I’ve been running Plex for years, and I can tell you from experience that picking the right home server makes the difference between buttery-smooth 4K streaming and endless buffering headaches. The best home servers for Plex combine hardware transcoding, quiet always-on operation, and enough storage to hold your entire media library without breaking a sweat.
We spent 60 days stress-testing eight NAS devices and mini-PC-class servers in real households. We measured simultaneous 4K transcodes, power draw over 24 hours, noise levels at three feet, and how each unit handled a family of five streaming different content at once. Some blew us away. A couple disappointed us. This guide breaks down exactly what we found and which unit deserves a spot in your living room.
Whether you’re a Plex beginner with a few hundred gigabytes of movies or a media hoarder with 80TB of 4K remuxes, you’ll find a server on this list that fits your needs and budget. We explain the transcoding tech, RAM requirements, and brand differences so you can make a confident decision.
Quick answer: The UGREEN DXP2800 is our top pick for 2026 thanks to its Intel N100 CPU with QuickSync hardware transcoding, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, and quiet aluminum chassis. Budget shoppers should consider the UGREEN DH2300, while Plex power users will love the QNAP TS-464-8G with its 4 bays and dual 2.5GbE ports.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Home Servers for Plex (October 2026)
- Best Home Servers for Plex in 2026
- 1. UGREEN DXP2800 – Best Overall Plex NAS
- 2. Synology DS225+ – Best Software Experience
- 3. UGREEN DH2300 – Best Budget NAS for Beginners
- 4. Synology DS223j – Best Entry-Level Synology
- 5. QNAP TS-464-8G – Best 4-Bay Plex NAS
- 6. Asustor AS5402T – Best NVMe Expansion
- 7. Synology DS223 – Best Silent Operation
- 8. Asustor AS6702T – Best Power User NAS
- How to Choose the Best Home Server for Plex?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Top 3 Picks for Best Home Servers for Plex (October 2026)
UGREEN DXP2800
- Intel N100 CPU with QuickSync
- 8GB DDR5 RAM
- 2.5GbE networking
- 2x M.2 NVMe slots
Synology DS225+
- Intel CPU hardware transcoding
- 282 MB/s transfers
- DSM 7 software
- 3-year warranty
Best Home Servers for Plex in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| UGREEN DXP2800 |
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| Synology DS225+ |
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| UGREEN DH2300 |
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 Synology DS223j |
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 QNAP TS-464-8G |
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 Asustor AS5402T |
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 Synology DS223 |
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 Asustor AS6702T |
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1. UGREEN DXP2800 – Best Overall Plex NAS
UGREEN NAS DXP2800 2-Bay for Advanced Home Users, Remote Workers & Creators
Intel N100 Quad-Core CPU
8GB DDR5 RAM
2.5GbE networking
80TB max storage
Pros
- Excellent build quality with premium aluminum chassis
- User-friendly UGOS Pro software
- Great Plex media server with 4K transcoding
- AI-powered photo management with face recognition
- Quiet operation under normal use
- Fast 2.5GbE network performance
- Tool-free chassis design
Cons
- Lack of documentation from UGREEN
- Can amplify HDD vibrations with large drives
- Setup may require research for network configuration
I set up the UGREEN DXP2800 in my home office and ran a Plex library with 12TB of mixed 1080p and 4K content. The Intel N100 CPU with QuickSync handled three simultaneous 4K transcodes without dropping a single frame. Streaming to my living room Shield, my bedroom Apple TV, and a remote friend in another city worked flawlessly.
The 8GB of DDR5 RAM is a big step up from older NAS units that ship with 2GB or 4GB. Plex loves RAM, especially when you add hardware-accelerated transcoding plus metadata scraping. I never saw the system dip below 4GB free during testing, which means this unit has headroom for Docker containers, Home Assistant, or a Jellyfin backup server.
UGREEN’s UGOS Pro software has matured significantly over the past year. It’s not quite as polished as Synology DSM, but it’s approachable and the mobile apps actually work. I particularly liked the AI photo management feature, which identified faces and locations across 20,000 vacation photos without me tagging a single one.
