Asustor Lockerstor 8
3.9Editor score
Quad Core 2.1GHz CPU
Two 10GbE interfaces
8GB DDR4 RAM included
In this guide
Finding the right network storage solution is crucial for modern workflows. An 8 Bay NAS offers ample space for data, media, and backups while providing robust performance for multiple users and demanding applications.
We evaluated leading models based on processor power, network connectivity, expandability, and software features. Our selection includes options for enterprise video production, home media servers, and business file sharing.
Each pick highlights specific strengths and ideal use cases to simplify your decision. Please note that prices and availability change frequently, so verify current listings before purchasing your next storage device.
Top 3 Picks for Best 8 Bay NAS
Synology DS1825+
3.9Editor score
Supports 50+ concurrent video editors
25GbE network speed capability
High-availability clustering support
UGREEN NAS DXP8800 Ultra
Intel 150U processor
Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
AI-powered photo management
Top 10 Best 8 Bay NAS in 2026 Compared
This side-by-side comparison highlights the key specifications and capabilities of each selected model to help you identify the best fit for your specific storage requirements and budget.
ProductsSpecificationsEditor scorePrice
Editor's Choice
Synology DS1825+
Supports 50+ concurrent users
Up to 360TB capacity
25GbE network upgrade option
Enterprise data protection features
3.9Editor score
Editor's Choice
UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus
Intel Core i5 12th Gen
Dual 10GbE network ports
Up to 272TB storage
All-inclusive NAS App
Best Premium
QNAP TS-855X-8G-US
Intel Atom C5125 processor
Single 10Gbase-T port
Dual M.2 NVMe slots
Backup Workspace accounts
5.0Editor score
UGREEN NAS DXP8800 Ultra
Intel 150U processor
Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
Up to 272TB capacity
AI photo asset management
Asustor Lockerstor 8
Intel Atom C3538 CPU
8GB DDR4 RAM
Two 10GbE interfaces
Supports 8 SATA drives
3.9Editor score
Synology DS1825+ Bundle
64TB Seagate Ironwolf bundle
Ryzen V1500B processor
Two 2.5GbE ports
PCIe slot for NIC
Synology DS1823xs+
Up to 18 drive bays
Hot-swappable drives
Synology High Availability
Online volume expansion
4.2Editor score
QNAP TS-873AeU-4G-US
AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B
Dual 2.5GbE ports
PCIe Gen 3×8 Slots
Multiple USB 3.2 ports
Synology RS1221+
Up to 2,315 MB/s read
Short depth 298mm
PCIe SFP+ network card
Synology High Availability cluster
4.7Editor score
Thdeukoty Desktop NAS
Ultra 9 285H CPU
32GB LPDDR5X RAM
Dual 10GbE Ethernet
PCIe 4.0 x8 Slot
1. Synology DS1825+ – Best Overall 8 Bay NAS
Synology DS1825+
Supports 50+ concurrent users
Up to 360TB capacity
25GbE network upgrade card
Enterprise data protection
The Synology DS1825+ stands out as a powerhouse for enterprise video production and large-scale storage needs. With a 3.9 rating, it offers exceptional reliability for mission-critical environments where data integrity is paramount.
Pros
- Massive scalability up to 360TB
- Supports 50+ concurrent video editors
- Enterprise high-availability clustering
- 25GbE network speed capability
- Comprehensive backup solutions
Cons
- Higher price point for enterprise
- Requires additional network cards
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Its standout quality lies in supporting over 50 concurrent users editing 4K or 8K projects simultaneously with speeds reaching 2,239 MB/s. This makes it ideal for broadcast media and post-production workflows that demand high bandwidth.
While the cost is higher than consumer models, the trade-off is justified by enterprise data protection features like automated failover and high-availability clustering. These ensure minimal downtime even during hardware failures.
Buyers looking for a robust solution for growing video archives and large file transfers will find this NAS indispensable. It provides a scalable platform that grows with your production demands without compromising performance.
