External Hard Drive For Nas: Top Choices for Your Network Storage Needs
Setting up a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system is a fantastic way to centralize your data. It provides reliable access to files, media, and backups for everyone on your network. However, the heart of any good NAS lies in its hard drives.
Choosing the right external hard drive for NAS use is crucial. Not just any drive will do, as NAS systems operate 24/7 and demand specific features for optimal performance and longevity. You need drives built for constant operation and data integrity.
This article explores some of the best external hard drive for NAS options available today. We’ve curated a list that offers a range of capacities, performance levels, and price points. Whether you’re building your first home NAS or upgrading an existing setup, you’ll find a suitable external hard drive for NAS here.
Our selections include drives from leading manufacturers, known for their reliability in demanding NAS environments. We aim to help you make an informed decision without pushing you towards a single product. Each option has its own strengths, perfect for different needs and budgets.
From drives designed for intensive data archiving to those offering robust performance for media streaming, there’s a top external hard drive for NAS waiting for you. Consider your specific NAS model and usage patterns as you explore these excellent choices.
Let’s dive into the options that can power your network storage solution effectively. We’ll highlight why each is a great contender for your next external hard drive for NAS purchase.
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1. Western Digital Red Plus NAS Hard Drive
The Western Digital Red Plus is a dedicated NAS external hard drive for NAS systems, designed for 24/7 operation. It uses Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) technology, which is ideal for multi-bay NAS enclosures. This drive offers consistent performance without the complexities of Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR) in high-write environments.
It’s an excellent choice for home users and small businesses running 1 to 8-bay NAS units. The Red Plus series balances capacity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Its NASware 3.0 technology helps optimize performance and data integrity within a NAS setup.
This drive is perfect for those who prioritize data safety and stable performance. It’s a solid mid-range option that delivers true NAS capabilities. You can find various capacities available on Amazon.
2. Seagate IronWolf NAS Hard Drive
Seagate’s IronWolf series is another popular and reliable external hard drive for NAS. These drives are specifically engineered for NAS enclosures, offering AgileArray firmware for RAID optimization and vibration management. They are built for continuous use.
The IronWolf drives are suitable for multi-user NAS environments, handling workloads up to 180TB per year. They provide excellent performance for streaming, backup, and archiving tasks. This makes them a top external hard drive for NAS.
If you need a robust drive that can withstand constant operation and multiple data streams, the IronWolf is a strong contender. It’s a mid-range to premium choice, depending on capacity, offering great value for its features.
3. Western Digital Red Pro NAS Hard Drive
For more demanding NAS applications, the Western Digital Red Pro series steps up the game. These drives are designed for larger business NAS systems, supporting up to 24-bay enclosures. They offer enhanced performance and reliability over the Red Plus.
Red Pro drives feature higher RPMs (typically 7200 RPM) and larger cache sizes, translating to faster data transfer speeds. They are built for intense workloads and come with a longer warranty, reflecting their enterprise-grade components. This is truly a best external hard drive for NAS.
This premium external hard drive for NAS is perfect for businesses or power users who need maximum performance and uptime. It’s an investment in robust, high-capacity storage that can handle anything you throw at it.
4. Seagate IronWolf Pro NAS Hard Drive
Similar to the WD Red Pro, the Seagate IronWolf Pro is engineered for enterprise-level NAS performance. It boasts higher workload rates (up to 300TB per year) and comes with Seagate’s Rescue Data Recovery Services for added peace of mind. This makes it a top external hard drive for NAS.
IronWolf Pro drives are optimized for multi-user, multi-bay environments, providing consistent speed and data integrity. Their AgileArray firmware is further enhanced for superior vibration tolerance and RAID performance.
If your NAS handles critical business data or serves a large number of users, the IronWolf Pro is an excellent premium choice. It delivers exceptional reliability and performance, making it a truly best external hard drive for NAS solution.
5. Toshiba N300 NAS Hard Drive
Toshiba’s N300 series offers a compelling alternative for your NAS system. These drives are designed for 24/7 operation and high reliability, suitable for both home and small business NAS applications. They come in various capacities.
The N300 drives feature rotational vibration (RV) sensors, which help minimize the impact of multi-bay environments. This ensures consistent performance and extends the lifespan of the drive within a NAS enclosure. It’s a reliable external hard drive for NAS.
