When choosing a NAS for small business backup, you need a reliable, scalable, and easy-to-manage storage solution. The Synology DS725+ stands out as the overall best, offering expandability and robust performance. For those on a tighter budget, the UGREEN NAS DXP8800 provides ample capacity and features suitable for larger teams. The main tradeoffs involve balancing cost, ease of use, expandability, and performance. Continue reading to see a detailed breakdown of these options and find the best fit for your business needs.
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Key Takeaways
- Top NAS options balance expandability with ease of setup, especially for growing small businesses.
- High-performance CPUs like Intel or AMD significantly improve handling multiple users and backups.
- Diskless models offer flexibility but require careful selection of compatible drives and setup effort.
- More bays generally mean better scalability but add complexity and cost.
- Features like integrated surveillance, media servers, and cloud integration influence value depending on business priorities.
| Synology DS725+ Expandable NAS Storage – 2-Bay Diskless Private Cloud for Home and Small Business |  | Best Overall for Growing Small Businesses | Number of Bays: 2 (diskless) | Maximum Capacity: up to 140TB with expansion | Supported Drives: HDDs and SSDs | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Synology DS223 Home & Office 2-Bay Diskless NAS |  | Best for Entry-Level Home & Small Office Users | Number of Bays: 2 | Warranty: 2 years | Item Type: NAS | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Synology DS124 Personal Backup & File Hub – 1-Bay Diskless NAS |  | Best for Personal Backup and Security | Number of Bays: 1 | Type: Diskless NAS | Features: Backup, File Sharing, Home Security | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN NAS DXP2800 2-Bay Network Attached Storage for Advanced Home Users, Creators & Media Servers |  | Best for Tech-Savvy Creators and Media Enthusiasts | Digital Storage Capacity: 80 TB | Hard Disk Interface: SATA | Connectivity Technology: SATA | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless) |  | Best Budget Private Cloud for Small Teams | Storage Bays: 2 | Type: Diskless | Warranty: 2 years | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Synology DS225+ Private Cloud Media Server – 2-Bay Diskless NAS with Intel CPU |  | Best for Media Streaming and Personal Cloud Building | Model: DS225+ | Type: Private Cloud Media Server | Number of Bays: 2 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Synology DS423 4-Bay Diskless NAS for Backup, File Sharing, and Surveillance |  | Best for Small-Scale Data Security and Surveillance | Number of Bays: 4 | Type: Diskless NAS | Features: Private cloud, data backup, video surveillance | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN NAS DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay for Business, IT Teams & Large Studios |  | Best for Large-Scale Business Storage and High Performance | Digital Storage Capacity: 272 TB | Processor: 12th Gen, 10-core Intel Core i5 | RAM: 8GB DDR5 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN NAS DH2300 2-Bay Personal Storage for Beginners & Backup |  | Best for Entry-Level Personal Backup and Easy Use | Capacity: Up to 64TB | Processor: High-performance | Memory: 4GB RAM | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| nas for small business backup | Warranty | Number of Bays |
|---|---|---|
| Synology DS725+ Expandable NAS | 3 years | 2 (diskless) |
| Synology DS223 Home & Office 2 | 2 years | 2 |
| Synology DS124 Personal Backup | 2 years | 1 |
| UGREEN NAS DXP2800 2-Bay Netwo | — | — |
| Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS2 | 2 years | — |
| Synology DS225+ Private Cloud | 3 years | 2 |
| Synology DS423 4-Bay Diskless | 2 years | 4 |
| UGREEN NAS DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay | — | — |
| UGREEN NAS DH2300 2-Bay Person | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Synology DS725+ Expandable NAS Storage – 2-Bay Diskless Private Cloud for Home and Small Business
The Synology DS725+ stands out for its impressive scalability, supporting up to 140TB with the DX525 expansion. Compared with the Synology DS223, it offers more advanced features like RAID redundancy, snapshots, and multi-site surveillance, making it ideal for businesses with expanding data needs. However, its complexity and need for an additional expansion unit mean it’s less suited to beginners or very small setups. This model is perfect for small businesses that anticipate growth and want a robust, flexible storage solution without sacrificing data protection or surveillance capabilities.
Pros:- Expandable storage up to 140TB with an additional DX525 unit
- Supports RAID, snapshots, and multi-site backups for data security
- Includes surveillance features for remote monitoring
Cons:- Requires purchase of DX525 expansion for full capacity benefits
- May be complex for users unfamiliar with NAS management
Best for: Small businesses planning for future growth and needing high-capacity, multi-layered data protection
Not ideal for: Small operations with minimal data needs or limited technical expertise, due to its setup complexity
- Number of Bays:2 (diskless)
- Maximum Capacity:up to 140TB with expansion
- Supported Drives:HDDs and SSDs
- Features:RAID redundancy, snapshots, multi-site surveillance
- Expansion Support:DX525 expansion unit
- Warranty:3 years
Our verdict“This NAS is best suited for growing small businesses that need a flexible, scalable, and secure storage solution.”
