If you’re looking for the best 4-bay NAS for family backups in 2026, I recommend considering models with robust hardware, ample storage capacity, and flexible connectivity options like dual Ethernet ports or USB. Features such as RAID support, remote management, and data security are key for reliable backups. Many options also support multimedia streaming and future upgrades. Keep exploring to find out which models meet your needs for performance, expandability, and ease of use.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize models with high storage capacity and support for RAID configurations to ensure reliable family backups.
- Look for NAS devices with user-friendly management interfaces and remote access features for easy daily use.
- Consider models with multiple connectivity options, including USB, HDMI, and multi-gigabit Ethernet, for versatile data transfer.
- Choose devices with robust security features like encryption and snapshot technology to protect family archives.
- Opt for scalable NAS solutions supporting expansion, additional drive bays, or PCIe upgrades for future-proofing.
| Asustor Lockerstor 4RD 4-Bay NAS Server |  | Enterprise Ready | Processor Type: Intel Atom C3538 | RAM Capacity: 8GB (expandable to 128GB) | Network Ports: 2x Gigabit + 2x 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet + PCIe 10GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN 4-Bay NAS with 120TB Support and HDMI |  | Family Media Hub | Processor Type: Not specified (likely ARM or entry-level x86) | RAM Capacity: 8GB (expandable) | Network Ports: 2.5GbE (single port) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus NAS Storage (Diskless) |  | Power User Choice | Processor Type: Intel N150 Quad-Core | RAM Capacity: 16GB DDR5 | Network Ports: 2x 5GbE + M.2 SSD slots (not network ports) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP 4-Bay High-Speed Rackmount NAS with SSD |  | High-Performance Rackmount | Processor Type: Marvell OCTEON TX2 ARM Cortex-A72 | RAM Capacity: 4GB DDR4 (up to 32GB) | Network Ports: 10GbE + 2.5GbE + 2.5GbE (dual ports) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TS-464U-RP-8G-US 4-Bay NAS with 2.5GbE |  | Business-Grade Speed | Processor Type: Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 | RAM Capacity: 8GB DDR4 (expandable) | Network Ports: 2x 2.5GbE ports | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TVS-h474-PT NAS with Intel Pentium Gold |  | Advanced AI Features | Processor Type: Intel Pentium Gold | RAM Capacity: 8GB DDR4 (expandable) | Network Ports: 2x 2.5GbE + PCIe up to 25GbE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP 4-Bay 4K NAS with 12TB RAID Bundle |  | Multimedia Powerhouse | Processor Type: Intel Celeron J4025 | RAM Capacity: 4GB DDR4 (expandable up to 8GB) | Network Ports: 2x Gigabit Ethernet + HDMI output | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| UGREEN 4-Bay NAS with Intel CPU and SSD |  | Small Office Solution | Processor Type: Intel Pentium Gold 8505 | RAM Capacity: 8GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB) | Network Ports: 2x 2.5GbE + USB 3.2 Gen 2 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 NAS with AMD Ryzen |  | Content Creator’s Choice | Processor Type: AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 | RAM Capacity: Supports up to 64GB ECC DDR5 | Network Ports: 2x 10GbE + 2.5GbE ports | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB-C DAS with RAID |  | External Storage Expansion | Processor Type: Not specified (external DAS) | RAM Capacity: Not specified (external DAS) | Network Ports: USB-C (not network ports) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 4 TB High Performance 1u 4 Bay Rackmount NAS MaxNAS4R04 |  | High Capacity Reliability | Processor Type: Not specified (likely entry-level or generic hardware) | RAM Capacity: Not specified (likely basic configuration) | Network Ports: 2x eSATA + SATA (not Ethernet ports) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Asustor Lockerstor 4RD 4-Bay NAS Server
If you’re looking for a robust 4-bay NAS that can handle family archive backups with ease, the Asustor Lockerstor 4RD is an excellent choice, especially for small businesses or tech-savvy households. It features an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which is expandable up to 128GB, ensuring smooth performance. Its 1U rackmount chassis with dual redundant power supplies offers added safety. The device supports high-speed networking, including two Gigabit and two 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet ports, plus a PCIe slot for 10-Gigabit expansion. Designed for virtualization and security, it’s perfect for reliable, flexible data management.
