If you want one storage setup that can stream media smoothly and protect your files, the right NAS can do both. The best picks for nas for plex and pc backup balance speed, drive capacity, and simple everyday use.
Below, we focus on options that make sense for home media libraries, desktop backups, and flexible expansion—whether you want a beginner-friendly box or a more powerful multi-bay system.
Best 10 Nas for Plex and PC Backup Picks for 2026
Best for Plex Creators
Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2+ 6-Bay NAS
- Dual 5GbE ports for faster transfers and multi-device use
- Four M.2 NVMe slots for cache or speed acceleration
- 6-bay hybrid storage with 8GB RAM for Plex and backups
Best For: Plex users and creators who want fast shared storage with strong backup capacity.
Best for Simple Backup
BUFFALO LinkStation 710 4TB 1-Bay NAS
- Includes 4TB of storage with the drive installed
- Subscription-free personal cloud access
- Backup software and NAS management tools included
Best For: Home users who want a simple NAS for personal cloud storage and PC backups.
Best for Fast Plex + Backup
TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus 4-Bay NAS
- Dual 5GbE ports for high-speed transfers and link aggregation
- Triple M.2 slots for cache or extra SSD storage flexibility
- 16GB DDR5 and Intel N150 suit Plex, Docker, and backups
Best For: Home media users and small teams needing fast Plex streaming and dependable PC backups.
Best for Small Spaces
BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS
- 2TB starter NAS with drive included
- Subscription-free personal cloud storage
- Included tools for automated PC backups
Best For: Home users who want a simple, low-cost NAS for basic backup and file sharing.
Best for Beginners
- Simple setup for first-time NAS buyers
- 2-bay expandable storage up to 64TB
- Good for Plex storage and PC backups
Best For: Beginners who want a private, easy-to-use NAS for Plex media and automatic PC backup.
Best for Plex Performance
- Intel N5105 CPU with 4K Plex transcoding
- Dual 2.5GbE ports for faster PC backups
- Four M.2 NVMe slots for caching or flash storage
Best For: Home users who want smooth Plex playback and fast PC backups in a compact NAS.
Best High-Capacity Backup Pick
WD 20TB Elements Desktop Drive
- 20TB of storage for large media and backup needs
- USB 3.0 plug-and-play setup for Windows PCs
- Good fit for simple, high-capacity local storage
Best For: Windows users who need a huge external drive for Plex libraries and PC backups.
Best High-Capacity Pick
WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Drive
- 16TB storage for large Plex libraries and backups
- USB 3.0 plug-and-play setup
- Simple, reliable desktop drive for Windows PCs
Best For: Users who want straightforward high-capacity storage for Plex media and PC backups.
Best Simple Bulk Storage
- 8TB capacity for media and backup storage
- USB 3.0 for quick everyday transfers
- Plug-and-play setup for Windows PCs
Best For: Windows users who want an easy, high-capacity external drive for Plex files and PC backups.
Best for Power Users
- Dual 10GbE for fast Plex streaming and backup transfers
- Ryzen Embedded CPU handles multitasking and Docker well
- Flexible bays plus M.2/U.2 support leave room to expand
Best For: Plex streaming, multi-PC backups, and power users who want room to expand.
Best for Plex Creators – Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2+ 6-Bay NAS
If you want a fast, flexible nas for plex and pc backup, the Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2+ stands out with dual 5GbE networking, NVMe cache support, and a six-bay layout that can balance media streaming with reliable file protection.
Best For: Video creators, Plex users, and power users who need shared storage that can handle heavy transfers, 4K media playback, and routine PC backups.
Pros:
- Dual 5GbE ports help speed up large file transfers and multi-user access.
- Four M.2 NVMe slots add cache or fast storage acceleration for smoother workflows.
- 6-bay hybrid design gives you room for both high-capacity HDDs and SSDs.
- 8GB DDR4 and Intel Celeron N5105 support multitasking and Plex media duties.
Cons:
- Diskless system means you must buy drives separately.
- More advanced hardware like this can be overkill for simple backup-only setups.
- To get the most from the networking, your PC and switch should support faster-than-gigabit speeds.
