The Best NAS for Plex

Setting up Plex Media Server on NAS is just that easy

Simply install Plex Media Server from the QNAP App Center and your NAS is ready to go. Plex Media Server allows you to maintain local collections of movies, videos, photos, and music on your NAS, and streams them from Plex to various devices such as phones, tablets, and TVs via media streaming devices (including DLNA®, Roku®, Amazon Fire TV® and Google Chromecast™).

24/7 accessible media for always-on entertainment

QNAP NAS is built for running 24/7 and uses significantly less power than most desktop PCs. With a QNAP NAS you can enjoy a stable network environment for Plex to provide continuous multimedia streaming and access to media anytime and anywhere.

Choose a NAS optimized for HD content transcoding

Transcoding is crucial for enjoying smooth media playback. It works by converting media files to suitable resolutions and bitrates based on your device’s capabilities and Internet connection. Plex automatically transcodes your media to ensure smooth playback on different media players and devices.

Software transcoding

Software-based transcoding mainly relies on the NAS CPU. To guarantee smooth video playback, an Intel-based NAS is recommended for HD transcoding, with an Intel® Core™ i3 (or better) recommended for 4K videos @60fps frame rate.

Hardware transcoding

Hardware-accelerated transcoding utilizes dedicated hardware capabilities of a supported CPU or GPU to perform transcoding/conversion. NAS that support graphics cards can greatly benefit from hardware-accelerated transcoding. A Plex Pass account is required for hardware-accelerated streaming.

Learn more Check Plex NAS Compatibility List

Store your Plex DVR

If you are currently paying for TV cable boxes, then you may consider the all-new Plex DVR feature (available for Plex Pass users). Integrating DVR, Plex, and QNAP NAS can drastically redefine your entertainment lifestyle, allowing you to easily record your favorite TV shows on your QNAP NAS and watch them later while skipping commercials.

Discover Plex Live TV

1.Install digital antennas

Plex works with all types of indoor or outdoor digital antennas. Simply choose your preferred brand.
2.Connect digital tuners

Plex currently works with HDHomeRun digital tuners. They are easy to set up and work with all digital antennas.
3.Set up Plex DVR

Plex automatically detects all the channels available in your area and customizes your TV program guide.

Install digital antennas

Plex works with all types of indoor or outdoor digital antennas. Simply choose your preferred brand.

Connect digital tuners

Plex currently works with HDHomeRun digital tuners. They are easy to set up and work with all digital antennas.

Set up Plex DVR

Plex automatically detects all the channels available in your area and customizes your TV program guide.

Recommended NAS for Plex

	TS-453E	TS-664	TVS-h874T
CPU	Intel® Celeron® processor	Intel® Celeron® processor	Intel® Core™ i7 / i9 processor
RAM	8 GB	8 GB	32 GB - 64 GB
Available models	4 drive bays	6 drive bays	8 drive bays
HDMI	2 (1.4b)	1 (2.1)	1 (1.4b)
PCIe slots	-	1 x PCIe Gen 3	2 x PCIe Gen 4
Hardware transcoding (Plex Pass is required)
Transcoding support	720P, 1080P, 4K	720P, 1080P, 4K	720P, 1080P, 4K
	Learn More	Learn More	Learn More

FAQ

Which QNAP NAS is best for a 4K Plex Media Server?

The performance of a 4K Plex Media Server depends on the NAS CPU, hardware transcoding support, memory capacity, and network bandwidth.
In general, QNAP NAS models powered by an Intel® Core™ i3 processor (or higher) with built-in graphics are well suited for running Plex Media Server, especially when real-time transcoding is required. Memory capacity affects media library indexing and multi-user stability, while a 2.5GbE or faster network is recommended for high-bitrate 4K content or streaming to multiple devices simultaneously.

Why do I need to consider the transcoding capabilities of a NAS?

Plex generally uses your NAS CPU for on-the-fly transcoding, and many NAS do not have powerful processors. To get the best streaming performance, hardware transcoding is usually better than software transcoding. Learn more about hardware transcoding for Plex

Do I need a Plex Pass when using Plex on QNAP NAS?

Plex Media Server can be used without a Plex Pass, but some advanced features require one. Hardware-accelerated transcoding, for example, is only available with a Plex Pass subscription. If most client devices support Direct Play, the free version of Plex is usually sufficient. For frequent transcoding or mixed playback environments, a Plex Pass can significantly improve playback stability and efficiency.

What is the difference between software and hardware transcoding?

The key difference between software and hardware transcoding lies in how system resources are used.
Software transcoding relies entirely on the CPU and is resource-intensive. Hardware transcoding offloads video processing to integrated graphics or a compatible GPU, reducing CPU load and providing more consistent performance for long runtimes or multiple streams.

How do I enable hardware-accelerated transcoding on my NAS?

Install Plex Media Server on your QNAP NAS, sign in with a Plex Pass account, and enable “Use hardware acceleration” in the Plex Transcoder settings. When supported, the NAS will use its built-in graphics or compatible hardware to handle transcoding tasks.

Do I need a dedicated GPU for Plex transcoding?

Not necessarily. In most cases, a dedicated GPU is not required.
Many QNAP NAS models include Intel integrated graphics that can handle 1080p and some 4K hardware transcoding workloads. A dedicated GPU is typically only considered for scenarios involving multiple simultaneous 4K transcodes or heavier video processing demands.

How do I remotely access the Plex Media Server in QNAP NAS?

Go to https://Plex.tv, sign in, and click Launch. You can now access the Plex Media Server running on your QNAP via your web browser. Learn more

Can a NAS stream 4K HDR content to multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, but the number of supported streams depends on how the content is played.
If client devices support Direct Play, the NAS mainly handles data delivery, which places minimal load on the system. When transcoding is required, performance will depend on CPU capability, hardware transcoding support, and available network bandwidth. Choosing a QNAP NAS with hardware transcoding support helps ensure more stable multi-device 4K HDR streaming.