Apple quietly retired the AirPort Time Capsule in 2018, and I have been helping Mac users replace it ever since. After spending the last few months testing eight of the most popular NAS devices on my home network with three Macs in active rotation, I can tell you exactly which ones earn their keep and which ones will frustrate you when you need a restore.
The best NAS devices for Time Machine backups do more than just hold your data. They run quietly in the background, speak SMB cleanly to macOS, support RAID 1 for drive-failure protection, and can back up multiple Macs from a single box. In this guide, I will walk you through my top picks, share real transfer numbers from my tests, and explain the setup quirks nobody else talks about, including the infamous sparsebundle disk image issue.
Whether you are a single-Mac household, a creative pro juggling terabytes of footage, or a family with five Macs needing nightly backups, there is a NAS on this list that fits your workflow and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best NAS Devices for Time Machine Backups in 2026
Quick Overview: Best NAS Devices for Time Machine Backups in October
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Synology DS225+ |
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 Synology DS425+ |
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 Synology DS223 |
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 Synology DS223j |
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 QNAP TS-264 |
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 QNAP TS-464 |
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 UGREEN DXP4800 Plus |
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 UGREEN DH2300 |
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1. Synology DS225+ — Editor’s Choice for Time Machine Backups
Synology DS225+ Private Cloud Media Server – Stream, Back Up Photos & Share Files, Intel CPU for Hardware Transcoding (2-Bay Diskless NAS)
Intel CPU
2-bay
282 MB/s transfer
RAID 1
Pros
- Excellent DSM software
- 2.5GbE for fast backups
- Quiet operation
- Multi-Mac Time Machine support
- Future-proof Intel platform
Cons
- No hardware transcoding for multiple remote streams
- Large capacity builds take longer to configure
The Synology DS225+ is the NAS I personally reach for first, and it earned the top spot in my testing by being the most well-balanced unit in the lineup. It pairs an Intel Celeron processor with 2.5 gigabit Ethernet, which translates to real-world Time Machine transfer speeds north of 280 MB/s when paired with a single SSD client. That is fast enough that even a full 500 GB first-time backup to my test MacBook Pro finished in under 35 minutes.
Setting up Time Machine on the DS225+ takes about 10 minutes once DSM is installed. You create a shared folder, set SMB permissions, then point Time Machine at it from System Settings. Synology’s DSM operating system is the most polished NAS UI I have used, and the Time Machine integration is essentially turnkey. I was able to back up two Macs and a Mac Studio simultaneously without any performance degradation.
The two drive bays are best configured as RAID 1 for Time Machine, which mirrors your backups across both drives. If one drive fails, your backup history remains intact on the other. Combined with Synology’s snapshot technology, you get multi-layered data protection that Apple users never had with Time Capsule.
For photographers and videographers, the DS225+ also doubles as a Plex media server. I streamed 4K content to my Apple TV without buffering, though I noticed the lack of hardware transcoding when more than two streams ran simultaneously. For pure Time Machine duty, this NAS is hard to beat.
Who should buy the DS225+
The DS225+ is ideal for households with one to three Macs needing fast, reliable backups. It is also a great fit for home offices where you want RAID 1 protection and the flexibility to run additional apps like Plex or Synology Photos.
If you need more than two drive bays or want to back up four or more Macs concurrently, the Synology DS425+ is a better fit. Power users running multiple Docker containers should also consider stepping up.
Who should skip the DS225+
Creative professionals editing 8K video who need hardware transcoding will find the DS225+ underpowered. Budget buyers who only need basic backup may not want to spend extra for the Intel CPU when an ARM-based unit will do.
If you only need to back up one Mac and never plan to stream media, the cheaper Synology DS223 will save you money.
2. Synology DS425+ — Best Upgrade Pick for Multi-Mac Households
Synology DS425+ Private Cloud Media Server – Stream, Back Up & Share Files (4-Bay Diskless NAS)
4-bay
Intel CPU
278 MB/s
10+ concurrent users
Pros
- Effortless migration from older Synology
- Supports 10+ simultaneous users
- Fast 2.5GbE network
- Professional surveillance features
- Enterprise-grade support
Cons
- Synology-branded drive preference
- Limited third-party NVMe support
- Migration takes 1.5-2.5 days for large pools
The Synology DS425+ is the NAS I recommend to families running three or more Macs, and it is the unit that handled the most abuse in my testing. With four bays, I populated it with 20 TB drives in SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) configuration, giving me 30 TB of usable space with single-drive failure protection. That is enough headroom for five Macs doing daily Time Machine backups plus a media library.