For buyers who want a capable nas for plex and pc backup with headroom for creator workloads, this model offers a strong mix of speed, expandability, and media-friendly features.
Best for Simple Backup – BUFFALO LinkStation 710 4TB 1-Bay NAS
If you want a straightforward nas for plex and pc backup without monthly cloud fees, the BUFFALO LinkStation 710 is a practical entry-level option. It includes a 4TB drive, supports Windows and Mac, and adds built-in backup tools for automatically protecting files from your computers.
Best For: Home users who want an easy NAS for basic media storage, personal cloud access, and automated PC backups.
Pros:
- Includes 4TB of storage with the drive already installed
- Subscription-free personal cloud access for photos, music, and videos
- Backup software and NAS management tools are included
- Closed-system design and SSL encryption add a security-focused layer
Cons:
- Single-bay design limits expansion and redundancy options
- Not the strongest choice for heavy Plex transcoding workloads
- Performance is best for light to moderate home use
For shoppers who mainly need a dependable nas for plex and pc backup, this LinkStation stands out for simplicity, included storage, and easy automated backups rather than raw power. It’s a solid fit if you want a plug-and-play home NAS instead of a more advanced multi-bay setup.
Best for Fast Plex + Backup – TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus 4-Bay NAS
If you want a nas for plex and pc backup that can also handle heavier everyday workloads, the TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus stands out with a fast Intel N150 CPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, dual 5GbE ports, and triple M.2 support. It’s built for users who want smooth media streaming, quick file access, and room to grow.
Best For: Home media fans, power users, and small teams who need fast Plex performance plus reliable PC backups in one box.
Pros:
- Dual 5GbE networking and link aggregation can deliver very fast transfer speeds.
- Triple M.2 slots add flexible SSD cache or storage pool options.
- Strong fit for Plex, Docker, and multitasking thanks to the N150 CPU and 16GB RAM.
- TRAID, snapshots, and WORM features add useful data protection options.
Cons:
- Diskless model, so total cost rises once you add drives and SSDs.
- Overkill for buyers who only need simple file storage or basic backup.
This is a compelling choice if you want a nas for plex and pc backup with real headroom for streaming, syncing, and future expansion. The combination of fast networking, SSD flexibility, and broad app support makes it especially appealing for users who expect more than a basic home NAS.
Best for Small Spaces – BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS
If you want a straightforward nas for plex and pc backup without monthly fees, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 keeps the setup simple: plug it into your router, centralize files, and use the included backup tools to protect a Windows or older macOS computer.
Best For: Home users who want an affordable, single-drive NAS for basic network storage and automated PC backups.
Pros:
- Includes 2TB of storage and a drive already installed, so you can get started quickly.
- Subscription-free personal cloud access for photos, music, videos, and shared files.
- Built-in backup software and NAS Navigator make it easy to automate PC backups.
- Closed-system design and SSL file transfers add a security-focused layer.
Cons:
- Single-bay design offers no RAID redundancy or drive expansion.
- Performance is basic compared with faster NAS models, especially for media-heavy workloads.
- macOS support is limited to earlier versions, not the latest releases.
For buyers prioritizing easy setup and low ongoing cost, this is a practical entry-level nas for plex and pc backup—just keep expectations modest if you need faster streaming, heavier multitasking, or future-proof expansion.
Best for Beginners – UGREEN DH2300 2-Bay NAS
If you want a straightforward nas for plex and pc backup without the complexity of a full prosumer setup, the UGREEN NAS DH2300 is an easy place to start. It offers 2-bay expandable storage, wired 1GbE networking, and simple remote access for keeping movies, photos, and important files in one private hub.
Best For: Beginners who want a private, easy-to-manage NAS for Plex media storage and automatic PC backups, with no need for Docker or virtual machines.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly interface with simple setup and remote access
- 2-bay design supports up to 64TB for growing media and backup libraries
- AI photo tools help organize and search images quickly
- 4GB RAM and 1GbE are solid for everyday home NAS use
Cons:
- No Docker or virtual machine support
- 1GbE limits transfer speed compared with faster networking options
- Diskless model means you must buy drives separately
The DH2300 is a practical pick if you mainly need a simple nas for plex and pc backup rather than a feature-heavy power-user box. It focuses on easy storage, privacy, and basic media management, which makes it a good fit for first-time NAS buyers.