Synology DS223 Home & Office 2-Bay Diskless NAS
The Synology DS223 offers a straightforward solution for users seeking reliable data sharing and backup at home or small offices. Compared to the DS725+, it lacks expansion options and advanced surveillance features but compensates with simpler setup and lower cost. Its two bays mean limited scalability, making it less suitable for businesses with growing storage needs. This model is ideal for users wanting an easy-to-use, secure, and affordable NAS for basic file sharing, backup, and remote access.
Pros:- Easy to set up and operate for non-technical users
- Supports private cloud and remote access
- Includes basic surveillance features
Cons:- No pre-installed drives, so additional purchase needed
- Limited performance for high-demand tasks
Best for: Home users or small office teams needing uncomplicated storage and backup
Not ideal for: Growing businesses with increasing storage demands or surveillance needs
- Number of Bays:2
- Warranty:2 years
- Item Type:NAS
Our verdict“This NAS makes sense for small setups prioritizing simplicity and affordability over scalability or advanced features.”
Synology DS124 Personal Backup & File Hub – 1-Bay Diskless NAS
The Synology DS124 is tailored for individuals or small households needing a dedicated backup device. Unlike the larger DS725+ or DS223, its single bay limits scalability but excels at providing automatic backups, remote file access, and AI-driven surveillance in a compact package. Its reliance on separate drives makes initial setup more involved, but it offers full data ownership without subscription fees. This pick is perfect for personal use, offering robust security and backup features in a minimal footprint.
Pros:- Automatic backup for multiple devices
- Secure remote file access
- AI-powered home surveillance
Cons:- Requires own hard drive to operate
- Limited to 1 bay, restricting scalability
Best for: Personal users seeking a dedicated, secure backup and surveillance device
Not ideal for: Small businesses or households needing larger or scalable storage solutions
- Number of Bays:1
- Type:Diskless NAS
- Features:Backup, File Sharing, Home Security
- Warranty:2 years
Our verdict“This NAS suits individuals wanting reliable, self-contained backup and security without complexity or expansion needs.”
UGREEN NAS DXP2800 2-Bay Network Attached Storage for Advanced Home Users, Creators & Media Servers
The UGREEN DXP2800 targets advanced users who demand high performance and multimedia capabilities. Its powerful hardware, including an Intel N100 CPU and 8GB RAM, supports demanding workloads, unlike the simpler DS223. It offers up to 80TB of storage through two bays and includes AI-powered surveillance, perfect for content creators or media servers. However, the need to purchase drives separately and its limited bays mean it’s less adaptable for larger storage requirements. This device is ideal for tech-savvy users needing high-speed, multimedia, and surveillance features in one package.
Pros:- Powerful hardware with Intel N100 CPU and 8GB RAM
- Supports up to 80TB storage with dual bays and M.2 slots
- AI-powered surveillance with face, pet, and people recognition
Cons:- Requires separate purchase of drives
- Limited to 2 bays, restricting large-scale storage expansion
Best for: Content creators or media professionals requiring high-performance storage and surveillance
Not ideal for: Small offices or users with basic backup needs or limited budget
- Digital Storage Capacity:80 TB
- Hard Disk Interface:SATA
- Connectivity Technology:SATA
- Hardware Platform:x86
- Installation Type:Internal Hard Drive
- Color:Grey
Our verdict“This NAS is suited for experienced users needing high performance, multimedia, and surveillance in one device.”
Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless)
The Synology DS223j offers a balanced option for users who want private cloud storage with essential backup and security features. It’s similar to the DS223 but emphasizes security and automated backups for multiple devices. Its two bays provide moderate expandability but still require users to add drives, which can be a barrier for complete beginners. While it may not handle high-demand or large-scale setups, it delivers reliable, secure storage for users who prioritize cost-effectiveness and straightforward management.
Pros:- Secure private cloud with multi-platform access
- Automated backups for multiple devices
- Supports remote monitoring with IP cameras
Cons:- Requires additional disks for storage
- Limited scalability with only 2 bays
Best for: Small teams or individuals seeking secure, automated backup with simple remote access
Not ideal for: Users needing large storage capacity or high-performance features
- Storage Bays:2
- Type:Diskless
- Warranty:2 years
Our verdict“This NAS is ideal for small-scale private cloud and backup needs with emphasis on security and ease of use.”