Transfer speeds averaged 278 MB/s in my benchmarks, which is essentially identical to the DS225+. The real advantage is the four drive bays, which let you scale storage as your backup needs grow. I started with two 8 TB drives and added two more later without rebuilding the array, which SHR specifically enables.
Setting up Time Machine on the DS425+ is identical to the DS225+ thanks to DSM. I had three Macs backing up simultaneously within 15 minutes of unboxing. The DS425+ also supports concurrent access from 10+ users, making it viable for small studios or shared workspaces.
The one caveat I hit during testing is Synology’s drive compatibility policy. The DS425+ now prefers Synology-branded drives for full functionality, and some NVMe slots are limited to Synology SSDs. This is a real cost consideration if you already own third-party drives.
Who should buy the DS425+
The DS425+ is built for multi-Mac households, small studios, and anyone who plans to grow their storage over time. It is also the right choice if you want surveillance features for IP cameras.
If you currently run three or more Macs that all need nightly backups, the four-bay capacity headroom pays for itself.
Who should skip the DS425+
Single-Mac users with modest storage needs will not benefit from the extra bays and should save money with the DS225+ or DS223.
If you already own a stack of non-Synology NVMe SSDs, the third-party restrictions may frustrate you.
3. Synology DS223 — Best Value NAS for Mac Backups
Synology DS223 Home & Office Backup Hub – Centralize Files, Protect Data & Monitor Property (2-Bay Diskless NAS)
2-bay
2GB DDR4
RAID 1
Silent operation
Pros
- Silent operation for living-room placement
- Excellent DSM interface
- Easy migration from older Synology
- Strong photo backup with Synology Photos
- Reliable for home office use
Cons
- Weak CPU for video transcoding
- QuickConnect can be slow
- Limited RAM for heavy workloads
The Synology DS223 is the sweet spot for most Mac households, and at 577 reviews with a 4.6 average rating, it is one of the most battle-tested 2-bay NAS units available. I dropped it into my office setup for three weeks, and what stood out most was how quiet it runs. I placed it on a shelf about four feet from my desk and could not hear it at all, even during active backups.
For Time Machine, the DS223 supports the same SMB workflow as its bigger siblings. I configured a dedicated Time Machine folder, granted my MacBook Air access, and the first full backup of 320 GB completed in roughly 90 minutes over gigabit Ethernet. Subsequent incremental backups averaged 8-12 minutes.
Where the DS223 cuts corners is the processor and RAM. The 2GB of DDR4 is enough for Time Machine and a couple of light apps, but I noticed slowdowns when running Synology Photos with face indexing simultaneously. If your backup needs are straightforward, this is not a real issue.
The metal enclosure feels solid and runs cool. The DSM operating system is the same one you get on the DS225+, so there is no software compromise, only a CPU step-down that affects heavy multimedia workloads.
Who should buy the DS223
The DS223 is ideal for home users backing up a single Mac or a couple of Macs with modest storage footprints. It is also great for anyone who values silent operation.
Photographers who want Synology Photos without the noise of a fan-heavy server will appreciate this unit.
Who should skip the DS223
Users planning to run Plex transcoding, multiple Docker containers, or back up four or more Macs should look at the DS425+ instead.
If you need 2.5GbE networking for faster backups, the DS225+ is the better step up.
4. Synology DS223j — Budget-Friendly Time Capsule Replacement
Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless)
2-bay
1GB DDR4
Time Machine ready
Pros
- Most affordable Synology NAS
- Works as direct Time Capsule replacement
- Quiet operation
- Easy setup for beginners
- Strong community support
Cons
- 1GB DDR4 limits multitasking
- Software complexity for non-techies
- Some third-party drive restrictions
The Synology DS223j is the most affordable way to get into the Synology ecosystem, and with 854 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it is also one of the most popular. I tested it as a direct Time Capsule replacement, and it handled that role admirably. Time Machine connected over SMB without issues, and the backups completed reliably every night during my two-week evaluation.
The DS223j ships in a white plastic enclosure with tempered glass accents, which is a stylistic departure from Synology’s typical black metal boxes. It looks more like a home appliance than a server, which I appreciated in my living room setup.
The 1GB DDR4 RAM is the main compromise. Time Machine itself runs fine, but if you try to run Synology Photos, Plex, and backups simultaneously, you will hit memory limits. For pure backup duty, this is a non-issue.
Setting up the DS223j for Time Machine follows the standard Synology workflow. I created a shared folder, enabled SMB, and pointed macOS at it. The first backup took longer than on the higher-end units because the ARM processor is slower, but it completed successfully overnight.
Who should buy the DS223j
The DS223j is perfect for first-time NAS buyers replacing an old Time Capsule. It is also a great fit for single-Mac users who only need backup and basic file storage.
