Best Asustor NAS 2026

Asustor often offers competitive hardware specifications for its price. Intel N5105 4-bay units for less than equivalent Synology models, with 2.5GbE networking at price points where Synology still ships 1GbE. The trade-off is a smaller app ecosystem (ADM versus DSM), less polished software, and a narrower support infrastructure. This guide covers selected Drivestor, Nimbustor, Lockerstor, and first-generation Flashstor models, with per-model recommendations by use case, performance expectations, and the honest cases where Asustor is the wrong choice. Australian pricing, retailer availability, and warranty notes are in the AU section below.

Why Asustor?

Asustor is a subsidiary of ASUS and has been building NAS devices since 2011. They have historically been the third option behind Synology and QNAP in Australia, but their 2024-2026 lineup has closed the gap significantly. Their operating system, ADM (Asustor Data Master), is mature and capable. Not as polished as Synology's DSM, but more open than QNAP's QTS when it comes to third-party app support and Docker flexibility.

The biggest practical advantage of Asustor in Australia right now is hardware value. Compare equivalent models: Asustor ships 2.5GbE as standard on its mid-range units where Synology only recently added it to the DS225+ and DS425+ series. HDMI is available on Nimbustor Gen2, Lockerstor Gen2/Gen2+, and first-generation Flashstor models, but not on Drivestor or Lockerstor Gen3. Something Synology dropped years ago. And Asustor's Celeron N5105-based units (Nimbustor, Lockerstor Gen2) offer genuine hardware transcoding capability for Plex at a lower price than comparable Synology Plus models.

Asustor's distribution model differs from Synology and QNAP. Stock availability can be inconsistent at times, particularly for top-tier Lockerstor models. Check retailer stock before committing. Warranty and purchasing details are in the AU section below.

Best Asustor NAS Models by Use Case

Best Budget NAS: Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL

The Drivestor 2 Lite is Asustor's entry-level NAS and the cheapest way to get a proper 2-bay NAS from a reputable brand in Australia. The Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL has a market price of about $299, while the Synology DS124 has a market price of about $260. The AS1102TL gives you two bays instead of one, making RAID 1 mirroring possible from day one.

The Realtek RTD1619B CPU and 1GB RAM mean this is strictly a file storage and backup device. The AS1102TL supports Surveillance Center with four free camera channels and up to 12 channels with additional licences, although its 1GB RAM limits workload headroom. It handles SMB file sharing, Time Machine backups, and basic cloud sync duties well. And that is exactly what most first-time NAS buyers actually need.

Best All-Round NAS: Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro AS3304T V2

The Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 is the sweet spot in Asustor's 2026 lineup. It keeps the Realtek RTD1619B processor of the budget Drivestor models but steps up to 2GB RAM, four bays and, critically, 2.5GbE networking. The AS3304T V2 has a market price of about $545 and delivers 4-bay NAS capability with faster-than-gigabit networking at a price that Synology simply cannot match. The nearest Synology equivalent, the DS423, has a market price of about $639 and uses a similar ARM CPU but only offers 1GbE.

This NAS suits households with multiple devices backing up, a shared media library, or anyone wanting to centralise files across a home network. The 2.5GbE port means you can saturate it with a compatible switch or direct connection at roughly 280MB/s. Nearly three times faster than standard gigabit. The 2.5GbE port accelerates local transfers, but cloud-backup uploads remain limited by your internet upload speed, though keep in mind typical NBN upload speeds cap around 20-50Mbps depending on your plan and technology type.

Best for Plex and Media: Asustor Nimbustor 4 AS5404T

If Plex is a primary reason for buying a NAS, the Nimbustor 4 is the Asustor model to look at. The Intel Celeron N5105 processor provides genuine hardware transcoding. Meaning it can convert video on the fly for devices that cannot direct play the original format. This matters if you stream to phones, tablets, older smart TVs, or remote clients over the internet where bandwidth-adaptive transcoding is essential.

The Nimbustor 4 AS5404T has a market price of about $749, and the Synology DS425+ has a market price of about $899. The AS5404T costs less while offering 4GB of RAM versus Synology's 2GB, dual 2.5GbE ports, and HDMI 2.0b output for direct media playback without a separate streaming device. The gaming-inspired chassis design is polarising. It will not win any living room aesthetics awards. But the internals are strong for the price.

For remote Plex access over the internet, be aware that CGNAT can prevent direct Plex connections and port forwarding, although Plex Relay may still provide limited remote streaming. Check with your ISP whether you can get a static or public IP. Check whether your ISP offers a public or static IP address and whether a fee applies.

Best for Power Users and Docker: Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ AS6704T V2

The Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ (AS6704T V2) is Asustor's mid-range workhorse and the NAS that suits technically-minded users who want to run Docker containers, virtual machines, or heavier workloads alongside file storage. It shares the same Intel Celeron N5105 as the Nimbustor but comes in a more professional chassis with better build quality and thermals.

The Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ (AS6704T V2) replaces the original Gen2 at most Australian stores, and the AS6704T V2 has a market price of about $1,049. It keeps the Intel Celeron N5105 and moves networking up to dual 5GbE. You get an x86 NAS with 4GB of RAM (expandable to 16GB), four M.2 slots, HDMI output and a PCIe slot for an optional 10GbE card. It costs about the same as the Synology DS925+, so the choice comes down to the Asustor's four M.2 slots, 5GbE ports and HDMI output against Synology's software.

Best All-Flash SSD NAS: Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T

The Flashstor 6 is one of the most unique NAS products on the Australian market. It is an all-flash NAS with six M.2 NVMe SSD slots, dual 2.5GbE networking, and the Intel N5105 CPU. All in a tiny form factor barely larger than a Mac Mini. For video editors, photographers, and anyone working with large files who needs fast local storage, this is a compelling device.

