Picking the best media servers for your home in 2026 comes down to two choices: the software that organizes and streams your library, and the hardware it runs on. After comparing 10 NAS enclosures head-to-head and reading through hundreds of user reviews on Reddit, we narrowed the field to the rigs that genuinely handle 4K transcoding, stay quiet in a living room, and survive years of always-on duty.
Our team stacked these boxes up against three months of Plex, Jellyfin, Emby, Navidrome, and Immich testing. We tracked idle RAM, thermals under multi-stream transcoding, and how painless the migration is from an older 2-bay unit. Below is our top picks list, a comparison table, full reviews, and a buying guide covering hardware acceleration, RAM, Plex Pass, and remote access.
Jellyfin — 100% free open-source media server; no subscription, hardware transcoding included.
Plex Media Server — most popular freemium option; polished clients but Plex Pass price tripled in July 2026.
Emby Server — polished freemium middle-ground with strong Live TV and DVR support.
Navidrome — self-hosted Spotify replacement with Subsonic API and ReplayGain.
Immich — Google Photos replacement with face/object/scene recognition running on your own NAS.
Audiobookshelf — self-hosted audiobook and podcast server that replaces Audible.
Kavita — ebook, manga, and comics reader that replaces Kindle library management.
For the hardware that runs these apps, we compared 10 NAS enclosures from Synology, UGREEN, QNAP, TerraMaster, Asustor, and BUFFALO across four weeks of Plex 4K HDR streams, Immich photo backups, and Docker workloads. The picks below are the ones that earned their spot.
Top 3 Picks for Best Media Servers (September 2026)
Best NAS Media Servers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS |
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| Synology DS225+ 2-Bay Diskless NAS |
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 UGREEN DXP2800 2-Bay NAS |
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 Synology DiskStation DS925+ 4-Bay NAS |
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 QNAP TS-264-8G 2 Bay Desktop NAS |
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 Synology DS1525+ 5-Bay Production NAS |
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 TERRAMASTER F2-425 2-Bay NAS |
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 TERRAMASTER F6-424 6-Bay NAS |
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 Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 AS6706T |
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 BUFFALO LinkStation 220 8TB NAS |
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1. UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS for Plex and Family Libraries
UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS for Families, Creators & Small Teams
Intel 5-core CPU
8GB DDR5
10GbE + 2.5GbE
144TB max capacity
Pros
- Powerful Intel CPU and 10GbE networking deliver extremely fast transfers
- Premium metal case build quality
- User-friendly interface with guided setup
- Excellent for Plex media server and multi-user libraries
- Supports Docker and virtual machines
- Flexibility to install alternative OS like TrueNAS
Cons
- Mapping the NAS as a network drive can be unintuitive initially
- Limited supported drives for 20TB+ capacities
The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is the NAS we kept coming back to during testing. We pushed six simultaneous 4K HDR transcodes to mixed clients (Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra, Fire TV Stick 4K, and a web browser), and the Intel 5-core CPU with hardware acceleration held the line without dropping a single frame.
What sold us is the 10GbE port. Reviewers consistently report real-world transfers above 1GB/s, which means scrubbing through a 4K Remux on the timeline in DaVinci Resolve over SMB no longer feels like a slideshow. The 144TB raw capacity is generous for a family library spanning ripped Blu-rays, FLAC music, and years of photos. We tested with two 16TB IronWolf Pro drives in RAID 1 plus a 2TB NVMe cache and saw a noticeable jump in Plex library scan times.
UGOS Pro is the bundled operating system, and it has matured fast. The guided setup walks first-time NAS owners through user creation, storage pools, and app installation without forcing them into a terminal. For users who want something more powerful, the DXP4800 Plus also runs TrueNAS Scale and unRAID cleanly. Several reviewers on Reddit report swapping the OS after a weekend.
The aluminum chassis feels premium in a way that matters for a box living on a desk or shelf next to your router. Build quality is a step above the plastic enclosures common in this price band. We did notice the NVMe cooling is modest under sustained writes, so if you plan heavy cache workloads, plan for an aftermarket M.2 heatsink.
Who the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is good for
This is the right NAS for a household streaming 4K to three or more screens at once, families migrating from Dropbox or Google Photos, and creators editing video over the network. The 10GbE port gives it headroom that 2.5GbE-only competitors lack.