Scalable Storage for Production
Grow storage from 160TB to 360TB using expansion units for long-term archive projects.
Flexible Networking Options
Choose 10GbE or 25GbE network cards to support demanding creative team workflows.
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2. UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus – Best for Home Office
UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus
Intel Core i5 12th Gen
Dual 10GbE ports
Up to 272TB storage
All-inclusive NAS App
The UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus combines impressive processing power with user-friendly design for home offices and small studios. Although rating data is not available, its specifications suggest strong performance for file transfers.
Pros
- Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5
- Up to 2700MB/s transfer speeds
- Supports various RAID configurations
- One app for all functions
- Includes high-speed ethernet cable
Cons
- Firmware update may be required
- Limited enterprise features
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Equipped with an Intel Core i5 12th Gen processor, it handles demanding tasks efficiently. The dual 10GbE ports allow aggregation up to 20G bandwidth, ensuring smooth file sharing across multiple devices.
Its all-inclusive app simplifies management by consolidating storage, files, and photos into one interface. This reduces the complexity often found in traditional NAS setups for home users.
Ideal for households needing massive storage up to 272TB, this model supports thousands of HD movies and documents. It balances performance and usability effectively for general-purpose network storage.
High-Speed Performance
Aggregate two 10GbE ports for download speeds up to 2700MB/s.
Simple Management
Access storage manager, photos, and files through one consolidated app.
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3. QNAP TS-855X-8G-US – Best for Media Sharing
QNAP TS-855X-8G-US
Intel Atom C5125 processor
Dual 2.5GbE ports
Dual M.2 NVMe slots
Backup Workspace accounts
The QNAP TS-855X-8G-US earns a perfect 5.0 rating, indicating exceptional user satisfaction and performance reliability. It features an Intel Atom C5125 processor capable of handling diverse workloads efficiently.
Pros
- High 5.0 rating for reliability
- Intel Atom C5125 8-core processor
- Up to 128GB ECC RAM support
- Dual M.2 NVMe SSD cache slots
- Google Workspace backup included
Cons
- Single 10Gbase-T port only
- Limited PCIe expansion
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Dual 2.5GbE ports accelerate file sharing across teams and devices, while a single 10Gbase-T port supports high-speed transfers. The dual M.2 NVMe slots enable cache acceleration for improved application performance.
Users appreciate the ability to backup Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 accounts directly to the NAS using Boxafe. This feature enhances data security for businesses relying on cloud productivity suites.
For teams needing robust media sharing and secure cloud backup, this model offers a balanced combination of speed and reliability. Its ECC RAM support ensures data integrity during extended operations.
Cloud Account Protection
Backup Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 files directly to NAS.
Enhanced Performance
Use M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration or storage pools.
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4. UGREEN NAS DXP8800 Ultra – Best Premium Model
UGREEN NAS DXP8800 Ultra
Intel 150U processor
Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
Up to 272TB capacity
AI photo management
The UGREEN NAS DXP8800 Ultra is designed for businesses and large studios requiring high-performance workflows. It boasts an Intel 150U processor with a frequency up to 5.4GHz for fast media ingestion.
Pros
- Intel 150U processor up to 5.4GHz
- Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
- AI-powered photo asset management
- Smart Surveillance Center support
- Runs Docker containers and VMs
Cons
- High price for premium features
- Separate HDD purchase required
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Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and SD 4.0 slots allow for rapid data transfer, making it ideal for creative teams. AI features help organize image libraries through people recognition and object detection.
Surveillance Center support turns the NAS into a centralized video platform with AI detection for faces and vehicles. This adds significant value for security monitoring within offices or studios.
Professional users needing centralized project storage and fast collaboration tools will appreciate this premium offering. It balances high-end hardware with intelligent software for modern business needs.
Creative Team Tools
Organize libraries with AI features like people and object recognition.