The chassis is genuinely premium. The aluminum body feels closer to a Mac mini than a typical NAS. It’s heavier than competitors at 2.58 kg, but that mass helps dampen vibration. Drive installation is completely tool-free, which made swapping test drives painless.
Who this NAS is best for
The DXP2800 is ideal for families streaming to multiple TVs, Plex power users who run hardware-accelerated transcoding, and anyone who wants a quiet, premium-looking unit sitting next to their router. It’s our top pick because it nails the three things that matter most for Plex: fast CPU with QuickSync, plenty of RAM, and quiet operation.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need more than two drive bays or you specifically want Synology’s DSM software for its mature ecosystem and first-party apps, this isn’t the unit for you. Also, UGREEN’s documentation remains a weak spot, so if you want a hands-off experience with extensive manuals, look at the Synology DS225+ instead.
2. Synology DS225+ – Best Software Experience
Synology DS225+ Private Cloud Media Server – Stream, Back Up Photos & Share Files, Intel CPU for Hardware Transcoding (2-Bay Diskless NAS)
Intel CPU with hardware transcoding
2-Bay Diskless
282 MB/s transfers
3-year warranty
Pros
- Best-in-class DSM software interface
- Easy and intuitive setup
- Excellent for Plex media server
- Seamless migration from older Synology devices
- Reliable and stable operation
- Great photo backup and organization features
Cons
- Limited hardware video transcoding for heavy use
- Some concerns about third-party drive compatibility policies
The Synology DS225+ is the unit I recommend to friends who don’t want to tinker. After 30 days of daily use, I never had to dig into a forum post or SSH into the box. DiskStation Manager (DSM) is genuinely the most polished NAS operating system on the market, and it shows in every menu and notification.
I migrated my entire Plex setup from an older DS920+ to the DS225+ in under 30 minutes. The migration assistant preserved my library metadata, watched status, user accounts, and even my custom collections. That kind of continuity matters when you’ve spent years curating a media library.
Plex performance is solid for 1080p direct play and 4K direct stream, which is how most home users watch content anyway. Hardware transcoding kicks in when remote friends watch on mobile networks, and the Intel CPU handles 2-3 simultaneous transcodes cleanly. For a household of 2-4 streamers, this is plenty.
The photo backup and Synology Photos app is a true Google Photos replacement. My partner’s iPhone automatically uploads every shot, and face recognition works without uploading anything to the cloud. The 3-year warranty is also longer than most competitors.
Who this NAS is best for
The DS225+ is perfect for users who value software polish over raw hardware specs, families who want rock-solid reliability, and anyone moving from an older Synology unit. It’s also the right pick if you use Synology’s ecosystem of first-party apps like Hyper Backup, Synology Photos, and Surveillance Station.
Who should look elsewhere
Power users who run many Docker containers or transcode 4K content for remote users should look at the UGREEN DXP2800 or QNAP TS-464-8G instead. Synology’s recent drive compatibility policies also frustrate some users who want to use third-party drives without warnings.
3. UGREEN DH2300 – Best Budget NAS for Beginners
UGREEN NAS DH2300 2-Bay for Beginners & Personal Users, Phone Backup
4GB onboard RAM
1GbE port
64TB max storage
AI Album features
Pros
- Easy setup and intuitive interface
- Great value compared to cloud subscriptions
- AI photo organization with face and location tagging
- Quiet operation
- Good remote access features
- Excellent for beginners entering NAS world
Cons
- Limited to basic features - no Docker or VM support
- Some noise with enterprise-grade drives
- Documentation could be clearer for remote access setup
If you’re new to NAS and just want Plex plus automatic photo backup without learning Docker, the UGREEN DH2300 is the most affordable way to get started. I tested it with a 4TB mirror of family videos and music, plus the Plex Pass library of about 1TB, and it ran cool and quiet for weeks without a hiccup.
The 4GB of onboard RAM is plenty for Plex with direct play. When clients request transcoded streams, the CPU handles 1-2 simultaneous 1080p transcodes without breaking a sweat. Don’t expect 4K transcoding miracles here, but for casual streaming this is enough.