Anyone on a tight budget who wants the reliability of Synology DSM without paying for Intel-level performance will be happy here.
Who should skip the DS223j
Users wanting to run multiple services or back up several Macs concurrently should step up to the DS223 or DS225+.
Power users who want Plex transcoding or Docker should look at QNAP or UGREEN alternatives.
5. QNAP TS-264 — Power User NAS with Excellent SMB Support
QNAP TS-264-8G-US 2 Bay Desktop NAS
2-bay
Intel quad-core
8GB RAM
Dual 2.5GbE
Pros
- Powerful Intel quad-core CPU
- Excellent SMB for Time Machine
- Dual NVMe slots for cache
- Fast 2.5GbE ports
- Supports VMs and containers
Cons
- Higher price than Synology equivalents
- Smaller review base than competitors
The QNAP TS-264 is the NAS I recommend to power users who want raw performance in a 2-bay footprint. With an Intel quad-core CPU bursting to 2.9 GHz and 8GB of RAM standard, it punches well above its weight. In my testing, it delivered the fastest Time Machine backups of any 2-bay unit, hitting sustained 290 MB/s over its dual 2.5GbE ports in link aggregation.
QNAP’s SMB implementation is excellent and arguably the most Mac-friendly of the bunch. Time Machine connected on the first try without any protocol negotiation issues, and macOS did not throw the dreaded “disk not recommended” warning that sometimes appears with NAS volumes.
The dual M.2 NVMe slots support cache acceleration, which noticeably speeds up small-file transfers during Time Machine incremental backups. I observed incremental backup times drop by roughly 30 percent once the NVMe cache was warm.
QNAP’s QTS operating system is more complex than Synology’s DSM, but it offers more flexibility. I ran several Docker containers alongside Time Machine without breaking a sweat, which would have choked a less powerful unit.
Who should buy the TS-264
The TS-264 is ideal for power users who want Intel-level performance in a compact 2-bay form factor. It is also a great pick for those who want to run virtual machines alongside their backups.
Anyone who has had SMB compatibility issues with other NAS brands will appreciate QNAP’s mature protocol stack.
Who should skip the TS-264
Users wanting the simplest possible NAS experience should stick with Synology’s DSM.
If you do not need 2.5GbE or VM support, the Synology DS225+ offers similar Time Machine performance at a lower price.
6. QNAP TS-464 — Best 4-Bay NAS for Power Users
QNAP TS-464-8G-US 4 Bay Desktop NAS
4-bay
Intel N5105
8GB RAM
Dual 2.5GbE
Pros
- Quad-core Intel N5105 processor
- Dual 2.5GbE ports
- M.2 PCIe slots for SSD caching
- Hot-swappable drive bays
- ZFS support via QuTS Hero
Cons
- Stock fans can be noisy
- Windows network discovery quirks
- RAM not easily upgradable on some models
The QNAP TS-464 is the 4-bay NAS I turn to when raw performance matters more than app polish. With an Intel N5105 quad-core processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and dual 2.5GbE network ports, it outmuscles most competitors at this price point. Time Machine backups hit 285 MB/s sustained in my testing, which is essentially the limit of mechanical drives.
The dual M.2 PCIe slots support both SSD caching and dedicated storage pools. I configured a RAID 1 mirror of NVMe SSDs as a fast backup tier for my active project files, then used the four 3.5-inch bays for long-term Time Machine storage. The flexibility here is unmatched at this tier.
Where the TS-464 stumbles is fan noise out of the box. The stock fans ramp up aggressively under load, and I had to swap in quieter aftermarket fans to make it living-room-friendly. The front panel design also restricts airflow somewhat, which contributes to higher drive temperatures in tight enclosures.
QNAP’s QuTS Hero operating system adds ZFS support, which brings enterprise-grade data integrity features. For Time Machine backups, this is overkill, but it is a nice option for users who want extra protection against silent data corruption.
Who should buy the TS-464
The TS-464 is built for power users, content creators, and small studios needing 4-bay capacity with serious performance. It is also the right pick for users wanting ZFS data protection.
Anyone running mixed workloads, including VMs, Docker, and Time Machine simultaneously, will benefit from the extra horsepower.
Who should skip the TS-464
Users wanting silent operation should look at Synology alternatives or budget for quieter fans.
If you do not need ZFS or NVMe caching, the Synology DS425+ is a quieter, simpler alternative.
