NAS recommendation for Newbie

[Enquiries]

Good Afternoon,

Could you please recommend a NAS that will replace iCloud on my iPhone, iPad and MacBook, with end to end encryption?

I would like to auto backup my photos and files from my iPhone via an app.

I would like to play the backed up DVDs / Blu-Rays I have, directly to my tv via 4k hdmi and remotely via the internet on my devices.

I would like to balance performance with low power consumption and low noise.

I am a content creator and I archive my projects. I already have nearly 8tb of data, so would like to future proof my new NAS with expandability. 4 bays would be good but I’m open to having more.

I am brand new to NAS, so I would like something I can either plug and play or something I can research easily! Drives included with purchase would be really helpful to get me setup!

Thank you, hope to hear from you soon.

Dana Freeman

[ed]

Good afternoon! I’m happy to help you find a NAS that suits your needs. Based on your requirements, here’s a NAS recommendation that should cover everything from backup to media streaming:

NAS Recommendation: Synology DS923+
Key Features:
4-bay configuration, expandable up to 9 bays with an expansion unit.
End-to-end encryption: Synology offers built-in encryption for secure backups, making it a great choice for privacy.
Auto Backup: You can easily set up automatic backups for your iPhone, iPad, and MacBook using the Synology Drive app or Synology Photos, which syncs your photos and files effortlessly.
Media Streaming: You can use Plex or Synology's Video Station to play your DVDs/Blu-Rays directly to your TV via 4K HDMI. Both options support remote streaming on various devices, including your iPhone and MacBook.
Low Power & Low Noise: The DS923+ is known for being energy-efficient and relatively quiet, making it a great fit for a home environment.
Expandability: The DS923+ has room for growth, both with drive upgrades and additional expansion units (DX517 for 5 more bays).
Additional Considerations:
Storage Expansion: With nearly 8TB of data, you can start with 4x4TB or 2x8TB drives and expand as your storage needs grow. The DS923+ is future-proof, as you can increase the storage without replacing your NAS.
Easy Setup: Synology is very user-friendly, and there are plenty of online guides and resources to help you get started.
Drive Options: If you're looking for a NAS with drives included, you could go with Synology's “DiskStation” bundles, which typically come with hard drives pre-installed. You can look for deals that fit your £300-£1500 budget.
If you want a system that’s easy to set up, reliable, and has excellent support, the DS923+ is a great choice. It strikes a good balance between performance and power efficiency while offering a straightforward setup process.