How to choose the right TerraMaster NAS for you

This is how to choose the perfect TerraMaster NAS.

So you've decided that TerraMaster is the way to go, but which model do you pick? Luckily, it's easy to choose the right network-attached storage (NAS) for you by taking into account pricing and what you plan to do with the NAS. In this guide, we'll run through some models to help provide an idea of what to expect at various price ranges.

Breaking down the numbers

TerraMaster uses model numbers to differentiate its catalog of servers. The F range prefix is always present for NAS, unless it's for a server rack, then it has a U. For most homeowners and office applications, F models are perfectly fine. Immediately after the F (or U) prefix is the number of drive bays. Numbers after a dash are tied to the generation of the server. For instance, the F2-220 has two bays and is older than the almost identical F2-221.

Comparing models

Here's a comparison table with a few of the latest models from TerraMaster.

Category	F2-221	F4-221	F2-420	F5-422
CPU	Intel Celeron J3355 Dual-core 2.0GHz	Intel Celeron J3355 Dual-core 2.0GHz	Intel Celeron J1900 Quad-core 2.0GHz	Intel Celeron J3455 Quad-core 1.5GHz
RAM	2GB (6GB max)	2GB (6GB max)	4GB (8GB max)	4GB (8GB max)
Drive bays	2	4	2	5
Capacity	32TB 2 x 16TB	64TB 4 x 16TB	32TB 2 x 16TB	80TB 5 x 16TB
Transcoding	H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) MPEG-2 VC-1 4K 30 FPS	-	H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) MPEG-2 VC-1 4K 30 FPS	-
Ports	2x 1Gb LAN 2x USB 3.0	2x 1Gb LAN 2x USB 3.0	1x 1Gb LAN 1x USB 3.0 1x USB 2.0	2x 1Gb LAN 1x 10Gb LAN 2x USB 3.0
Warranty	Two years	Two years	Two years	Two years
Price	$250	$360	$500	$600

The more affordable models like the F-221, F4-221, and F2-420 will not be excellent choices for Plex 4K video transcoding. They can technically do it, but you'll encounter stuttering, especially if another person uses the NAS. More pricey options with slightly better processors are required. TerraMaster doesn't really focus on Plex support for launching models.

For TerraMaster NAS, you should take into account the number of bays and then pick the latest model. Unless stated otherwise, NAS listings usually do not come with hard drives. So you'll need to factor purchasing these into the final price. We've got a few guides available on choosing the best hard drives for a NAS.

Affordable NAS

TerraMaster F2-221

$250 at Amazon

TerraMaster takes on Synology's best-seller

The relatively small brand within the NAS sphere is looking to capture more of the market from its rivals, and the F2-221 does more things right than wrong. It is an excellent, value-driven NAS that allows you to set up your own home media server.