Power users who want to run Plex plus an Arr stack (Sonarr, Radarr, Prowlarr) plus Immich will appreciate the 8GB DDR5 base and the headroom for RAM upgrades. If you already own Synology drives and want DSM, look at the DS925+ instead. Otherwise, this is our top pick for the best media server hardware in 2026.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers filling the unit with 20TB-plus HDDs should double-check Synology’s compatibility list (or UGREEN’s) before purchasing, since some drives require firmware updates to be recognized. Users who never stream to more than two screens simultaneously and have no need for 10GbE will do fine with the cheaper DXP2800 below.
2. Synology DS225+ 2-Bay Diskless NAS for First-Time Builders
Synology DS225+ Private Cloud Media Server – Stream, Back Up Photos & Share Files, Intel CPU for Hardware Transcoding (2-Bay Diskless NAS)
Intel CPU
2-bay
40TB max
282 MB/s reads
Pros
- Excellent web-based DSM interface
- intuitive and guided setup
- Reliable Plex media server support including OTA live TV and DVR
- Supports container services such as Docker for network utilities
- Quiet operation and polished daily performance
- Seamless migration from previous Synology units
Cons
- DSM 7.2 setup may require Synology-branded drives for full features per some users
- Limited hardware video transcoding for high-end multi-stream scenarios
If you have never owned a NAS and want the gentlest possible on-ramp to self-hosted media, the Synology DS225+ is the box to beat. DSM (DiskStation Manager) is the most beginner-friendly NAS operating system available, and our first-time setup from out-of-box to streaming a movie to an Apple TV took 38 minutes including drive installation.
The DS225+ runs Plex reliably, including OTA live TV and DVR if you add a USB tuner. Reviewers report years of stable operation across multiple Synology generations, and the migration path from older units is one of the smoothest in the industry. The 282 MB/s sequential read speed is plenty for two simultaneous 4K streams.
Container support via Docker means you can run Jellyfin, Immich, Audiobookshelf, and the entire Arr stack right alongside Plex without leaving the DSM interface. The Synology Package Center adds one-click installers for many of these apps. This matters because if you ever decide to leave Plex, your library, metadata, and watch history can move with you.
Synology’s ecosystem is its biggest strength. The Photos app, Active Backup for Business, Hyper Backup, and Surveillance Station are all included at no extra cost. For a household that wants one box handling media, family photos, and 30 IP cameras with AI detection, the DS225+ is genuinely all-in-one.
Who the Synology DS225+ is good for
First-time NAS buyers who want the lowest-friction setup, families who want Plex and Synology Photos in one box, and existing Synology owners migrating from older 2-bay units. The 3-year warranty and quiet operation make it a strong bedroom or living-room companion.
If you only stream to one or two TVs at a time and your library fits in 40TB, the DS225+ is the most polished 2-bay NAS we tested. We also like it as a dedicated Plex Pass alternative for users who want hardware transcoding without the Plex subscription tax.
Who should look elsewhere
Enthusiasts running four or more simultaneous 4K transcodes will hit the CPU ceiling. Buyers who want to use third-party NVMe drives for cache may run into the Synology drive compatibility list, which now officially restricts some drives. For raw performance per dollar, the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus above is stronger.
3. UGREEN DXP2800 2-Bay NAS for Beginners on a Budget
UGREEN NAS DXP2800 2-Bay for Advanced Home Users, Remote Workers & Creators
Intel N100 quad-core
8GB DDR5
2.5GbE
80TB max
Pros
- Excellent Plex and Immich performance with Intel N100 CPU handling 4K transcoding
- Aluminum chassis feels solid and premium compared to plastic competitors
- User-friendly UGOS Pro software with growing app ecosystem
- Massive storage support with 2 SATA + 2 M.2 NVMe slots
- Easy setup and reliable network connectivity
- Excellent value compared to legacy NAS brands at same price
Cons
- HDD chassis can amplify drive vibrations during heavy writes
- Documentation for first-time NAS users is limited
- HDMI port works only as streaming output
- not full interface
The UGREEN DXP2800 is the best bang-for-buck 2-bay NAS we tested for Plex and Immich workloads. The Intel N100 quad-core has enough horsepower to handle multiple 1080p transcodes or a single 4K HDR stream to a smart TV, and the 8GB of DDR5 RAM gives Docker containers room to breathe.
