Optimal for both family and professional needs with an excellent performance-to-price ratio
Excellent choice for long-term storage with efficient energy management
Innovation in terms of security and extensibility
👍 What we like
- ✓High performance for multitasking
- ✓Advanced backup and redundancy features
- ✓Compatibility with a wide range of third-party applications
👎 What to watch
- ✕Relatively high price compared to less powerful models
- ✕Technical complexity for beginners
- ✕Requires network security knowledge
🏆 Our picks
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QNAP TS-673A
Amazon · price and availability on the listing
UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro
Amazon · price and availability on the listing
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📑 Contents ▾
A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a key component of the home lab and long-term family storage. In 2026, choosing a 6-bay NAS offers unparalleled flexibility to manage both personal and professional data. With new models equipped with cutting-edge technologies arriving on the market, it’s crucial to understand the purchase criteria before making this strategic acquisition.
Why this choice matters
To understand the relevance of NAS in 2026, one must consider its central role in storage and data management. Modern NAS devices not only offer high capacity but also enhanced security through features such as end-to-end encryption and advanced RAID systems. Moreover, their ability to manage third-party applications makes them indispensable for home labs or small businesses looking to automate various tasks related to storage. The environmental aspect is also an important consideration, as manufacturers have integrated energy-saving technologies to reduce the carbon footprint.
Buying criteria
Here are three key criteria to consider when choosing a 6-bay NAS: Performance (read/write speed, multitasking), Security and data management (RAID system, encryption) and Compatibility and extensibility (third-party applications, future support). Our evaluation methodology relies on usage criteria: file transfers, scheduled backups, multi-tasking performance. The overall score takes into account the balance between performance and value for money.
Presentation of the 3 recommended products
1. Synology DS923+
The Synology DS923+ is a high-end model offering excellent performance for heavy loads such as simultaneous read/write operations and mounting third-party applications. It runs DSM, which offers great flexibility in data management. Note: despite its place in this 6-bay comparison, the DS923+ has only 4 bays, expandable to 9 drives with the DX517 unit, according to its spec sheet; it relies on an AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores / 4 threads) and 4 GB of DDR4 ECC expandable to 32 GB.
2. QNAP TS-673A
The QNAP TS-673A stands out with its exceptional value for money, offering a good balance between performance and cost for energy-conscious users. It suits family use: according to its spec sheet, it offers 6 3.5-inch bays, a 4-core AMD Ryzen V1500B, 8 GB of DDR4 expandable to 64 GB and two 2.5GbE ports, for 21.9 W with drives sleeping and 45.9 W in typical operation with drives installed.
3. UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro
The UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro innovates in terms of security and extensibility, featuring advanced features such as native support for secure protocols and easy integration of a second RAID controller.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Synology DS923+ | QNAP TS-673A | UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bays | 4 (9 with a DX517) | 6 | See spec sheet |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores / 4 threads) | AMD Ryzen V1500B (4 cores) | See spec sheet |
| Consumption (spec sheet) | See spec sheet | 21.9 W drives sleeping, 45.9 W typical | See spec sheet |
Note: specs come from the manufacturers’ spec sheets; no throughput or power figure was measured on our side.
Use cases
The choice of NAS will primarily depend on your specific needs. For family use with multimedia files, the QNAP TS-673A offers a good balance between performance and cost. If you’re looking for a robust solution for home labs or small businesses, the Synology DS923+ is an excellent choice due to its high performance. Finally, the UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro suits users concerned with security and extensibility, offering advanced features for secure protocols.
Pitfalls to avoid
It’s important not to rely solely on price when choosing a NAS. Instead, opt for a model that offers a good balance between performance, security, and compatibility with your current and future needs. Avoid obsolete models or those without significant software support. Lastly, don’t overlook energy management: unused bays may consume more power than expected.
Verdict
In conclusion, the Synology DS923+ stands out for its high performance and flexibility for professional use. The QNAP TS-673A is an excellent choice in terms of value for money for family usage, while the UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro brings innovative features in security and extensibility. For choosing the best 6-bay NAS in 2026, consult our page /materiel-recommande/ for a more complete overview of available options.