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10 Best Personal Cloud Hard Drive 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

QNAP TVS-h874X-i9-64G-US 8 Bay High-Speed Desktop NAS with 12th Gen Intel® Core™ CPU, 64GB DDR4 RAM, 10GbE & 2.5 GbE Networking and PCIe Gen 4 expandability (Diskless)

The QNAP TVS-h874X-i9-64G-US is a powerful 8-bay personal cloud hard drive designed for users needing fast, reliable, and large-scale storage. Its 64GB of RAM combined with a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor with multiple cores and threads makes it excellent at handling demanding tasks like virtualization, large file transfers, and media streaming. The dual M.2 PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD slots boost speed by allowing caching or fast storage pools, which benefits users working with intense data loads.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,402
Storage Capacity
Data Transfer Speed
Connectivity

Most important from
83 reviews

Storage Capacity
Expandable storage options, including direct QNAP expansion bays and support for large-capacity drives, accommodate massive data repositories seamlessly.
Data Transfer Speed
Dual 10GbE and multiple 2.5GbE ports combined with PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD slots create a lightning-fast, scalable storage and networking environment.
Connectivity
Hybrid cloud backup and remote access through secure DDNS integration enable flexible offsite data protection and convenient worldwide access.
Security Features
Integrated security features rival enterprise-level firewalls, including two-factor authentication, built-in antivirus, and granular access controls, providing peace of mind against ransomware and attacks.
Compatibility
The robust ZFS file system with self-healing capabilities and snapshot functionality ensures data integrity and rapid recovery, even during drive failures or rebuilds.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The user interface is functional and mostly intuitive, allowing complex configurations without significant hurdles, though some technical familiarity enhances the experience.
#2
9.6 score

QNAP TS-464-8G-44WD-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with 12TB Storage Capacity, Preconfigured RAID 5 WD Red Plus HDD Bundle

The QNAP TS-464-8G is a strong choice for anyone seeking a personal cloud hard drive with plenty of space and good speed. It comes with 12TB of storage already set up across four WD Red Plus drives using RAID 5, which balances data protection and storage capacity well. Its quad-core Intel processor and 8GB of RAM help keep things running smoothly, even when handling multiple users or large files. You’ll find dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, making file sharing and transfers faster than standard network drives, plus multiple USB 3.2 ports for quick connections to external devices. The device also supports SSD cache options to speed up common tasks.

Rating
9.6
Storage Capacity
Data Transfer Speed
Connectivity

Most important from
326 reviews

Storage Capacity
Upgrading RAM and adding an NVMe cache is straightforward and affordable, providing a significant performance boost especially for metadata-heavy applications.
Data Transfer Speed
The NAS delivers impressive speed and stability, outperforming previous devices, making it ideal for running large Plex libraries and handling multiple users seamlessly.
Connectivity
Dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and multiple USB 3.2 connections contribute to fast file sharing and external device support, enhancing overall network performance.
Security Features
The device offers excellent value with robust hardware and advanced features like RAID 5, SSD caching, and secure remote access, making it a reliable choice for home or small office use.
Compatibility
Data migration was remarkably smooth, with the device instantly recognizing existing drives and configurations, requiring no complicated adjustments during emergency upgrades.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Setup was incredibly fast and intuitive, with all necessary information easily found online, enabling a fully configured system within 24 hours of arrival.
#3
9.4 score

BUFFALO TeraStation Essentials 4-Bay Value-Focused Rackmount NAS 8TB (4x2TB) with Hard Drives Included

The BUFFALO TeraStation Essentials 8TB is a solid choice for small offices or home users needing reliable network storage with decent capacity. It comes with four 2TB hard drives pre-installed, offering 6TB usable space in RAID 5 mode, which balances storage and data protection. You can switch RAID setups if you want more redundancy or full storage use, but that requires some technical know-how. The device’s built-in 2.5Gb Ethernet port supports faster transfers than typical 1Gb connections, so moving large files around your network is quicker without needing new cables.

Rating
9.4
Data Transfer Speed
Connectivity
User Interface and Ease of Use

Most important from
10 reviews

Data Transfer Speed
File deletion and management speeds can initially be very slow, especially when conflicting features like NAS archiving interfere with connected systems.
Connectivity
The 2.5Gb Ethernet port enables faster network transfers than typical 1Gb connections, but actual speeds depend heavily on drive health and configuration.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Setup is straightforward and intuitive, making it one of the easiest network storage solutions to implement, even for experienced IT professionals.

