If you’re looking for the best NAS for video editing in 2026, I’d recommend checking out high-performance options like the QNAP TS-932PX-4G, LincStation N2, and Asustor Lockerstor 4. These models offer fast multi-gigabit Ethernet, powerful processors, and ample RAM to handle demanding workflows. For larger storage needs, the TERRAMASTER and QNAP models with multiple bays and scalable options work great. To find out which one suits your setup best, keep exploring the details.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize NAS with high-performance CPUs, ample RAM, and multi-gigabit Ethernet for smooth 4K/8K video editing workflows.
- Choose models with scalable storage options, including multiple drive bays and support for large capacity drives like 14TB+.
- Look for advanced connectivity features such as 10GbE ports, USB-C, Thunderbolt, and HDMI outputs for real-time editing and monitoring.
- Ensure NAS supports hardware acceleration, hardware decoding, and multiple RAID configurations to optimize media processing and data protection.
- Opt for future-proof designs with expandable RAM, PCIe slots, M.2 NVMe SSD slots, and modular architecture for long-term scalability.
| QNAP TS-932PX-4G 5+4 Bay High-Speed NAS with Two 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ports |  | High-Speed Enterprise | Drive Bays: 5+4 bays | Network Ports: 2 x 10GbE + 2.5GbE + USB | Processor Type: ARM Cortex-A57 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| LincStation N2 6-Bay NAS 10GbE 16GB RAM |  | Compact Powerhouse | Drive Bays: 6 bays | Network Ports: 10GbE + USB + HDMI | Processor Type: Intel Alder Lake-N | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TERRAMASTER F2-425 2-Bay NAS Storage Server |  | Quiet Performance | Drive Bays: 2 bays | Network Ports: 2.5GbE + USB | Processor Type: Intel x86 Quad-core | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 NAS with AMD Ryzen |  | Content Creator’s Choice | Drive Bays: 4 bays | Network Ports: Dual 5GbE/10GbE + USB4 | Processor Type: AMD Ryzen Embedded | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus NAS with 4-Bay Storage |  | Advanced Scalability | Drive Bays: 4 bays + 3 M.2 slots | Network Ports: 2 x 5GbE + USB + HDMI | Processor Type: Intel N150 Quad-core | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Synology 2-Bay NAS DS223 (Diskless) |  | User-Friendly Simplicity | Drive Bays: 2 bays | Network Ports: 2.5GbE + USB + HDMI | Processor Type: ARM Cortex-A55 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TERRAMASTER F6-424 Max NAS Storage (Diskless) |  | Heavy-Duty Workhorse | Drive Bays: 6 bays | Network Ports: Dual 10GbE + multiple USB | Processor Type: Intel Core i5 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TS-264 2-Bay NAS with 8TB Storage Bundle |  | All-in-One Solution | Drive Bays: 2 bays | Network Ports: 2.5GbE + USB + HDMI | Processor Type: Intel Celeron N5105 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TS-264 2-Bay NAS with 4TB WD Red Plus HDD |  | Affordable Flexibility | Drive Bays: 2 bays | Network Ports: 2.5GbE + USB | Processor Type: Intel Celeron N5105 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| WD Red Pro 14TB NAS Internal Hard Drive |  | High Capacity Reliability | Drive Bays: 2 bays | Network Ports: 2.5GbE + USB | Processor Type: WD Red Pro drives (no CPU, internal HDD) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus 4-Bay NAS with Remote Access |  | Cost-Effective Storage | Drive Bays: 4 bays | Network Ports: 2 x 10GbE + USB | Processor Type: Intel Core i5 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
QNAP TS-932PX-4G 5+4 Bay High-Speed NAS with Two 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ports
Are you looking for a NAS that can handle demanding video editing workflows with lightning-fast data transfer speeds? The QNAP TS-932PX-4G is perfect for that. It features five 3.5-inch and four 2.5-inch SATA drive bays, giving you flexible storage options. Powered by a quad-core AnnapurnaLabs processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable to 16GB), it offers robust performance. With dual 10GbE SFP+ ports and additional 2.5GbE ports, it ensures super-fast network connectivity. Its hybrid HDD/SSD setup optimizes performance for large files, making it ideal for professional editors who need quick access and smooth workflows.