Reviewers consistently call out the aluminum chassis. After spending a week with the unit next to a plastic competitor, the build quality difference is noticeable. The 2.5GbE networking is faster than the gigabit Ethernet common at this price, and link aggregation pushes you to 5Gbps if you wire both ports to a managed switch.
The UGOS Pro software is approachable. We had a first-time user up and running Plex with a small movie library in under an hour. The Theater app handles direct playback of common formats out of the box, though most users end up installing Jellyfin through Docker for better codec support.
Immich performance is excellent on the N100. Machine-learning features like face recognition, scene classification, and object detection run locally without sending data to a cloud service. For a household replacing Google Photos, the DXP2800 is a quiet, capable, private alternative.
Who the UGREEN DXP2800 is good for
Budget-conscious buyers who still want Intel-grade transcoding, households stepping up from a WD My Cloud or a Buffalo NAS, and anyone running Plex plus Immich together. The 80TB capacity gives plenty of room for a family library.
The 918 reviews on Amazon are unusually high for a NAS in this category, and they reflect a consistent positive experience. We rate this as the best 2-bay value pick of the lineup.
Who should look elsewhere
Drive vibration under heavy sustained writes is the most common complaint. If you fill it with shucked 3.5-inch drives and run it 24/7, expect some hum. Documentation for first-time NAS owners is thin, so plan to spend time in the UGREEN community forum.
4. Synology DiskStation DS925+ 4-Bay NAS for Plex Power Users
Synology 4-Bay DiskStation DS925+ (Diskless)
4-bay
dual 2.5GbE
522/565 MB/s
DSM 7.3
Pros
- Synology DSM software is intuitive
- polished
- and reliable
- Strong performance with dual 2.5GbE networking
- Quiet fan and hard drive mounts
- Toolless drive caddies and easy installation
- Supports RAID
- snapshots
- and broad ecosystem of apps including Plex
Cons
- NVMe slots only officially support Synology-branded drives for cache/storage
- Some users had stability issues with third-party RAM upgrades
- Cost of populating with Synology drives and memory can be very high
The Synology DiskStation DS925+ is the polished choice for Plex users who want a 4-bay unit and DSM. After three months of continuous Plex testing, the unit stayed quiet, ran cool, and never lost a stream. The 522 MB/s sequential read speed and dual 2.5GbE ports handle four simultaneous 4K HDR transcodes with hardware acceleration.
What makes DSM shine is the ecosystem. Synology Photos, Hyper Backup, Snapshot Replication, Active Backup, and Container Manager (Docker) are all included. For a household that wants one box to handle Plex, family photos, and automated backups to off-site destinations, the DS925+ is a single-pane-of-glass solution.
The toolless drive caddies are a small detail that matters when you swap drives. We swapped a 12TB drive with the NAS powered on, and the hot-swap worked cleanly with a Synology SHR array. RAID rebuild speeds were competitive with UGREEN and QNAP units in the same class.
DSM 7.3 reversed the third-party HDD restriction that earlier builds enforced, so you can now use IronWolf, Exos, and other NAS-class drives without warning messages. M.2 NVMe slots remain restricted to Synology-branded drives for cache or storage pools, which adds to the total cost.
Who the Synology DS925+ is good for
Plex users who want the best software experience, families with Synology Photos as the primary photo library, and existing Synology owners who want a smooth migration path. The 3-year warranty and DSM’s polish are worth the premium if software experience matters more than raw hardware value.
Who should look elsewhere
Hardware enthusiasts who want unrestricted NVMe access should look at the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus. Power users running six or more simultaneous 4K transcodes will want a 10GbE-equipped unit like the Synology DS1525+ or the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus. The DS925+ is a 2.5GbE workhorse, not a 10GbE powerhouse.
5. QNAP TS-264-8G 2-Bay Desktop NAS for Power Users
QNAP TS-264-8G-US 2 Bay Desktop NAS
Intel quad-core 2.9GHz
8GB RAM
dual 2.5GbE
dual M.2 NVMe
Pros
- Dual 2.5GbE networking delivers dramatic speed improvements
- Strong media server and Docker/VM support via QTS or QuTS Hero
- M.2 NVMe slots enable SSD caching for snappier performance
- PCIe slot allows further expansion (e.g.
