Cheapest 4-Bay NAS: Affordable Network Storage Solutions
Note: We have researched 13 4-bay NASs for you.
Last updated on 20.05.24 um 01:40
In today's data-driven world, the importance of reliable and ample storage cannot be overstated. However, for many, striking a balance between performance and cost is a critical challenge. This is where the realm of Network Attached Storage (NAS) units becomes a game-changer.
For the budget-conscious individual or small business owner, finding a balance between affordability and functionality is key. That's why we're exploring a selection of 4-bay NAS devices that promise to deliver on storage needs without breaking the bank. Each of these models offers a cost-effective solution for managing your data, with the features and capacity necessary for a variety of storage requirements.
For the budget-conscious individual or small business owner, finding a balance between affordability and functionality is key. That's why we're exploring a selection of 4-bay NAS devices that promise to deliver on storage needs without breaking the bank. Each of these models offers a cost-effective solution for managing your data, with the features and capacity necessary for a variety of storage requirements.
To simplify the price comparison, we determine the prices for the individual articles on Amazon, Ebay and other shops and link the offers via partner links where applicable. This means that we receive a commission if you buy something that we recommend - the price does not change for you.
Pictured: Asustor Drivestor 4 AS1104T
What to Look for in Cheapest 4-Bay NASs
Important criteria
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Disk compatibility and maximum capacity
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RAID support and configuration options
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Network connectivity and speed
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CPU and RAM specifications for performance
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Number of USB and other expansion ports
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Quality and intuitiveness of the NAS operating system
1.) Hardware Specifications
When purchasing the cheapest 4-Bay NAS, you need to ensure it has a powerful enough processor and sufficient RAM to handle your intended workload. Particularly with multiple drives, the device should be able to support appropriate RAID configurations efficiently. Additionally, check for the presence of hardware encryption support if data security is a priority for you.
2.) Drive Compatibility
Consider the types of drives the NAS supports; it should be compatible with the storage capacity you need, whether that's larger HDDs for maximum storage or faster SSDs for improved speed. Some NAS devices may have limitations on the brand or size of the drives they can accommodate. Verify the maximum individual drive size and total storage capacity to ensure that the NAS will suit your current and future needs.
Pictured: Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro AS3304T
3.) Expandability and Connectivity
Expandability options are essential for future-proofing your NAS. Look for USB ports for external storage, eSATA for additional disk bays, and network interfaces for expanded network capacities. Additionally, NAS with multiple Ethernet ports can offer better performance and network failover options.
4.) Software Features and User Interface
Examine the software that comes with the NAS, including the operating system and its applications. Check for user-friendly interfaces and useful features like backup tools, media servers, and the ability to install third-party applications. Make sure it supports the necessary protocols for your devices such as SMB, AFP, NFS, or iSCSI.
The Cheapest 4-Bay NASs of our Choice
Our Pick
QNAP TS-431P-US 4-Bay Personal Cloud NAS
Size: 4-bay
Properties
- ARM Cortex-A15 dual-core 1.7GHz, 1GB RAM
- SATA 6Gb/s, 2x Gbe LAN, 3 x USB3.0
- HDD hot-swappable
- Centralizes file storage, sharing, and backup effectively
- Full NAS encryption with volume-based tech
- Supports Agent as a mailroom center
- Contacts for centralizing contact information
- Synchronize files between devices easily
- Stream multimedia library via DLNA, Airplay & Chromecast
- Build surveillance center for home and office
In other categories
- Rank 6 of 8 in Cheapest NAS
2
Asustor Lockerstor 4 AS6604T
Model: AS6604T
Type/Color: AS6604T
Size: 4 Bay
Properties
- TIER – Power business user 4-bay NAS
- 2.0GHz processor, 4GB RAM, virtual storage machine
- Two 2.5GbE ports, three 3.2USB ports
- Asustor Backup Plan, Asustor EZ-Connect, Asustor EZ-Sync
- Over 200 free unique apps available
- Free 4 IP camera licenses with NAS products
- 3-year NAS warranty for hardware damages
3
TERRAMASTER F4-212 4 Bay NAS
Type/Color: Black
Size: 4-Bay, QuadCore, 2GB RAM
Properties
- The F4-212 NAS storage is an affordable and high-performance 4 bay NAS optimized for home and SOHO users, running the latest TOS 5.1 operating system.
- The F4-212 network attached storage adopts a powerful ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz CPU with 2GB RAM.
