While it’s not necessary to have a NAS with four bays, at least two bays are recommended. Devices typically feature one to four bays, which corresponds to the number of hard disks – and therefore additional storage – the device can accommodate. It’s better to create the dual protection of simultaneous creating a local backup and an off-site version you store in the cloud in case.)Īn additional, essential consideration when selecting a NAS device for home use is the number of drive bays. (Keep in mind though that on-site backup alone is insufficient for truly securing your data.

NAS can provide easy storage for on-site backup using Time Machine or other third-party software such as Acronis True Image. With so many Apple devices being used at home – from iPhones and iPads to iMacs and MacBooks – individuals and families need a safe way to back-up their devices. Examples of AFP supported NAS can be found at the end of this article. They are also an easy and convenient way to share files via a central hub.įor this kind of application, it’s important to choose a NAS solution that supports AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) in order to retain the convenience of Spotlight file searching (with content searches) and Apple’s Time Machine NAS backup. They’re commonly used for media storage that’s accessible by any device connected to the network. Many home network users are turning to NAS devices as a cost-effective solution for introducing shared storage between a few users, since it’s a one-time expense instead of the recurring costs required by some other options.

Best nas for home use 2021