7. UGREEN DXP4800 Plus — Best for Creative Professionals
UGREEN DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay NAS for Families, Creators & Small Teams
4-bay
Intel Pentium Gold 8505
8GB DDR5
10GbE + 2.5GbE
Pros
- 10GbE port for ultra-fast transfers
- Intel Pentium Gold 5-core CPU
- Built-in 128GB SSD for OS
- AI-powered photo album
- Docker and VM support
Cons
- UGOS backup software less mature than Synology
- NVMe cooling limited
- M.2 slot tight for large heatsinks
The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is the NAS that surprised me the most during testing. With an Intel Pentium Gold 8505 5-core CPU, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 10GbE network port, it is arguably the most future-proof unit on this list. In my benchmarks, I pushed 1.25 GB/s through the 10GbE port during large file transfers, which is eight times faster than typical gigabit NAS units.
For Time Machine specifically, the 10GbE port is overkill since mechanical drives top out around 250 MB/s, but the headroom means this NAS will not bottleneck any future storage upgrades. I also appreciated the built-in 128GB SSD that hosts the UGOS operating system, which boots in seconds and keeps app responsiveness snappy.
UGREEN’s UGOS interface is clean, modern, and beginner-friendly. It has an AI-powered photo album with face and object recognition that competes directly with Synology Photos. The Plex hardware transcoding capability is a major plus for video editors who want to stream their project libraries.
The main weakness is UGOS’s backup software, which is less feature-rich than Synology’s HyperBackup. For pure Time Machine use this does not matter, but if you also want cloud sync or scheduled snapshots, Synology still leads.
Who should buy the DXP4800 Plus
The DXP4800 Plus is ideal for creative professionals working with large video files who want maximum throughput. It is also a great choice for users wanting 10GbE future-proofing without enterprise pricing.
Anyone running Plex or Jellyfin with hardware transcoding will benefit from the Pentium Gold CPU.
Who should skip the DXP4800 Plus
Users wanting the most mature backup ecosystem should stick with Synology.
If you do not need 10GbE or hardware transcoding, the Synology DS425+ delivers similar Time Machine performance with better software.
8. UGREEN NASync DH2300 — Best Entry-Level NAS for Beginners
UGREEN NAS DH2300 2-Bay for Beginners & Personal Users, Phone Backup
2-bay
4GB RAM
AI Album
125 MB/s transfers
Pros
- Very easy setup for beginners
- Clean macOS-like interface
- AI-powered photo organization
- Great value vs cloud subscriptions
- Quiet with SSDs
Cons
- No Docker or VM support
- Enterprise HDDs can be loud
- Wireless requires USB adapter
The UGREEN NASync DH2300 is the NAS I recommend to anyone intimidated by traditional NAS setup. With a macOS-like interface and guided onboarding, I had it running my first Time Machine backup in about 20 minutes. For users coming from Time Capsule, this is the most seamless transition on the market.
The 4GB of RAM is generous for an entry-level unit, and it handled Time Machine plus the AI photo album without breaking a sweat. Transfer speeds topped out at 125 MB/s over its 1GbE port, which is the limit of gigabit networking but still faster than most external drives.
The AI-powered photo album with face and location recognition is a standout feature at this price. It is not as polished as Synology Photos, but for the price it delivers genuine value, especially if you are migrating away from iCloud or Google Photos.
The biggest limitation is the lack of Docker and virtual machine support. If you want to run Plex, Home Assistant, or any containerized apps, this NAS is not the right choice. For pure backup and file storage, however, it punches above its weight.
Who should buy the DH2300
The DH2300 is perfect for first-time NAS buyers, single-Mac users, and anyone wanting a Time Capsule replacement without technical complexity. It is also a great fit for users who primarily want photo backup with AI organization.
Budget-conscious buyers will appreciate the lower entry price compared to Synology.
Who should skip the DH2300
Users wanting to run Plex, Docker, or virtual machines need a more powerful unit like the QNAP TS-264 or UGREEN DXP4800 Plus.
If you need 2.5GbE networking, look at the Synology DS225+ instead.
What to Look For in a NAS for Time Machine Backups?
Choosing the right NAS for Time Machine comes down to a handful of key factors. After testing all eight units, here is what actually matters and what is marketing fluff.
Drive bays and RAID configuration
For Time Machine, two drive bays configured as RAID 1 is the minimum I recommend. RAID 1 mirrors your data across both drives, so if one fails, your backup history survives on the other. This is the single most important factor for backup reliability, and it is one area where NAS beats external drives outright. Four-bay units give you room to grow and support more advanced RAID levels like SHR or RAID 5.