- This NAS server features 4K video hardware decoding capability and is compatible with uPnP/DLNA protocol.
- The F4-212 file server supports mainstream file services: SMB, NFS, SFTP/FTP, AFP, iSCSI, WebDAV; and provides multiple permission management.
- The F4-212 backup solution integrates with multiple backup applications to ensure robust measures for valuable information.
- TerraMaster provides online tutorials and videos for simple system installation.
- The 4 bay NAS is compatible with 3.5" and 2.5" SATA HDD, 2.5" SATA SSD.
- Each bay supports the HDD up to 22TB (Total of 88TB in RAID 0).
- Dedicated NAS drives are recommended for stable performance.
Price Pick
Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS220j (Diskless)
Model: DS220j
Size: 2-bay; 512MB DDR4
Properties
- 24/7 household file server for data storage
- DiskStation Manager (DSM) for intuitive operation
- Access and share data across various devices
- Integrated media server for multimedia streaming support
- Access private cloud files and backup mobile photos
- Compatible Drive Types: 3.5 inch SATA HDD, 2.5 inch SATA HDD, 2.5 inch SATA SSD
- Check Synology knowledge center or YouTube channel
- Refer to product specification page for software details
5
BUFFALO TeraStation Essentials 4-Bay Rackmount NAS
Type/Color: Black
Size: 16 TB
Properties
- Low Cost Professional Grade Network Attached Storage
- Purpose-Built for Data Protection
- Fast Data Transfers with Native 2.5GbE port
- Reliable Storage with Effortless Setup and RAID configurations
- Cloud Integration with major providers like Amazon S3
- 16 TB Capacity with pre-tested hard drives included
- Peace of Mind with 3-year warranty and US-based support
- Made in Japan with TAA compliance
6
Synology 4-Bay DiskStation DS423 (Diskless)
Model: DS423
Type/Color: Black
Size: DS423
Properties
- Secure private cloud - Access and share files securely from anywhere
- Comprehensive data protection - Back up your media and documents easily
- Versatile video surveillance - Monitor and protect your home or business
- 2-year warranty
- Knowledge center and YouTube channel for setup and help
- Check product specification page for software/application details
- Supports SATA devices
7
Asustor Drivestor 4 AS1104T
Model: AS1104T
Type/Color: Drivestor
Size: 4 Bay
Properties
- Realtek RTD1296 Quad-Core 1.4 GHz CPU
- 1 GB DDR4 – 40% more efficient
- 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet – Double Speed
- Transcode 10-bit 4K H.265 media with hardware decoding
- 3 year warranty. Asustor repairs or replaces hardware damaged units
8
BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 220 4TB 2-Bay
Size: 4 TB
Properties
- Small office / Home Office Network Attached Storage
- Hassle-Free Installation - Hard drives included, no computer needed.
- Subscription-Free Personal Cloud - Store and access files anywhere.
- Secure Your Precious Data - Closed system for data protection.
- Back Up Multiple Computers & Devices - PC backup software included.
- Securely Share Files With Family & Friends - Private access control.
- 4 TB Total Capacity - 2 Drive Bays ships with RAID 1 (Automatic Backup).
- Direct Copy - Back up devices via USB without computer.
- Made in Japan - Quality Devices.
- 24/7 US-Based Support - 3-year warranty, including hard drives.
9
Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL
Type/Color: Drivestor Lite
Size: 2 Bay
Properties
- Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz quad-core processor
- 1 GB DDR4 RAM
- 4K transcoding for content enjoyment
- Supports Wake on LAN (WOL)
- Btrfs/iSCSI Snapshots
- Tool-free installation
In other categories
- Rank 7 of 8 in Cheapest NAS
10
BUFFALO LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS
Type/Color: Black
Size: 4 TB
Properties
- Effortless Installation - Connect to router, enjoy shared storage.
- Subscription-Free Personal Cloud - Store, backup, access anytime.
- Data Security - Closed system, SSL encryption, RAID redundancy.
- Back Up Multiple Computers & Devices - Automated backups.
- Secure File Sharing - Individual access restrictions, share securely.
- Centralize Your Data - Easy-to-access central storage and backup.
- 4TB Total Capacity With 2 Drive Bays - Adjustable RAID settings.
- Made in Japan - Quality Devices.
- 24/7 US-based Support, 2-year warranty, including hard drives.