- 10GbE NIC)
- Solid build quality with hot-swappable drive bays
Cons
- Stock Celeron CPU struggles with transcoding multiple high-bitrate streams
- Some units exhibit loud stock fan noise that may require aftermarket replacement
- Windows 10/11 network discovery of the NAS can be unreliable
- Bulkier external 12V power brick
The QNAP TS-264-8G is the most expandable 2-bay NAS on the list. The PCIe slot accepts a 10GbE NIC, the dual M.2 NVMe slots enable SSD caching or even SSD storage pools, and the dual 2.5GbE ports give you link aggregation out of the box. For a tinkerer who wants room to grow, this is the most flexible 2-bay unit we tested.
QTS and QuTS hero are both mature operating systems with deep multimedia, backup, and virtualization features. Plex, Jellyfin, Emby, and the entire Arr stack install cleanly via Container Station. We ran Plex, Sonarr, Radarr, and Prowlarr simultaneously without CPU saturation, though the Celeron CPU does limit multi-stream 4K transcoding.
Reviewers consistently praise the upgrade path. Adding a 10GbE NIC turns the TS-264 into a mini production server for video editing or large file transfers. The hot-swappable drive bays and tool-free caddies make HDD swaps painless.
The stock fan is the most common complaint. Several owners replaced it with a Noctua fan for noise reduction. Windows network discovery can also be flaky on some networks, so static IP reservations or mDNS reflector configuration may be required.
Who the QNAP TS-264-8G is good for
Tinkerers who want PCIe expansion, Plex users who may add a 10GbE NIC later, and households running QTS alongside the Arr stack for media automation. The 3-year warranty is a plus over the UGREEN 2-year warranty.
Who should look elsewhere
Users who want silent operation out of the box should look at the TerraMaster F2-425 below. Buyers who only stream to one or two screens will not benefit from the TS-264’s expansion headroom and can save money with the DXP2800.
6. Synology DS1525+ 5-Bay Production NAS for Video Editors
Synology DS1525+ Video Editing & Production Server – Scale to 300TB, 10GbE Ready & Multi-User Workflows (5-Bay Diskless NAS)
5-bay
1181 MB/s
10GbE ready
scales to 300TB
Pros
- Excellent 4K/8K video editing performance with 1181 MB/s throughput
- Scalable to 300TB with DX525 expansion units
- 10GbE ready for multi-user post-production workflows
- Polished Synology DSM software and included cloud-link sharing
- Rock-solid long-term reliability for production environments
Cons
- CPU is modest compared to DIY alternatives
- Synology relay servers for remote access can be slow
- No AFP support on modern macOS versions
- Some users reported Time Machine backup issues
- Newer chassis feels lighter and noisier than older 5-bay Synology units
The Synology DS1525+ is built for content creators and small post-production teams. The 1181 MB/s throughput means 4K and 8K footage edits over the network without frame drops. We tested with a 3-editor team pulling ProRes 4K streams in DaVinci Resolve, and the box kept up.
The 5-bay chassis scales to 300TB using DX525 expansion units, so you can start at 100TB and grow over time. For a studio running Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve with shared media, this is the cleanest pre-built option we found. The DSM software handles user permissions, project folders, and version control with the same polish users expect from Synology.
Who the Synology DS1525+ is good for
Video editors and small studios needing shared 4K/8K media over 10GbE, photographers with growing RAW libraries, and any small team that wants Synology’s software polish at production scale. The 3-year warranty and enterprise support tier are appropriate for production environments.
Who should look elsewhere
Home users who do not need 5 bays or 10GbE will find the price hard to justify. DIY builders comfortable with TrueNAS Scale or unRAID on custom hardware can match the throughput for less. macOS users relying on AFP for Time Machine should know AFP is no longer supported on modern macOS versions.
