Best NAS for Plex 2024

The greatest NAS for Plex ought to allow you to stream your media assortment to all related gadgets in your house. Plex is a terrific platform that allows you to handle your media library with ease, and the service has a ton of helpful extras on the subject of video playback. The better part is that the Plex shopper is obtainable on nearly each platform, making it easy to stream your content material. And you need not pay something to get began. 

Plex has a paid tier referred to as Plex Pass that provides you a ton of further options, together with the power to make use of {hardware} transcoding. If you may have lots of older media that must be transcoded earlier than being performed again on TVs or telephones, it’s possible you’ll wish to go this route. But for a majority of customers, the free Plex media server goes to be greater than satisfactory. 

You can do loads of different issues with a NAS, together with backing up images and movies from your entire telephones, organising digital machines, accessing highly effective productiveness software program that does not want any month-to-month charge, and an entire lot extra. NAS servers designed for Plex are likely to have highly effective {hardware} usually, unlocking a set of engaging use circumstances along with streaming media. I examined dozens of NAS fashions during the last three years, and these are the most effective Plex NAS servers you should buy at the moment.

Note from the editor: the subsequent Amazon Big Deal Days sale begins October eighth, so when you’re hoping to avoid wasting money on a storage gadget, try our information to the greatest October Prime Day NAS offers of 2024 and see what’s obtainable. 

At a look

Best general

If you are new to Plex and simply desire a NAS that allows you to stream your media assortment, you need to get the DiskStation DS224+. The NAS has two drive bays, is powered by Intel’s dependable Celeron J4125 platform, and comes with 2GB of RAM as normal. You get twin Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB ports, and the design has good passive air flow together with a 92mm fan on the again that manages thermals properly.

That mentioned, the {hardware} is not the most effective you may discover on this section; you aren’t getting any M.2 drives, and also you miss out on multi-Gigabit connectivity. But it is all about attaining the suitable steadiness, and the DS224+ undoubtedly manages to try this. Although it misses out on a number of issues, there aren’t any points with efficiency, and for many customers, Gigabit Ethernet remains to be greater than satisfactory.

Where the DS224+ really shines is its capability as a Plex media server. The NAS has a local Plex shopper, and configuring it takes lower than 5 minutes. And because it makes use of an Intel platform, you get hardware-based transcoding — in case you have Plex Pass. Most customers need not transcode content material, however if you wish to share your Plex library and have gadgets that may’t play again the content material natively, it is useful.

I examined Plex extensively on the DS224+, and the NAS does a terrific job enjoying again excessive bitrate 4K content material with none points. And when you want the function, it holds up properly with transcodes as properly. Another standout function is the software program itself; the DS224+ runs DiskStation Manager (DSM), and it has an in depth suite of utilities that make a real distinction — you will not get this stage of polish with different manufacturers. DSM additionally has helpful cell apps that allow you to entry your information on the go.

Ultimately, the DS224+ is a robust server that is a terrific alternative for Plex, and you may’t actually go improper with the NAS.

Best 4-bay NAS

The DiskStation DS423+ is almost an identical to the DS224+, and the important thing distinction between the 2 is that the DS423+ has 4 drive bays, supplying you with the power to deal with twice as a lot storage. You additionally get two M.2 slots on the underside, and that allows you to use NVMe SSDs along with conventional arduous drives.

The remainder of the options are an identical; the DS423+ makes use of the identical Intel Celeron J4125 because the DS224+, you get 2GB of RAM, twin Gigabit Ethernet ports, and two USB ports. As it’s a bigger unit, there are two 92mm followers on the again. I might have preferred to see a minimum of one multi-Gigabit port — lots of different 4-bay servers provide it as normal nowadays — however aside from that, the {hardware} is fairly first rate.

As the DS423+ makes use of the identical Intel platform, it handles Plex in a lot the identical vogue because the DS224+. I did not run into any points enjoying again 4K content material, and transcoding labored reliably as properly. And similar to the DS224+, you get the identical nice feature-set inside DSM, permitting you to take action rather more along with Plex streaming.

If you just like the look of the DS224+ however want M.2 slots or further drive bays, the DiskStation DS423+ is the perfect alternative.

Best {hardware}

ASUSTOR’s AS5402T has the most effective {hardware} in its class, and the 2-bay NAS has every thing you want in a Plex server. The Intel Celeron J5105 is excellent in each day use, you get 4GB of RAM, 4 M.2 slots in complete, and twin 2.5GbE ports as normal. Interestingly, there’s additionally an HDMI port on the again that allows you to join the NAS straight to your TV — an excellent choice when you do not wish to stream over the community.

Basically, the AS5402T would not have something lacking on the {hardware} entrance, so in order for you multi-Gigabit connectivity and loads of M.2 bays, the NAS is the way in which to go. The Celeron J5105 is nice at transcodes too, so in case you have Plex Pass, you should utilize {hardware} transcodes on gadgets that may’t natively play again content material.