- Processor Type:Intel Atom C3538
- RAM Capacity:8GB (expandable to 128GB)
- Network Ports:2x Gigabit + 2x 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet + PCIe 10GbE
- Storage Capacity:Diskless (supports 4 drives)
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Virtual machines, Docker
- Security Features:ACL, Active Directory
- Additional Feature:Dual redundant power supplies
- Additional Feature:5 Gbps throughput support
- Additional Feature:Virtualization with VMware/Hyper-V
UGREEN 4-Bay NAS with 120TB Support and HDMI
The UGREEN 4-Bay NAS with 120TB support and HDMI stands out as an ideal choice for families seeking a reliable, all-in-one media storage solution. It’s perfect for home media, private storage, and remote access, supporting up to 120TB of data. Its high-performance processor, 8GB RAM, and 2.5GbE port ensure fast transfers, while the HDMI output allows direct 4K media playback. With AI photo recognition, automatic backups, and cross-platform compatibility, it’s user-friendly for beginners. Plus, being diskless, you can customize your storage. All these features make the UGREEN NAS a cost-effective, secure, and versatile option for family archives.
- Processor Type:Not specified (likely ARM or entry-level x86)
- RAM Capacity:8GB (expandable)
- Network Ports:2.5GbE (single port)
- Storage Capacity:Supports up to 120TB (diskless)
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Not virtualizations, media sharing
- Security Features:Secure private cloud, TRUSTe, encryption
- Additional Feature:HDMI 4K output
- Additional Feature:AI photo recognition
- Additional Feature:Cost-effective private cloud
TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus NAS Storage (Diskless)
The TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus NAS stands out for its powerful combination of speed and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for families looking to back up and manage large archives. Its Intel N150 Quad-Core CPU and 16GB DDR5 RAM deliver impressive performance, with speeds reaching up to 1020MB/s. The triple M.2 slots allow for SSD caching or independent storage pools, boosting data access and transfer speeds. Supporting up to 144TB, it’s perfect for extensive backups and multimedia streaming. Features like TerraMaster TRAID technology, snapshots, and HyperLock-WORM ensure data security. Its diskless design offers easy drive management and future expansion, making it a versatile, high-performance NAS for any family setup.
- Processor Type:Intel N150 Quad-Core
- RAM Capacity:16GB DDR5
- Network Ports:2x 5GbE + M.2 SSD slots (not network ports)
- Storage Capacity:Supports up to 144TB (diskless)
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Docker, VMs, multimedia
- Security Features:RAID, snapshots, HyperLock-WORM
- Additional Feature:Triple M.2 SSD slots
- Additional Feature:Up to 1020MB/s speeds
- Additional Feature:Supports Docker/VMs
QNAP 4-Bay High-Speed Rackmount NAS with SSD
For those seeking a high-performance, rackmount NAS capable of handling demanding family archive backups, the QNAP 4-Bay High-Speed Rackmount NAS with SSD stands out. It features M.2 NVMe SSD slots, a powerful quad-core ARM processor, and 4GB of DDR4 RAM, expandable to 32GB. Pre-installed with four 4TB Seagate IronWolf drives in RAID 5, it offers reliable redundancy. Dual 2.5GbE and 10GbE ports ensure fast, flexible network connectivity. Additionally, it supports backups for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, along with extensive surveillance and snapshot features, making it a robust, scalable choice for secure, high-speed family data storage.
- Processor Type:Marvell OCTEON TX2 ARM Cortex-A72
- RAM Capacity:4GB DDR4 (up to 32GB)
- Network Ports:10GbE + 2.5GbE + 2.5GbE (dual ports)
- Storage Capacity:Pre-installed with 4x 4TB drives (RAID protected)
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Surveillance, backup, multimedia
- Security Features:Surveillance, snapshots, ransomware protection
- Additional Feature:Pre-installed drives included
- Additional Feature:RAID 5 configuration
- Additional Feature:Dual 10GbE ports
QNAP TS-464U-RP-8G-US 4-Bay NAS with 2.5GbE
If you’re seeking a reliable NAS that can handle high-speed data transfers and robust security, the QNAP TS-464U-RP-8G-US with 2.5GbE is an excellent choice. It features a quad-core Intel Celeron processor, up to 16GB of expandable DDR4 RAM, and a diskless four-bay design, perfect for flexible storage. Its dual 2.5GbE ports ensure fast network speeds, ideal for quick backups and file sharing. Additionally, multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports support high-speed device connections. With support for backing up cloud services and extensive security features like ransomware protection, this NAS combines performance and safety for family data management.
