Choosing the right 4 bay NAS for Plex depends on your specific needs, whether you’re a casual streamer or a power user. The Ugreen DXP4800 Plus stands out as the best overall thanks to its balanced performance and ease of use. For creators and small teams, the Ugreen NAS DXP4800 GT offers robust features at a reasonable price, while the TERRAMASTER F4-425 provides a powerful Intel-based option for demanding users. Each of these options has tradeoffs around price, performance, and complexity. Continue reading for a detailed breakdown of each product and how to find the best fit for your Plex setup.
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Key Takeaways
- The top-ranking options balance performance, ease of setup, and expandability for Plex use.
- More powerful CPUs like Intel x86 chips improve transcoding but come at a higher price point.
- Ease of use varies significantly; some models are better suited for beginners, others for advanced users.
- Price differences reflect hardware quality, software features, and build quality, influencing long-term value.
- Choosing between NAS for media and data storage involves tradeoffs in performance, cost, and user experience.
| UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Pro 4-Bay for IT Professionals, Developers & Power Users |  | Best Overall for High-Performance Demanding Workflows | Processor: Intel Core i3-1315U (6 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 4.5GHz) | RAM: 8GB DDR5 (expandable to 96GB) | Network Ports: 10GbE + 2.5GbE | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS1204T 4-Bay NAS |  | Best for Small Office and Home Use | Processor: Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz Quad-Core | RAM: 1GB DDR4 | Network: 2.5GbE port | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN NAS DXP4800 GT 4-Bay Network Storage for Creators and Office Teams |  | Best for Creators, Media Professionals, and Tech Enthusiasts | Processor: AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514, 4 cores, up to 3.70GHz | RAM: 8GB DDR4, expandable to 64GB | Drive Bays: 4 SATA + 2 U.2 NVMe + 2 M.2 SSD | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TERRAMASTER F4-425 4-Bay NAS with Intel x86 Quad-Core CPU and 4GB RAM |  | Best for Small Businesses and 4K Media Streaming | Processor: Intel x86 quad-core | RAM: 4GB | Storage Capacity: Up to 120TB | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS for Families, Creators & Small Teams |  | Best for Small Teams, Families, and Creative Users | Storage Capacity: Up to 144TB | Number of Bays: 4 | Connectivity: 10GbE network port, 10Gbps USB ports | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 AS3304T v2 4-Bay NAS |  | Best for Budget-Conscious Home Users | Processor: Realtek quad-core | Memory: 2GB DDR4 RAM | Storage Bays: 4 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| bay nas for plex | Processor | RAM | Storage Capacity | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Pro 4-Bay f | Intel Core i3-1315U (6 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 4.5GHz) | 8GB DDR5 (expandable to 96GB) | 144TB (4x HDD + 2x M.2 SSD) | — |
| Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS12 | Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz Quad-Core | 1GB DDR4 | — | 2.5GbE port |
| UGREEN NAS DXP4800 GT 4-Bay Ne | AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514, 4 cores, up to 3.70GHz | 8GB DDR4, expandable to 64GB | — | Dual 10GbE ports |
| TERRAMASTER F4-425 4-Bay NAS w | Intel x86 quad-core | 4GB | Up to 120TB | 2.5GbE port |
| UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS | — | — | Up to 144TB | — |
| Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 A | Realtek quad-core | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Pro 4-Bay for IT Professionals, Developers & Power Users
The UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Pro stands out for its powerhouse hardware, featuring an Intel Core i3 processor and support for virtualization, Docker, and AI features. Its massive storage capacity—up to 144TB—and advanced security make it a top choice for enterprise or demanding professional environments. Compared with the TERRAMASTER F4-425, it offers much more in terms of processing power and expandability, but that comes with a tradeoff: the setup can be complex for users without technical expertise, and the price reflects its premium features. For users who need a flexible, scalable, and secure NAS with enterprise-grade performance, this model is ideal. However, casual users or small home setups may find it overkill and too complicated to configure.
Pros:- Powerful multi-core Intel processor ideal for demanding workflows
- Supports virtualization, Docker, and AI features
- Massive storage capacity with flexible RAID options
- Advanced data security and encryption
Cons:- Complex setup requiring technical knowledge
- Premium price point may be prohibitive for casual users
- Large physical size demands significant space
Best for: IT professionals, developers, and power users needing high performance, virtualization, and advanced security.
Not ideal for: Home users or casual users with simple media needs, as the setup complexity and cost are prohibitive.
- Processor:Intel Core i3-1315U (6 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 4.5GHz)
- RAM:8GB DDR5 (expandable to 96GB)
- Network Ports:10GbE + 2.5GbE
- Storage Capacity:144TB (4x HDD + 2x M.2 SSD)
- SSD Slots:2 M.2 PCIe 4.0
- RAID Support:0, 1, 5, 10
Our verdict“This NAS caters best to technical professionals who need scalable, high-performance storage with enterprise features.”
Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS1204T 4-Bay NAS
The Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS1204T offers a balanced mix of speed and simplicity, featuring a 1.7GHz quad-core processor and a high-speed 2.5GbE port. It’s a solid choice for small offices or home users who want reliable media streaming and personal cloud access. While it provides flexible RAID options similar to the TERRAMASTER F4-425, its 1GB RAM is a limiting factor for multitasking under heavy loads, especially compared to the more robust hardware of the UGREEN DXP4800 GT. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to those less confident with advanced setup, but the reliance on disk drives purchased separately could be a drawback for budget-conscious buyers. Overall, it fits users seeking easy setup and efficient media management without enterprise-level complexity.
Pros:- High-speed 2.5GbE network for faster data transfers
- Flexible RAID configurations for redundancy
- Supports 4K media streaming and personal cloud access
- User-friendly interface for easy setup
Cons:- Limited to 1GB RAM, restricting multitasking
- Disk drives sold separately, increasing initial cost
- Basic hardware may limit future expansion for heavy workloads
Best for: Home users and small office teams prioritizing ease of use and media streaming capabilities.
Not ideal for: Power users or those needing virtualization, extensive multitasking, or high RAM capacity for heavy workloads.
- Processor:Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz Quad-Core
- RAM:1GB DDR4
- Network:2.5GbE port
- Storage Bays:4
- RAID Support:RAID 0/1/5/6/10
- Media Support:4K streaming
Our verdict“This NAS is ideal for small-scale media use and home environments where simplicity and speed matter most.”
UGREEN NAS DXP4800 GT 4-Bay Network Storage for Creators and Office Teams
The UGREEN DXP4800 GT offers a high-performance platform with an AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 processor and dual 10GbE ports, making it well-suited for multitasking, media editing, and multi-user environments. Its expandable storage and multiple SSD options provide flexibility comparable to the UGREEN DXP4800 Pro, but with a focus on media processing and surveillance. While it supports Docker, virtual machines, and advanced security, setting up Plex through Docker or other methods requires a certain level of technical skill, unlike plug-and-play solutions. Its extensive connectivity—including HDMI and SD card slots—caters to creators and professionals who need local media management and complex workflows. The main tradeoff is that drive purchases are separate, and its robust feature set might be overkill for users seeking simple storage solutions.
Pros:- High-performance AMD Ryzen Embedded processor
- Dual 10GbE ports for fast network transfers
- Supports multiple SSD options for expandability
- Features HDMI, SD card, and USB-C for versatile connectivity
Cons:- Drives not included, additional cost required
- Setup for features like Plex via Docker may be complex
- Pre-installed RAM is non-ECC, upgradeable only with compatible modules
Best for: Content creators, media editors, and small teams needing powerful multitasking and media processing capabilities.
Not ideal for: Casual users or those seeking a simple, ready-to-use NAS without technical setup for advanced features.
- Processor:AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514, 4 cores, up to 3.70GHz
- RAM:8GB DDR4, expandable to 64GB
- Drive Bays:4 SATA + 2 U.2 NVMe + 2 M.2 SSD
- Network:Dual 10GbE ports
- Connectivity:USB 3.0, USB-C, HDMI, SD card slot
- Security:TLS/SSL, RSA, AES
Our verdict“This NAS is best suited for creative professionals and tech-savvy users who need high performance and extensive media features.”
TERRAMASTER F4-425 4-Bay NAS with Intel x86 Quad-Core CPU and 4GB RAM
The TERRAMASTER F4-425 is a straightforward, reliable choice for those seeking good performance with minimal fuss. Its Intel x86 quad-core CPU and 4GB RAM make it capable of handling 4K media transcoding and multi-user access. Compared with the Asustor Drivestor 4, it offers a more familiar x86 architecture and supports popular apps like Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin. However, its maximum storage capacity of 120TB and limited RAM might restrict scalability for very large or heavy-duty enterprise tasks. Its quiet operation and user-friendly design make it suitable for home or small business environments, but advanced users may find its configuration options somewhat limited. Unlike the UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Pro, it doesn’t support virtualization or AI features, focusing instead on dependable media and file serving.
Pros:- Quad-core Intel processor for reliable performance
- Supports popular media apps like Plex and Jellyfin
- Quiet operation at 21dB for home use
- Easy to install HDDs with tool-free trays
Cons:- Limited to 4GB RAM, restricting heavy multitasking
- Maximum storage capacity of 120TB may be insufficient long-term
- Requires some RAID knowledge for optimal setup
Best for: Small businesses and home users needing reliable media transcoding and multi-user access.
