QNAP TS-251A 2-Bay SOHO NAS Review

Final Thoughts

Pricing

At the time of writing, the amazing QNAP TS-251A with 4GB RAM can be yours for $319.00 at NewEgg, £309.60 at Amazon, and starting from €347.56 through Geizhals.

Overview

I might as well start out with it, the QNAP TS-251A is one of the most amazing SOHO NAS devices that I’ve yet had the pleasure to test. It is built on a solid hardware base with an Intel Celeron CPU and enough RAM to run a lot of apps and features at the same time without running into trouble with bottlenecks. It is coupled with two Gigabit LAN ports that support linking as well as the new and unique QuickAccess port. Should you ever find yourself without a working network, then the TS-251A won’t let you down and allow you to access all your files anyway. It can also simply be an easier or perhaps quicker way to transfer files to and from the NAS without using the network. I absolutely love this feature. On top of the normal ports, it also features a built-in card reader for quick imports from your camera.

QTS is QNAP’s operating system and it is without a doubt one of the most comprehensive solutions that you can get. There is a feature and function for anything. It doesn’t matter what kind of operation you want to use the NAS for, it is covered. From web server over streaming to storage and surveillance. QNAP has you covered.

The TS-251A supports both direct 4k output as well as 4K transcoding which makes the life with modern devices perfect – no matter what connection you have. You can even build your own Karaoke system with it thanks to microphone port and OceanTV app. The Linux Station allows the NAS to double as an HTPC and the Docker Station allows you to run virtual machines directly on it too. This hybrid approach provides you with plenty of options and it’s only your imagination that sets limits to its usage.

The TS-251A delivers an outstanding performance whether you use it with plain drives or encryption thanks to the built-in hardware encryption engine. iSCSI and LUNs are also supported for the best utilization of your storage and the best connection to it.

One of the newer functions in QTS which the TS-251A also supports is the VJBOD feature. This Virtual JBOD feature allows you to utilize unused storage from up to 8 other QNAP NAS for even more storage options besides the built-in drive bays and extra external storage that you might connect to it. The TS-251A can do close to anything besides trim your toe nails, cook your dinner, and do your laundry.

Pros:

• Intel Dual-Core CPU
• 4GB Dual-Channel Memory
• Dual Gigabit LAN
• Innovative QuickAccess DAS port
• 4K UHD HDMI and Transcoding
• Karaoke Function
• Dual OS and VM functionality
• IR Remote included
• USB 3.0 and Card Reader built-in

Cons:

• USB cable for QuickAccess not included

“The TS-251A is a true all-around wonder that can serve as your personal cloud, media center, backup target, and so much more.”

Thank You, QNAP for providing us with this review sample.