- Processor Type:Intel Celeron N5105/N5095
- RAM Capacity:8GB DDR4 (expandable)
- Network Ports:2x 2.5GbE ports
- Storage Capacity:Diskless, supports 4 bays
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Not virtualizations, backup, surveillance
- Security Features:Encryption, user permissions
- Additional Feature:Expandable up to 16GB RAM
- Additional Feature:Supports Google/Microsoft Backup
- Additional Feature:Multiple USB 3.2 ports
QNAP TVS-h474-PT NAS with Intel Pentium Gold
Among the top choices for family archive backups in 2026, the QNAP TVS-h474-PT NAS with Intel Pentium Gold stands out with its powerful hardware and expandability. It features an Intel Pentium Gold processor, 8GB of RAM, and a sturdy metal rack-mount design that supports CPU upgrades. Its PCIe Gen 4 slots allow for adding 25GbE network adapters, QM2 cards, or entry-level graphics to boost performance. Supporting M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs for caching and AI recognition, it guarantees fast data transfers. With dual 2.5GbE ports, virtualization capabilities, HDMI output, and AI acceleration, this NAS combines speed, versatility, and future-proof features for thorough family backups.
- Processor Type:Intel Pentium Gold
- RAM Capacity:8GB DDR4 (expandable)
- Network Ports:2x 2.5GbE + PCIe up to 25GbE
- Storage Capacity:Diskless, supports 4 bays
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Virtual machines, containers
- Security Features:Encryption, user permissions
- Additional Feature:PCIe Gen 4 slots
- Additional Feature:AI image recognition
- Additional Feature:HDMI output for media
QNAP 4-Bay 4K NAS with 12TB RAID Bundle
The QNAP TS-451D2-4G-44R-US stands out as an ideal choice for families seeking reliable 4K multimedia storage with built-in redundancy. It offers a solid 12TB of storage with four pre-installed Seagate IronWolf drives in RAID 5, ensuring data protection. The device’s hardware includes a dual-core Intel Celeron J4025 processor, 4GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable to 8GB), and Intel HD Graphics 600, making multitasking smooth. With dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, four USB 3.2 ports, and an HDMI 2.0 output, it handles media streaming, backups, and device connections effortlessly, making it a versatile family archive solution.
- Processor Type:Intel Celeron J4025
- RAM Capacity:4GB DDR4 (expandable up to 8GB)
- Network Ports:2x Gigabit Ethernet + HDMI output
- Storage Capacity:12TB (RAID configured), 4 drives included
- Virtualization/Apps Support:4K transcoding, RAID
- Security Features:RAID, snapshots, data protection
- Additional Feature:Hardware transcoding 4K
- Additional Feature:RAID 5 protection
- Additional Feature:HDMI media output
UGREEN 4-Bay NAS with Intel CPU and SSD
The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus stands out as an ideal choice for advanced users and small offices seeking powerful, reliable storage. It features an Intel Pentium Gold 8505 quad-core CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, and a 128GB SSD for quick responsiveness. Its connectivity options include a 10GbE port, a 2.5GbE port, and M.2 NVMe slots, supporting high-speed data transfers and versatile setups. The device is diskless, so you choose your drives, and it supports up to 136TB of storage with RAID options for data safety. With 4K HDMI output and extensive compatibility, it’s perfect for centralized backups, remote access, and multimedia workflows.
- Processor Type:Intel Pentium Gold 8505
- RAM Capacity:8GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB)
- Network Ports:2x 2.5GbE + USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Storage Capacity:Diskless, supports 4 drives
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Virtual machines, Docker
- Security Features:Ransomware protection, snapshots
- Additional Feature:10GbE and 2.5GbE ports
- Additional Feature:AI-powered photo organization
- Additional Feature:Supports Docker/VMs
Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 NAS with AMD Ryzen
If you’re looking for a powerful NAS that can handle demanding multimedia workloads and support large family archives, the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 with AMD Ryzen stands out. It features a quad-core AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 CPU at 2.3 GHz, turbo up to 3.8 GHz, and supports up to 64GB of ECC DDR5-4800 memory, ensuring robust performance and data integrity. With four M.2 NVMe SSD slots and PCIe 4.0 support, it offers fast storage expansion. Its connectivity options are impressive, including dual 10GbE ports, USB4 at 40 Gbps, and multiple USB 3.2 ports—making it versatile for any multimedia or backup task.
