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What is the best cloud NAS?
The best cloud NAS combines a network drive at home with cloud sync or backup, so you get fast local storage plus an offsite copy. Synology is the easiest all-rounder, QNAP offers more hardware choice, TrueNAS suits technical users who want open-source control, and a self-built Nextcloud server gives the most privacy if you can maintain it.
| Option | Ease of use | Cloud sync/backup tools | Encryption options | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synology DiskStation | Easiest | Cloud Sync, Hyper Backup, own cloud service | Encrypted shared folders, client-side encrypted backups | Families, small offices |
| QNAP | Moderate | HBS (Hybrid Backup Sync) | Folder and volume encryption | Users wanting more hardware options |
| TrueNAS | Technical | Cloud sync tasks (rclone-based) | ZFS encryption | Tinkerers, data integrity fans |
| Nextcloud on a server or NAS | Technical | Apps and external storage | Server-side and end-to-end options | Self-hosters wanting a private cloud |
| Syncthing on any NAS | Moderate | Peer-to-peer sync | Encrypted connections; optional untrusted devices | Private sync without a cloud |
How we compared cloud NAS options
We compared NAS options on setup difficulty, quality of cloud sync and backup tools, encryption, app ecosystem, remote access security and ongoing maintenance. A NAS you don’t update is a risk, so we weighted ease of updates heavily.
Why pair a NAS with the cloud
A NAS alone is one location: fire, theft or ransomware can take it out. Pairing it with cloud backup gives you the offsite copy the 3-2-1 backup rule calls for. Local speed plus cloud safety is the strongest home setup we know.
We cover the pros and cons in depth in cloud NAS vs cloud storage, and walk through a real setup in NAS cloud backup: sync your NAS with OneDrive and the cloud.
Best picks
Synology: best overall
Its DSM software makes cloud sync with many providers and encrypted backups straightforward. Hyper Backup can encrypt backups on the NAS before upload, giving client-side encryption with any storage target.
QNAP: best hardware variety
Broad model range and Hybrid Backup Sync. QNAP devices have been targeted by ransomware campaigns in the past, so keep firmware updated and avoid exposing admin pages to the internet.
TrueNAS: best for data integrity
ZFS checksums detect silent corruption, and cloud sync tasks use rclone under the hood. Best for users comfortable with technical setup. See the TrueNAS project.
Nextcloud: best private cloud
Turns a NAS or small server into your own Dropbox-style service. See Nextcloud setup.
Building your own cloud at home? Our main guide covers hardware, software and remote access safely.
Build a home cloudSecurity essentials for a cloud NAS
- Don’t expose the admin panel directly to the internet; use a VPN or the vendor’s secure relay.
- Enable automatic security updates.
- Use two factor authentication on admin accounts.
- Turn on snapshots so ransomware can be rolled back.
- Encrypt cloud backups on the NAS before upload.
The CISA StopRansomware guidance applies to home NAS devices as much as to businesses. Choose the cloud target from our best cloud storage services list.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cloud NAS?
A cloud NAS is a network-attached storage device at home or in an office that also connects to the cloud. It can sync folders to a cloud provider, back up to the cloud, or offer remote access like a private cloud service.
Is a NAS cheaper than cloud storage?
Over several years, a NAS can be cheaper per terabyte for large amounts of data, but it has upfront hardware costs, electricity and maintenance. You still need offsite backup, which usually means some cloud storage anyway.
Can a NAS replace Google Drive or Dropbox?
Yes, with software such as Synology Drive or Nextcloud, a NAS can provide sync, sharing and mobile apps. You take on responsibility for updates, security and backups. Many people keep a NAS for bulk data and a cloud service for convenience.
Is a NAS safe from ransomware?
Not automatically. Ransomware can encrypt network shares and target NAS devices directly. Snapshots, offline or immutable backups, updates and not exposing the NAS to the internet greatly reduce the risk.
Which cloud provider works best with a NAS?
Most NAS systems support many providers. Backup-focused object storage is common for cheap offsite copies, while sync with OneDrive or Dropbox suits shared files. Encrypt backups on the NAS before upload, so the provider stores only ciphertext.
Get the free privacy checklist. One page that shows you how to check who holds the keys to your files, which settings to change first, and how to keep a real backup.
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