11
Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro AS3304T
Model: AS3304T
Type/Color: Drivestor Pro
Size: 4 Bay
Properties
- Realtek RTD 1296 Quad Core 1.4 GHz CPU with 2GB DDR4 RAM
- Reliable and high performance NAS for home and SOHO users
- Compatible with 2.5" or 3.5" SATA SSD/HDD drives up to 72TB
- Expand storage easily with support for large drives
- 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port doubles device performance
- Transcode 10-bit 4K H.265 media with hardware decoding
- Enjoy smooth video playback on your media
- Supports Plex media servers and dozens of backup solutions
- Access your files on multiple platforms with ease
- Remote access and mobile app for convenient usage
- Over 200 unique apps via built-in App Central
- 3 year warranty and reliable customer support
- Get worry-free usage with hardware repair or replacement
12
QNAP 4 Bay NAS with 12TB Storage Capacity
Size: 4 Bay
Properties
- Four 4TB Seagate Iron Wolf Drives Pre-Installed and Pre-Configured with RAID 5
- IronWolf drives come with a three-year Rescue Data Recovery Services plan
- ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0GHz processor with 4 GB DDR4 RAM
- Budget-friendly Home NAS for file storage and multimedia streaming
- Centrally store and organize personal or family photos, music, and videos
- Mitigate the threat of ransomware with QNAP's storage snapshot technology
- Effortlessly backup your Windows Computers with QNAP's NetBak Replicator software and Mac computers with Time Machine
- Securely access your Files from anywhere with MyQNAPCloud
13
QNAP 4 Bay DAS (USB Type-C) with 12TB Storage Capacity
Type/Color: Black
Size: 4 Bay
Properties
- 4 x 4TB Seagate IronWolf drives with RAID 5
- 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services plan
- USB Type-C DAS for Windows, macOS, Linux
- TR-004 as external storage for NAS backup
- Expand capacity of QNAP NAS
- Supports 4 x 3.5/2.5-inch SATA 3Gb/s
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port; Lockable drive bays
- Includes USB Type-C to Type-A connector cable
- Hardware RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, individual
* All prices incl. VAT, plus shipping if applicable. Prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. The selection of products was made independently of the manufacturer and without any claim to completeness. All links to products are external partner links through which we may receive compensation. All information without guarantee.
Top Affordable 4-Bay NAS Solutions for Varied Budgets
Budget-Conscious Shoppers
For those keeping an eye on their wallets, yet in need of reliable data storage, these 4-bay NAS units deliver value without compromising on basic features. Enhance your digital life without breaking the bank.
Home Office Users
Home office enthusiasts seeking a balance between cost and performance can find solace in our selection. Store, share, and protect your work files efficiently with these affordable options.
Tech Savvy Individuals
Catering to the tech-savvy individuals who desire affordable storage without sacrificing advanced features, our curated selections promise versatility and value.
Small Business Owners
Small business owners can boost their infrastructure with cost-effective 4-bay NAS systems that scale with their needs. Keep your business data organized and protected, all while managing expenses.
Questions You Might Ask
A 4-bay NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a type of storage device that can house four hard drives, allowing users to store and share files across a network. It is ideal for small businesses, home office users, and enthusiasts who need a reliable and scalable storage solution with data protection through RAID configurations.
When choosing a 4-bay NAS, important factors to consider include the NAS's processor speed and RAM for performance, the compatible RAID types for data protection, network connectivity options, support for third-party apps, and user-friendliness of the system's interface. Additionally, consider the level of tech support and warranty provided by the manufacturer.
While it is technically possible to mix different sizes or types of hard drives in a 4-bay NAS, it is not recommended as it may not utilize the storage efficiently, especially in certain RAID configurations. Using identical drives ensures consistent performance and reliability.
Hardware RAID is managed by a dedicated controller on the NAS and typically offers better performance, while software RAID uses the NAS's CPU and is more flexible. Your choice may depend on your performance needs, budget, and the level of control you want over the RAID configuration. For critical applications, hardware RAID is often preferred.
Yes, it is possible to upgrade the storage capacity of a 4-bay NAS by replacing existing drives with larger ones or by adding new drives if not all bays are occupied. It's important to check the NAS system's specifications for maximum supported drive sizes and to follow proper procedures for upgrading to ensure data integrity.