- Processor Type:AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14
- RAM Capacity:Supports up to 64GB ECC DDR5
- Network Ports:2x 10GbE + 2.5GbE ports
- Storage Capacity:Diskless, supports 4 bays
- Virtualization/Apps Support:Virtualization, containers, AI
- Security Features:Wake on LAN/WAN, ECC memory
- Additional Feature:PCIe 4.0 support
- Additional Feature:USB4 ports at 40 Gbps
- Additional Feature:High-speed M.2 NVMe SSD slots
QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB-C DAS with RAID
For those seeking a simple, reliable external storage solution to expand their existing NAS system or back up family files, the QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB-C DAS with RAID stands out. It features four SATA bays supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, or individual disks, with lockable drive bays for security. Connecting via USB-C, it’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile. Keep in mind, it functions solely as external storage—no network sharing or NAS applications. Drives can be migrated between units but won’t be recognized in NAS or other devices, so it’s best for direct-attached backups or expansion.
- Processor Type:Not specified (external DAS)
- RAM Capacity:Not specified (external DAS)
- Network Ports:USB-C (not network ports)
- Storage Capacity:External DAS, supports 4 drives
- Virtualization/Apps Support:External storage only
- Security Features:Not applicable (external storage)
- Additional Feature:Hardware RAID options
- Additional Feature:Lockable drive bays
- Additional Feature:External storage expansion
4 TB High Performance 1u 4 Bay Rackmount NAS MaxNAS4R04
When choosing a reliable storage solution for family archives, the MaxNAS4R04 stands out with its high-performance 1U rackmount design and support for up to four SATA drives. It offers hot-swappable bays for easy maintenance and expansion via eSATA, making upgrades straightforward. With support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 5+Hot Spare, it provides flexible data protection and scalability. The AES 256-bit encryption ensures your family’s photos and videos stay secure. Designed for dependable data management, this NAS delivers strong performance and easy scalability, making it an excellent choice for safeguarding your family’s digital memories efficiently.
- Processor Type:Not specified (likely entry-level or generic hardware)
- RAM Capacity:Not specified (likely basic configuration)
- Network Ports:2x eSATA + SATA (not Ethernet ports)
- Storage Capacity:4TB (max), 4 bays
- Virtualization/Apps Support:RAID, backup
- Security Features:Encryption, AES 256-bit
- Additional Feature:AES 256-bit encryption
- Additional Feature:Hot-swappable drives
- Additional Feature:Supports RAID 0,1,5,6
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 4-Bay NAS for Family Archive Backups
When selecting a 4-bay NAS for family backups, I consider factors like storage capacity to guarantee I have enough space, as well as network performance for quick access. Security features are also vital to protect my data, along with compatibility and expandability for future needs. Finally, I look for user-friendly management to make setup and daily use as simple as possible.
Storage Capacity Needs
Choosing the right 4-bay NAS requires accurately evaluating your current and future storage needs. Start by estimating the size of your photo, video, music, and document collections to determine your present capacity. Think ahead about your growth; select a NAS with expandable storage options or larger drive bays to handle increasing backup data. Check the maximum supported capacity per drive and overall volume to ensure it can accommodate your projected archive size. Keep in mind that RAID configurations influence usable storage, balancing redundancy and capacity. If you opt for a diskless NAS, plan your storage based on compatible drive sizes and the number of drives you intend to install. Proper assessment now helps prevent future limitations and guarantees your family archive remains accessible and secure.
Network Performance Speed
Network performance speed in a 4-bay NAS directly influences how smoothly your backups, file sharing, and remote access run, especially as your family’s storage needs grow. The key factors include the number and type of Ethernet ports—multi-gigabit options like 2.5GbE, 5GbE, or 10GbE provide faster data transfer. Link aggregation, which combines multiple ports, can boost speeds further, making backups and file sharing more efficient. Additionally, M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching enhance responsiveness and reduce latency during data access. A higher network throughput guarantees simultaneous backups and remote access without bottlenecks. Compatibility with your existing network, whether gigabit or multi-gigabit switches, is essential for maximizing transfer speeds and ensuring your family archive runs smoothly and efficiently.