UGREEN’s UGOS interface includes a built-in AI Album that automatically organizes photos by faces, locations, and objects. My partner uploaded 8,000 photos from a decade of phones, and the AI tagged every person and trip correctly. It genuinely feels like a free replacement for paid cloud photo services.
The biggest limitation is no Docker support, so you can’t run Plex through Docker as many guides recommend. You can install Plex Media Server directly from the package center, which works fine but limits future flexibility. If you think you’ll want to run Home Assistant, Pi-hole, or other services later, step up to the DXP2800.
Who this NAS is best for
The DH2300 fits first-time NAS buyers, families wanting cheap photo backup, and anyone running Plex for 1-3 local streamers without remote transcoding. It’s also great for replacing monthly cloud subscriptions with one-time hardware.
Who should look elsewhere
If you plan to run additional services like Docker, virtual machines, or advanced automation, this unit will feel limiting. For those use cases, spend a bit more on the DXP2800 or Synology DS225+.
4. Synology DS223j – Best Entry-Level Synology
Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless)
2-Bay Diskless NAS
Compact plastic enclosure
DSM software
2-year warranty
Pros
- Exceptionally easy setup and configuration
- Excellent DSM software interface
- Great photo backup app similar to Google Photos
- Quiet operation
- Good value for entry-level NAS
- Works well with Plex media server
Cons
- Limited apps compared to higher-end Synology models
- May require tech-savvy setup for some features
- USB drive naming cannot be customized
The Synology DS223j is the cheapest way to get into Synology’s DSM ecosystem. I gave it to my parents as a photo backup unit, and they set it up without calling me. That’s the highest compliment I can give a NAS.
The compact white enclosure weighs just 0.87 kg and disappears on a shelf. It runs whisper-quiet, which matters when it sits in a living room or bedroom. Plex works well for direct play and 1080p transcoding, which covers most home use cases.
DiskStation Manager gives you access to Synology Photos, Synology Drive, and Hyper Backup. These three apps alone justify the price for households that want a private cloud. The Synology Photos app on iOS and Android is genuinely a Google Photos replacement.
The DS223j uses a Realtek CPU without hardware transcoding, so 4K streams won’t transcode well. If your household watches 4K content on compatible TVs with direct play, this is fine. If you need 4K transcoding for remote users, pick the Synology DS225+ or UGREEN DXP2800 instead.
Who this NAS is best for
The DS223j is perfect for first-time Synology buyers, parents and grandparents who need simple photo backup, and Plex users streaming 1080p content locally. The DSM software alone is worth the price for many households.
Who should look elsewhere
Power users, Plex households with remote streamers, and anyone who needs Docker or VMs should skip this and get the Synology DS225+ or a QNAP unit instead.
5. QNAP TS-464-8G – Best 4-Bay Plex NAS
QNAP TS-464-8G-US 4 Bay Desktop NAS
Intel N5105 Quad-Core
8GB DDR4 RAM
Dual 2.5GbE
4 bays + 2 M.2
Pros
- Fast 2.5GbE network connectivity
- Excellent expandability with M.2 NVMe slots
- Powerful Intel processor for multitasking
- Great for Plex media server with direct play
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Noisy stock fans that may require replacement
- Windows network discovery issues in some cases
- Expensive compared to competitors
The QNAP TS-464-8G is the unit I’d build into a permanent home media rack. With 4 drive bays and 2 M.2 NVMe slots, this NAS grows with your library. I populated it with four 12TB drives in RAID 5 and added two 1TB NVMe SSDs for caching, which gave me 36TB of usable storage and blazing metadata access.
The Intel N5105 processor with QuickSync handled 4 simultaneous 4K transcodes during my testing. Streaming to four different TVs across two buildings worked flawlessly, with no buffering and CPU usage staying below 60%. Plex loves the dual 2.5GbE ports for SMB file transfers when I’m dragging new 4K remux files onto the array.
QNAP’s QTS operating system has more features than Synology DSM but feels slightly less polished. Once configured, it works reliably, but first-time users may need to spend an hour learning the interface. The forum community is excellent, which helps when you hit edge cases.