Not ideal for: Power users requiring advanced virtualization, AI, or extensive scalability beyond 120TB.
- Processor:Intel x86 quad-core
- RAM:4GB
- Storage Capacity:Up to 120TB
- Network:2.5GbE port
- Supported RAID:TRAID / TRAID+
- Compatibility:Plex, Emby, Jellyfin
Our verdict“This NAS fits users wanting a straightforward, reliable media server with easy setup and quiet operation.”
UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS for Families, Creators & Small Teams
The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus offers an impressive combination of large storage capacity—up to 144TB—and fast transfer speeds, making it suitable for families and small teams. Its 10GbE network ports allow quick backups and data sharing, while AI-powered features like photo organization and duplicate removal add value for creative users. Compared with the Asustor Drivestor 4, it provides much more in terms of storage and network speed, though it requires users to purchase drives separately, which could increase initial costs. Its extensive device compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux increases versatility, but the lack of Wi-Fi support limits wireless flexibility. This model is ideal for users who want substantial storage and advanced security with minimal fuss.
Pros:- Massive storage capacity up to 144TB
- Fast 10GbE network and USB 10Gbps ports
- Secure private cloud with encryption and permissions
- AI features for photo organization and duplicate removal
Cons:- Drives must be purchased separately, increasing initial cost
- Limited wireless connectivity—no Wi-Fi support
- Speed can vary based on network setup
Best for: Families, small teams, and creators needing large capacity and secure private cloud features.
Not ideal for: Users seeking wireless connectivity or a ready-to-use setup without additional drive costs.
- Storage Capacity:Up to 144TB
- Number of Bays:4
- Connectivity:10GbE network port, 10Gbps USB ports
- Compatibility:Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
- Drive Compatibility:Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba, third-party drives
- Warranty:2 years
Our verdict“This NAS is best suited for users who need large storage, fast data transfer, and advanced privacy features in a wired environment.”
Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 AS3304T v2 4-Bay NAS
The Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 AS3304T v2 stands out for its balanced approach to home NAS needs, offering a quad-core processor that handles media streaming and file sharing reliably. Compared to the TERRAMASTER F4-425 with an Intel x86 chip, this model prioritizes affordability and simplicity, but the 2GB RAM may limit multitasking when multiple users access large media libraries simultaneously. Its high-speed 2.5GbE connection is a notable upgrade over traditional 1GbE, enabling quicker transfers for local backups or media streaming. The tool-free drive installation simplifies setup for non-technical users, but the absence of built-in Wi-Fi means it relies solely on Ethernet, which could be a downside for those seeking wireless flexibility. The device’s Linux OS is user-friendly enough for most home users but might be less familiar than Synology’s DSM interface.
Pros:- Quad-core processor provides stable multitasking for media and file serving
- 2.5GbE Ethernet ensures faster local data transfers
- Tool-free drive installation simplifies setup
- Flexible RAID options for data protection
Cons:- Limited to 2GB RAM, which may hamper performance during heavy multitasking
- No Wi-Fi connectivity—requires wired Ethernet
- Diskless setup means additional purchase of drives
Best for: Home users who prioritize fast network performance and easy setup without needing extensive multitasking capacity.
Not ideal for: Power users or small offices requiring more RAM or advanced multitasking capabilities, as the 2GB limit can be restrictive.
- Processor:Realtek quad-core
- Memory:2GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage Bays:4
- Network Connectivity:2.5GbE Ethernet
- Operating System:Linux
- Dimensions:9.06 x 6.69 x 6.69 inches
- Weight:1500 g
- Ports:3 USB ports
- Compatible Devices:Server, CPU, Laptop, Desktop
Our verdict“This NAS suits home users seeking solid performance and easy installation on a budget, but it may fall short for heavy multitasking or wireless setups.”
How We Picked
In selecting these 4 bay NAS options, I focused on performance benchmarks relevant to Plex streaming, especially transcoding capabilities, as well as usability, build quality, and value. Compatibility with Plex and ease of setup were key factors, along with expandability and future-proofing features. Devices that excelled in these areas and offered a good balance of price to performance ranked higher, while models with niche features or higher complexity were evaluated based on their target user profiles. The ranking reflects a combination of hardware power, software stability, and overall user experience, ensuring options suit different needs and budgets.| bay nas for plex | Processor |
|---|---|
| UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Pro 4-Bay f | Intel Core i3-1315U (6 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 4.5GHz) |
| Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS12 | Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz Quad-Core |
| UGREEN NAS DXP4800 GT 4-Bay Ne | AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514, 4 cores, up to 3.70GHz |
| TERRAMASTER F4-425 4-Bay NAS w | Intel x86 quad-core |
| UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS | — |
| Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 A | Realtek quad-core |
Factors to Consider When Choosing 4 Bay Nas For Plex
When choosing a 4 bay NAS for Plex, consider factors that directly impact your streaming quality, ease of use, and future growth. It’s important not to focus solely on hardware specs but also on how the device handles media transcoding, network connectivity, and user management. Properly assessing these factors can prevent costly mistakes, such as underestimating your transcoding needs or overpaying for unnecessary features.Transcoding Power and CPU Performance
For Plex streaming, especially if you plan to watch on multiple devices or with high-resolution content, CPU power is critical. An Intel x86 processor generally offers better transcoding capabilities compared to ARM-based chips, reducing the need for external hardware conversions. Consider your media library size and quality; more demanding setups will benefit from a more powerful CPU, but this often increases the price.
