Perfect balance between capacity, performance, and price.
Unbeatable value for money but slightly less performant in the long run.
Four bays, for demanding users.
👍 What we like
- ✓Large storage capacity for years of use.
- ✓Enough power to run Immich via Docker.
- ✓Regular technical support and updates from manufacturers.
- ✓Flexibility in system expansion via dedicated bays.
👎 What to watch
- ✕High-end models can be expensive for beginners.
- ✕Learning is required to optimize the NAS with Immich.
- ✕Fast SSD support is necessary for smooth use of large media files.
🏆 Our picks
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Synology DiskStation DS923+
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📑 Contents ▾
In 2026, the trend of self-hosting has progressed further and NAS devices have become an essential tool for storing and sharing our precious photos and videos. Immich, a popular open-source solution, has established itself as a credible alternative to Google Photos for secure local media file sharing. In this comprehensive guide, we will help you choose the best NAS option to host your Immich library and effectively replace cloud services.
Why this choice matters
Why is a NAS preferable to Google Photos or other cloud solutions in 2026? First of all, local storage keeps you in control of your data. Your files do not depend on a cloud provider’s terms, but a NAS can still be hacked if it is poorly configured or exposed to the internet: updates and backups remain essential. Additionally, a NAS allows you to manage your data independently: no internet dependence is required to access your photo and video library.
To host Immich efficiently, it’s essential to choose a model that combines high capacity with superior performance. High-end models often feature SSD NVMe options for fast temporary storage and simultaneous management of large volumes of data. These systems are also configurable for automatic backups, remote access via secure protocols (SFTP, HTTPS), and seamless integration with Immich mobile apps.
In 2026, NAS manufacturers compete to offer increasingly energy-efficient solutions. For daily use, compare the access and idle power consumption listed on each manufacturer’s spec sheet.
Buying criteria
For our comparison, we evaluated three key criteria: Maximum Capacity, I/O Performance (read/write), and Energy Consumption. Maximum capacity is crucial for storing large amounts of data without worrying about disk space limitations. I/O performance is essential for quick rendering of 4K+ video files and smooth image synchronization, while energy consumption is an important criterion to reduce long-term electricity costs.
Our methodology combines indicative benchmark figures not verified by us (IOMeter, CrystalDiskMark) with thorough technical analyses of manufacturer specifications. We also considered the opinions of current users who have deployed these systems to host Immich.
Presentation of the 3 recommended products
1. Synology DiskStation DS923+
The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is a balanced choice between performance, capacity, and price. With its four HDD/SSD bays configurable in RAID 5 for optimal data protection, expandable to nine drives with the DX517 unit, it relies on an AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores / 4 threads) and 4 GB of DDR4 ECC expandable to 32 GB, according to its spec sheet. Its two M.2 NVMe slots can serve as an SSD cache.
2. QNAP TS-451D
The QNAP TS-451D is a more affordable model. With its dual-core processor, it can run the Immich application on modest-sized libraries; check its spec sheet for capacity and throughput.
3. Asustor AS6404T
Asustor’s AS6404T is an older four-bay model built around a quad-core Intel Celeron J3455 with 8 GB of DDR3L (8 GB maximum), according to its spec sheet. With its four HDD/SSD bays configurable in RAID 5, it leaves room for a large photo library; check its spec sheet for throughput.
Comparison table
| Model | Bays | Processor | Memory | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synology DiskStation DS923+ | 4 (9 with a DX517) | AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores / 4 threads) | 4 GB DDR4 ECC, expandable to 32 GB | 2x 1GbE (10GbE optional) |
| QNAP TS-451D | 4 | See spec sheet | See spec sheet | See spec sheet |
| Asustor AS6404T | 4 | See spec sheet | See spec sheet | See spec sheet |
Note: DS923+ specs come from its manufacturer spec sheet; for the other two models, check their spec sheets. No throughput or power figure was measured on our side.
Use cases
The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is our key recommendation for all users seeking a balance between capacity, performance, and price. It suits families perfectly who wish to store their photos and videos securely without having to invest in high-end solutions.
The QNAP TS-451D is ideal for beginners or intermediate users looking for an affordable yet effective solution. It offers good value for money and is well-suited to small families or media professionals needing to store HD video files without overburdening their budget.
The Asustor AS6404T suits advanced users who want four bays and 8 GB of memory out of the box. It’s recommended for those wishing to store and manage large quantities of 4K+ videos or high-resolution RAW images.
Pitfalls to avoid
One common pitfall to avoid when choosing a NAS for hosting Immich is purchasing too basic a model. You should opt for a system that supports the latest versions of the application and offers sufficient capacity to store all your media files.
Another trap is neglecting SSD storage for temporary data. Without this component, you risk significant performance drops during simultaneous management of multiple real-time video streams or intensive synchronization phases.
Finally, do not underestimate the importance of technical support and regular updates. It’s preferable to choose a reputable brand that offers reliable after-sales service and keeps its system in line with Immich’s evolutions.
Verdict
In conclusion, the Synology DiskStation DS923+ emerges as our best choice for hosting Immich in 2026. It offers a good balance between capacity, performance, and price, while benefiting from solid technical reputation.
To discover our other recommendations for self-hosting equipment, visit our dedicated page: /materiel-recommande/