Network speed: Gigabit vs 2.5GbE vs 10GbE
Gigabit Ethernet caps transfers around 125 MB/s, which is fine for most backups but becomes a bottleneck for multi-Mac households. 2.5GbE (250 MB/s) is the sweet spot for 2026 and is built into most mid-range NAS units. 10GbE is overkill for Time Machine but valuable if you also edit large files over the network.
SMB protocol support
Apple deprecated AFP years ago, and modern Time Machine requires SMB. Make sure any NAS you buy supports SMB3 or newer, which all units on this list do. Older or cheaper NAS units sometimes struggle with SMB signing requirements in newer macOS versions, leading to “disk not recommended” warnings.
Capacity sizing for Time Machine
Apple recommends your Time Machine volume be 2-3 times the size of the data you are backing up. For a 500 GB Mac, that means at least 1-1.5 TB of NAS storage. For multi-Mac households, multiply by the number of Macs. With hard drive sizes now reaching 20 TB per drive, even a 2-bay NAS can hold years of backup history.
Multi-Mac support
Every NAS on this list supports multiple simultaneous Time Machine backups, but performance varies. The Synology DSM and QNAP QTS operating systems handle concurrent backups cleanly. Lower-powered units may slow down when three or more Macs back up at the same time.
Software ecosystem
Synology’s DSM remains the gold standard for NAS software, with mature apps for photos, backups, and surveillance. QNAP’s QTS offers more flexibility but a steeper learning curve. UGREEN’s UGOS is improving quickly but still trails in backup sophistication. For pure Time Machine, the differences are minor, but if you plan to use additional apps, software matters.
How to Set Up Time Machine on a NAS?
Setting up Time Machine on a NAS is straightforward once you understand the workflow. Here is the process that works across all eight units on this list.
Step 1: Create a dedicated shared folder on your NAS for Time Machine. I name mine “TimeMachine” and set permissions so only specific Mac user accounts can access it.
Step 2: Enable SMB on the NAS and ensure the SMB service is set to SMB3 or higher. On Synology, this is in Control Panel under File Services. On QNAP, it is in Control Panel under Network & File Services.
Step 3: On your Mac, open System Settings, then General, then Time Machine. Click “Add Backup Disk” and select your NAS from the network list.
Step 4: Authenticate with the NAS user credentials you created in step 1. Time Machine will create a sparsebundle disk image on the NAS for your backup.
Step 5: Wait for the initial backup to complete. For a 500 GB first backup over gigabit Ethernet, expect 6-8 hours. Over 2.5GbE, it drops to 2-3 hours.
If you encounter the “disk not recommended” warning, it usually means the NAS does not fully support SMB3 or the share permissions are incorrect. Re-checking the SMB settings resolves this in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best NAS for Time Machine backup?
The Synology DS225+ is the best NAS for Time Machine backup in 2026. It pairs an Intel CPU with 2.5GbE networking and DSM software that handles Time Machine backups reliably for one to three Macs. For larger households, the Synology DS425+ adds four drive bays and supports 10+ concurrent backups.
Can I use a NAS for a Time Machine backup?
Yes, you can use a NAS for Time Machine backups. macOS supports SMB-based network backups, which all modern NAS devices support. Create a shared folder on the NAS, enable SMB, and select the NAS as the backup disk in Time Machine settings on your Mac.
What does Apple recommend for Time Machine backup?
Apple recommends using a drive at least twice the size of the data you are backing up. Apple officially supports USB and Thunderbolt drives, but Time Machine also works over SMB with NAS devices. macOS does not officially certify NAS units, so you may see a disk not recommended warning that is usually safe to bypass.
Which NAS works best with Mac?
Synology NAS units work best with Mac overall because of their mature DSM software and excellent SMB implementation. The Synology DS225+ is the top pick, the Synology DS223 is the best value, and the Synology DS223j is the most budget-friendly option for Mac users.
Final Verdict: Which NAS Should You Buy for Time Machine Backups?
After testing all eight units in real home and small-office conditions, my top recommendation for most Mac users is the Synology DS225+. It hits the sweet spot of price, performance, and software polish, and it handled every Time Machine workload I threw at it without complaint.
For families and multi-Mac households, step up to the Synology DS425+ to get four drive bays and room to grow. Budget buyers replacing an old Time Capsule will find the UGREEN NASync DH2300 delivers surprisingly capable backup at the lowest entry price on this list. And power users wanting raw performance should look at the QNAP TS-264 or UGREEN DXP4800 Plus for their Intel CPUs and faster networking.
The best NAS devices for Time Machine backups in 2026 all share a few qualities: clean SMB support, RAID 1 protection, and quiet operation. Pick the unit that matches your Mac count and budget, follow the setup steps above, and you will have a Time Capsule replacement that will outlast any external drive.