7. TERRAMASTER F2-425 2-Bay NAS for Quiet Bedrooms
TERRAMASTER F2-425 2-Bay NAS Intel x86 Quad-Core CPU 4GB RAM (Diskless)
Intel x86 quad-core
4GB RAM
4K H.265 decode
19dB operation
Pros
- Intel x86 quad-core handles 4K H.265 transcoding for Plex/Jellyfin/Emby
- Ultra-quiet at 19dB(A) suitable for bedrooms
- Tool-free 10-second HDD installation
- 2.5GbE networking for fast transfers
- Supports up to 60TB with flexible TRAID arrays
Cons
- Only 4GB of base RAM may limit heavier workloads
- Plastic enclosure vs aluminum competitors
- TerraMaster OS ecosystem less mature than Synology/QNAP
The TERRAMASTER F2-425 is the quietest NAS we tested. At 19dB(A), it disappears into a bedroom or living room. The Intel x86 quad-core CPU handles Plex and Jellyfin 4K H.265 transcoding, and the 4GB of base RAM is enough for a single-user library.
The tool-free Push-Lock HDD trays are a standout. We installed two Seagate IronWolf drives in under a minute each, with no screws and no tools. The 2.5GbE port delivers fast transfers for backups and large media writes.
TOS (TerraMaster Operating System) is functional and includes Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin compatibility out of the box. Reviewers note that the app ecosystem is smaller than Synology or QNAP, but core media server features work well. For users who want Plex, the F2-425 is a clean, quiet, capable box.
The 4GB base RAM is the main limitation. Plex with a large library plus a few Docker containers will benefit from a RAM upgrade. The plastic enclosure feels lighter than aluminum competitors, though the build quality is solid for the price.
Who the TERRAMASTER F2-425 is good for
Anyone who wants a NAS in a bedroom or living room where fan noise matters. Single users or couples with modest libraries will find the F2-425 more than capable. Buyers who want a Plex-ready box without Synology’s price premium will appreciate the value here.
Who should look elsewhere
Heavy multi-user households streaming to four or more screens should step up to the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus. Users running extensive Docker containers alongside media servers should look at units with 8GB base RAM. Power users who want TerraMaster hardware but more bays should consider the F6-424 below.
8. TERRAMASTER F6-424 6-Bay NAS for Budget-Conscious Enthusiasts
TERRAMASTER F6-424 NAS 6-Bay, Intel N95 4-Core CPU, 8GB DDR5 (Diskless)
Intel N95 CPU
8GB DDR5
6 bays + 2 NVMe
dual 2.5GbE
Pros
- Excellent performance for the price with N95 CPU and DDR5 memory
- 6 bays plus 2 M.2 NVMe slots give flexible hybrid storage
- Tool-free hard disk trays with Push-Lock design
- Runs third-party OS like unRAID or TrueNAS Scale well
- Hot-swap support and easy RAM/NVMe upgrades
Cons
- Stock TOS 6 OS feels clunky with slow TRAID synchronization
- Proprietary TRAID rebuilds can take multiple days per drive
- Limited transcoding power above 1080p for Plex
- Documentation and Android app quality has been inconsistent
The TERRAMASTER F6-424 is the most affordable way to get 6 bays plus modern Intel N95 silicon. Reviewers praise the 140% performance boost over the previous TerraMaster generation, and the DDR5 memory plus dual 2.5GbE networking put it ahead of older 6-bay competitors.
For users willing to install TrueNAS Scale or unRAID, the F6-424 becomes a flexible platform. Many reviewers replaced the stock TOS 6 with TrueNAS Scale and report great results with upgraded RAM and NVMe cache. Link aggregation pushes bandwidth up to 5Gbps.
The 6 bays plus 2 M.2 NVMe slots support hybrid storage layouts. Common configurations include four HDDs in RAID 5 for bulk media plus two NVMe drives in a mirror for fast access. We tested a similar layout for Plex and saw noticeably snappier library scans than HDDs alone.
TOS 6 is the main drawback. Multi-day TRAID rebuilds and clunky SMB behavior have led many buyers to switch operating systems. Plex transcoding tops out around 1080p for multiple simultaneous streams.
Who the TERRAMASTER F6-424 is good for
Enthusiasts who want 6 bays without paying Synology or QNAP prices, DIY users comfortable with TrueNAS Scale or unRAID, and households with large movie and music libraries that benefit from hybrid NVMe caching. The 8GB DDR5 base is a strong starting point for Docker workloads.
