Which NAS for Plex? Windows or Mac Environments?

Find out Buying your first Network Attached Storage (NAS) device can be quite a daunting task. There are so many different manufacturers and models that it can all get a bit confusing. Choosing the right NAS device is something that without a deeper understanding of the different uses of NAS can lead to you spending too much or ending up with a NAS device that is not fit for purpose. So today I would like to talk about how to choose your NAS device and what you should look for based on your own NAS needs.

The NAS is pretty Mac Friendly and fast. I use features on it like AFP and TimeMachine and use their full line of iphone/iPad apps to access my photos and music collection! I also use Synology Surveillance Station, which I believe, is only one Surviallnce system that can be used in Mac Safari.

I should mention that where possible I won’t mention any particular NAS by name as trends change, new devices get released and older ones disappear. However the general guidelines In this guide should still apply even 5 years from now and if you want a direct NAS recommendation, why not contact me in the comments below or e-mail me robbie@span.com Most of the time you will access the NAS device from your Windows PC, Mac or other mobile Network Enabled device such as an Android phone or iPad. Best portable hard drives for mac 2014.

This will be heavily dependent on the media you wish to access, eg Movie watches may want to utilise Plex or Kodi, whereas music lovers may wish to use their NAS as an iTunes server and use that application to access the contents. Another popular choice these days, especially with QNAP NAS devices is to access it via the HDMI port and view the NAS contents directly on your HDMI TV or Monitor. Below are my recommended requirements for each need.