There’s a decent amount of choice if you want to get started with local storage. If anything, now is the best time to start with a NAS server; it gives you the flexibility of storing all your data in a single location, and you don’t have to rely on public cloud storage services — you’re in control of your data.
UGREEN has all the momentum in this category, and the brand’s DH4300 Plus is the model I’d recommend if you’re just looking to start out. This 4-bay NAS has everything you need: it comes with 8GB RAM, holds four traditional HDDs, has 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and a clean software that lets you install all your media streaming utilities.
✅Recommended if: You need a good starter NAS with extensive features. The DH4300 Plus has a good design, 2.5GbE connectivity, all the software utilities you can install, and it makes easier than ever to store your photos, videos, and other data on the NAS. You can also install Plex and use it as a media server.
❌Skip this deal if: You need M.2 storage. If you want to add SSDs, you’ll need to get the powerful DXP4800 Plus model, which is down to $583 right now.
I like the design of the DH4300 Plus; the vertical design ensures the NAS doesn’t take up too much room, and you get better airflow to the HDDs. The design is great in its own right, and you can easily slot in HDDs into the NAS — although you will need to use the screws included in the box.
Once that’s done, it’s easy to configure the NAS and get started with the UGOS Pro software. UGREEN does a good job with photo organization and management, and it is straightforward to get photos and videos from your phones to the NAS. It also stores all other data, and while the built-in software isn’t as extensive, you get Docker integration, so you get the ability to install just about anything — including Plex and Jellyfin.
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The DH4300 Plus uses an Arm-based Rockchip platform, and it doesn’t have any issues in daily use. There’s 8GB of soldered RAM, and that’s more than adequate to run just about anything on the NAS.
The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity guarantees the NAS will hold its own down the line, and you get USB-C and HDMI ports as well. There isn’t much missing on the NAS, and it also allows you to transcode in Plex, if that’s something you need.
On the whole, the DH4300 Plus is the best 4-bay starter NAS, and the fact that it’s down to $351 makes this the best time to get your hands on the storage server.
