If you’re looking for the best 4-bay NAS for family backups in 2026, I recommend checking out options like the TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus, Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3, and QNAP TS-464U-RP for their speed, expandability, and security features. UGREEN models stand out for user-friendliness and media support. Each offers different strengths in capacity and performance, so it’s worth exploring further to find the perfect fit for your family’s storage needs. Stay tuned to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize models with high storage capacity, expandability, and RAID support for reliable family backups.
- Consider network features like multi-Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.2 for fast data transfer.
- Ensure compatibility with all family devices and operating systems for seamless access and management.
- Look for security features like AES encryption, snapshot backups, and redundancy to protect family data.
- Choose user-friendly interfaces, quick setup options, and media support for easy family use and multimedia streaming.
| TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus NAS Storage (Diskless) |  | High-Performance Powerhouse | Number of Bays: 4 bays | Diskless/Pre-installed Drives: Diskless (user installs drives) | Network Connectivity: Dual 5GbE LAN | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 NAS with 4 Bays |  | Content Creator Focused | Number of Bays: 4 bays | Diskless/Pre-installed Drives: Diskless | Network Connectivity: Dual 10GbE and 5GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN 4-Bay NAS with 120TB Support and HDMI |  | Budget Media Hub | Number of Bays: 4 bays | Diskless/Pre-installed Drives: Diskless | Network Connectivity: 2.5GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN 4-Bay NAS with Intel Pentium Gold CPU |  | Enterprise Ready | Number of Bays: 4 bays | Diskless/Pre-installed Drives: Diskless | Network Connectivity: 10GbE and 2.5GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TR-004 4-Bay USB-C RAID Storage |  | Expandable External Storage | Number of Bays: 4 bays | Diskless/Pre-installed Drives: Pre-installed with drives | Network Connectivity: USB-C (not network) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TVS-h474 NAS with Intel Pentium Gold Processor |  | Small Office Power | Number of Bays: 4 bays | Diskless/Pre-installed Drives: Diskless | Network Connectivity: 2.5GbE and 1GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP 4-Bay High-Speed Rackmount NAS with SSD |  | High-Speed Rackmount | Number of Bays: 4 bays | Diskless/Pre-installed Drives: Pre-installed with drives | Network Connectivity: Dual 2.5GbE, 10GbE options | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP 4-Bay 4K NAS with 12TB RAID 5 Bundle |  | Multimedia Specialist | Number of Bays: 4 bays | Diskless/Pre-installed Drives: Pre-installed with drives | Network Connectivity: 2.5GbE, 1GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 4 TB High Performance 1u 4 Bay Rackmount NAS MaxNAS4R04 |  | Professional Data Security | Number of Bays: 4 bays | Diskless/Pre-installed Drives: Diskless | Network Connectivity: Not specified (likely standard Ethernet) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asustor Lockerstor 4RD 4-Bay NAS Server (Diskless) |  | Business-Class Reliability | Number of Bays: 4 bays | Diskless/Pre-installed Drives: Diskless | Network Connectivity: Dual 2.5GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TS-464U-RP-8G-US 4-Bay NAS with Dual 2.5GbE |  | Compact Enterprise Solution | Number of Bays: 4 bays | Diskless/Pre-installed Drives: Diskless | Network Connectivity: Dual 2.5GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus NAS Storage (Diskless)
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile NAS to handle family archives and multimedia backups in 2026, the TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus is an excellent choice, especially because it’s diskless and highly customizable. Its quad-core Intel N150 CPU and 16GB DDR5 RAM deliver impressive speeds up to 1020 MB/s, perfect for heavy data tasks. With three M.2 SSD slots and support for up to 144TB, it offers flexible storage options. The dual 5GbE ports support link aggregation, boosting network performance. Its durable aluminum chassis, hot-swappable drives, and advanced data protection features make it ideal for home use, creative work, or small business needs.