This mid-range option is perfect for users looking for solid performance and good value. The Toshiba N300 is a dependable choice for general NAS duties, offering robust construction and excellent data handling capabilities.
6. Western Digital Red NAS Hard Drive (SMR Models)
For lighter NAS loads or smaller, 1-2 bay systems, some Western Digital Red drives utilize Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR). These are typically lower capacity models and are more budget-friendly. They can be a good external hard drive for NAS in specific scenarios.
SMR drives are best suited for situations where data is written sequentially and read frequently, like media storage or light backups. They are less ideal for constant, random write operations that larger NAS systems often perform.
If you have a very basic NAS and are on a tight budget, these SMR Red drives might be considered. Just be aware of their limitations regarding heavy write cycles. They represent a budget-friendly entry into the external hard drive for NAS market.
7. Seagate Exos Enterprise Hard Drive
When maximum capacity and unparalleled reliability are your primary concerns, the Seagate Exos series is a top-tier choice. These are enterprise-grade drives, designed for data centers and demanding cloud environments. They are a best external hard drive for NAS.
Exos drives offer massive storage capacities, superior performance, and advanced features like PowerBalance for optimizing power consumption. They are built for 24/7 operation with extremely high workload ratings.
This premium external hard drive for NAS is ideal for large-scale NAS deployments, professional video editing studios, or any scenario where data integrity and availability are paramount. It’s an investment in industrial-strength storage.
8. Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550/HC560
Western Digital’s Ultrastar series, particularly models like the HC550 and HC560, are another example of enterprise-class drives. These helium-filled drives offer very high capacities and exceptional energy efficiency. They are a top external hard drive for NAS.
Built for the most demanding data center applications, Ultrastar drives provide superior reliability, performance, and endurance. They are designed to operate continuously under heavy workloads, making them perfect for large NAS arrays.
If you’re building a high-capacity, mission-critical NAS, an Ultrastar drive is a premium choice that offers peace of mind. Its advanced technology ensures your data remains accessible and protected. This is a truly best external hard drive for NAS solution.
9. Seagate BarraCuda Pro (Select Models)
While primarily a desktop drive, certain high-capacity Seagate BarraCuda Pro models can sometimes be considered for lighter NAS duties, especially in 1-2 bay systems that don’t require 24/7 heavy write cycles. They offer fast 7200 RPM performance.
These drives are known for their speed and reliability in desktop applications. They may lack some of the specific NAS optimizations like extensive vibration compensation found in IronWolf drives, but for occasional use, they can perform well.
If you already have one of these drives or find a great deal and your NAS usage is modest, it could be a budget-friendly option. However, for true 24/7 NAS, dedicated NAS drives are generally preferred. It’s an alternative external hard drive for NAS.
10. LaCie d2 Professional Desktop Hard Drive
The LaCie d2 Professional is a premium external desktop hard drive, often featuring enterprise-class Seagate IronWolf Pro drives inside. While not directly installed into a NAS, it can be an excellent external hard drive for NAS expansion or direct high-speed backup.
It connects via USB-C (Thunderbolt 3 compatible) for incredibly fast transfers. Its robust aluminum enclosure provides excellent heat dissipation. This makes it a great option for professional workflows.
Perfect for creative professionals needing fast local storage that can also back up to a NAS, or for adding high-speed storage capacity to a NAS that supports external drives. It’s a premium, high-performance solution.
11. Western Digital My Book Duo Desktop RAID Storage
The WD My Book Duo is a desktop RAID system that comes pre-configured with two WD Red drives. It offers massive capacity and can operate in RAID 0 (for speed) or RAID 1 (for data redundancy).
While it’s a direct-attached storage (DAS) device, it can be connected to many NAS units via USB for backup purposes. It provides a convenient way to add a large, redundant external backup for your NAS data.
This is a mid-range to premium option, depending on capacity, offering a complete, ready-to-use storage solution. It’s ideal for users who want an easy way to expand their NAS backup strategy or create a secondary large storage pool.
12. Seagate Expansion Desktop External Hard Drive
The Seagate Expansion Desktop drive is a simple, cost-effective external storage solution. It’s primarily designed for basic desktop backups or extra storage. It typically contains standard desktop-grade drives.