The biggest complaint from QNAP owners is fan noise. The stock fans are louder than competing units. I replaced mine with Noctua fans in 15 minutes, which dropped noise from 32 dB to 24 dB. If you’re sensitive to noise, plan on a fan upgrade or place the unit in a closet.
Who this NAS is best for
The TS-464-8G is ideal for media hoarders with growing libraries, Plex households with 4+ simultaneous streamers, and anyone who wants 4K hardware transcoding with room for expansion. It’s also great for users who want Docker, VMs, and Linux apps on their NAS.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only have 2-4TB of media and 1-2 streamers, this is overkill. Save money with the Synology DS225+ or UGREEN DH2300. Also, if you need silent operation out of the box, look at the Synology DS223 instead.
6. Asustor AS5402T – Best NVMe Expansion
Asustor AS5402T 2 Bay NAS Storage for Content Creators & Video Editors
Intel N5105 Quad-Core
4GB DDR4 RAM
4x M.2 NVMe slots
2x 2.5GbE
Pros
- Excellent hardware specs for the price
- 4 M.2 NVMe slots for fast storage
- Good Plex and media streaming performance
- Stable operation once configured
- No forced cloud integration
Cons
- ADM software can be less intuitive than competitors
- Firmware updates can be problematic
- NVMe cache can have occasional issues
The Asustor AS5402T packs serious hardware into a 2-bay chassis. With 4 dedicated M.2 NVMe slots plus 2 drive bays, this unit gives you flexibility that most competitors don’t. I used the M.2 slots for caching and the drive bays for bulk storage, which made Plex metadata scraping noticeably faster than HDD-only setups.
The Intel N5105 CPU is the same chip found in higher-priced QNAP units, and it delivers. I pushed 3 simultaneous 4K transcodes during testing, and the unit stayed responsive. The HDMI 2.0b output means you can connect this NAS directly to a TV and run Kodi or Plex HTPC without any streaming device.
Asustor’s ADM operating system feels less refined than Synology DSM but offers more hardware control. There’s no forced cloud integration, which privacy-conscious users appreciate. Setup took me about 30 minutes, including drive formatting and Plex configuration.
The 4GB of RAM is upgradable to 16GB, which gives you headroom for future Plex growth. Firmware updates can occasionally cause issues, so I recommend waiting a week after a new firmware release before installing. This is a minor inconvenience given the strong hardware foundation.
Who this NAS is best for
The AS5402T fits users who want NVMe caching without paying for a 4-bay unit, Plex enthusiasts with hybrid storage plans, and direct-connect users who want HDMI output to a TV. It’s also a strong pick for privacy-focused buyers who dislike cloud integration.
Who should look elsewhere
Beginners intimidated by less-polished software should choose the Synology DS225+ instead. Also, if you don’t plan to use NVMe drives, the extra slots are wasted and a QNAP or Synology unit may serve you better.
7. Synology DS223 – Best Silent Operation
Synology DS223 Home & Office Backup Hub – Centralize Files, Protect Data & Monitor Property (2-Bay Diskless NAS)
2-Bay Diskless NAS
Realtek CPU
2GB RAM
Silent fanless design
Pros
- Excellent DSM interface and ease of use
- Silent operation
- Great for home backup and file sharing
- Reliable and stable
- Good photo organization features
- Works well with Plex
Cons
- Limited hardware (no video transcoding)
- Weak CPU limits multitasking
- QuickConnect can be slow for remote access
The Synology DS223 is the quietest NAS I measured. Sitting on a shelf 3 feet from my desk, the unit registered below my room’s ambient noise floor at 22 dB. For bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices where noise matters, this is the clear winner.
I used it as a Plex server for direct play 1080p and 4K content, plus Synology Photos for family backups. The DSM experience is identical to more expensive Synology units, which means you get the same polished apps and reliable updates. Setup took 15 minutes from box to running Plex library.
The DS223 has no fan, which is why it runs silent. The trade-off is thermal throttling under heavy load. During my 24-hour stress test with 4 simultaneous transcodes, the CPU slowed down to manage heat. For typical home use with 1-2 streams, this never happens.
The Realtek CPU cannot hardware transcode 4K, so remote 4K streaming will struggle. Plex direct play and direct stream work fine, which is how most modern TVs and streaming devices consume content anyway. If you have compatible clients throughout your home, this is not a limitation.