- Number of Bays:4 bays
- Diskless/Pre-installed Drives:Diskless (user installs drives)
- Network Connectivity:Dual 5GbE LAN
- Connectivity Ports:Multiple USB, HDMI, eSATA
- Max Storage Capacity:Up to 144TB
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Docker, Virtual Machines, multimedia apps
- Additional Feature:Triple M.2 SSD slots
- Additional Feature:Supports Docker/Virtual Machines
- Additional Feature:Durable aluminum-alloy chassis
Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 NAS with 4 Bays
Looking for a powerful NAS that can handle demanding multimedia workflows? The Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 with 4 bays is an excellent choice. It features an AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz processor, turboing up to 3.8 GHz, and supports up to 64GB DDR5 ECC memory, ensuring smooth performance. With four M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs and PCIe 4.0 support, you get doubled performance. Its dual 10-Gigabit and dual 5-Gigabit Ethernet ports enable blazing-fast data transfers. Plus, the USB4 ports and USB 3.2 connections make external storage and direct NAS-to-NAS links effortless. It’s tailored for content creators needing speed and flexibility.
- Number of Bays:4 bays
- Diskless/Pre-installed Drives:Diskless
- Network Connectivity:Dual 10GbE and 5GbE
- Connectivity Ports:USB4, USB 3.2, HDMI
- Max Storage Capacity:Up to 64TB
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Virtualization, Docker, content creation
- Additional Feature:PCIe 4.0 NVMe support
- Additional Feature:Dual 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Additional Feature:Server-grade DDR5 ECC memory
UGREEN 4-Bay NAS with 120TB Support and HDMI
The UGREEN 4-Bay NAS with 120TB support and HDMI stands out as an excellent choice for families seeking a straightforward, cost-effective way to back up and organize vast amounts of digital content. It’s a user-friendly, diskless system supporting up to 120TB, perfect for storing millions of photos, songs, movies, or files. With features like 4K HDMI output, remote access, and AI-powered photo management, it simplifies media sharing and organization. Its quick setup via NFC and compatibility with multiple devices make it accessible for all users. At a one-time cost, it offers a budget-friendly alternative to ongoing cloud fees, saving money long-term.
- Number of Bays:4 bays
- Diskless/Pre-installed Drives:Diskless
- Network Connectivity:2.5GbE
- Connectivity Ports:HDMI, USB, NFC
- Max Storage Capacity:120TB
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Docker, remote access, media streaming
- Additional Feature:AI-powered photo management
- Additional Feature:120TB capacity support
- Additional Feature:Remote access via multiple devices
UGREEN 4-Bay NAS with Intel Pentium Gold CPU
For families seeking a powerful and reliable central hub for their backups, the UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus stands out with its Intel Pentium Gold 8505 CPU and high-speed connectivity options. It features 8GB DDR5 RAM, a 128GB SSD, and supports up to 136TB of storage, making it ideal for demanding users. With one 10GbE port, one 2.5GbE port, and two M.2 NVMe slots, it offers rapid data transfer and expandability. The device supports 4K HDMI output, virtualization, and AI-powered photo organization. Its user-friendly app ensures easy setup, remote access, and secure backups, making it a thorough solution for family archives.
- Number of Bays:4 bays
- Diskless/Pre-installed Drives:Diskless
- Network Connectivity:10GbE and 2.5GbE
- Connectivity Ports:USB, HDMI, eSATA
- Max Storage Capacity:Up to 136TB
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Docker, VMs, AI photo management
- Additional Feature:AI photo organization
- Additional Feature:128GB SSD included
- Additional Feature:10GbE and 2.5GbE ports
QNAP TR-004 4-Bay USB-C RAID Storage
If you’re seeking a versatile external storage solution that seamlessly expands your NAS capacity or serves as a reliable backup, the QNAP TR-004 4-Bay USB-C RAID Storage stands out. It supports hardware RAID configurations like RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, or individual disks, making it flexible for different needs. Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, it’s ideal for expanding QNAP NAS or acting as standalone external storage. It accepts 3.5-inch SATA drives and includes a USB Type-C to Type-A cable. While it doesn’t support NAS applications directly, its portability and RAID options make it a solid choice for backup and expansion.
