Network-attached storage (NAS) is a file-level storage system that makes stored data more accessible to networked devices. This makes managing, editing, and sharing large video files much easier for video editors and production teams.
After extensive research on the latest NAS systems on the market, here are the top 5 best NAS options for video editing in 2023:
1. Synology DS1621+ (Best Overall)
The Synology DS1621+ is our pick for the best overall NAS for video editing. This 6-bay NAS comes equipped with a powerful AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core processor and supports up to 32GB of DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 64GB).
It has two 1GbE LAN ports that can be linked for improved throughput and comes with built-in M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching. The combination of high processing power, large memory capacity, and SSD caching makes the Synology DS1621+ a perfect choice for 4K and 6K multi-stream video editing.
The DS1621+ runs the intuitive DSM operating system, allowing easy setup of RAID configurations, media streaming, surveillance, and backup solutions. It also supports comprehensive business applications for collaboration and automation.
With support for up to 144 TB of storage using 16TB hard drives, the DS1621+ has all the muscle and capacity video editors need for storing large media files and project archives.
Key Features:
- Powerful quad-core AMD processor
- Up to 64GB DDR4 ECC memory
- M.2 NVMe SSD caching
- Link aggregation enabled LAN ports
- Intuitive DSM operating system
- Up to 144TB storage capacity
Buy the Synology DS1621+ on Amazon
2. QNAP TS-h886XU-RP (Best Performance)
If you need raw power for editing and transcoding ultra high-resolution 6K or 8K video, the QNAP TS-h886XU-RP is an excellent choice. It features an Intel i5-1135G7 quad-core processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics, allowing complex video editing tasks to be hardware accelerated for maximum performance.
This powerful NAS comes equipped with 8GB DDR4 memory, upgradable to 64GB. It has two 10GbE SFP+ and two 2.5GbE ports, providing extremely fast networked storage speeds. There’s also an HDMI output, allowing it to directly connect to a monitor for convenience.
With its eight drive bays and support for SSD caching, the TS-h886XU-RP can easily handle the most demanding video editing workloads. It makes an ideal collaboration platform for creative teams working with high-res RAW video in formats like RED or Blackmagic RAW.
Key Features:
- Intel i5-1135G7 quad-core CPU
- Intel Iris Xe graphics acceleration
- 8GB DDR4 RAM (up to 64GB)
- 10GbE/2.5GbE network ports
- 8 drive bays with SSD caching
- HDMI monitor output
Buy the QNAP TS-h886XU-RP on Amazon
3. Synology RS3621xs+ (Best for Teams)
For video production teams that need to collaborate on editing projects, the Synology RS3621xs+ is an exceptional 12-bay NAS solution. It comes equipped with a powerful Ryzen V1300B quad-core processor, 16GB DDR4 ECC memory (upgradable to 32GB), and dedicated caching network ports.
The RS3621xs+ supports linking its dual 10GbE ports for high-speed connectivity so multiple high-bitrate 4K or 8K video editors can access the storage simultaneously. It also allows setting up backup power supplies and 10GbE network cards for maximum uptime.
This rackmount NAS integrates beautifully with creative suites like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve Studio through Synology’s DSM operating system. It also handles active archiving, media asset management, automation through web APIs, and full system backups seamlessly.
If your video production house needs secure, high-speed collaborative editing storage, the RS3621xs+ fits the bill perfectly.
Key Features:
- Ryzen V1300B quad-core CPU
- 16GB DDR4 ECC RAM (up to 32GB)
- 12 drive bays with expansion units
- Dual 10GbE ports support link aggregation
- Backup power supplies supported
- Optimized for Adobe and DaVinci creative suites
Buy the Synology RS3621xs+ on Amazon
4. TerraMaster F5-422 (Best 5-Bay NAS)
The TerraMaster F5-422 is an excellent mid-range 5-bay NAS for professional and hobbyist video editors on a budget. It comes equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB DDR4 memory, and five removable drive trays.
This versatile NAS supports up to 80 TB of storage across the five bays when loaded with 16TB hard drives. Two 1GbE LAN ports allow for network link aggregation for improved speeds. There’s also USB 3.2 ports for attaching external drives for added capacity or backups.
The F5-422 runs TOS, TerraMaster’s user-friendly NAS operating system. TOS makes it easy to configure RAID, set up shared folders, enable media streaming, and manage external USB storage. There’s also support for hosting websites, automating downloads, and running virtual machines.
With its competitive price point, good performance specifications, and easy-to-use OS, the TerraMaster F5-422 brings excellent value for video editors searching for capable networked storage on a budget.
Key Features:
- Intel Celeron quad-core CPU
- 4GB DDR4 memory
- 5 drive bays with up to 80TB storage
- 2 x 1GbE LAN ports
- USB 3.2 peripheral connectivity
- User-friendly TOS operating system
Buy the TerraMaster F5-422 on Amazon
5. QNAP TR-002 (Best Direct Attached Storage)
While the previous NAS options operate over a network, the QNAP TR-002 is a DAS (Direct Attached Storage) enclosure that connects directly to your computer using a USB connection for ultra-fast access.
This compact 2-bay enclosure features USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity with speeds up to 10Gbps. It supports two 3.5” SATA drives with up to 32TB total storage when loaded with two 16TB hard drives. There’s also a hardware RAID controller, allowing you to configure RAID 0 or 1 for performance or redundancy.
The TR-002 is an excellent DAS solution for small video editing teams that don’t need full NAS capabilities but require fast directly-connected storage. It works with both Windows and macOS and can save projects locally while handling backups to another device.
With its high-speed connectivity, hardware RAID support, and widely compatible design, the TR-002 is a great choice for video editors that need an expandable direct attached storage solution.
Key Features:
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds up to 10Gbps
- 2 x 3.5” SATA drive bays
- Supports up to 32TB storage capacity
- Hardware RAID controller
- Compact and portable enclosure
- Works with Windows and macOS
How to Choose the Best NAS for Video Editing
When selecting the right networked storage solution for your video editing needs, there are several key factors to consider:
Storage Capacity – Make sure to choose a NAS with enough drive bays and maximum supported storage to hold all your current footage plus future growth. Go with 6+ bays if possible.
Processor & RAM – A more powerful CPU with higher core/thread count combined with more RAM will better handle 4K/6K video editing and multi-tasking.
Drive Types Supported – Look for a NAS that supports both 3.5” HDDs for bulk capacity and 2.5" SSDs for caching/performance. Many models also support M.2 NVMe SSDs.
RAID Support – RAID 5 or 6 is ideal for both redundancy and performance. Also check for built-in hardware or software RAID controllers.
Network Connectivity – Multiple 1GbE ports that support link aggregation are great. 10GbE SFP+ ports are better for high-resolution multi-editor workflows.
Operating System – Choose a user-friendly OS like Synology DSM, QNAP QTS, or Asustor ADM that make storage management and app integration no hassle.
Budget – How much you can spend will likely determine which video editing NAS solution is right for you. Balance cost with essential features and scalability.
Usage Type – Are you a solo creator, small team, or large production house? This impacts your storage, connectivity, and functional requirements.
Final Thoughts
Adding a quality NAS device to your video editing workflow enables centralized storage for simpler media asset management. Network-attached storage solutions make it easy to collaborate with teams, organize vast libraries of footage, and expand your storage capacity on-demand.
Hopefully these NAS recommendations and the buying considerations provide a great starting point to find the ideal networked storage system for your unique video editing needs and budget.