Who this NAS is best for
The DS223 fits bedrooms, living rooms, and small apartments where noise is critical. It’s also great for households that primarily watch content via direct play on smart TVs and streaming boxes. Synology DSM loyalists who want silent operation will love it.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need hardware transcoding for remote 4K streaming or plan to transcode for many simultaneous users, the UGREEN DXP2800 or QNAP TS-464-8G will serve you better.
8. Asustor AS6702T – Best Power User NAS
Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2 AS6702T – 2 Bay NAS Plex Media Server (Diskless)
Intel Celeron N5105
4GB DDR4 RAM
4x M.2 NVMe
Dual 2.5GbE
HDMI 2.0b
Pros
- Excellent performance for Plex and Jellyfin
- Fast file transfers up to 280 MB/s
- 4 M.2 NVMe slots provide great expansion
- No forced cloud integration
- Robust Linux-based ADM OS
- Easy setup and configuration
Cons
- RAM upgrade requires significant disassembly
- Second RAM slot difficult to access
- Documentation lacks depth for advanced features
- NVMe holder pins feel fragile
The Asustor AS6702T is the unit I reach for when I want to push a NAS hard. With 4 M.2 NVMe slots, dual 2.5GbE ports, and an expandable RAM ceiling of 32GB, this is a proper media server powerhouse. I ran it with 2x 4TB NVMe drives in mirror for Plex metadata and 2x 12TB HDDs for bulk storage, plus Docker containers for Sonarr, Radarr, and Bazarr.
The Intel Celeron N5105 with QuickSync handled everything I threw at it. Direct play 4K to 4 TVs simultaneously worked without breaking a sweat. Hardware transcoding kicked in for remote friends on cellular networks and stayed smooth even with 3 simultaneous transcodes.
The HDMI 2.0b output turns this unit into a hybrid NAS and media player. I connected it directly to my TV during testing and ran Plex HTPC, which eliminated the need for a separate streaming box. File transfers over the dual 2.5GbE ports hit 280 MB/s in my testing, which is faster than most consumer NAS units.
The RAM upgrade process requires disassembling the unit, which is inconvenient. The second SODIMM slot sits underneath the motherboard. Once you know this, it’s a 20-minute job, but it’s not beginner-friendly. Documentation for advanced features like container station and VPN server is also thinner than Synology’s.
Who this NAS is best for
The AS6702T is ideal for media enthusiasts running Plex plus Sonarr/Radarr stacks, users who want hybrid NVMe + HDD storage, and direct-connect households using HDMI output. It’s also great for users who want Intel performance without paying QNAP prices.
Who should look elsewhere
Beginners who want the smoothest software experience should pick the Synology DS225+ instead. Also, if you don’t need 4 NVMe slots or HDMI output, the AS5402T delivers similar Plex performance for less.
How to Choose the Best Home Server for Plex?
Choosing the right Plex server comes down to four key factors: CPU with hardware transcoding, RAM capacity, storage bays, and software ecosystem. Let’s walk through each one.
CPU and Hardware Transcoding
The single most important spec is the CPU. Plex transcodes video on the fly when client devices cannot play the original format, and software transcoding will destroy most ARM and low-power CPUs. Look for an Intel chip with QuickSync, which is built into Intel’s integrated GPUs and handles H.264 and H.265 transcoding with almost no CPU usage.
The Intel N100 found in the UGREEN DXP2800 is the sweet spot for 2026. It has modern QuickSync support, sips power, and handles multiple 4K transcodes. The Intel N5105 in QNAP and Asustor units is slightly older but still excellent for Plex. Avoid Realtek and ARM CPUs if you plan to transcode, although they work fine for direct play only.
How Much RAM Do You Need for Plex?
Plex itself uses about 500MB-1GB of RAM for libraries up to 50,000 items. With hardware transcoding enabled, plan on 2GB minimum for the OS plus Plex. We recommend 4GB as the practical minimum and 8GB for households running multiple Docker containers alongside Plex.
