Choosing the Perfect NAS for your Plex Media Server in 2017

Last updated on 28 Feb 2017 📧 Subscribe

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1 Setting up your first Plex Media Server NAS

2 Why is Plex so popular with NAS buyers?

3 Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Setting up your first Plex Media Server NAS

Have you ever heard of Plex? Of course you have! So, you have made the big decision and want to put all your media (Films, music and photos alike) in a network enabled device so you can access them from any TV, computer or phone, either at home or traveling; in fact anywhere in the WORLD. However the entire task can appear quite daunting to those who are less versed in the wonderful world of data storage and the learning curve quite steep.

Why is Plex so popular with NAS buyers?

To assist in this arena, many companies have delved into the service of helping you share your data. Chief among them is Plex. Giving you the ability to not only share all of your data to more devices than any other service, they will also fill in the blanks in your catalogue. Providing thumbnails, filling in descriptions and sorting your digital media files with a far more pleasing user interface. Think of the likes of Amazon Instant, Netflix and Video-on-Demand (VOD) services; they are just a small bite of what Plex Media Server can do for you.

The first step to building a Plex Media Server on a NAS, is choosing the right NAS. Not all Network Attached Storage devices are suitable for a Plex Media Server. Below are some NAS devices that can provide a great Plex Media Server Experience.

Home Multimedia Server

A Plex NAS for those that do not require much access outside the home, so transcoding of Media is not required


WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra	Synology DS216PLAY	QNAP HS-251+	Synology DS416PLAY
£126 ex.VAT	£190 ex.VAT	£256 ex.VAT	£317 ex.VAT

Access Anywhere Multimedia Server

For those that require access inside and outside the home and some transcoding will be required


Synology DS916+	QNAP TS-453A	WD My Cloud Pro PR2100	Synology DS716+II
£450 ex.VAT	£399 ex.VAT	£355 ex.VAT	£340 ex.VAT

All-Purpose, Multi-User Multimedia Server

The ultimate Plex Media Server experience with full HD transcoding anywhere as well as 4K Transcoding natively outside of Plex


QNAP TVS-473	Synology DS3617xs	QNAP TVS-1282	Netgear ReadyNAS 628X
£880 ex.VAT	£1830 ex.VAT	£2149 ex.VAT	£1431 ex.VAT

How to Setup a Free Plex Account Today

The Plex Application for your NAS, Mac, PC, Android or iOS device is free and available in the NAS App store, iTunes and Google Play store at no additional cost. The free apps are an excellent introduction, but will soon feel limited; we advise that you upgrade to the Plex Pass subscription service for vastly improved options and add-ons. To begin setting up your Plex Media Server, you will need to head over to Plex and set up your account (use the below link) so you can have all your movie, TV show, music, and photo collections at your fingertips. Anywhere you go, on the devices you love.

Create_a_Plex_Account_today_with_your_NAS_server_app

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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