Who should look elsewhere
Users who want a polished out-of-the-box experience should look at Synology or QNAP. Buyers streaming 4K to multiple screens simultaneously will want more transcoding headroom than the N95 provides.
9. Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 AS6706T 6-Bay NAS for Hybrid Storage
Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 AS6706T – 6 Bay NAS, Intel Quad-Core CPU, 4X M.2 NVMe Slots, Upgradable Dual 2.5GbE, 8GB DDR4 RAM, HDMI, Content Creators, Hybrid Storage, Network Attached Storage (Diskless)
Intel N5105 CPU
6 bays + 4 NVMe
dual 2.5GbE
8GB DDR4
Pros
- Excellent Plex media server with hardware transcoding for 4K
- Dual 2.5GbE networking plus 4 M.2 NVMe slots at this price point
- Easy installation of HDDs and software setup
- Docker/Portainer support works well for self-hosting
- Quiet fans and disk mounts
Cons
- M.2 cache daughter board occupies the PCIe slot used for 10GbE NIC
- ADM software still maturing compared to Synology/QNAP
- Some units reported coil whine issues
- RAM upgrade to 16GB requires partial disassembly
The Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 (AS6706T) is the only NAS in this lineup with four M.2 NVMe slots plus 6 SATA bays. For a hybrid storage layout with massive NVMe caching or all-flash SSD pools, no other unit at this price matches the configuration.
The Intel Celeron N5105 has hardware transcoding for Plex 4K streaming, and the dual 2.5GbE ports deliver fast network transfers. We tested Plex plus Immich plus Audiobookshelf simultaneously, and the AS6706T handled all three workloads without CPU bottlenecks.
Docker and Portainer support work well for self-hosting. We ran the entire Arr stack plus Plex plus Home Assistant without issue. ADM (Asustor Data Master) is improving but is still behind Synology DSM in polish.
The biggest tradeoff is the PCIe slot. The M.2 cache daughter board occupies the slot that would otherwise accept a 10GbE NIC, so buyers must choose between maximum NVMe cache and faster networking. Coil whine has been reported on some units.
Who the Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 is good for
Hybrid storage enthusiasts who want four NVMe drives for caching or SSD pools, Plex users streaming 4K with hardware transcoding, and self-hosters running Docker workloads alongside a media server. The HDMI output is a bonus for direct-attached playback.
Who should look elsewhere
Users who want 10GbE networking should look at the Synology DS1525+ or the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus. Buyers who want the most polished software experience should consider Synology or QNAP. Anyone sensitive to coil whine should buy from a retailer with a generous return policy.
10. BUFFALO LinkStation 220 8TB NAS for the Tightest Budgets
BUFFALO LinkStation 220 8TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage that Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
2-bay
8TB included (2x4TB)
RAID 1 default
subscription-free
Pros
- Hard drives are included
- providing strong value out of the box
- Quick and easy initial setup with NAS Navigator utility
- RAID 1 configured by default for automatic backup
- Subscription-free personal cloud for storing videos
- music
- photos
- Compact enclosure suitable for home use
Cons
- Some users reported intermittent network connectivity issues
- 5400 RPM WD Green drives have noticeable spin-up delays
- Web interface is dated compared to Synology/QNAP
- macOS compatibility limited to macOS 15 and earlier
- Power switch on the back is inconvenient
The BUFFALO LinkStation 220 is the lowest-friction way to get a NAS with drives included. You get two 4TB WD Green drives preinstalled in RAID 1, giving you 4TB of mirrored storage out of the box. For a buyer who wants a personal cloud without shopping for drives separately, this is the simplest option on the list.
Setup took 15 minutes in our test, including connecting the unit to a router and creating a user account via the NAS Navigator utility. The web interface is dated but functional, and DLNA streaming works for basic media playback to smart TVs and game consoles.
The LinkStation 220 shines for Time Machine backups and basic file sharing. It is not a Plex box, but it is a reliable backup destination for multiple computers. The closed system with SSL encryption adds a layer of security for buyers who do not want to manage a full NAS operating system.
Intermittent network connectivity is the most common complaint. Connecting directly to the router rather than through a switch often resolves it. The 5400 RPM drives have noticeable spin-up delays compared to 7200 RPM NAS drives.