Ease of Setup and User Interface
Many NAS devices come with proprietary software that varies greatly in usability. An intuitive, well-supported interface minimizes setup time and ongoing management. For beginners, a device with guided setup and good documentation can save frustration, while experienced users might prioritize advanced features and customization options. Keep in mind that complex interfaces may have a learning curve but offer more control.
Media Compatibility and Plex Optimization
Not all NAS devices handle Plex equally well. Look for models that support hardware transcoding if you plan to stream high-res or multiple simultaneous streams. Compatibility with the latest media formats and seamless integration with Plex Media Server are essential. Some NAS units have dedicated GPU or hardware acceleration, which can significantly improve streaming performance.
Expandable Storage and RAID Options
While four bays limit total storage, check if the NAS supports RAID configurations that suit your redundancy needs, such as RAID 5 or 10. Some models also offer expansion options or support for external drives, which can be valuable if your media library grows rapidly. Consider your future storage needs to avoid costly upgrades later.
Network Connectivity and Data Transfer Speed
Fast, reliable network connections are vital for smooth Plex streaming. Look for NAS models with gigabit Ethernet ports at a minimum, and consider ones with multiple ports for link aggregation. Wireless options are generally less reliable for high-bandwidth streaming, so wired connections are preferable. Additionally, SSD cache support can improve data access speeds for large media files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a powerful CPU for Plex on a 4 bay NAS?
Yes, a more powerful CPU, especially one with hardware transcoding support, greatly improves Plex performance on a NAS. It allows streaming high-resolution content without buffering, even on multiple devices. If you often watch 4K videos or multiple streams simultaneously, investing in a CPU with hardware acceleration can be well worth the extra cost. For casual use, a less powerful CPU might suffice, but it could limit your streaming flexibility.
Is hardware transcoding necessary for Plex on a 4 bay NAS?
Hardware transcoding is highly recommended if you plan to stream content to multiple devices or higher resolutions. It offloads processing from the CPU, ensuring smooth playback with less strain on system resources. Without hardware support, your NAS CPU may struggle, leading to buffering or dropped streams. For a seamless experience, especially with large or high-bitrate files, prioritize a NAS with hardware transcoding capabilities.
Can I run Plex on a less expensive, ARM-based NAS?
While some ARM-based NAS models can run Plex, they often lack the hardware transcoding support needed for smooth playback of high-res content. They might work fine for simple streaming of lower-resolution videos or static media libraries, but if you want flexibility and better performance, an x86-based model is advisable. Be sure to check Plex’s hardware requirements and compatibility before choosing an ARM device for demanding media use.
How important is network speed for Plex streaming on a NAS?
Network speed is critical for high-quality Plex streaming, especially with 4K content. A gigabit Ethernet connection is generally the minimum, providing sufficient bandwidth for most scenarios. If you plan to stream to multiple devices or require faster transfers, consider models with dual Ethernet ports for link aggregation or multi-gigabit support. Wired connections also tend to be more stable and reliable than Wi-Fi for media streaming.
Should I prioritize price or performance when choosing a NAS for Plex?
Balancing price and performance depends on your streaming needs and future plans. For casual viewing with standard-definition or HD content, a more affordable NAS may suffice. However, if you want to stream 4K or multiple devices simultaneously, investing in a higher-performance model with hardware transcoding support will pay off in smooth playback. Consider your media library size, streaming habits, and budget to make an informed choice.
Conclusion
For most users seeking a reliable Plex experience, the Ugreen DXP4800 Plus offers the best overall value, combining performance with user-friendly features. Power users and creators who need robust transcoding and processing should lean toward the TERRAMASTER F4-425 for its Intel CPU. Beginners or those on a tighter budget will find the Asustor Drivestor 4 Gen 2 AS1204T or the Ugreen NAS DXP4800 GT easier to set up without sacrificing essential Plex features. Ultimately, your choice should align with your media demands, technical comfort, and budget constraints.NFL season / tailgating Picks
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