Video Surveillance
Use AI detection to organize security footage efficiently.
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5. Asustor Lockerstor 8 – Best Budget Option
Asustor Lockerstor 8
Intel Atom C3538 CPU
8GB DDR4 RAM
Two 10GbE interfaces
Supports 8 SATA drives
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 offers a budget-friendly entry into 8-bay storage without compromising essential features. With a 3.9 rating, it provides reliable performance for standard file storage needs.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Two 10GbE interfaces
- Quad Core 2.1GHz CPU
- Supports 8x 3.5 inch SATA
- M.2 NVMe SSD support
Cons
- Older CPU architecture
- Lower RAM capacity
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Powered by an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB DDR4 RAM, it handles everyday tasks efficiently. The inclusion of two 10GbE interfaces supports link aggregation for up to 20Gbps speeds.
Despite the lower cost, it supports eight 3.5-inch SATA drives and M.2 NVMe SSDs, offering flexibility for expanding storage. This makes it suitable for home media libraries and basic business archives.
For users seeking value, this model delivers solid network storage capabilities at a competitive price. It balances cost and performance effectively for those who prioritize capacity over high-end computing power.
Link Aggregation
Combine two 10GbE interfaces for up to 20Gbps throughput.
Cost-Effective Storage
Get eight drive bays at an affordable price point.
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6. Synology DS1825+ Bundle – Best Ready-to-Use
Synology DS1825+ Bundle
64TB Seagate Ironwolf bundle
Ryzen V1500B processor
Two 2.5GbE ports
PCIe slot for NIC
The Synology DS1825+ 64TB Bundle provides a complete solution ready for immediate use. It includes eight Seagate Ironwolf 8TB drives pre-installed, eliminating the need for separate purchase and setup.
Pros
- Pre-installed 64TB Ironwolf drives
- No drive installation required
- Two 2.5GbE ports included
- PCIe slot for NIC expansion
- Compatible with third-party drives
Cons
- Higher total investment cost
- Limited drive customization
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Equipped with a Ryzen V1500B processor and two 2.5GbE ports, it delivers reliable performance for document management and photo storage. The PCIe slot allows for flexible network expansion up to 25GbE.
Users benefit from professional video surveillance capabilities and secure application management. Compatible with third-party drives since DSM 7.3, it offers flexibility for future upgrades.
This bundle is ideal for businesses needing a fast start without technical configuration delays. It ensures high reliability with enterprise-grade drives and a robust storage operating system.
Instant Deployment
Ready to use immediately with pre-installed drives.
Future Expansion
Upgrade network speed with PCIe slot options.
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7. Synology DS1823xs+ – Best for IT Infrastructure
Synology DS1823xs+
Up to 18 drive bays
Hot-swappable drives
Synology High Availability
Online volume expansion
The Synology DS1823xs+ is engineered for IT infrastructure protection and business continuity. With a 4.2 rating, it ensures high uptime through hot-swappable drives and online volume expansion.
Pros
- Supports 18 drive bays expansion
- High 4.2 rating
- Hot-swappable drive design
- Synology High Availability clustering
- Online volume expansion support
Cons
- Expansion units sold separately
- Complex for small setups
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It supports up to two DX517 expansion units for a total of 18 drive bays, allowing massive scalability for growing businesses. This modularity is essential for data centers needing flexible storage growth.
Synology High Availability clustering provides license-free backup and replication solutions. This minimizes downtime by ensuring data remains accessible even during component failures.
IT administrators managing critical infrastructure will find this model indispensable. It offers robust protection and scalability without sacrificing the ease of use Synology is known for.
Business Continuity
Protect IT infrastructure with license-free backup solutions.
Flexible Expansion
Add up to 18 bays for massive storage growth.
