Balanced performance and broad compatibility.
Excellent value for intermediate users.
Optimized for intensive and multitasking storage needs.
👍 What we like
- ✓Snapshots allow for quick and efficient file restoration.
- ✓Backups offer full protection against hard drive failures.
- ✓Compatibility with various network protocols for easy data access.
- ✓Centralized management via the NAS's web interface.
👎 What to watch
- ✕Snapshots cannot restore files corrupted by software issues.
- ✕Full backups can consume a lot of disk space and network bandwidth.
- ✕Some NAS models have limitations on the number of simultaneous snapshots.
🏆 Our picks
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Synology DiskStation DS920+
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📑 Contents ▾
Home lab users often seek to protect their data against failures, software corruption, or attacks. Two popular methods for achieving this goal are using snapshots and backups on a NAS. By 2026, these technologies have evolved to offer more robust and efficient protection. This article compares these two options and recommends the best NAS solutions for each approach.
Why this choice matters
The main difference between snapshots and backups lies in how they manage data. Snapshots capture an instantaneous image of the system at a specific moment, allowing files to be restored without copying existing data. This method is fast but does not protect against software corruption. On the other hand, backups create a complete copy of your files on an external drive or in the cloud, providing total protection against hardware and software failures. However, this approach requires more disk space and network bandwidth to perform regular backups.
Buying criteria
Performance: Speed of snapshot and backup creation/restore.
Storage Capacity: Total available storage space on the NAS for data and backups.
Network Compatibility: Support for protocols like NFS, Samba or iSCSI.
The performance of the hard drive plays a critical role in the speed of snapshots and backups. Plan enough space to store data and run regular backups without exceeding 70% of total disk space; capacity depends on the installed drives.
Presentation of the 3 recommended products
1. Synology DiskStation DS920+
The DS920+ is a highly versatile NAS, ideal for users seeking a balanced solution between performance and flexibility. With support for multiple network protocols, it offers excellent snapshot management thanks to its impressive disk space capacity.
2. QNAP TS-453D
The TS-453D is an economic NAS for intermediate users who want robust protection against software corruption and hardware failures. It provides solid backup management with its internal hard drives, while remaining affordable.
3. Asustor AS6402T
The AS6402T is a NAS designed for users requiring high performance and large storage capacity. With its advanced disk RAID system, it enables efficient backup management without compromising snapshot speed.
Comparison table
| Model | Synology DS920+ | QNAP TS-453D | Asustor AS6402T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power consumption (spec sheet) | see Synology spec sheet | 11.3 W with drives asleep, 25.98 W in typical operation | see Asustor spec sheet |
| Bays (spec sheet) | 4 x 3.5”/2.5” bays + 2 M.2 NVMe | 4 x 3.5” bays | see Asustor spec sheet |
| Network (spec sheet) | 2 x 1GbE | 2 x 2.5GbE | see Asustor spec sheet |
Note: values from the Synology DS920+ datasheet and the TS-453D manufacturer page (QNAPworks), read on 17/10/2026; for the Asustor, see its spec sheet. Price: see the live price.
Use cases
The Synology DiskStation DS920+ is perfect for users needing a balanced solution in terms of performance and flexibility. The QNAP TS-453D suits better those seeking good value with solid backup management. Finally, the Asustor AS6402T is ideal for users requiring large storage capacities and high performance.
Pitfalls to avoid
Avoid relying solely on snapshots to protect your data against software corruption or failures. Ensure that your NAS supports enough external drives for regular backups as well. Lastly, do not exceed 70% of total disk space capacity to maintain speed and reliability.
Verdict
In conclusion, the choice between snapshots and backups on a NAS depends on specific needs in terms of protection against hardware failures and software corruption. Whether you’re looking for a balanced system or a high-performance solution, our recommendations can help you choose the right equipment for your home lab. Check out our page /materiel-recommande/ for more advice on the best NAS solutions on the market.