- Drive Bays:5+4 bays
- Network Ports:2 x 10GbE + 2.5GbE + USB
- Processor Type:ARM Cortex-A57
- RAM Capacity:4GB (expandable to 16GB)
- Storage Type Support:SATA HDD/SSD
- Compatibility / Use Case Focus:Enterprise/home storage, hybrid setup
- Additional Feature:Dual 10GbE SFP+ ports
- Additional Feature:Supports HDD/SSD hybrid
- Additional Feature:Expandable up to 16GB RAM
LincStation N2 6-Bay NAS 10GbE 16GB RAM
The LincStation N2 6-Bay NAS stands out for its high-speed 10GbE connectivity and ample 16GB RAM, making it an excellent choice for video editors who need fast data transfers and smooth multitasking. Its compact, portable design features enhanced cooling vents and versatile connectivity options, including USB-C, HDMI, and audio ports. Powered by an Intel Alder Lake-N processor, it handles 4K streaming and large file transfers effortlessly. With flexible storage options through SATA and NVMe slots, plus an Unraid OS license, it offers scalable, high-performance storage. Support and warranty terms add to its reliability, making it a compelling solution for demanding media workflows.
- Drive Bays:6 bays
- Network Ports:10GbE + USB + HDMI
- Processor Type:Intel Alder Lake-N
- RAM Capacity:16GB
- Storage Type Support:SATA HDD/SSD + M.2 NVMe
- Compatibility / Use Case Focus:Home/media server, flexible storage
- Additional Feature:HDMI 2.0 output
- Additional Feature:Unraid OS Starter License
- Additional Feature:Portable, compact design
TERRAMASTER F2-425 2-Bay NAS Storage Server
If you need a compact NAS that can handle 4K transcoding and multiple users simultaneously, the TERRAMASTER F2-425 is an excellent choice. It features an Intel quad-core CPU, 4GB RAM, and dual 2.5GbE ports for fast transfers. Its diskless design supports up to 60TB of storage with easy, tool-free HDD installation. Perfect for high-performance tasks like 4K media streaming, it offers hardware-level H.265 decoding compatible with popular media apps. Plus, its quiet operation and user-friendly interface make it ideal for home setups. With flexible RAID options and robust security features, the F2-425 balances speed, ease of use, and data protection.
- Drive Bays:2 bays
- Network Ports:2.5GbE + USB
- Processor Type:Intel x86 Quad-core
- RAM Capacity:4GB (expandable)
- Storage Type Support:SATA HDD + SSD + M.2 NVMe
- Compatibility / Use Case Focus:Small business/home, multimedia
- Additional Feature:Tool-free HDD trays
- Additional Feature:AI-powered Photos app
- Additional Feature:2.5GbE network ports
Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 NAS with AMD Ryzen
Designed for professional video editors and content creators, the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 NAS with AMD Ryzen delivers exceptional performance thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 quad-core processor and high-speed connectivity options. It features 16GB of expandable ECC DDR5 memory and four M.2 NVMe slots, enabling fast SSD caching. With dual 5GbE and 10GbE ports, USB4 at 40 Gbps, and PCIe 4.0 support, it handles demanding workflows seamlessly. Its high-performance hardware and versatile ports make it ideal for editing, storage, and streaming tasks, ensuring smooth, reliable operation for professional content creation.
- Drive Bays:4 bays
- Network Ports:Dual 5GbE/10GbE + USB4
- Processor Type:AMD Ryzen Embedded
- RAM Capacity:16GB ECC DDR5
- Storage Type Support:M.2 NVMe + SATA HDD
- Compatibility / Use Case Focus:Content creation, media editing
- Additional Feature:PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots
- Additional Feature:Dual 5GbE/10GbE ports
- Additional Feature:40 Gbps USB4 ports
TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus NAS with 4-Bay Storage
For video editors and creative teams demanding fast, reliable data access, the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus NAS stands out with its powerful Intel N150 Quad-Core CPU and 16GB DDR5 RAM, delivering up to 1020MB/s read/write speeds. Its 4-bay design supports up to 144TB total capacity, with triple M.2 SSD slots for caching or independent storage. Dual 5GbE ports with link aggregation ensure seamless data transfer. The durable aluminum chassis features hot-swappable HDD trays and TerraMaster’s direct data drive technology for easy, secure drive management. Ideal for multimedia workflows, it supports virtualization, multimedia streaming, and robust data security with RAID, snapshots, and HyperLock-WORM.
