K
- Form Factor:Desktop
Our verdict“A practical option for small offices or home users prioritizing affordability and simple media sharing over high-end performance.”
How We Picked
To determine the best 4 bay NAS for small business, I evaluated each model based on performance, ease of use, build quality, expandability, and value for money. I focused on products that strike a balance between affordability and features, ensuring they are suitable for small teams without extensive IT support. The ranking emphasizes versatility—whether for backups, file sharing, or surveillance—and considers future-proofing features like network ports and processor power. Price was a factor, but hardware quality and software ecosystem compatibility held more weight to recommend models that deliver consistent, reliable performance over time.| 4 bay NAS for small business | Processor |
|---|---|
| Synology DS423 4-Bay Diskless | — |
| UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS | — |
| QNAP TS-464eU 4-Bay 1U Short D | — |
| QNAP TS-473A 4-Bay Desktop NAS | Quad-core AMD Ryzen V1500B 2.2 GHz |
| Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ AS6 | Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core |
| Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 AS68 | AMD Ryzen 3.8 GHz Quad-Core |
| TERRAMASTER F4-424 Pro NAS 4-B | Core i3-N305 8-core 3.8GHz |
| Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS12 | Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz Quad-Core |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best 4 Bay NAS For Small Business
Choosing the right 4 bay NAS for your small business requires understanding key factors beyond just the hardware specs. You need to consider how the NAS will fit into your workflow, scalability needs, and future growth plans. A well-chosen NAS can streamline backups, facilitate collaboration, and even support surveillance, but a poor fit could lead to wasted money and frustration. Here are the main factors to keep in mind when selecting the best model for your specific needs.Performance and Processor Power
For small businesses handling large files, running multiple applications, or planning to expand, processor speed and RAM are vital. A more powerful CPU, like an AMD Ryzen or Intel Core, can handle demanding tasks without slowdown. Conversely, if your primary needs are simple backups and file sharing, a lower-tier processor will suffice and save costs. Consider your current workload and future needs when evaluating performance specs.
Network Connectivity and Ports
Multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, especially 10GbE, can significantly improve data transfer speeds and network resilience. If your team collaborates over large files or uses network-intensive applications, investing in a NAS with dual or multi-gig ports makes sense. For smaller setups with less network traffic, a single port might be adequate, but future-proofing with higher bandwidth options can prevent bottlenecks down the line.
Ease of Use and Software Ecosystem
User-friendly interfaces and robust software support matter greatly for small teams without dedicated IT staff. Synology’s DSM and QNAP’s QTS are popular for their intuitive design and extensive app stores. A good NAS should simplify setup, updates, and management, reducing the need for technical expertise. Be cautious of overly complex interfaces that could slow down daily operations.
Expandability and Future-Proofing
Look for models with support for RAM upgrades or additional network ports. Some NAS units also support external expansion via USB or PCIe slots. If your business plans to grow or expects increased storage needs, choosing a scalable model prevents early obsolescence. Keep in mind that a more expandable NAS might come at a higher initial price but saves money long term.
Price and Total Cost of Ownership
Many NAS devices are sold diskless, so consider the cost of drives separately. Budget models might seem attractive initially but could lack performance or features needed for business use. Conversely, premium options tend to include better hardware and software but at a higher upfront cost. Evaluate your total budget, including drives, maintenance, and potential upgrades, to find the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy a NAS with pre-installed drives?
Pre-installed drives can save time and simplify setup, but they often come at a premium and may limit your choice of storage capacity or brand. Buying a diskless NAS allows you to select drives tailored to your needs and budget, offering more flexibility. This approach is generally preferred for small businesses that want to optimize costs and customize their storage setup.
How important are multi-gig ports for a small business NAS?
Multi-gig ports, like 10GbE, are increasingly valuable as data transfer demands grow. They provide faster backups, smoother remote access, and better support for high-speed networks, especially if multiple users access large files simultaneously. While not essential for very small teams or light workloads, investing in multi-gig ports future-proofs your setup and can improve overall efficiency.
Should I prioritize CPU power over storage capacity?
Definitely, as the CPU determines how well your NAS handles tasks like media streaming, backups, or virtualization. Storage capacity is important, but it’s often easier and cheaper to expand with external drives or network storage. For most small businesses, a balanced approach—adequate CPU for performance and sufficient storage—is best to avoid bottlenecks and future upgrades.
Are warranty and support worth paying extra for?
Yes, especially for business-critical systems. Reliable warranty and responsive support can save a lot of headaches if hardware fails or issues arise. Premium support options often include faster repairs, remote assistance, and extended coverage, which can be worth the investment for peace of mind and minimizing downtime.
Is it worth investing in a higher-end NAS if I have a small team?
It depends on your workload and growth plans. If your team handles large files, collaborates heavily, or plans to expand, a higher-end model offers better performance, more features, and future scalability. For very basic needs, a more affordable, entry-level NAS might suffice, but investing a bit more can prevent needing an upgrade soon after.
Conclusion
For small businesses prioritizing overall reliability and user experience, the Synology DS423 remains the best choice thanks to its versatile software ecosystem and ease of use. Those seeking high performance and expansion options should consider the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 for its powerful hardware. Budget-conscious buyers will find the TERRAMASTER F4-424 offers solid value without sacrificing essential features. Beginners or less tech-savvy users will appreciate models with straightforward setups, like the Asustor Drivestor 4. Ultimately, your choice hinges on your specific needs regarding performance, scalability, and budget.Halloween Picks
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