Who the BUFFALO LinkStation 220 is good for
First-time NAS buyers on a tight budget, households that just want centralized backup and DLNA streaming, and anyone who values simplicity over features. The 8TB total capacity and included drives make it an easy gift or starter NAS.
Who should look elsewhere
Plex or Jellyfin users should look elsewhere. The CPU is not powerful enough for transcoding, and the closed OS does not support media server apps. Users who want hot-swap drives, Docker support, or a modern web interface should consider any of the Synology or UGREEN units above.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Media Server
A media server is software (or a pre-built hardware appliance running that software) that organizes your personal library of movies, TV shows, music, photos, audiobooks, or ebooks and streams it to TVs, phones, browsers, and tablets on your home network or over the internet. The hardware you choose determines how many simultaneous 4K streams you can transcode, how much storage you can fit, and how loud the box is in your living room.
The first decision is software. Jellyfin is free and open-source with hardware transcoding included. Plex is the most popular freemium option but the Plex Pass lifetime price jumped to 749.99 in July 2026, which has pushed many users to migrate. Emby sits between the two with polished Live TV and DVR support. For non-video media, Navidrome replaces Spotify, Immich replaces Google Photos, Audiobookshelf replaces Audible, and Kavita replaces Kindle library management.
RAM and CPU sizing
Most modern media servers run comfortably on 4GB of RAM for a single-user library. Family libraries with multiple simultaneous users benefit from 8GB. Plex and Jellyfin can both use hardware acceleration (Intel QuickSync on Intel CPUs, NVENC on NVIDIA GPUs) to offload transcoding from the CPU. If you want 4K HDR transcoding to multiple screens, target an Intel N100 or newer CPU with QuickSync support.
Raspberry Pi builds work for direct play but struggle with transcoding. The Reddit r/selfhosted community generally recommends at least an Intel N100 or an older Intel Core i5 for serious media server duty. Skip ARM-based NAS units if transcoding is a priority.
Storage and drive bays
Plan for 50-100GB per 4K HDR Remux movie. A family library of 200 4K movies needs at least 10TB, and a serious collection of 1000+ movies needs 50TB or more. Two-bay NAS units top out around 80TB, while 4-bay and 6-bay units scale to 144TB and beyond.
RAID 1 (mirroring) protects against single-drive failure and is the right choice for most home users. RAID 5 (parity) requires at least three drives but gives more usable capacity. SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) is Synology’s flexible alternative that handles mixed drive sizes gracefully.
Networking
Gigabit Ethernet caps transfers at about 110 MB/s real-world. 2.5GbE networking, now common on modern NAS units, pushes that to about 280 MB/s. 10GbE is overkill for most homes but useful for video editors working with 4K and 8K footage. The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus and the Synology DS1525+ both offer 10GbE for creators.
Plex Pass vs Jellyfin
Plex Pass was 249.99 lifetime until July 2026, when the price jumped to 749.99. Plex Pass unlocks hardware transcoding, mobile sync, premium music features, and early access to new clients. Jellyfin offers all of these for free, including hardware transcoding on Intel QuickSync and NVIDIA NVENC.
The migration path from Plex to Jellyfin is well-documented. Watch history, metadata, and subtitles move over via the Jellyfin migration tool, though some metadata fields may need manual cleanup. Many Reddit users report completing the migration in a weekend. If you are starting fresh today, Jellyfin is the easier recommendation.
Remote access without port forwarding
Opening ports on your router is risky. Cloudflare Tunnel is the cleanest free option for exposing Jellyfin, Plex, or Emby to the internet without port forwarding. WireGuard VPN gives you an encrypted tunnel into your home network for full access to every device, not just the media server. Tailscale is the easiest WireGuard-based mesh VPN for beginners.
For an even simpler setup, Plex has its own relay server that works out of the box (at the cost of slightly higher latency), and Jellyfin can use reverse proxies like Caddy or Nginx with Let’s Encrypt certificates.
Self-hosted software stack
Most serious self-hosters run a stack rather than a single app. A typical setup pairs Jellyfin (or Plex) with Navidrome for music, Immich for photos, Audiobookshelf for audiobooks, and the Arr stack (Sonarr, Radarr, Prowlarr) for automated media management. Each runs in its own Docker container, managed via docker-compose or a UI like Portainer or Yacht.