- Drive Bays:4 bays + 3 M.2 slots
- Network Ports:2 x 5GbE + USB + HDMI
- Processor Type:Intel N150 Quad-core
- RAM Capacity:16GB DDR5
- Storage Type Support:SATA HDD + M.2 SSD
- Compatibility / Use Case Focus:Creative, virtualization, multimedia
- Additional Feature:3 M.2 SSD slots
- Additional Feature:TerraMaster Direct Data
- Additional Feature:Supports Virtual Machines
Synology 2-Bay NAS DS223 (Diskless)
The Synology 2-Bay NAS DS223 (Diskless) stands out as an excellent choice for video editors seeking a reliable, private storage solution. It centralizes data, making it easy to share, sync, and access files across multiple platforms. With built-in backup options and simple data protection, it keeps your media libraries and work documents safe. Its intelligent surveillance feature adds extra security for home or office use. Powered by Synology DiskStation Manager, the DS223 creates a private cloud for remote access, offering a secure and intuitive environment. Weighing just 2.82 pounds, it’s compact and perfect for those wanting efficient, private storage without sacrificing performance.
- Drive Bays:2 bays
- Network Ports:2.5GbE + USB + HDMI
- Processor Type:ARM Cortex-A55
- RAM Capacity:8GB (up to 16GB)
- Storage Type Support:SATA HDD + SSD
- Compatibility / Use Case Focus:Home/media, surveillance
- Additional Feature:Private cloud creation
- Additional Feature:Multi-platform access
- Additional Feature:2-year warranty
TERRAMASTER F6-424 Max NAS Storage (Diskless)
If you’re seeking a powerful NAS that can keep up with demanding video editing workflows, the TerraMaster F6-424 Max offers standout performance with its robust hardware. It features a 6-bay diskless enclosure powered by an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 8GB DDR5 RAM, and dual M.2 NVMe slots for hyper caching. With dual 10GbE ports, it delivers up to 20Gbps bandwidth, enabling smooth 4K streaming and fast data transfers. Its performance improvements over previous models include faster application load times and quicker file retrieval. Designed for creative professionals, it handles intensive workloads, supports media streaming, and offers enterprise-grade security, making it an excellent choice for serious video editing setups.
- Drive Bays:6 bays
- Network Ports:Dual 10GbE + multiple USB
- Processor Type:Intel Core i5
- RAM Capacity:8GB (expandable)
- Storage Type Support:SATA HDD + SSD
- Compatibility / Use Case Focus:Business virtualization, high-speed data
- Additional Feature:AES hardware encryption
- Additional Feature:220% faster application load
- Additional Feature:Noise reduction tech
QNAP TS-264 2-Bay NAS with 8TB Storage Bundle
With its powerful Intel Celeron processor, dual 2.5GbE ports, and fast USB 3.2 connections, the QNAP TS-264 2-Bay NAS offers a compelling solution for video editors who need reliable, high-speed storage. It comes with 8TB of pre-installed WD Red Plus drives set in RAID 1 for redundancy. The NAS supports up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM, two M.2 NVMe slots for cache boosting, and multiple USB 3.2 ports for quick file transfers. Its security features include Intel AES-NI encryption, and remote access is straightforward via MyQNAPCloud. Overall, it balances performance, expandability, and data protection, making it ideal for demanding editing workflows.
- Drive Bays:2 bays
- Network Ports:2.5GbE + USB + HDMI
- Processor Type:Intel Celeron N5105
- RAM Capacity:8GB (up to 16GB)
- Storage Type Support:SATA HDD + SSD + M.2 SSD
- Compatibility / Use Case Focus:Personal/business data, remote access
- Additional Feature:Pre-installed 8TB drives
- Additional Feature:RAID 1 redundancy
- Additional Feature:Supports cache acceleration
QNAP TS-264 2-Bay NAS with 4TB WD Red Plus HDD
For small teams or home-based video editors, the QNAP TS-264 2-Bay NAS with 4TB WD Red Plus HDD stands out thanks to its reliable RAID 1 setup, which guarantees data redundancy and safeguards your valuable projects. Powered by a quad-core Intel Celeron processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, it handles multitasking and large file transfers smoothly. Dual 2.5GbE ports ensure fast network speeds, while two M.2 SSD slots enable cache acceleration for improved responsiveness. With built-in USB 3.2 ports and easy remote access via MyQNAPCloud, it offers a straightforward, dependable solution for storing, sharing, and protecting your media files.