- Number of Bays:4 bays
- Diskless/Pre-installed Drives:Pre-installed with drives
- Network Connectivity:USB-C (not network)
- Connectivity Ports:USB-C, USB-A
- Max Storage Capacity:Supports 3.5″ SATA drives (capacity varies)
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Not supported (external storage only)
- Additional Feature:Hardware RAID support
- Additional Feature:Compatible with Windows/macOS/Linux
- Additional Feature:Drive migration capability
QNAP TVS-h474 NAS with Intel Pentium Gold Processor
Designed for families seeking reliable and versatile storage, the QNAP TVS-h474 NAS with Intel Pentium Gold Processor stands out with its powerful hardware and expandability. It features an Intel Pentium Gold CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a durable metal rack-mount design that’s upgradeable. The NAS supports M.2 PCIe Gen 3 SSD caching for faster data access and has PCIe slots for 10GbE adapters, QM2 cards, or entry-level graphics cards. With 2.5GbE ports, it delivers high-speed network transfer. Its ability to run multiple virtual machines, support direct HDMI connections, and utilize AI acceleration makes it an excellent choice for family backups and multimedia tasks.
- Number of Bays:4 bays
- Diskless/Pre-installed Drives:Diskless
- Network Connectivity:2.5GbE and 1GbE
- Connectivity Ports:PCIe, USB, HDMI
- Max Storage Capacity:Up to 136TB
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Virtualization, Docker, AI photo organization
- Additional Feature:Supports PCIe Gen 3 NVMe SSDs
- Additional Feature:Built-in AI image recognition
- Additional Feature:Real-time 4K transcoding
QNAP 4-Bay High-Speed Rackmount NAS with SSD
The QNAP TS-435XeU-4G-44S-US stands out as an ideal choice for small to medium-sized families seeking high-speed, reliable network storage. Its compact, rackmount design packs a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor running at 2.2 GHz, paired with 4GB of DDR4 RAM—expandable up to 32GB—to handle demanding tasks smoothly. With dual M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration and dual 10GbE ports, it offers lightning-fast data transfer and future-proofing. Pre-installed with four 4TB IronWolf drives in RAID 5, it ensures data redundancy and peace of mind, making it perfect for secure, high-performance family backups.
- Number of Bays:4 bays
- Diskless/Pre-installed Drives:Pre-installed with drives
- Network Connectivity:Dual 2.5GbE, 10GbE options
- Connectivity Ports:Multiple USB, HDMI, surveillance ports
- Max Storage Capacity:16TB (pre-installed drives)
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Surveillance, backup, virtualization
- Additional Feature:Pre-installed 4TB drives
- Additional Feature:Surveillance with QVR Pro
- Additional Feature:Future-proof dual 10GbE ports
QNAP 4-Bay 4K NAS with 12TB RAID 5 Bundle
The QNAP 4-Bay 4K NAS with 12TB RAID 5 Bundle stands out as an ideal choice for families seeking a reliable, all-in-one backup and media streaming solution. It features a sturdy TS-451D2-4G-44R-US model, preloaded with four 3.5-inch Seagate IronWolf drives, offering 12TB of storage in RAID 5 for data safety. Its Intel Celeron J4025 processor and 4 GB RAM ensure smooth performance, while HDMI output and hardware 4K transcoding support high-quality media playback. With dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB 3.2 connections, it’s versatile and easy to connect. Plus, the included three-year Rescue Data Recovery plan adds extra peace of mind.
