Synology DS-1511+

Synology DiskStation DS1511+

At around $900 with no storage included, Synology's DiskStation DS1511+ seems pricey at first. However, the more you get to know it, the more you realize it's worth every penny. The DS1511+ is by far the best sub-$1,000 NAS server we've seen on all counts, including performance, design, hard-drive support, and even ease of use. Although it's probably not easy enough for home users, simply because it offers an overwhelming number of features that is far beyond what the uninitiated can expect. This doesn't mean the server is perfect, and Synology indeed could improve its setup process and the desktop software bundle. And of course it wouldn't hurt to lower the price, either. If you know what you are doing and are serious about networking and network storage, look no further than the DiskStation DS1511+. If you want something with less storage, and cheaper, we'd also recommend the four-bay DS410 or the dual-bay DS710+. The DiskStation DS1511+ is good-looking and is very compact for a server that supports five full-size 3.5-inch hard drives. In fact, it's about the same size as the four-bay DS410, and even less bulky-looking.