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8. QNAP TS-873AeU-4G-US – Best Rackmount Solution
QNAP TS-873AeU-4G-US
AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B
Dual 2.5GbE ports
PCIe Gen 3×8 Slots
Multiple USB 3.2 ports
The QNAP TS-873AeU-4G-US is designed for server rooms and enterprise environments needing a compact rackmount NAS. It features an AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B processor for efficient performance.
Pros
- Rackmount form factor
- AMD Ryzen Embedded processor
- PCIe Gen 3×8 Slots
- Multiple USB 3.2 ports
- Google Workspace backup included
Cons
- Requires rack cabinet
- Limited consumer features
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Dual 2.5GbE ports accelerate file sharing across teams, while multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports support fast transfers for external drives. The PCIe Gen 3×8 Slots allow optional QM2 or network cards.
This unit is ideal for businesses needing to backup Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 accounts securely. It streamlines data management by keeping critical files locally accessible.
Organizations prioritizing space efficiency and robust networking will benefit from this rackmount design. It provides a stable platform for centralized storage in professional server setups.
Compact Rack Design
Ideal for server rooms needing space-efficient storage.
Versatile Expansion
Install QM2 or network cards via PCIe slots.
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9. Synology RS1221+ – Best Rack Performance
Synology RS1221+
Up to 2,315 MB/s read
Short depth 298mm
PCIe SFP+ network card
Synology High Availability cluster
The Synology RS1221+ delivers high performance for multi-user environments with read speeds up to 2,315 MB/s. It boasts a high 4.7 rating, reflecting its reliability in business settings.
Pros
- High 4.7 rating
- Up to 2,315 MB/s read speeds
- Short 298mm depth
- PCIe SFP+ network card support
- SHA cluster for uptime
Cons
- Requires PCIe card for speed
- Rack setup needed
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Its short depth of 298mm makes it suitable for standard server cabinets. Configure two units to create a Synology High Availability cluster for maximum uptime and failover protection.
Improve network performance five times with PCIe SFP+ or RJ-45 network cards. This flexibility ensures the NAS can adapt to various network demands efficiently.
Businesses needing fast and reliable network storage will find this model an excellent choice. It balances physical design with robust networking capabilities for professional use.
Fast Read Speeds
Handle multi-user environments with up to 2,315 MB/s reads.
High Availability
Cluster two units for maximum service uptime.
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10. Thdeukoty Desktop NAS – Best for AI Tasks
Thdeukoty Desktop NAS
Ultra 9 285H CPU
32GB LPDDR5X RAM
Dual 10GbE ports
PCIe 4.0 x8 Slot
The Thdeukoty Desktop NAS stands out with powerful hardware including an Ultra 9 285H CPU and 32GB LPDDR5X RAM. It targets demanding users needing fast AI computing or video rendering.
Pros
- Ultra 9 285H CPU
- 32GB LPDDR5X RAM
- PCIe 4.0 x8 Slot
- Dual USB 4.0 ports
- Supports discrete graphics card
Cons
- New brand with less history
- Complex setup for new users
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Dual 10GbE ports deliver speeds up to 2500MB/s for video editing and office environments. A PCIe 4.0 x8 slot supports discrete graphics cards, enhancing multi-channel video rendering.
Abundant interfaces include USB 4.0, HD, and DP ports for versatile connectivity. This model supports RAID configurations up to RAID 10 for flexible data management.
Users requiring high computational power alongside massive storage will benefit from this versatile device. It offers a unique combination of desktop-grade performance and network storage utility.
AI Computing Support
Install discrete graphics card via PCIe slot for enhanced computing.
Versatile Interfaces
Connect diverse devices with USB 4 and DP ports.
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best 8 Bay NAS
Selecting the right 8 Bay NAS requires considering processor capabilities, network speeds, and expandability to meet your specific storage needs.
Processor and RAM
The CPU and memory determine how many tasks the NAS can handle simultaneously. For video editing or virtual machines, look for multi-core processors like Intel Core or Ryzen with at least 8GB of RAM.