Proxmox is the most popular hypervisor for running these stacks, either as individual LXC containers (lighter weight) or as full virtual machines (better isolation). The Reddit r/selfhosted community generally recommends LXC for performance and VMs for security-sensitive workloads.
For more NAS hardware options, our best NAS devices for home media servers guide covers additional enclosures, and our best CPUs for Plex servers roundup helps you size the processor correctly. For a wider look at home lab hardware, see our best home lab servers guide, and for client devices to pair with your server, our best media players roundup is a good companion read.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best media server in 2026?
The best media server in 2026 depends on your priorities. Jellyfin is the best open-source option with free hardware transcoding and no subscription. Plex is still the most popular but the Plex Pass price hike to 749.99 in July 2026 has pushed many users toward alternatives. Emby is a polished middle-ground. For the hardware that runs these servers, the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is our top pick for most households, with the Synology DS225+ as the best 2-bay value option.
Is there a better media server than Plex?
Yes. Jellyfin is better than Plex for users who want free hardware transcoding, no account requirement, and no subscription. Jellyfin forked from Emby in 2018 and has matured into a polished, fully-featured media server with active development, multi-platform client apps, and strong community support on Reddit r/selfhosted. Plex still wins on client ecosystem polish, particularly on Apple TV and Roku, but the cost gap has widened significantly since the July 2026 Plex Pass price hike.
How much RAM do I need for a media server?
Most media servers run comfortably on 4GB of RAM for a single-user library. Family libraries with multiple simultaneous users benefit from 8GB. Plex and Jellyfin both use hardware acceleration (Intel QuickSync or NVIDIA NVENC) to offload transcoding from the CPU, so RAM is rarely the bottleneck. Plan for 8GB if you run Jellyfin plus an Arr stack plus Immich simultaneously, and target 16GB if you also run virtual machines on Proxmox.
Is Plex still the best media server?
Plex is still the most popular media server and has the most polished client apps, especially on Apple TV and Roku. However, after the July 2026 Plex Pass lifetime price jump to 749.99, many users consider Jellyfin the better value. Plex still wins for users who want Live TV, DVR, and the widest device support, but for pure local library streaming, Jellyfin matches or exceeds Plex in nearly every area and is completely free.
Why are people moving away from Plex?
The main reason people are moving away from Plex is the Plex Pass lifetime price hike from 249.99 to 749.99 in July 2026. Secondary reasons include Plex account requirements even for local playback, hardware transcoding locked behind the Plex Pass subscription, and privacy concerns about Plex tracking. Reddit r/selfhosted threads increasingly recommend Jellyfin as the default for new self-hosted media servers.
What is the best self-hosted photo media server?
Immich is the best self-hosted photo media server. It is a free, open-source Google Photos replacement with face recognition, scene classification, object detection, and machine-learning-based search running locally on your NAS. Immich has official mobile apps for iOS and Android with automatic background upload, and the project is under active development with frequent releases.
Which self-hosted music server is the best?
Navidrome is the best self-hosted music server. It is a free, open-source Spotify replacement that supports the Subsonic API, ReplayGain, Last.fm scrobbling, smart playlists, and multi-user access. Navidrome uses around 50MB of RAM idle and handles libraries of 100,000+ tracks on modest hardware. It works alongside Jellyfin or Plex, which typically focus on video.
Final Verdict on the Best Media Servers
After four weeks of testing, the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is our pick for the best media server hardware in 2026. The Intel 5-core CPU, 10GbE networking, and 144TB capacity handle Plex, Jellyfin, Immich, and the entire Arr stack without breaking a sweat. For first-time NAS buyers, the Synology DS225+ is the most beginner-friendly option thanks to DSM, while the UGREEN DXP2800 is the strongest value pick for households on a budget.
If you want the best open-source media server software, Jellyfin is our top recommendation. It is free, supports hardware transcoding out of the box, and has matured into a polished Plex alternative. Pair it with Navidrome for music, Immich for photos, and Audiobookshelf for audiobooks to replace every streaming subscription you currently pay for.
The Plex Pass price hike to 749.99 in July 2026 has changed the calculus for many self-hosters. If you are starting fresh today, Jellyfin plus a capable NAS like the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus gives you a complete, subscription-free home media stack that you fully own.