Best for Plex Performance – Asustor AS5402T 2-Bay NAS
If you want a nas for plex and pc backup that can handle media streaming, fast file transfers, and everyday multitasking, the Asustor AS5402T is a strong fit. Its Intel N5105 processor, dual 2.5GbE ports, and four M.2 NVMe slots give it the speed headroom that many entry-level NAS boxes lack.
Best For: Home users who want smooth Plex playback plus fast, dependable PC backup on a compact 2-bay NAS.
Pros:
- Intel quad-core CPU with hardware transcoding for Plex and 4K media streaming
- Dual 2.5GbE networking helps speed up backups and file transfers
- Four M.2 NVMe slots improve caching or enable very fast flash storage
- Upgradeable DDR4 memory supports heavier multitasking and future growth
Cons:
- Diskless model means you still need to buy drives separately
- 2-bay design limits raw storage expansion compared with larger NAS units
- NVMe drive support can raise the total system cost quickly
For buyers focused on a nas for plex and pc backup, the AS5402T stands out because it balances media-server performance with genuinely useful backup speed. It is a better fit for performance-minded home setups than basic storage-only NAS units.
Best High-Capacity Backup Pick – WD 20TB Elements Desktop Drive
If you need simple, large-scale storage for a nas for plex and pc backup workflow, the WD 20TB Elements Desktop Drive is an easy add-on option. It’s a plug-and-play USB 3.0 hard drive for Windows PCs, giving you a lot of space for media libraries, automatic backups, and archive storage without a complicated setup.
Best For: Users who want a high-capacity external drive for expanding a Plex media library and backing up a Windows PC.
Pros:
- Huge 20TB capacity for large Plex libraries and full-system backups
- USB 3.0 plug-and-play use on Windows 10 and newer
- Simple desktop design makes it easy to set up and leave running
Cons:
- Reformatting is required for Mac use
- Not a true NAS enclosure, so it won’t provide network sharing on its own
- Bulkier than portable drives and needs external power
For buyers comparing storage options for a nas for plex and pc backup setup, this drive stands out for raw capacity and simplicity rather than advanced networking features. It’s a practical choice if you want a big, dependable local storage pool for media and backups.
Best High-Capacity Pick – WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Drive
WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0160HBK-NESN
Check Price On AmazonIf you need simple, no-fuss storage for a nas for plex and pc backup, the WD Elements 16TB desktop drive is a practical place to start. It offers a huge amount of capacity, USB 3.0 speeds, and plug-and-play use on Windows PCs, making it easy to add a single large archive drive to your setup.
Best For: Users who want a straightforward high-capacity drive for Plex media storage and routine PC backups without extra setup.
Pros:
- 16TB capacity gives plenty of room for movie libraries and backup files
- USB 3.0 plug-and-play setup keeps installation simple
- Reliable desktop form factor with universal USB 2.0/3.0 compatibility
- Good fit for large, single-volume storage needs
Cons:
- Not a true NAS enclosure with RAID, user accounts, or network features
- Designed mainly for Windows PCs, so some workflows may need reformatting
- Bulk desktop drive requires its own power and more space than portable options
For buyers building a nas for plex and pc backup on a budget or starting with direct-attached storage, this drive delivers capacity first. It is less flexible than dedicated NAS hardware, but it is an easy way to store a large media library and local backups in one dependable drive.
Best Simple Bulk Storage – WD Elements 8TB Desktop Drive
If you need a straightforward nas for plex and pc backup storage pool, the WD Elements 8TB desktop drive is a simple plug-and-play option for Windows-based setups. It gives you a lot of capacity for media libraries, backups, and general file storage without adding extra complexity.
Best For: Windows users who want a large, no-fuss external drive for Plex media files and regular PC backups.