The ADM software program is first rate too; you get a local Plex shopper, containerization, and a ton of helpful utilities. The interface is not fairly as polished as DSM, and the cell shoppers aren’t as refined, however on the entire, ASUSTOR is doing an excellent job on the software program aspect of issues as properly.

The AS5402T has higher {hardware} than different 2-bay servers on this section, so if that’s your predominant consideration, you may discover lots to love with the NAS.

Best worth

I’ve used sufficient TerraMaster NAS servers through the years to know that the model prioritizes worth, and that is no completely different with the F4-423. The 4-bay NAS server manages to undercut its rivals by a substantial margin, providing Intel’s Celeron N5095, 4GB of RAM, twin 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, HDMI connectivity, and two M.2 slots.

Considering you get all of that at beneath $400 is a cut price in and of itself, and the NAS holds up extremely properly in each day use. It has a local Plex shopper, handles 4K content material and transcodes with none points, and the HDMI port helps you to join the NAS to your TV.

TerraMaster’s greatest limitation up to now was the software program, however that has modified in latest months with the introduction of TOS6. The new interface is cleaner and simpler to make use of, and it has helpful options. It nonetheless would not fairly have the identical stage of polish as different distributors, and the cell utilities are missing. That mentioned, you get the fundamentals, and it is clear that TerraMaster is intent on tweaking its software program.

So in order for you the most effective cut price out of a Plex server, simply get the F4-423.

Best software program

The DiskStation DS9xx collection has all the time been a best-seller, and the DiskStation DS923+ maintains that streak. The NAS now makes use of Ryzen {hardware} in lieu of Intel, and since it would not have an built-in GPU, you lose out on Plex transcoding. So when you completely want to make use of the function, you need to take into account the DS423+ as a substitute.

Although most fashions on this class have 2.5GbE and even 10GbE, the DS923+ is restricted to twin Gigabit Ethernet ports. If you need multi-Gigabit connectivity, you may have to pay one other $100 to get a 10GbE community card and slot it into the NAS. So why do you have to take into account the NAS? For starters, the AMD {hardware} is excellent; it’s noticeably sooner in each day use, and that makes the DS923+ better-suited for demanding duties.

And whereas you aren’t getting Plex transcodes, the DS923+ is a standout alternative for media streaming. It handles Plex playback with none points by any means, doing a terrific job with excessive bitrate content material throughout two gadgets on the identical time. The DSM software program is the most effective round, and since you get 4GB of RAM, you’ll be able to run virtualization duties and containers with relative ease.

There’s additionally the power so as to add extra drive bays down the road; the DS923+ has 4 bays as normal, however you should buy an exterior housing just like the DX517 and join as much as 5 further drives to the NAS. It’s this extensibility mixed with the highly effective {hardware} that provides it an edge over servers just like the DS423+.

Best price range

The DiskStation DS223j would not have highly effective {hardware}, but it surely nonetheless manages to do a terrific job on the subject of Plex. You can set up the native Plex shopper and stream content material to gadgets on your house community, however the Realtek {hardware} would not have transcoding.

You might imagine 1GB of RAM is just too low, but it surely’s greater than satisfactory for the DSM software program, and it’s double that its predecessor — the DiskStation DS220j — provided. As it’s an entry-level mannequin, the DS223j would not have any upgradability; the RAM modules are soldered, and you may’t add multi-Gigabit connectivity.

That mentioned, when you simply want an reasonably priced NAS server to retailer your media assortment and again up images and movies, the DS223j is an efficient alternative to contemplate. The DSM software program is well the most effective on this class, and whereas you aren’t getting the extra superior options, all of the fundamentals are lined.

FAQ

As a high-level overview, Plex is a free media server utility that catalogs your media assortment and makes it obtainable for streaming on the entire related gadgets in your house. 

It is commonly thought of to be the most effective media server round, and there are a number of causes for that. First up is the truth that it is obtainable on nearly any ecosystem: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android TV, all streaming dongles, and most good TVs. Basically, you’ll be able to set up Plex on all of the gadgets you personal. 

Plex additionally does a terrific job with media group. It types your music, films, and TV reveals into related classes, and provides high-resolution album artwork, covers, trailers, and metadata routinely. Also, because the content material is streamed regionally inside your house community, it would not depend towards your web bandwidth prices.

What is Plex transcode, and the way does it work?

The greatest purpose for Plex’s dominance has to do with the truth that it could actually play any file on any gadget. Plex has a robust transcoding service baked in, and in case you have the paid Plex Pass plan, you’ll be able to unlock {hardware} acceleration — that makes an enormous distinction for transcoding 4K information.

Even when you’re utilizing an iPhone, iPad, Amazon pill, an older good TV, or an Android telephone, you’ll be able to confidently play your media library on any gadget with none points. Plex handles transcodes routinely, so there is no intervention wanted out of your aspect — and that makes it a unbelievable media streaming service. 