Currently Active Poll
How to Choose the Best Budget 4-Bay NAS
Our Pick: QNAP TS-431P-US 4-Bay Personal Cloud NAS
In the quest for digital storage, a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device is a formidable ally, allowing you to store, access, and share files across your network. If you're looking for a 4-Bay NAS on a budget, navigating the options can be overwhelming. This guide will arm you with the essential considerations, ensuring you find the NAS that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Understanding 4-Bay NAS Basics
Before diving into the world of 4-Bay NAS units, brush up on the basics. A 4-Bay NAS is a storage solution with room for four separate hard drives, increasing redundancy and allowing for larger total storage. Whether you're a small business owner, a creative professional, or a home user looking to centralize your media, a 4-Bay NAS can be incredibly versatile.
Consider why you need a 4-Bay NAS. Are you looking to store large files, perform regular backups, or serve media throughout your home? These needs will dictate the features to look for, such as drive capacity support, hardware specifications, and network capabilities.
Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Balance cost with reliability, performance, and the features that matter most to you. It's better to invest a little more upfront than to replace an inadequate system sooner than you'd like.
Key Features to Consider
Look for a device that offers the necessary performance for your tasks. Processor speed and RAM can significantly affect the ability to stream media smoothly or manage large file transfers. Choose a NAS with a decent processor and at least 2GB of RAM, if possible, to ensure a smooth user experience.
What about expandability? As your storage needs grow, so should your NAS. Check if the unit supports higher capacity drives or even expansion units. Additionally, examine the software capabilities—robust operating systems offer features like virtualization, apps, and user-friendly interfaces.
Don't underestimate the importance of connectivity. Multiple Ethernet ports can provide failover protection and link aggregation for faster speeds. Also, look for USB ports for backing up to external drives, or adding printers and other devices.
Budget-wise Brands and Models
Finding the sweet spot between price and functionality can be challenging. Some reputable brands known for producing budget-friendly 4-Bay NAS units include Synology, QNAP, and TerraMaster. These manufacturers often offer good performance without the premium cost associated with higher-end models.
For budget models, consider units like the Synology DS420j or the QNAP TS-431K. Both manufacturers have their own ecosystem of apps that enhance the functionality of their devices. Check online reviews and tech forums for feedback on performance and durability before making your decision.
Where to Purchase and What to Avoid
The best deals for 4-Bay NAS devices can often be found online through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Newegg, or directly from the manufacturer's website. Keep an eye out for sales, refurbished models, or bundle deals that include hard drives.
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true—some third-party sellers may offer devices without proper warranties or support. It's also important to avoid outdated models that may not support the latest networking standards or have a dwindling supply of compatible drives.
Hands-on Reviews and Recommendations from Discussion-Boards
In this section, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the most affordable 4-Bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) options available. To offer you a well-rounded perspective, we've meticulously compiled a range of resources. This includes detailed reviews, insightful forum discussions, Reddit threads, and informative videos. Each of these categories has been carefully chosen to include only the most trustworthy and expert opinions, ensuring that you have access to quality information that can help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Jul 19, 2022 — For the budget category, we were again faced with some excellent choices—the Synology DS220J, the QNAP TS-130, and the TerraMaster F4-210. All ...
Mar 19, 2013 — The server itself is available from 0TB (diskless) up to 16TB, with the cost ranging from $400 to $1,500. It's the most affordable four-bay NAS ...
Feb 28, 2022 — What is your actual budget? 2 bay, 4 bay, more? I have a 4 bay QNAP TS453a, and an add on TR-004. Effectively an 8 bay NAS. Rock solid ...
Dec 4, 2023 — 4TB WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra: $270 · 8TB Buffalo TeraStation 3220DN: $554 · 20TB WD My Cloud Home Duo: $600 · WD My Cloud Expert Series 16TB: $810.
forums.tomshardware.com
I want a Prebuilt NAS for Plex what is the best option I want to be expandable.
Hi, I'd like to get myself a 4 bay NAS to start hoarding things and stuff. I'd like to know what so you guys recommend.
I'm looking to build a 4 Bay NAS for $300 CAD no drives. Terramaster D4-300 I believe. Any recommendations welcome rack mount or whatever does...
My Backup NAS is only a 4 - bay, cheaper NAS I set up as RAID0. To fully use all the hard drives. It only powers on a couple of days a week on ...
The Elitedesk TWR is a solid, cheap yet powerful option for a 4 bay NAS that can easily run TrueNAS or unRAID and has expansion bays as well.
Best 4 Bay NAS of 2023 [don't buy one before watching this]
Links to the best 4 bay nas 2023 we listed in this video: ▻ 5. TerraMaster F4-210 -
