What is the best NAS for a 1080p Plex Media Server?
Choosing the right Network Attached Storage device for your perfect Plex Media Server can be a rather intimidating and daunting process. Over the years the NAS Server market has exploded with numerous devices becoming available to home, small business and enterprise users and with such a large number of NAS devices available it is understandable that it is becoming increasing hard to choose the best NAS for a PMS (Plex Media Server). I have been in the Network Attached Storage industry for a number of years now and have played with and owned many, many NAS servers from big brands like QNAP NAS, Synology, WD, Netgear, Asustor NAS and more.
When choosing the right Plex NAS, one of the most important things to consider is transcoding and whether you will need to transcode data from one size to another between the Plex Media server and the device you are watching the media on (iPad, ChromeBook, iPhone, Android device, Laptop, Smartphone, Smart TV, etc). If yes and you want to transcode 1080p HD media, then you will need a powerful x86 CPU like an Intel Pentium or i3 CPU at the very least. Whereas if you only need to watch your Plex Media in the home using the internal network and are not restricted by factors like the speed of your network connection, the device you are watching with being able to view large formats/codecs, or do not intend to watch large files at all, THEN you can use a NAS with a lower ARM v7 CPU from companies like Marvell and Annapurna. The options are very wide and I thought it would be worth taking the time to tell you which NAS server devices from each NAS vendor are the best for Plex in 1080p, 720p, 480p, SD and even just straight forward DLNA for your home network.
Either arrive with the Plex App already installed or have access to an App store internally that can download and install the Plex Media Server Application
All work worldwide and can be connected to your local US, UK, EU, AU, etc plug
If purchased Brand New, will arrive with at least 2 years of Manufacturers warranty (upto 5 years in some cases)
Will Play Media natively via DLNA and without transcoding to local media devices (Console, PC, Smart TV, etc)
Arrive with all CPU and RAM installed along with the Operating System, though in most cases you will need to buy Hard Drive media
How and where do I sign up for Plex? How much does Plex Cost?
The Plex Application for your NAS, Mac, PC, Android device is free and available in the NAS App store, iTunes and Google Playstore at no additional cost, though the free apps, though serving as an excellent introduction, will soon feel limited and we advise that if 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.
If however you wish to skip straight to the good stuff and set up your Plex Pass Membership immediately so you can get your Plex Media Server at 100%, use the link below to take walk you through setting up your Plex Pass today!
How do I choose the Best NAS for my Plex Media Server?
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?
Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
If you like this service, please consider supporting us.
We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.