What is RAID and do I need it on a NAS?

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) uses multiple drives in ways that protect against hardware failure. RAID 1 (2-bay) mirrors data across two drives — if one fails, you don't lose data. RAID 5 (3+ bays) stripes data with parity for larger usable space. RAID is NOT a backup — it protects against drive failure, not accidental deletion or ransomware. For a home NAS, RAID 1 with two 4TB drives gives 4TB usable storage with protection. Always maintain a separate offline backup.

What hard drives should I use in a NAS?

Use NAS-optimized hard drives: WD Red Plus, Seagate IronWolf, or Toshiba N300 series. These are rated for 24/7 operation, have vibration compensation, and include 3-year warranties. Avoid desktop drives (WD Blue, Seagate Barracuda) in NAS — they're not rated for continuous operation and firmware doesn't handle the multi-drive vibration environment well. NAS drives cost $5-15 more than equivalent desktop drives — worth the investment.

How much NAS storage do I need?

For photo/document backup of a typical household: 4-8TB. For a Plex media server with movies: 10-20TB+ (a typical Blu-ray rip is 20-60GB). For whole-home backup: multiply total storage of all computers/phones by 1.5. For RAID 1 protection: buy 2× the capacity you want (two 4TB drives give 4TB protected storage). Start with what you need now and expand with additional drives as you fill up.

Can a NAS replace cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive)?

A NAS can replace cloud storage for local sync between your devices on your home network. Synology Drive and QNAP's Qsync provide Dropbox-like folder sync. Remote access is possible (Synology QuickConnect, QNAP myQNAPcloud). However, cloud storage provides geo-redundancy — your data is safe even if your home is damaged. Best practice: use NAS for primary storage, cloud for offsite backup of your most important files (photos, documents).

How loud are NAS devices?

Most home NAS units with spinning hard drives are noticeable in a quiet room — comparable to a quiet desktop PC fan. A 2-bay Synology DS223 with standard drives measures approximately 20-22 dB — audible but not intrusive from 10 feet. NAS with SSDs are nearly silent. For bedrooms or dedicated quiet spaces, consider an SSD-only NAS or placing the unit in a closet or utility room. Hard drive noise decreases significantly with NAS-optimized drives that have vibration dampening.

Best NAS Drives 2026