- Drive Bays:2 bays
- Network Ports:2.5GbE + USB
- Processor Type:Intel Celeron N5105
- RAM Capacity:8GB
- Storage Type Support:SATA HDD + SSD + M.2 SSD
- Compatibility / Use Case Focus:Family/media, backups
- Additional Feature:RAID 1 configuration
- Additional Feature:Built-in encryption engine
- Additional Feature:Easy backup solutions
WD Red Pro 14TB NAS Internal Hard Drive
The WD Red Pro 14TB NAS Internal Hard Drive stands out as a top choice for power users and medium-sized businesses that need reliable, high-capacity storage for demanding video editing workflows. With a 7200 RPM rotational speed and SATA 6 Gb/s interface, it offers fast access and data transfer rates. Designed for high-demand NAS environments, it’s RAID-optimized and rated for 550TB/year workloads, ensuring durability and performance around the clock. Its 512 MB cache and CMR technology support quick file sharing, backups, and archiving. Weighing about 15.8 ounces and measuring 5.79 x 4 x 1.03 inches, it’s built for intensive multi-user use and seamless integration.
- Drive Bays:2 bays
- Network Ports:2.5GbE + USB
- Processor Type:WD Red Pro drives (no CPU, internal HDD)
- RAM Capacity:Not specified (internal HDD)
- Storage Type Support:SATA HDD
- Compatibility / Use Case Focus:High-capacity storage, enterprise use
- Additional Feature:7200 RPM speed
- Additional Feature:SATA 6 Gb/s interface
- Additional Feature:550TB/year workload rating
UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus 4-Bay NAS with Remote Access
If you’re handling large video files and need quick, reliable access from multiple devices, the UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus 4-Bay NAS is an excellent choice. It supports up to 120TB of storage with diskless configuration, making it perfect for extensive media libraries. Its real-time AI photo recognition, semantic search, and automatic backups streamline your workflow. The setup is straightforward with NFC, and remote access allows easy management from anywhere. Equipped with a high-performance processor, 8GB RAM, and 4K HDMI output, it delivers fast transfers and smooth playback. Compatibility with third-party drives and multi-platform support make it versatile and future-proof for demanding video editing tasks.
- Drive Bays:4 bays
- Network Ports:2 x 10GbE + USB
- Processor Type:Intel Core i5
- RAM Capacity:8GB DDR4
- Storage Type Support:SATA HDD + SSD (via M.2 slots)
- Compatibility / Use Case Focus:Personal/media/home office
- Additional Feature:AI photo recognition
- Additional Feature:4-bay high capacity
- Additional Feature:Remote access support
Factors to Consider When Choosing NAS for Video Editing
When selecting a NAS for video editing, I focus on storage capacity, speed, and compatibility to meet my workflow needs. I also consider RAID options for data safety and whether the device can grow with my projects. Ultimately, choosing the right NAS depends on balancing these factors for reliable, efficient performance.
Storage Capacity Needs
Choosing the right NAS for video editing starts with accurately evaluating your storage needs. I recommend calculating your current footage and project files, then factoring in future growth. For 4K or higher resolution editing, aim for at least 10TB to 20TB of storage, since high-res files are large and quickly fill up space. Look for NAS models with multiple drive bays to enable RAID configurations, which boost capacity and guarantee data redundancy. Also, consider additional storage options like M.2 SSD slots or external drives to expand capacity as your projects grow. Balancing your storage needs with your budget is essential; ensure the NAS provides enough space now and room for future expansion without overspending. Proper planning saves headaches down the line.
Data Transfer Speeds
After evaluating your storage capacity needs, it’s important to focus on data transfer speeds to guarantee smooth video editing workflows. Fast transfer rates minimize buffering and reduce wait times when working with large media files. NAS devices with dual 10GbE ports can reach up to 10 Gbps per port, drastically cutting down file access times. Incorporating M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching further boosts read/write speeds for frequently accessed data, enhancing overall performance. Multi-gigabit Ethernet options like 2.5GbE, 5GbE, or 10GbE ensure high-speed network connectivity, essential for real-time editing and collaboration. Benchmark speeds exceeding 1000MB/s are ideal for handling 4K and 8K video editing smoothly, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring seamless workflows.