Top 10 Best Personal Cloud Hard Drive 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8  score

QNAP TVS-h874X-i9-64G-US 8 Bay High-Speed Desktop NAS with 12th Gen Intel® Core™ CPU, 64GB DDR4 RAM, 10GbE & 2.5 GbE Networking and PCIe Gen 4 expandability (Diskless)

Storage Capacity: Diskless by default
Data Transfer Speed: Dual 10GbE, quad 2.5GbE, USB 3.2
Connectivity: Dual 10GbE, quad 2.5GbE, USB 3.2
Security Features: Ransomware protection, cloud and VM backups
Compatibility: Laptop, Desktop, Server, CPU
Backup and Sync Features: Cloud and VM business-class backups
User Interface and Ease of Use: Manageable, may require some learning

Chosen by 1402 this week

QNAP TS-464-8G-44WD-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with 12TB Storage Capacity, Preconfigured RAID 5 WD Red Plus HDD Bundle

Storage Capacity: 12TB
Data Transfer Speed: dual 2.5GbE, multiple USB 3.2
Connectivity: dual 2.5GbE, multiple USB 3.2
Security Features: secure remote access via MyQNAPCloud
Compatibility: Windows NetBak Replicator, Mac Time Machine
Backup and Sync Features: supports Windows and Mac backups
User Interface and Ease of Use: user-friendly interface

BUFFALO TeraStation Essentials 4-Bay Value-Focused Rackmount NAS 8TB (4x2TB) with Hard Drives Included

Storage Capacity: 8 TB total, 6 TB usable RAID 5
Data Transfer Speed: 2.5Gb Ethernet port
Connectivity: Ethernet
Security Features: 256-bit encryption, closed system
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Backup and Sync Features: Sync with Dropbox, Amazon, Azure, OneDrive
User Interface and Ease of Use: Pre-configured drives, plug-and-play setup

QNAP TS-932PX-4G 5+4 Bay High-Speed NAS with Two 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ports

Storage Capacity: 5 bays for 3.5-inch, 4 for 2.5-inch
Data Transfer Speed: two 10GbE SFP+, two 2.5GbE ports
Connectivity: three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
Compatibility: broad
User Interface and Ease of Use: might require a learning curve

BUFFALO TeraStation Essentials 4-Bay Value-Focused Desktop NAS 16TB (4x4TB) with Hard Drives Included

Storage Capacity: 16 TB
Data Transfer Speed: 2.5GbE
Connectivity: Ethernet
Security Features: 256-bit encryption, closed system
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Backup and Sync Features: Cloud integration with S3, Dropbox
User Interface and Ease of Use: Pre-configured RAID setup

Synology 4-Bay DiskStation DS923+ (Diskless)

Storage Capacity: up to 9 storage drives
Data Transfer Speed: dual 1GbE, upgrade to 10GbE
Connectivity: dual 1GbE, upgrade to 10GbE
Security Features: built-in data protection
Compatibility: iPhone, Android, laptops, servers, desktops
User Interface and Ease of Use: user-friendly setup
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Buying Guide for the Best Personal Cloud Hard Drive

Choosing the right personal cloud hard drive can be a game-changer for managing your data. A personal cloud hard drive allows you to store, access, and share your files from anywhere with an internet connection, providing a convenient and secure way to manage your digital life. When selecting a personal cloud hard drive, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs. Here are the most important specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data that the hard drive can hold. This is crucial because it determines how much information, such as documents, photos, videos, and other files, you can store. Storage capacities typically range from 1TB (terabyte) to 10TB or more. If you have a large amount of data or plan to store high-resolution videos and photos, opt for a higher capacity. For general use, such as storing documents and a moderate amount of media, a lower capacity may suffice.
Data Transfer SpeedData transfer speed indicates how quickly data can be read from or written to the hard drive. This is important for efficiency, especially if you frequently transfer large files. Data transfer speeds are usually measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Drives with higher speeds (e.g., 100 MB/s or more) are better for heavy use, such as video editing or large backups. For everyday use, such as document storage and occasional media transfers, moderate speeds (e.g., 50-100 MB/s) are typically sufficient.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the hard drive connects to your devices and network. Common options include USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. USB connections are straightforward and fast for direct connections to a computer. Ethernet provides a stable and fast connection to your home network, ideal for consistent access. Wi-Fi offers the convenience of wireless access but may be slower than wired connections. Choose based on your setup and how you plan to access your data. For home use with multiple devices, Ethernet or Wi-Fi is often preferred.
Security FeaturesSecurity features protect your data from unauthorized access. Important security features include encryption, password protection, and two-factor authentication. Encryption ensures that your data is unreadable without the correct decryption key, while password protection and two-factor authentication add layers of security. If you store sensitive information, prioritize drives with robust security features. For less sensitive data, basic password protection may be adequate.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the hard drive works with your existing devices and operating systems. Most personal cloud hard drives are compatible with Windows, macOS, and sometimes Linux. Ensure the drive you choose supports your primary devices and any specific software you use. If you use multiple operating systems, look for cross-platform compatibility to avoid any issues.
Backup and Sync FeaturesBackup and sync features allow you to automatically save and synchronize your data across devices. This is important for data redundancy and convenience. Some drives offer scheduled backups, real-time syncing, and integration with cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. If you need to ensure your data is always up-to-date and backed up, look for drives with robust backup and sync capabilities. For basic use, simple manual backup options may be sufficient.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface (UI) and ease of use determine how simple it is to set up and manage your hard drive. A good UI should be intuitive, with clear instructions and easy navigation. This is important for ensuring you can quickly access and manage your data without technical difficulties. If you're not tech-savvy, look for drives with highly rated user interfaces and straightforward setup processes. For more advanced users, additional customization options might be beneficial.

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