Network-attached storage (NAS) is a smart storage device that directly connects to your Internet router or WiFi network. A home NAS typically has between one and four bays, but small businesses may opt to install an eight-bay system.
The NAS is useful because it creates a personal cloud that allows you to back up data in a safe, accessible location that provides super-fast access to data. Individuals as well as businesses use the NAS to back up sensitive files that they can not afford to lose due to a disk error.
NAS boxes can also be configured to automatically back up to the cloud to allow you to sync your data to services such as Dropbox , Google Drive and Box. That keeps your data consistent across platforms. We've come up with this handy list of the 5 best NAS backups for NAS users with little time to spare.
The list below is primarily concerned with backup providers whose industry giants QNAP, Synology, and Netgear have native apps for commercial NAS devices. We also included provider info, however, that allows you to run NAS backups using a more DIY approach.
Best NAS Backups:
1. ElephantDrive-
ElephantDrive is our top recommendation, as it is NAS-dedicated. ElephantDrive offers everything you need for NAS backups in addition to offering a wide range of backup features including sync and sharing options, automated backups and archiving.
ElephantDrive apps are available from QNAP, Netgear, and Synology, but they all come with support from Western Digital, Drobo, D-Link Vault, Thecus and Seagate. That makes ElephantDrive one of NAS backup providers with the most user-friendliness. It is perfect for beginners, as everything is automated and it has excellent customer service ready to help you solve any problems.
It is also compatible with a wide range of home devices , which means that you can use it to back up from home NAS and business backups. ElephantDrive has subscription plans for 1TB of storage starting at $10 per month, and there is a free trial available for anyone who wants to give it a risk-free go.
2. IDrive-
IDrive is one of our favorite cloud backup services, and it's pretty great for NAS users in fact. This fully featured service enables users to back up from mapped drives, as well as providing Synology, QNAP, and Netgear ReadyNAS applications. IDrive has excellent customer support that is always ready to help with your NAS-related queries, and it also provides guidance in its FAQ to help you get everything set up.
Also, IDrive offers value for money. 1TB of online storage space costs only $3.71 a month (payable in one go per annum). It's worth remembering though that when you hit your second year, the price rises to $4.95 a month.
Apart from sync and sharing features, subscribers also get versatile backup and restore options thrown in, and the ability to back up from an infinite number of devices. And you can send this service a test run to see what it is like, thanks to its 5 GB free account.
3. CrashPlan-
CrashPlan is a superb backup service that offers limitless storage space at an incredibly reasonable price point and comprehensive security. However, while it has good use-fun software, its NAS options are a touch shaky (compared to the options higher in this list).
QNAP users are likely to get along with it best, since it works well with a dedicated third-party app (which is provided). Mac and Linux should also get along well, because mounted drives can be easily backed up.
In contrast, Windows users might want to shop elsewhere. Windows built-in limitations mean CrashPlan doesn't allow backups from installed drives.
It does however provide a useful list of non-official mounting methods for tech users willing to learn. And it's one of the most affordable options on the market; it's a good option for learners who may be bothered.
4. CloudBerry-
CloudBerry differs slightly from the other services in this article, as it does not actually provide cloud storage services by itself. Rather it is a backup protection tool for existing cloud providers such as Amazon S3, Google Drive, OneDrive, Oracle Cloud, Rackspace and Microsoft Azure. We chose to include it, however, as it is incredibly well balanced when it comes not only to the NAS but also to other important backup functions.
CloudBerry comes with free apps for QNAP and Synology, the prominent NAS providers. Those apps allow users to back up data from their NAS storage box to their preferred cloud storage service. It also helps them to restore NAS files via the desktop application CloudBerry.
CloudBerry also has a mix of useful features including backup from Cloud to Cloud, unlimited file versioning, compression, and optional 256-bit AES encryption. This is impressive given it starts at only $10.00 a month. Ideal if you already have cloud storage space you want your NAS to synchronize to.
5. DropBox-
Dropbox isn't exactly comparable to the previously mentioned backup providers. Instead of being a traditional online backup service that focuses on storing your restored data during emergencies, it is a cloud storage service that also allows file sharing and remote access to files.
And how does it work for the NAS? Dropbox offers applications that allow you to synchronize the files stored on your NAS with your cloud storage servers. You end up with something like a Cloud Storage Manager – a centralized service that keeps all of your files up-to - date and organised. As a result, Dropbox is a great option that can be used both locally and online to keep your data safe and secure.
DIY NAS Backups:
Anyone who wants to build their own NAS instead of paying for a NAS box needs to be aware that they won't have access to apps. And there are still plenty of online storage methods for your results.
Providers like SOS, Acronis, JustCloud, BackupGenie, and ZipCloud all let you backup from a NAS device by simply selecting it as a location for your files. Some providers, however, may charge you for the privilege yearly.
In addition, you can also create network drive backups using SpiderOak, Memopal, and LiveDrive – all of which allow you to map the drive so it can be recognized. Fortunately, this process is simple, and walkthrough guides are available which will help you set up them.
Conclusion:
NAS backups are a great way to ensure your data is not only safe in your local cloud but also online. Whether you'd like a dedicated app that does the hard work for you-or you 'd rather set up a NAS yourself, this article features an online backup provider that's perfect for you.