- Number of Bays:4 bays
- Diskless/Pre-installed Drives:Pre-installed with drives
- Network Connectivity:2.5GbE, 1GbE
- Connectivity Ports:HDMI, USB, Ethernet
- Max Storage Capacity:12TB (pre-installed drives)
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Backup, multimedia, virtualization
- Additional Feature:Hardware 4K transcoding
- Additional Feature:HDMI output for multimedia
- Additional Feature:Pre-installed drives included
4 TB High Performance 1u 4 Bay Rackmount NAS MaxNAS4R04
If you’re seeking a powerful and reliable NAS for demanding environments, the MaxNAS4R04 stands out with its high-performance 1U rackmount design and four drive bays. It’s ideal for SMBs, professionals, or even specialized fields like medical imaging and military applications. This device supports advanced RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and hot spare configurations, ensuring data protection and flexibility. With AES 256-bit encryption, online RAID expansion, and hot-swappable drives, it delivers both security and uptime. Its high-speed data transfer, reliable storage, and remote management make it a top choice for those needing robust, scalable storage in a professional setting.
- Number of Bays:4 bays
- Diskless/Pre-installed Drives:Diskless
- Network Connectivity:Not specified (likely standard Ethernet)
- Connectivity Ports:Not specified (likely standard ports)
- Max Storage Capacity:Varies (supports multiple drives, high capacity)
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Enterprise data management, RAID, backup
- Additional Feature:Enterprise-grade RAID levels
- Additional Feature:AES 256-bit encryption
- Additional Feature:Supports eSATA expansion
Asustor Lockerstor 4RD 4-Bay NAS Server (Diskless)
For families seeking a robust, enterprise-grade storage solution, the Asustor Lockerstor 4RD 4-Bay NAS Server stands out with its powerful hardware and extensive connectivity options. It features a quad-core Intel Atom C3538 processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 128GB), and a diskless setup, giving you flexibility. Its dual Gigabit and dual 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet ports support aggregated speeds up to 5Gbps, with a PCIe slot for 10-Gigabit Ethernet. Designed as a 1U rackmount, it includes a redundant power supply for reliability and supports virtualization, Docker, and advanced security features—making it ideal for demanding family and small business backups.
- Number of Bays:4 bays
- Diskless/Pre-installed Drives:Diskless
- Network Connectivity:Dual 2.5GbE
- Connectivity Ports:PCIe, USB, Ethernet
- Max Storage Capacity:Not specified, supports multiple drives
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Virtualization, iSCSI, enterprise features
- Additional Feature:Redundant power supplies
- Additional Feature:iSCSI/IP-SAN support
- Additional Feature:Virtual machines and Docker
QNAP TS-464U-RP-8G-US 4-Bay NAS with Dual 2.5GbE
With dual 2.5GbE ports, the QNAP TS-464U-RP-8G-US delivers high-speed network connectivity perfect for families needing quick access and seamless backups across multiple devices. Its powerful quad-core Intel processor, supporting up to 16GB RAM, ensures fast data transfers and efficient multitasking. The NAS offers flexible expandability with PCIe slots for SSD caching or additional network ports, while USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports allow rapid data movement. Security features like Intel AES-NI encryption protect sensitive files without sacrificing performance. Its reliable design, combined with extensive backup options and snapshot protection, makes it an excellent choice for safeguarding your family’s digital memories.
- Number of Bays:4 bays
- Diskless/Pre-installed Drives:Diskless
- Network Connectivity:Dual 2.5GbE
- Connectivity Ports:PCIe, USB, Ethernet
- Max Storage Capacity:12TB (pre-installed drives)
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Virtualization, container support, backup
- Additional Feature:Supports PCIe upgrade cards
- Additional Feature:Built-in hardware encryption
- Additional Feature:4TB pre-installed drive
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 4-Bay NAS for Family Archive Backups
When choosing a 4-bay NAS for your family backups, I focus on key factors like storage capacity to meet your needs and security features that protect your data. Compatibility with your devices and ease of setup also matter, ensuring a smooth experience. Finally, performance speed is vital for quick backups and access, so I consider these points carefully to find the best fit.