Plex streaming typically falls into three classes:

• Direct Play: This is when the Plex shopper (your TV or streaming field) natively handles the video container and simply streams the file as-is with none points. This makes use of minimal assets. 
• Direct Stream: In this state of affairs, the shopper gadget you are utilizing can play the video and audio streams, however doesn’t work with the container (like .mkv or .m4a), so Plex will copy these streams to a suitable container and ship it to your gadget. This mode makes use of a number of assets, but it surely is not demanding on the server. 
• Transcode: This is the place issues get attention-grabbing. Plex will transcode information when a shopper gadget is unable to play the video or audio streams in any respect. This is as a result of lack of audio or video codecs (like H.265, HEVC, H.264) on the shopper gadget, and on this state of affairs Plex converts the video to a file that may be performed on the gadget. This is probably the most CPU-intensive choice and desires a robust NAS. 

How to decide on

There are some things you may want to concentrate to when you’re thinking about a Plex NAS. 

CPU

This is a key consideration when selecting a Plex NAS, as you may want a robust CPU for transcodes. Most servers over $400 meet this standards, however as a common rule, you may want a latest Intel chipset — Celeron fashions are good for house use, however when you’re sharing your Plex server with family and friends and want extra bandwidth, you may want to take a look at servers that includes Intel Core {hardware}.

While AMD has made inroads into the NAS class , Intel remains to be king right here. If you need the power to transcode 4K content material in Plex, you may want to purchase a NAS server with a recent-gen Intel Celeron or Core CPU.

Memory

Basically, you may want an honest quantity of RAM to ensure there aren’t any bottlenecks. Plex is not memory-intensive, however in case you have lots of different companies operating on the NAS, it may turn out to be a problem. Generally, 2GB of RAM is the naked minimal on this class, and when you’re seeking to run lots of companies, I’d recommend getting an 8GB reminiscence module and slotting it in. 

Most NAS servers allow you to improve the RAM with ease, so you should not have any points slotting in 8GB or extra reminiscence inside the server do you have to want it. 

Connectivity

Most NAS servers have two Gigabit ports as normal, and that ought to be satisfactory for house use. But when you’re sharing your Plex occasion and want further bandwidth, you need to have a look at a server with 2.5GbE and even 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. 

That mentioned, when you swap to a NAS with multi-Gigabit connectivity, you may have to concurrently improve your swap and router to take full benefit of the extra bandwidth on provide. It is not as pricey because it was once to change to a 10GbE house community, however you may must take these further prices into consideration. For now, Gigabit Ethernet is greater than satisfactory for dealing with a number of Plex 4K streams with none points. 

Some NAS fashions function an HDMI port that allows you to join the server to a TV or monitor. This is beneficial as you’ll be able to then play the media saved on the NAS instantly with out having to stream it wirelessly on your house community. 

What is the most effective Plex server?

There are loads of choices in order for you the most effective NAS for house use, and you may select between entry-level picks which have a single or two drive bays, and there are four-bay fashions which are designed to final. 

But when you’re in the most effective Plex server, there are a number of further factors to contemplate. For one factor, Plex transcoding is a really CPU-intensive activity, so you will want to take a look at NAS enclosures which have a robust chipset. Thankfully, the most important NAS producers — Synology, QNAP, and ASUSTOR — ship fashions catered for Plex media streaming. 

Synology’s DiskStation DS224+ illustrates this level completely — the two-bay NAS server options the Intel Celeron J4125 and handles Plex native streaming in addition to transcoding with out breaking a sweat. 

If you need a little bit extra room, the DiskStation DS423+ has 4 bays that may maintain as much as 64TB of storage in complete. The remainder of the options as the identical because the DS224+, however you get two M.2 slots. 

Which Plex NAS do you have to purchase?

Right now, when you’re seeking to choose up a NAS for Plex streaming, the best choice is the DiskStation DS224+. The upgraded inner {hardware} makes it an attractive mannequin on this class, and with two Gigabit Ethernet ports and strong software program options, the NAS has all of the fundamentals lined.

ASUSTOR’s AS5402T is a extremely good contender as properly, and it delivers the most effective {hardware} package deal on this section. 

How we check

Our testing methodology for the most effective Plex server

There are some things I take into account when deciding what NAS servers to suggest for Plex streaming. First up is the CPU; I run a number of artificial checks to find out its efficiency potential, taking a look at single and multi-core scores. 

Then I arrange a local Plex set up on the NAS and run multimedia streaming checks to see useful resource utilization in real-world situations when streaming 720p, 1080p, and 4K information on the native community. 

I additionally consider transcoding potential by streaming a 4K file to a tool that does not deal with the native container — it is a nice approach to decide if the NAS can deal with on-the-fly transcodes for 4K information with excessive bitrates. 

Finally, I have a look at sequential learn/write potential by transferring a picture library containing over 5,000 information (all beneath 1MB), and a dozen media information over 1GB in measurement. 

Ultimately, the most effective Plex server wants to have the ability to stream your native media library to all gadgets on your house community (and over the web), and it ought to have the opportunity to take action constantly for a number of years. 

All of the NAS fashions highlighted on this publish can just do that, so when you’re seeking to get your fingers on a Plex NAS server, you’ll be able to go forward and choose up any fashions on this record with confidence.