Best NAS for Video Editing: Fast, Reliable & Upgrade-Ready
If you’re tired of juggling massive video files between external drives—or you’ve hit the wall on your computer’s local storage—it’s time to consider a NAS (Network Attached Storage). Whether you’re a solo editor or a small studio, a NAS can dramatically improve your video editing workflow, collaboration, and backup strategy. In this guide, we’ll break down the best NAS devices for video editing, from budget-friendly options to performance monsters that can handle 4K, 6K, and even 8K video production.
Why Use a NAS for Video Editing?
Video editing demands speed, capacity, and structure. Here’s what a NAS can bring to the table:
- Direct Editing from Network Storage – No more copying files between machines. Edit straight off the NAS.
- Centralized File Access – Share files with collaborators, motion artists, or VFX pros without version chaos.
- High-Speed Transfers – With 2.5GbE, 10GbE, or Thunderbolt, you can scrub timelines smoothly—even in 4K.
- Redundancy + Backup – RAID options protect your work. Snapshots and offsite sync add another layer of safety.
What to Look for in a NAS for Video Editing
1. Speed & Connectivity
- 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking is essential for real-time editing. 1GbE is a bottleneck.
- NVMe SSD caching improves performance when scrubbing timelines or loading projects.
- Look for PCIe slots to upgrade to 10GbE or add SSDs.
2. CPU & RAM
- Go with Intel Core, Ryzen, or Xeon CPUs for heavy workflows.
- Avoid entry-level ARM chips for anything beyond basic backup.
- 8GB RAM minimum; upgrade to 16GB+ if using Docker, VMs, or heavy multitasking.
3. Drive Bays & Scalability
- 4-bay systems give you room for RAID and future growth.
- Larger projects? Go 6- or 8-bay.
- RAID 5 or 10 is ideal for balancing performance and redundancy.
4. Transcoding (Optional)
- Needed if you’re streaming preview versions or using Plex internally.
- Look for integrated GPU (Intel Quick Sync) or Xeon CPUs that support real-time transcoding.
Best NAS for Video Editing
| Model | CPU | RAM | Drive Bays | Network | NVMe Slots | Transcoding Support | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asustor AS5402T | Intel Celeron N5105 | 4GB (Expandable) | 2 | 2x 2.5GbE | 4 | Yes (4K) | $369 |
| Synology DS923+ | AMD Ryzen R1600 | 4GB (Expandable) | 4 | 1x 1GbE (10GbE via PCIe) | 2 | No GPU for HW Transcoding | $619 |
| QNAP TVS-h1288X | Intel Xeon W-1250 | 32GB | 8 HDD + 4 SSD | 2x 10GbE | 4 | Yes (4K/8K) | $2,749 |
| QNAP TS-664 | Intel Celeron N5105 | 8GB (Expandable) | 6 | 2.5GbE | 2 | Yes (4K) | $549 |
| TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus | N/A (All-Flash) | N/A | 8x M.2 NVMe | 2x 10GbE | 8 | Yes | Varies |
Setting Up Your Editing Network
- Use CAT6a cables for 10GbE
- Upgrade your switch to multi-gig (2.5/10GbE)
- Mac users: Use Thunderbolt-to-10GbE adapters for direct connection
Pro Tips for NAS-Based Editing
- Use RAID 10 for speed + protection
- Keep active projects on SSD cache pools
- Enable SMB Multichannel (if supported) to maximize bandwidth
- Back up regularly—RAID isn’t enough
FAQ: NAS for Video Editing – What Creators Need to Know
Can I really edit video directly from a NAS?
Yes. If your NAS and network are fast enough (2.5GbE or 10GbE with SSD caching), you can edit large video files directly over the network without needing to copy them to a local drive first. Editors working in Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve report smooth timeline scrubbing—even with 4K or ProRes footage—when using a properly configured NAS.
Isn’t NAS too slow compared to an external SSD?
A NAS over 1GbE is slower than a USB 3.2 SSD. But once you move to 2.5GbE or 10GbE and use SSD caching, performance rivals or exceeds local drives. Plus, you gain centralized access, redundancy, and scalability.
Can I use Wi-Fi to connect to a NAS?
No. Wi-Fi doesn’t provide consistent throughput for video editing. Use a wired Ethernet connection for reliability.
What if my computer doesn’t have 2.5GbE or 10GbE?
You can use a USB-to-2.5GbE adapter or a Thunderbolt-to-10GbE adapter to upgrade most systems.
Is RAID the same as a backup?
No. RAID protects against drive failure, not human error or malware. Always use a true backup to cloud or external storage.
How many bays do I need?
- 2-bay: Basic users or audio editors
- 4-bay: Ideal starting point for most video editors
- 6-8 bay: For 4K/8K workflows or multi-user environments
Will it be loud?
Some NAS units are quiet, especially SSD-based ones. Use NAS-rated quiet drives and consider placement or fan upgrades for noise-sensitive setups.
Best RAID for video editing?
- RAID 5: Good mix of performance and protection
- RAID 10: Best for speed + redundancy
Can I stream my edited content from NAS?
Yes. Use Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby to preview or share videos. Transcoding helps with playback on low-power devices.
Do I need a UPS?
Yes. Power failures during writes can corrupt data. A UPS ensures safe shutdown and integrity. Each UPS depends on the power load necessary. If you’re running a smaller setup, click here to see some of the best models.
Is NAS setup difficult?
Not at all. Most systems include guided wizards and apps. Synology, QNAP, and others make setup beginner-friendly.
Should I get a NAS or DAS?
DAS is fine if you’re editing alone on one machine. NAS is superior for teams, remote access, backups, and growth.
Final Thoughts
A well-chosen NAS can completely transform your editing workflow. Whether you’re editing in DaVinci, Premiere, or Final Cut, the right setup lets you work faster, safer, and with less friction. If you’re serious about video production, investing in one of these NAS models is a no-brainer.