While not optimized for 24/7 NAS operation, it can serve as a budget-friendly external hard drive for NAS backup tasks that are not continuous. For instance, if you perform weekly or monthly full backups from your NAS.
This budget option is suitable for users with very light NAS backup needs. It’s not recommended for direct integration into a NAS bay or for constant data access, but for occasional, simple backup, it offers good value.
13. Synology HAT5300 Series Enterprise Hard Drives
Synology, a leading NAS manufacturer, offers its own line of enterprise hard drives specifically optimized for their NAS systems. The HAT5300 series drives are designed for maximum compatibility, reliability, and performance with Synology NAS units.
These drives undergo rigorous validation testing with Synology hardware and DSM (DiskStation Manager) software. This ensures seamless integration and stable operation in demanding environments.
If you own a Synology NAS and prioritize guaranteed compatibility and performance, the HAT5300 series is a premium choice. It’s built to deliver consistent speed and data integrity within the Synology ecosystem.
14. QNAP QDA-A2MAR RAID Enclosure for 2.5-inch SSDs
This is a unique solution for NAS users looking to integrate SSDs. The QNAP QDA-A2MAR is an adapter that allows you to install two 2.5-inch SATA SSDs into a single 3.5-inch drive bay. It supports RAID 0 or RAID 1 configurations for the SSDs.
While not a traditional external hard drive for NAS, it enables you to leverage the speed of SSDs for caching or even an all-flash NAS volume. This can dramatically improve performance for demanding applications.
This is a specialized, mid-range to premium component for advanced users. It’s perfect for those who want to boost their NAS’s responsiveness, especially for virtual machines, databases, or high-speed data access.
15. OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad (External Enclosure)
The OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad is a high-performance external drive enclosure that supports up to four drives. It connects via Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.2 Gen 2, offering incredible speed and versatility.
While you supply your own drives, this enclosure allows you to use NAS-optimized drives like WD Red or Seagate IronWolf. You can configure them in various RAID modes (0, 1, 5, 10) for speed or redundancy.
This premium external hard drive for NAS solution is ideal for users who want to build their own custom, high-capacity, high-speed external RAID. It can serve as a powerful expansion unit for a NAS or as a primary backup.
16. G-Technology G-DRIVE Enterprise-Class External Hard Drive
G-Technology, now part of Western Digital, offers robust external drives like the G-DRIVE series, often featuring enterprise-class 7200 RPM drives. These are designed for demanding professional workflows, particularly in creative fields.
With fast interfaces like USB-C and sometimes Thunderbolt, they provide rapid data transfer. Their durable aluminum enclosures help with heat dissipation, ensuring reliable long-term performance.
This premium external hard drive for NAS backup or direct high-speed storage is perfect for professionals. It offers the reliability and performance needed for large media files and critical projects.
17. HGST Deskstar NAS Hard Drive (Legacy but Reliable)
HGST (now part of Western Digital) Deskstar NAS drives were once a highly respected name in the NAS market. While newer models are branded under WD, some older HGST drives might still be available or in use. They were known for their robust build and reliability.
These drives were specifically designed for 24/7 operation in NAS environments, offering good performance and endurance. They often featured high RPMs and good vibration resistance for multi-bay systems.
If you encounter these older models, they can still be a reliable external hard drive for NAS, especially if you’re looking for a tried-and-true solution. They represent good value for their proven track record.
18. Buffalo LinkStation/TeraStation Replacement Drives
Buffalo manufactures its own line of NAS devices (LinkStation and TeraStation) and often offers specific replacement drives optimized for these systems. These drives are designed to integrate seamlessly with Buffalo’s hardware and firmware.
These drives ensure full compatibility and optimal performance within Buffalo’s proprietary NAS ecosystem. They are built for continuous operation and typically come with features that enhance data integrity and reliability for their specific NAS units.
If you own a Buffalo NAS, using their recommended replacement drives is a smart mid-range to premium choice to maintain system stability and performance. It ensures the best possible external hard drive for NAS experience with your Buffalo unit.