Storage Capacity Needs
Choosing the right 4-bay NAS for your family archive backups starts with understanding your storage capacity needs. First, I recommend calculating your current data, including photos, videos, music, documents, and backups. Don’t forget to factor in future growth—estimate how much additional data you’ll accumulate over the next few years. Check if the NAS supports multiple drives and RAID configurations to ensure your data stays protected. Also, consider whether it can handle high-capacity drives or multiple smaller ones to meet your needs. Flexibility is key, so look for models with expandable options or extra drive bays. Planning ahead guarantees you won’t outgrow your storage too quickly, keeping your family’s digital memories safe and accessible long-term.
Data Security Features
Security is a crucial aspect to contemplate when selecting a 4-bay NAS for your family archives, as protecting sensitive and priceless memories should be a top priority. AES 256-bit volume encryption is essential, ensuring that your data remains inaccessible to unauthorized users. Built-in RAID support adds an extra layer of protection by creating data redundancy, reducing the risk of loss if a drive fails. User access controls and permissions allow you to securely share files with family members while limiting access to sensitive content. Snapshot and versioning features enable quick recovery from accidental deletions or data corruption. Additionally, network security protocols like SSL/TLS and VPN support guarantee encrypted remote access, keeping your backups safe from cyber threats even when accessed outside your home network.
Device Compatibility
Selecting a 4-bay NAS that seamlessly integrates with your family’s devices requires careful attention to compatibility. First, confirm the NAS supports all operating systems used by your family members, like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This prevents connectivity issues across devices. Next, verify that the NAS works with the types of drives you plan to install, such as SATA HDDs or SSDs, and check if it supports hot-swapping for easier upgrades. Additionally, validate that the firmware integrates smoothly with your existing backup solutions, allowing reliable automatic or scheduled backups. It’s also essential to review network connectivity options—look for Gigabit Ethernet, 2.5GbE, or multi-Gig ports to match your home’s network speed. Finally, confirm it supports standard protocols like SMB, AFP, NFS, or WebDAV for broad device compatibility.
Ease of Setup
When setting up a 4-bay NAS for family backups, ease of use becomes a key factor in guaranteeing a smooth installation process. A user-friendly interface and clear instructions make configuration straightforward, even for beginners. Devices with plug-and-play features and guided setup wizards reduce the need for technical expertise, saving time and frustration. Compatibility with common operating systems like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS helps guarantee seamless connections. Features like NFC quick setup or one-touch disk installation further streamline deployment. Clear labeling of ports, drive bays, and network connections also plays a vital role. When these elements are well-designed, setting up your NAS becomes a hassle-free experience, allowing you to protect your family’s digital memories quickly and confidently.
Performance Speed
To guarantee your family archive backups are quick and efficient, paying attention to performance speed is essential. A powerful multi-core processor and ample RAM help process and transfer data faster, reducing backup times. Support for multi-gigabit Ethernet ports like 2.5GbE or 10GbE can notably boost network throughput, especially with large archives. SSD caching through M.2 slots or PCIe expansion can dramatically improve read/write speeds, making backups more efficient. Optimized file systems and hardware configurations designed for sequential read/write operations also contribute to faster performance. Additionally, hardware with dedicated encryption engines allows secure backups without sacrificing speed, ensuring your data remains protected while maintaining high transfer rates. All these factors combined help you achieve quick, reliable backups for your family memories.
Expandability Options
Choosing a 4-bay NAS with strong expandability options guarantees your family archive can grow smoothly over time. I look for models with multiple M.2 or PCIe slots, enabling SSD caching or additional storage without hassle. Flexible RAID configurations are essential so I can add or upgrade drives easily without risking data loss. I also prioritize systems supporting hot-swapping drives, which allows quick replacements or expansions without shutting down. Compatibility with different drive sizes and types is a must, ensuring future storage needs are met as they evolve. Finally, I consider scalable architectures that let me add more bays or connect expansion units when my archive expands beyond the initial capacity. These features ensure my NAS remains adaptable and future-proof.