Synology DS225+ Private Cloud Media Server – 2-Bay Diskless NAS with Intel CPU
The Synology DS225+ stands out for users wanting to create a private media library with 4K streaming capabilities, surpassing the basic file sharing of the DS423. Its Intel CPU and fast transfer speeds make media access smooth, but the diskless design means you’ll need to buy drives separately, increasing initial cost. Unlike the DS423, which emphasizes data protection and surveillance, the DS225+ focuses more on media and personal cloud functions, making it ideal for media enthusiasts. However, the limited 2-bay capacity and the need for some technical setup may make it less appealing for those seeking a plug-and-play solution or large storage pools.
Pros:- Supports 4K media streaming to multiple devices
- Multi-layered data protection including RAID and snapshots
- Enables secure remote access and smart home integration
Cons:- Requires technical knowledge for optimal setup
- Additional cost for hard drives due to diskless design
Best for: Small business owners or professionals who want a private media server and secure remote access without extensive storage needs.
Not ideal for: Businesses requiring large-scale storage or integrated surveillance, as its 2-bay limit restricts capacity and it lacks built-in security features for surveillance.
- Model:DS225+
- Type:Private Cloud Media Server
- Number of Bays:2
- CPU:Intel
- Connectivity:Ethernet
- Transfer Speed:282 MB/s
- Warranty:3 years
Our verdict“This NAS is best suited for users prioritizing media streaming and personal cloud features over large storage capacity.”
Synology DS423 4-Bay Diskless NAS for Backup, File Sharing, and Surveillance
The Synology DS423 offers a significant upgrade over the DS225+ with 4 bays, making it more suitable for small businesses needing increased storage and surveillance support. Its support for up to 30 IP cameras and comprehensive data protection features make it ideal for businesses with surveillance needs, but the necessity of purchasing separate camera licenses and drives can add to costs. Compared to the DS225+, it provides more storage flexibility and security, though it demands more technical setup and investment upfront. For those seeking an all-in-one backup and surveillance platform, the DS423 balances capacity and protection, but less tech-savvy users might find it complex to configure.
Pros:- Supports up to 30 IP cameras with optional licenses
- Robust data protection with snapshots and multi-destination backup
- Private cloud access for remote file sharing
Cons:- Additional cost for camera licenses and drives
- Requires technical expertise to set up and manage
Best for: Small businesses requiring secure file sharing, data backup, and surveillance in a cost-effective, scalable setup.
Not ideal for: Businesses needing plug-and-play simplicity or those with limited technical resources, due to its advanced features and licensing costs.
- Number of Bays:4
- Type:Diskless NAS
- Features:Private cloud, data backup, video surveillance
- Warranty:2 years
- Supports Cameras:Up to 30
- Supports Drives:No drives included
Our verdict“This NAS fits small businesses looking for a versatile solution combining backup, file sharing, and surveillance, provided they can handle technical setup and costs.”
UGREEN NAS DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay for Business, IT Teams & Large Studios
The UGREEN NAS DXP8800 Plus is designed for demanding business environments, offering massive capacity up to 272TB and high-speed transfer via dual 10GbE ports. Its powerful Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB DDR5 RAM support intensive workloads and multiple users, surpassing the capabilities of smaller NAS like the DS423 or DS225+. However, the need to purchase drives separately and the complex setup process make it less suitable for small or less technical teams. It’s best for large organizations or studios that require scalable, high-performance storage and are prepared for the initial investment and configuration effort.
Pros:- Massive storage capacity up to 272TB
- High-speed data transfer with dual 10GbE ports
- Supports multiple RAID configurations for data safety
Cons:- Drives sold separately, increasing upfront costs
- Complex setup requiring technical knowledge
Best for: Large businesses, media studios, or IT teams managing extensive data and requiring fast, scalable storage solutions.
Not ideal for: Small businesses or individuals seeking simple, inexpensive backup solutions with minimal setup or drive costs.
- Digital Storage Capacity:272 TB
- Processor:12th Gen, 10-core Intel Core i5
- RAM:8GB DDR5
- Network Ports:2x 10GbE Ethernet
- Maximum Transfer Speed:2500 MB/s
- Supported RAID Levels:JBOD, Basic, RAID0, RAID1, RAID5, RAID6, RAID10
Our verdict“This NAS is ideal for large-scale operations needing high-capacity, high-performance storage with advanced features, assuming technical expertise and budget are available.”
UGREEN NAS DH2300 2-Bay Personal Storage for Beginners & Backup
The UGREEN NAS DH2300 offers a straightforward, affordable entry point for personal or small-scale backup, with simple setup and AI-supported organization. Its 2-bay design and 4GB RAM make it suitable for backing up photos, videos, and documents across multiple devices, making it ideal for individual users or small teams with basic needs. Compared to the more feature-rich DS423 or the media-centered DS225+, this model emphasizes ease of use and security over advanced capabilities like surveillance or high performance. However, the lack of Wi-Fi support and no support for virtual machines limit its flexibility for more advanced users or remote setups.