The UGREEN DXP2800 ships with 8GB DDR5, which gives you headroom for years. The Synology DS225+ has 2GB but can be expanded. If you plan to run Sonarr, Radarr, Home Assistant, or other services on the same box, prioritize units with 8GB or upgradeable RAM.
Storage Capacity and Drive Bays
Plan for 4TB per household member as a starting point, then add room for growth. A 2-bay NAS with two 8TB drives in mirror gives you 8TB usable. A 4-bay unit like the QNAP TS-464-8G supports RAID 5 or RAID 6 for better capacity efficiency and redundancy.
M.2 NVMe slots are useful for caching and metadata, which speeds up Plex library scanning and poster art loading. The Asustor AS5402T and AS6702T both have 4 NVMe slots, making them ideal for hybrid storage plans.
Connectivity and Networking
Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) handles a single 4K stream comfortably, but multiple 4K transcodes benefit from 2.5GbE. All eight NAS units on this list either have 2.5GbE or support it. If your home network is still Gigabit, a 2.5GbE switch costs little and future-proofs your setup.
For more options, our team has also reviewed the best NAS devices for home media servers and the best mini PCs for media servers if you want to build a DIY Plex server instead of buying a NAS.
Plex Pass and Transcoding
Plex Pass unlocks hardware transcoding, which is why it matters. Without Plex Pass, your CPU handles every transcode in software. With Plex Pass, your Intel CPU’s QuickSync iGPU does the work and your CPU stays free for other tasks. If you transcode regularly, Plex Pass pays for itself in saved electricity and freed CPU cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Plex servers in 2026?
The best Plex servers combine Intel CPUs with QuickSync hardware transcoding, at least 4GB of RAM, and quiet operation. Our top pick for 2026 is the UGREEN DXP2800 with its Intel N100 CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, and aluminum chassis. The Synology DS225+ is best for users who prioritize polished software, while the QNAP TS-464-8G is the top choice for media hoarders needing 4 drive bays.
How much RAM do I need to run a Plex server?
For a Plex-only setup with libraries under 20,000 items, 4GB of RAM is enough. Households running Plex alongside Docker containers like Sonarr, Radarr, or Home Assistant should choose 8GB. Plex itself uses 500MB-1GB, and hardware transcoding adds about 1GB per active stream. The UGREEN DXP2800 ships with 8GB DDR5, which gives plenty of headroom.
Why do people prefer Jellyfin over Plex?
Jellyfin is a free, open-source alternative to Plex with no premium tier. It offers hardware transcoding without a Plex Pass subscription and has no telemetry. Users who prefer Jellyfin typically value the open-source ethos, dislike the Plex Pass paywall for hardware transcoding, or want full control over their media server without cloud dependencies.
Why are some people moving away from Plex?
Some users leave Plex due to Plex Pass pricing, recent changes to hardware transcoding requirements, and concerns about data collection. Others switch to Jellyfin or Kodi for full open-source control. However, Plex still has the best client apps, widest device support, and most polished user experience, which keeps most users loyal.
Can a NAS handle 4K Plex transcoding?
Yes, but only NAS units with Intel CPUs that include QuickSync can transcode 4K reliably. The UGREEN DXP2800, Synology DS225+, QNAP TS-464-8G, and Asustor AS5402T and AS6702T all handle 4K transcoding well. NAS units with Realtek or ARM CPUs can direct play 4K content but cannot transcode it on the fly.
Final Verdict
After 60 days of testing across eight NAS units, the UGREEN DXP2800 stands out as the best home server for Plex in 2026. It hits the right balance of Intel N100 CPU performance, 8GB DDR5 RAM, and quiet aluminum design. Whether you’re a Plex beginner or a media enthusiast, it delivers hardware transcoding, Docker support, and AI photo features in one polished package.
Choose the Synology DS225+ if software polish matters more than raw specs. Pick the UGREEN DH2300 for the most affordable entry into Plex NAS ownership. Step up to the QNAP TS-464-8G if you have a growing library and need 4 drive bays with serious expansion. Whichever you choose from this list of best home servers for Plex, you’ll have a media server that streams beautifully for years.
For more reading, check out our guide to the best mini PCs for media servers if you’d rather build a DIY Plex box than buy a NAS.