These are the tools and products I either use myself or would confidently recommend based on experience and research. I’ll keep this list updated as my setup evolves. If you’re building your own NAS or smart home system, this list should give you a solid foundation to start from.
Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission — it doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support the site.
📌 Quick Access
🔐 NAS Units
UGREEN NASync DXP2800
✔ My current NAS — 2-bay, NVMe SSD support, Docker-friendly
💬 Excellent value if you want flexibility without the Synology price tag.
UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus
✔ 4 bays, more RAM, ideal for expanding your setup
💬 Great for heavier apps or long-term scaling.
Synology DS224+
✔ 2-bay NAS with DSM software and excellent package support
💬 Great for users who want a refined UI and community support.
Synology DS423+
✔ 4-bay NAS with NVMe cache support
💬 Offers a great balance between expandability and performance.
QNAP TS-264
✔ 2.5GbE ports, 2-bay NAS with NVMe cache support
💬 Good choice for power users who want performance and flexibility.
ASUSTOR Drivestor 2 Pro
✔ Budget-friendly 2-bay NAS with 2.5GbE
💬 Solid entry-level NAS with faster networking out of the box.
💾 Storage Drives
NAS HDDs (Bulk Storage)
- WD Red Plus 6TB – Quiet, reliable, ideal for RAID 1
- Seagate IronWolf 6TB – Slightly faster, includes IronWolf Health
- Toshiba N300 8TB – Budget-friendly high-capacity option
- WD Red Pro 10TB – Higher RPM and workload rating for heavier use
- Seagate IronWolf Pro 12TB – Built-in data recovery and high endurance
- Toshiba N300 12TB – Larger capacity option for expanding setups
Enterprise HDDs
- WD Ultrastar HC550 – Helium-filled, high endurance
- Seagate Exos X16 – Strong 24/7 reliability
- Toshiba MG Series – Excellent value for heavier workloads
- WD Gold 12TB – Built for data centres with robust firmware
- Seagate Exos X18 16TB – Higher capacity, consistent performance
- HGST Ultrastar He10 10TB – Helium-filled drive known for durability
SSDs (Cache, Docker, VMs)
- WD Black SN850X 2TB – My current pick for apps and containers
- Samsung 980 Pro 1TB – Great speeds for VM boot or fast cache
- Crucial P3 Plus 2TB – Budget Gen 4 NVMe with solid performance
- Crucial MX500 – Reliable 2.5″ SATA SSD for non-NVMe NAS
- Kingston KC3000 2TB – Strong NVMe drive for heavy workloads
- Samsung 990 Pro 2TB – Excellent sustained performance and power efficiency
📷 PoE Security Cameras
🔹 Standalone Cameras (NAS-Compatible)
- Reolink RLC-810A – 4K, person/vehicle detection, solid night vision
- Reolink RLC-811A – Same features as 810A but with optical zoom
- Reolink RLC-520A – Compact dome, ideal under eaves
- Reolink Duo 3 PoE – Dual-lens wide-angle coverage
- SwitchBot Outdoor Camera – USB-powered with RTSP support
- TP-Link VIGI C540-W – Wi-Fi & PoE support, PTZ dome camera
🔹 All-in-One PoE Kits (With NVR & Storage)
- Eufy PoE NVR Kit (4 cams + 2TB HDD)
- Reolink RLK8-811B4-A – 4× 4K PoE bullet cameras + NVR
- Reolink RLK8-520D4-A – 4× 5MP dome PoE cameras + NVR
- Annke H800 4K NVR Kit – 4K PoE cameras, good compatibility
- TP-Link VIGI NVR1008H + C300HP Cameras – Not currently available on Amazon US. May be available through TP-Link or B\&H.
⚡ UPS / Power Backup
- APC BR700G Back-UPS 700VA – Compact UPS for small NAS setups
- CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD PFC Sinewave UPS – 1500VA, great value and reliability
- APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA (BR1500MS2) – High capacity for full NAS + NVR systems
- Tripp Lite OMNI1500LCDT – 1500VA with AVR and LCD panel
- BR15200MS2 – APC’s updated Back-UPS Pro 1500VA with more outlets and pure sine wave
❓ FAQ
Should I get a 2-bay or 4-bay NAS?
If you’re starting small or just backing up one or two devices, a 2-bay NAS is often enough. A 4-bay model gives you more storage flexibility, better RAID options, and room to grow — ideal if you plan to expand.
Do I need CMR or SMR drives for NAS?
Always choose CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) drives for NAS use. SMR drives are cheaper but slower and less reliable in multi-drive RAID setups.
What’s the difference between NAS and enterprise drives?
Enterprise drives (like WD Gold or Seagate Exos) are built for 24/7 use, have better vibration tolerance, and often include extended warranties or recovery features. NAS drives (like WD Red or IronWolf) are still great, but tuned for lower-demand home/small office environments.
What size UPS do I need for my NAS?
A basic NAS and router combo typically needs a 700–1000VA UPS. If you’re also backing up an NVR, switch, or more devices, aim for a 1200–1500VA model.
Can I use surveillance cameras without an NVR?
Yes — if your NAS supports RTSP or ONVIF, you can record directly to it. Just make sure your camera model supports those protocols.