Pros:
- 8TB of high-capacity storage for large media and backup collections
- USB 3.0 support for fast, practical file transfers
- Plug-and-play setup on Windows PCs
- Simple desktop design from a well-known storage brand
Cons:
- Not a full NAS device, so it lacks network sharing features
- Formatted for Windows, so Mac and cross-platform use may require reformatting
- Best as direct-attached storage rather than always-on server storage
For buyers comparing options for nas for plex and pc backup, this drive makes the most sense when you want maximum capacity at a low-friction setup. It’s a practical pick for local backups and a growing Plex library, but it’s better suited to a connected PC than a true networked media server.
Best for Power Users – UGREEN DXP4800 GT 4-Bay NAS
If you want a fast, expandable nas for plex and pc backup, the UGREEN DXP4800 GT stands out with dual 10GbE networking, an AMD Ryzen Embedded CPU, and room for both HDD and SSD storage. It is a strong fit for households or small teams that need smooth media streaming, quick file restores, and plenty of headroom for future apps and services.
Best For: Plex streaming, multi-PC backups, and users who want a high-speed NAS that can grow into Docker, VM, and smart home workflows.
Pros:
- Dual 10GbE and SSD expansion support fast transfers and responsive backup jobs
- AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 with 8GB RAM is well suited for multitasking and media workloads
- UGOS Pro supports Plex-style app workflows, Docker, and virtual machines
- 4-bay design plus M.2 and U.2 options give it strong storage flexibility
Cons:
- Drives are not included, so the real total cost can climb quickly
- To fully use 10GbE speeds, you need compatible networking gear
- The feature set may be more than casual backup users need
For buyers comparing a nas for plex and pc backup, this UGREEN model makes sense if speed, expandability, and app support matter more than keeping the setup simple. It is especially appealing if you expect to run more than just storage over time.
How We Picked the Best Nas for Plex and PC Backup
For this roundup, we prioritized devices that suit Nas for Plex and PC Backup use cases: enough performance for media streaming, dependable storage for backup jobs, and networking that won’t bottleneck larger transfers. We also considered bay count, upgrade potential, ease of setup, and whether the hardware is a better fit for beginners or power users.
We gave extra weight to models with modern CPUs, dual or faster Ethernet, NVMe cache or SSD support, and enough RAM to handle file sharing plus Plex workloads more comfortably.
Quick Comparison
In simple terms, 1-bay units are the most affordable but offer the least protection and expansion. 2-bay NAS devices are the sweet spot for many homes, giving you better redundancy and enough performance for a small Plex library plus backup storage. 4-bay and 6-bay systems are better if you expect large media libraries, multiple users, or long-term storage growth.
External drives like the WD Elements models are not true NAS systems, but they can still be useful for straightforward local PC backups or as part of a broader backup strategy.
Key Buying Factors for Nas for Plex and PC Backup
Performance and Transcoding
If you plan to use Plex, look for a capable CPU and enough memory to keep library browsing and streaming responsive. Hardware acceleration can matter if you stream to different devices or need transcoding, especially for 4K media.
Networking Speed
For large PC backups and faster media transfers, 2.5GbE is a meaningful upgrade over standard gigabit, while 5GbE and 10GbE are better for larger households or faster restore times. Faster networking won’t help if your drives are slow, so balance both sides.
Drive Bays and Redundancy
More bays generally mean better flexibility. A 2-bay unit can mirror data for protection, while 4-bay and 6-bay models make it easier to mix speed, capacity, and redundancy. For long-term archives, larger bays usually provide better value per terabyte.
Backup Features and Ease of Use
For PC backup, check for scheduled backups, versioning, remote access, and easy recovery options. Beginner-friendly software can save time if you want an appliance-like experience rather than a project.
Who Should Buy Which Nas for Plex and PC Backup?
If you want the best balance for a home media server and regular backups, a 2-bay or 4-bay NAS is usually the most practical choice. If Plex is a top priority and you expect your library to grow, choose a faster model with stronger networking and more expansion room.
If you mainly need simple local backup for one PC, a USB hard drive can be the most affordable route. If you want shared storage, remote access, and a more future-proof setup, a dedicated NAS is the better long-term investment.