Data Security Features
Ensuring your family archive remains secure requires paying close attention to a NAS device’s data security features. Look for models that support AES 256-bit encryption to protect data at rest from unauthorized access. Built-in support for secure user authentication methods like Active Directory or LDAP is essential for managing access effectively. Verify that the device uses encrypted network transmission protocols such as SSL/TLS to safeguard data during transfer over your network. Hardware encryption acceleration is a valuable feature, enabling faster encryption and decryption without sacrificing security. Additionally, extensive access controls—including user permissions and audit logs—allow you to monitor and restrict data access, ensuring your family’s memories stay protected from breaches or misuse. Prioritizing these features helps keep your backups safe and private.
Compatibility and Expandability
When selecting a 4-bay NAS for your family archive backups, it’s crucial to verify that it supports the specific drives you plan to use, including their sizes and interfaces. Compatibility guarantees smooth installation and reliable operation, especially if you’re upgrading existing drives. Check if the NAS offers expansion capabilities, like additional drive bays or PCIe slots, to grow your storage over time. Confirm whether it supports RAID configurations that can be migrated or expanded as your needs evolve, saving you from future data migration hassle. Opt for models that support diskless setups, giving you the flexibility to choose drives based on capacity and performance. Finally, make sure the device has robust software features for managing multiple drives and seamless expansion without risking data loss.
User-Friendly Management
Choosing a 4-bay NAS that’s easy to manage makes setting up and maintaining your family’s backups straightforward, even if you’re not tech-savvy. An intuitive web-based dashboard and mobile apps simplify access, allowing family members to manage files securely from various devices. Features like automated backup scheduling and straightforward setup help guarantee backups happen regularly without hassle. Clear visual indicators and alerts for system health, drive status, and security issues help prevent data loss and enable quick troubleshooting. Compatibility with common operating systems and simple user permissions make it easy for everyone to use the device confidently. Overall, a user-friendly interface reduces stress and saves time, making your family’s archive backups both reliable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does RAID Configuration Affect Data Safety and Performance?
RAID configuration plays a crucial role in both data safety and performance. I choose RAID 5 or RAID 6 because they offer a good balance—protecting against drive failure while maintaining decent speed. RAID 10 is faster and safer but uses more drives. It’s vital to pick the right setup based on how much safety and performance you need, as each configuration impacts your data integrity and access speed differently.
Which NAS Models Are Most Energy-Efficient for Continuous Family Use?
Think of energy-efficient NAS models as the silent guardians of your digital fortress. I recommend the Synology DS720+, as it balances power and low energy consumption beautifully, making it perfect for continuous family use. Its smart design minimizes electricity use while delivering robust performance. This little powerhouse keeps your family’s data safe, running smoothly without draining your energy budget—a true harmony of efficiency and reliability.
Can These NAS Devices Support Remote Access Securely?
Yes, these NAS devices can support remote access securely. I guarantee they use strong encryption protocols like SSL/TLS and enable two-factor authentication for added security. Regular firmware updates keep vulnerabilities at bay, and I set up VPNs for even safer connections. With these precautions, I confidently access my family archive from anywhere, knowing my data remains protected against unauthorized access.
What Are the Warranty and Support Options for Each NAS?
When choosing a NAS, I look at warranty and support options first. For example, Synology offers a three-year warranty with 24/7 customer support, including live chat and phone assistance. I’ve found their support team to be responsive and helpful, which gives me peace of mind. I recommend checking each brand’s warranty period and available support channels to guarantee you get the help you need if issues arise.
How Easy Is It to Upgrade Storage Capacity Later?
Upgrading storage on a 4-bay NAS is usually straightforward, and I find it pretty user-friendly. Most models let you swap out or add drives without much hassle, often with hot-swapping options. I recommend checking the specific NAS’s manual or specs beforehand, but generally, you’ll just need to power down, replace or add drives, and then configure the system. It’s a simple process that keeps your backup capacity flexible.
Conclusion
Choosing the right 4-bay NAS can really simplify your family backups. Did you know that 60% of families experience data loss due to poor backups? Investing in a reliable NAS not only safeguards your memories but also offers peace of mind. Whether you need high speed, large storage, or ease of use, there’s a perfect option out there. Make your backup strategy smarter today—your future self will thank you!