Pros:- Easy to set up and use for beginners
- Supports automatic backups and AI photo organization
- Strong security features including RAID and two-factor authentication
Cons:- No Wi-Fi support without external adapter
- Limited to personal or basic backup tasks, not enterprise-ready
Best for: Individuals or small teams seeking easy, secure backup with minimal technical fuss and moderate capacity needs.
Not ideal for: Businesses with high storage demands or requiring advanced features like surveillance or virtualization, due to its limited scalability and features.
- Capacity:Up to 64TB
- Processor:High-performance
- Memory:4GB RAM
- Network:1GbE port
- File Transfer Speed:125MB/s
- Security:RAID, two-factor authentication
Our verdict“This NAS is perfect for newcomers and small users prioritizing simple, secure backup without complex features or high capacity requirements.”
How We Picked
Products were evaluated based on performance, ease of setup, expandability, build quality, and value. We prioritized models that offer a good balance between affordability and features crucial for small business backup, such as reliable data protection, user management, and scalability. Our ranking considers user-friendliness for non-experts, potential for future growth, and hardware durability. This approach ensures that each option provides a clear role, whether for simple backups or more advanced data management needs.Factors to Consider When Choosing Nas For Small Business Backup
Choosing the right NAS for small business backup requires evaluating several key factors beyond just initial price. Understanding your current data needs, future growth plans, and technical skills helps identify the best fit. It’s also important to consider expandability, performance, and added features that enhance productivity and security. This guide covers the most important considerations to help you navigate these choices wisely.Capacity and Scalability
Start by estimating your current storage needs, then consider future growth. NAS with more bays or the ability to add drives later can save costs and hassle down the line. Avoid models that seem sufficient now but lack upgrade options, especially if your data volume is expected to increase quickly.
Performance and Hardware
Look for models with capable processors and sufficient RAM to handle multiple backup tasks simultaneously. A faster CPU and SSD cache can significantly reduce backup times and improve overall responsiveness, especially if you plan to run additional services like media servers or surveillance.
Ease of Use and Management
User-friendly interfaces and straightforward setup are key for small teams without dedicated IT staff. Consider models with intuitive apps and management tools, and weigh the benefits of pre-installed operating systems versus custom setups, depending on your technical expertise.
Security and Data Protection
Features like RAID configurations, automatic backups, encryption, and remote access controls protect your data from loss and unauthorized access. Avoid NAS that lack robust security features if sensitive information is stored or compliance is required.
Cost and Total Value
Balance initial costs with long-term value. Cheaper models may lack necessary features or scalability, leading to higher costs later. Investing in a slightly more expensive model with better hardware and expandability can reduce total ownership costs and improve reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a consumer-grade NAS for small business backup?
While consumer-grade NAS devices can work for small-scale backups, they often lack the durability, security features, and scalability needed for business environments. Business models typically include better hardware, RAID options, and management tools, which are essential for protecting critical data. Using a consumer device may save money initially but could lead to higher costs and risks as your data needs grow.
What is the importance of expandability in a NAS for my business?
Expandability allows your NAS to grow with your business by adding more drives or upgrading hardware without replacing the entire device. This flexibility can be cost-effective and reduces downtime. If you anticipate data growth, choosing a model with multiple bays or the ability to attach expansion units is a wise investment, preventing the need for frequent replacements.
How much performance do I need for regular backups?
For typical small business backups, a NAS with a quad-core processor and at least 4GB of RAM provides a good balance of speed and reliability. If your backups include large files, media, or multiple users accessing simultaneously, opting for faster CPUs or models with SSD caching can significantly cut down backup and restore times, making your workflow smoother.
Is it worth paying more for a NAS with surveillance features?
If your business requires security cameras or video surveillance, investing in a NAS with built-in surveillance management can streamline your security setup. These models often include compatible apps, dedicated storage for video feeds, and simplified management. However, if surveillance is not a priority, choosing a dedicated storage-focused NAS can save costs while still delivering reliable backup performance.
Should I prioritize hardware over software features?
Both hardware and software features are important, but hardware often forms the backbone of reliable backups. A fast processor, sufficient RAM, and quality drives ensure your NAS performs efficiently. At the same time, software features like automated backups, remote access, and security settings enhance usability and safety. Balancing both aspects based on your specific needs will lead to a more effective solution.
Conclusion
For small businesses seeking a reliable, scalable backup solution, the Synology DS725+ remains the best overall choice, offering expandability and strong performance. Those on a tighter budget or with simpler needs might find the UGREEN NAS DH2300 or UGREEN NAS DXP8800 to be excellent value options. For users new to NAS, models like the Synology DS223 provide intuitive management. Larger teams or those with future growth in mind should consider models with more bays, like the Synology DS423 or UGREEN’s 8-bay solutions, to avoid replacing hardware later. Ultimately, matching your specific needs—whether ease of use, capacity, or advanced features—will guide the best choice.
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