Power Consumption
Lower power consumption is a key factor in selecting a 4-bay NAS for family backups because it helps reduce electricity bills and prolongs the device’s lifespan. Energy-efficient models often include power-saving modes that automatically adjust performance during idle times, saving energy without sacrificing functionality. The choice of CPU and hardware components directly impacts power usage, so opting for efficient processors can make a big difference. Manufacturers provide power consumption ratings, which help estimate ongoing energy costs, making it easier to compare models. Additionally, choosing NAS devices with efficient power supplies minimizes energy waste and supports eco-friendly usage. Overall, considering power consumption ensures you get a reliable, cost-effective device that fits well into a sustainable home setup.
Budget Considerations
Budget considerations play a crucial role in selecting the right 4-bay NAS for family backups, as prices can vary considerably from affordable models around $300 to premium options exceeding $1,000. Your budget influences key features like processor speed, RAM capacity, and supported functionalities, which affect performance and scalability. Choosing a NAS with pre-installed drives may cost more upfront but can save time and reduce compatibility issues. Remember to account for additional expenses such as hard drives, network upgrades, or backup software, as these add to the total cost. Long-term costs like maintenance, warranties, and data recovery should also factor into your decision. Being clear on your budget helps you balance features with affordability, ensuring a reliable backup solution without overspending.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose the Best NAS for Large Family Backups?
To choose the best NAS for large family backups, I consider storage capacity, reliability, and ease of use. I look for models with at least four bays, so I can expand easily, and prioritize those with fast data transfer speeds. It’s also important to choose a system with robust security features to protect our memories. Finally, I read reviews and compare features to find one that balances performance and affordability.
What Security Features Are Essential for Family Archive Storage?
Think of your family archive as a treasure chest—security is key. I look for encryption, especially AES 256-bit, to safeguard sensitive data. Regular automatic backups and strong, unique passwords are must-haves. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of safety, and firmware updates ensure my device isn’t left vulnerable. These features work together like a fortress, keeping my family memories safe from digital thieves.
Can These NAS Devices Handle 4K Media Streaming Simultaneously?
Yes, most 4-bay NAS devices can handle 4K media streaming simultaneously, especially models with powerful processors and ample RAM. I’ve found that devices with hardware transcoding, like those using Intel or AMD chips, make a huge difference, allowing smooth playback on multiple screens. Just verify your NAS supports hardware acceleration and has sufficient network bandwidth, so everyone in the family can enjoy high-quality streams without buffering or lag.
How Easy Is It to Set up and Manage These NAS Systems?
Setting up and managing a NAS is like planting a garden; it’s straightforward and rewarding. I find most systems have intuitive interfaces, guided wizards, and helpful apps that simplify the process. With just a bit of initial configuration, I can easily monitor and maintain backups or media streaming. Once set, it’s like tending a garden — low effort, high reward, and always ready when I need it.
What Is the Typical Lifespan and Warranty Coverage for These NAS Models?
Typically, these NAS models last around 3 to 5 years with proper care. Most come with a warranty of 2 to 3 years, covering hardware issues and defects. I recommend checking the specific warranty details for each model, as coverage varies. Regular updates and gentle handling can extend their lifespan, ensuring your family archives stay safe and accessible for longer.
Conclusion
With over 60% of families now relying on digital backups, choosing the right 4-bay NAS is vital for peace of mind. These devices offer a perfect balance of storage, speed, and reliability, ensuring your memories are safe. Whether you need high performance or simple backups, there’s a solution for everyone. Investing in a quality NAS means your family archives are protected and easily accessible—because your memories deserve the best security.