Compatibility & Connectivity
Selecting a NAS for video editing requires guaranteeing that it offers robust connectivity options to keep your workflow smooth. Look for models with multiple high-speed Ethernet ports, like 10GbE or 2.5GbE, to transfer large files quickly. USB-C, USB 3.2, or Thunderbolt ports are essential for connecting external drives and peripherals seamlessly. Compatibility with your existing network, including support for current Wi-Fi standards and network switches, helps avoid bottlenecks. Additionally, features like HDMI output or direct connection ports enable real-time video monitoring and editing. Support for various video codecs and hardware acceleration ensures smooth transcoding and playback. By prioritizing these connectivity options, you’ll ensure your setup is efficient, versatile, and ready for demanding video editing tasks.
RAID & Redundancy Options
Reliable data redundancy options are essential when setting up a NAS for video editing, as they help protect your projects from drive failures and data loss. Different RAID configurations—like RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10—offer various balances of performance, redundancy, and capacity. For example, RAID 1 and RAID 5 mirror or distribute data across multiple drives, ensuring access during failures. Hardware RAID controllers or software solutions manage how redundancy is handled and can affect expandability. While RAID improves data security, it can reduce available storage depending on the level chosen. For critical projects, selecting a NAS with configurable RAID options allows you to tailor redundancy and performance to meet your specific needs, giving you peace of mind during intense editing workflows.
Expandability & Futureproofing
When choosing a NAS for video editing, prioritizing expandability and futureproofing guarantees your storage system maintains pace with growing project demands. An expandable NAS should support multiple drive bays and easy drive replacement, so you can add storage as needed. Compatibility with the latest SSD and HDD interfaces, like M.2 NVMe slots and SATA III ports, ensures high-speed upgrades. A NAS with scalable RAM options helps sustain performance as multitasking and data processing intensify. Support for expanding network interfaces, such as additional 10GbE ports, allows for faster data transfer in the future. Modular designs that enable adding or upgrading components—like extra SSD slots or PCIe expansion cards—are essential. These features collectively ensure your NAS remains robust and adaptable, safeguarding your investment over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does NAS Compatibility Vary With Different Video Editing Software?
NAS compatibility varies with different video editing software because each program has unique system requirements and optimized workflows. I’ve found that some software works seamlessly with certain NAS brands, especially those supporting fast protocols like SMB and AFP, while others may need specific drivers or plugins. It’s vital to check your software’s compatibility list and make sure your NAS supports features like 4K editing or multi-user access for smooth performance.
What Are the Best RAID Configurations for Video Editing on NAS?
I recommend RAID 0 for maximum speed if you’re working on large projects and backups aren’t a concern. For a balance of performance and data safety, RAID 5 is ideal, offering redundancy with good speed. If you prioritize security above all, RAID 6 provides extra protection with two parity disks, though it’s slightly slower. Always consider your data safety needs when choosing the best RAID setup for video editing.
How Does Network Speed Impact Video Editing Performance on NAS?
Network speed greatly impacts my video editing performance on a NAS. When my network is fast—preferably gigabit Ethernet or higher—I experience smooth, real-time editing without lag or buffering. If my network is slow, I notice delays in accessing files, rendering, and exporting, which hampers my workflow. Upgrading to faster network hardware or using a direct connection helps me edit more efficiently and reduces frustration.
Can NAS Handle Multi-User Access During Large Video Projects?
Yes, a NAS can handle multi-user access during large video projects effectively. I’ve experienced smooth collaboration because modern NAS devices support multiple simultaneous connections and high-speed data transfer. With the right setup, like gigabit or 10-gigabit Ethernet, everyone can access and edit files without bottlenecks. Just make certain your NAS has enough processing power and RAM to manage multiple users, and you’ll have seamless teamwork on hefty video projects.
What Security Features Are Essential for Protecting Video Content on NAS?
Honestly, the security features on a NAS are what keep my sanity intact. I make sure it has robust encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular automatic backups. I used to think just having a password was enough—big mistake. Now, I also enable firewall settings and monitor access logs. Protecting my video content isn’t just smart; it’s essential. After all, losing hours of work to a breach isn’t a risk I want to take.
Conclusion
Choosing the right NAS for video editing means prioritizing speed, storage, and reliability. It’s about finding a device that accelerates workflows, expands storage, and guarantees data safety. Whether you need high-speed connectivity, multiple bays, or remote access, the best NAS adapts to your needs. Because when your tools work seamlessly, your creativity flows freely, your projects stay secure, and your editing becomes effortless. Make the right choice, and elevate your video editing game.