19. Seagate SkyHawk AI Surveillance Hard Drive
While primarily designed for video surveillance systems, the Seagate SkyHawk AI drives can be considered for a NAS that heavily integrates video recording. They are built for 24/7 operation and high write workloads, which is common in surveillance.
These drives are optimized for recording multiple high-definition video streams simultaneously. Their ImagePerfect AI firmware helps prevent dropped frames and ensures smooth video playback.
If your NAS is also acting as a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or primarily stores surveillance footage, a SkyHawk AI drive could be a specialized external hard drive for NAS. It’s a mid-range to premium option for specific use cases.
20. Western Digital Purple Surveillance Hard Drive
Similar to Seagate SkyHawk AI, Western Digital’s Purple series is purpose-built for surveillance applications. These drives are engineered for continuous 24/7 operation and optimized for writing high volumes of sequential data.
WD Purple drives feature AllFrame AI technology, which works with ATA streaming to reduce frame loss and improve video playback. They are designed for systems with multiple cameras and high data demands.
For a NAS that doubles as a surveillance recorder, a WD Purple drive is a strong, mid-range to premium candidate. It provides the reliability and performance needed for constant video recording, making it a specialized external hard drive for NAS.
21. Sabrent USB 3.0 to SATA External Hard Drive Docking Station
While not a hard drive itself, a good docking station is an invaluable tool for any NAS owner. The Sabrent USB 3.0 docking station allows you to quickly connect any 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA hard drive to your computer or even directly to some NAS units for data transfer.
This budget-friendly device is perfect for quickly migrating data onto new NAS drives, performing off-site backups, or recovering data from old drives. It provides a convenient way to interact with bare hard drives.
Every NAS enthusiast should consider having one of these. It’s a practical and versatile tool that enhances your ability to manage and move data, making it an essential companion for your external hard drive for NAS setup.
22. Ugreen USB 3.0 External Hard Drive Enclosure
An external hard drive enclosure like those from Ugreen allows you to take a bare 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA hard drive and turn it into a portable external drive. This gives you the flexibility to choose a NAS-optimized drive for external use.
You can install a WD Red or Seagate IronWolf into an enclosure, creating a highly reliable external backup drive for your NAS. It offers better protection and portability than a bare drive.
This budget-friendly accessory is great for those who want to repurpose an internal drive or create a custom external hard drive for NAS backup. It provides flexibility and protection for your data.
23. StarTech.com USB 3.0 to SATA Hard Drive Dock
Another excellent docking station option comes from StarTech.com. This USB 3.0 to SATA dock provides similar functionality to the Sabrent, allowing for quick hot-swapping of 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives.
It’s a robust and reliable tool for IT professionals and home users alike. The simplicity of plugging in a bare drive for instant access makes it incredibly useful for data management tasks.
This mid-range accessory is highly recommended for anyone frequently working with multiple hard drives, especially when migrating data to or from a NAS. It’s a practical addition to your external hard drive for NAS toolkit.
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Last Words
Choosing the right external hard drive for NAS is a critical decision that impacts your data’s safety, accessibility, and the overall performance of your network storage system. We’ve explored a wide variety of options, from dedicated NAS drives to enterprise-grade powerhouses and versatile external solutions.
Whether you’re looking for the best external hard drive for NAS for a small home setup or a robust solution for a growing business, there’s a drive here to meet your needs. We’ve covered budget-friendly choices, reliable mid-range options, and premium drives built for the most demanding workloads.
Remember to consider your NAS enclosure’s capacity, the number of bays, and your typical usage patterns. Drives like the Western Digital Red Plus and Seagate IronWolf are excellent starting points for most users. For heavier demands, the Pro versions or enterprise drives offer superior performance and reliability.
Don’t forget the utility of external enclosures and docking stations. These can significantly enhance your NAS experience by providing flexible backup and data transfer solutions. Always check current prices and availability on Amazon to find the best deals.
No matter which external hard drive for NAS you choose from this list, you’ll be investing in quality and performance. Take your time, compare the features, and select the option that best secures and serves your valuable data.
About the Author
I dig until I hit truth, then I write about it. Diane here, covering whatever needs covering. Rock climbing clears my head; competitive Scrabble sharpens it. My engineering background means I actually read the studies I cite. British by birth, Canadian by choice.