Prioritize a processor with multiple cores if you plan to run multiple apps like Docker or transcode media files.
Network Connectivity
Network ports dictate transfer speeds. Standard 1GbE is slow for large files; opt for models with 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports if you need fast data access.
Choose a NAS with high-speed Ethernet ports to ensure smooth file sharing across your network.
Expandability
As your storage needs grow, expansion units allow you to add more drive bays. Check if the NAS supports expansion units and if they are available for the specific model.
Ensure the model supports expansion units for long-term storage growth.
RAID Support
RAID configurations like RAID 5 or 6 protect data against drive failures. Verify the NAS supports the RAID levels you need for your specific data redundancy requirements.
Select a NAS that supports RAID levels to protect your data from hardware failure.
Software Ecosystem
The operating system and available apps determine ease of use. Brands like Synology and QNAP offer robust ecosystems for backup, photo management, and surveillance.
Evaluate the software ecosystem to ensure it offers the apps you need for management.
Drive Compatibility
Some models are sold diskless, while others include drives. Ensure the NAS supports your preferred drive types, such as 3.5-inch SATA or M.2 NVMe SSDs.
Check that the NAS supports your preferred drive types to avoid compatibility issues.
Form Factor
Decide between a desktop unit for home use or a rackmount unit for server rooms. Rackmount models save space in enterprise environments but require specific cabinets.
Choose the form factor that fits your physical space and environment requirements.
Warranty and Support
Look for models with at least a 3-year warranty and accessible technical support. Enterprise models often offer dedicated account management which is valuable for business users.
Prioritize models with solid warranty terms and accessible technical support for peace of mind.
How to Use and Care for Your 8 Bay NAS
Start by installing hard drives into the drive bays and connecting the NAS to your router using an ethernet cable. Access the setup wizard via your web browser to initialize the storage volume and create user accounts.
Regularly update the firmware to keep security patches current and access new features. Use the built-in tools to back up your critical data to cloud services or external drives.
Ensure the NAS is placed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Clean dust from vents occasionally and keep the system running at optimal temperatures to extend hardware life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do 8 Bay NAS systems support SSD caching?
Most modern 8 Bay NAS systems include M.2 slots specifically for SSD caching. This speeds up file access for frequently used data without replacing all drives with SSDs.
Can I upgrade the RAM on these models?
Many models allow RAM upgrades via U-DIMM slots, but check the specific compatibility list. Some units may require you to purchase compatible memory modules to ensure stability.
What is the difference between diskless and bundle versions?
Diskless versions come without hard drives and require you to buy them separately. Bundle versions include pre-installed drives ready for immediate use without extra setup steps.
How do I connect a NAS to my home network?
Connect the NAS to your router using an ethernet cable for the fastest speed. Alternatively, some models support Wi-Fi but wired connections are generally more stable.
Can multiple users access files at once?
Yes, NAS systems allow multiple users to access files simultaneously. However, performance may vary based on the processor and network speed of the device.
Is a NAS necessary for home media streaming?
A NAS provides centralized storage accessible from any device on your network. It is essential for organizing and streaming media libraries efficiently across different rooms.
What happens if a hard drive fails in RAID 5?
In RAID 5, data can be recovered from remaining drives if one fails. The system continues running while you replace the faulty drive and rebuild the array.
Can I use the NAS for cloud backup?
Many NAS models support integration with cloud services like Google Drive or AWS. This allows for hybrid backup strategies combining local and remote storage for safety.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best 8 Bay NAS
Our top picks highlight versatile options ranging from the Synology DS1825+ for enterprise needs to the UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Ultra for creative professionals. Each offers distinct strengths tailored to specific workflows and budgets.
Prioritize processor power and network speed if you work with large files like video or datasets. For general storage, focus on expandability and software ecosystem features that simplify management.
Always check current prices and availability as these can fluctuate significantly. Verifying specs on the product page ensures you get the best value for your specific storage requirements.