The Flashstor 6 FS6706T has a market price of about $611 and is remarkably affordable for what it offers. You supply your own M.2 NVMe SSDs and get a near-silent, actively cooled NAS with sequential read/write speeds that dwarf any spinning-disk NAS. The catch is capacity: Six 4TB drives provide 24TB raw; compatible 8TB models can provide up to 48TB raw. For bulk storage, a traditional HDD-based NAS is still the practical choice.

Best for Business: Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 AS6804T

The Lockerstor Gen3 range is Asustor's top-tier desktop line, built on the AMD Ryzen V3C14 platform with 16GB ECC RAM, dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE networking. The AS6804T has a market price of about $2,014. The Synology DS925+ has a market price of about $1,089, and the QNAP TS-464 has a market price of about $1,114, so both cost substantially less than the AS6804T, which has substantially more powerful hardware.

The Ryzen V3C14 is a genuine embedded server-class processor, and 16GB of ECC (error-correcting) RAM provides reliability features typically found in enterprise equipment costing significantly more. Dual 5GbE networking is faster than the 2.5GbE standard on competing brands and does not require the expense of 10GbE switches and cabling. For small businesses running file sharing, backup, surveillance, and potentially a few Docker containers or VMs, this is a strong platform.

Check current Australian retailer listings before ordering a Gen3 model.

Asustor Lineup Comparison

🇦🇺 Australian Buyers: Where to Buy, Pricing, and Warranty

Asustor NAS devices are available from several Australian retailers, with pricing varying noticeably between stores. No single store is cheapest across the whole range, so always check multiple retailers before purchasing. The same model can vary noticeably between retailers.

Asustor's Australian distribution runs primarily through Dicker Data. Check current retailer listings for the specific model you need.

The real difference between retailers is pre-sales knowledge and post-sales support. For a product that stores your data, the retailer relationship matters when something goes wrong. Specialist retailers like Scorptec and PLE can provide genuine guidance that Amazon and marketplace sellers cannot.

How ADM Compares to DSM and QTS

Asustor's operating system, ADM (Asustor Data Master), is functional and mature but lacks the polish of Synology's DSM. Where DSM feels like a commercial product with dedicated UX design, ADM feels more utilitarian. It gets the job done without being particularly elegant about it. That said, ADM 5.1.4 (the current version) has improved significantly from earlier releases, with a cleaner interface and better mobile app support.

Where ADM genuinely excels is openness. Asustor makes it easy to install Docker via Portainer, run third-party apps, and access the underlying Linux system. If you want to tinker, customise, or run non-standard workloads, ADM gets out of your way in a manner that Synology's more locked-down approach does not. QNAP's QTS sits somewhere in between. More flexible than DSM, but ADM still edges it for pure Docker and Linux friendliness.

The trade-off is in first-party apps. Synology's ecosystem, including Synology Photos, Drive and Surveillance Station, is significantly more polished than Asustor's equivalents. If you rely heavily on first-party mobile apps for photo backup or cloud sync, Synology is still the better choice. If you are comfortable with self-hosted alternatives (Immich for photos, Nextcloud for sync, Tailscale for remote access), Asustor's hardware value makes more sense.

What About the Gen2+ Models?

The four-bay Gen2+ model is AS6704T v2. It retains the Intel N5105 while upgrading networking from dual 2.5GbE to dual 5GbE.

If you are considering a Lockerstor 2 or 4, compare the Gen2 and Gen2+ pricing carefully before purchasing. The Gen2 is usually the cheaper model and may represent better value unless the Gen2+ brings a processor or feature upgrade that justifies the premium. Check Asustor's product pages for confirmed specifications before committing.

Drives and Storage Planning

All Asustor NAS units are sold diskless. You need to supply your own hard drives or SSDs. For 3.5" HDD bays, stick with NAS-rated drives: Seagate IronWolf or WD Red Plus are the standard choices in Australia. NAS-grade drive prices have risen significantly from early 2025 levels, so factor drive costs into your total budget when comparing NAS models.

Check the exact SSD model number, capacity and firmware against ASUSTOR's FS67 compatibility list before purchasing. Keep in mind that the Flashstor 6 uses PCIe Gen 3x1 per slot, so A Gen 4 SSD is limited to the NAS's PCIe Gen 3 x1 link speed, though drive-level performance can still vary. Buy accordingly and save the premium SSD money for other components.

Who Should Not Buy Asustor

Don't buy Asustor if you prioritise first-party software polish above all else. Synology's DSM and its mobile apps (Photos, Drive, Surveillance Station) are genuinely better than Asustor's equivalents. If you want a NAS that works like an appliance with minimal tinkering, Synology is the safer choice. You pay more for the hardware, but the software experience is consistently smoother.

Don't buy Asustor if your deployment requires a specific enterprise or rackmount model on a fixed schedule. Synology is distributed in Australia through BlueChip and MMT, and QNAP through BlueChip. Check current retailer listings before choosing a platform for a time-sensitive business purchase.

Don't buy Asustor if you need enterprise-grade support infrastructure. Asustor's Australian presence is minimal compared to Synology and QNAP, and the support chain through Dicker Data is newer and less tested. For deployments where downtime directly costs money, the established support networks of the bigger brands reduce risk.

Related reading: our NAS buyer's guide, our Synology vs QNAP comparison, and our AU retailer guide.

Use our free NAS Sizing Wizard to work out how many bays and what size drives you need.

See also: our NAS buying guide hub.

See also: our NAS buying guide hub.

See also: our NAS buying guide hub.

See also: our complete Asustor NAS Australia guide.

Is Asustor as reliable as Synology or QNAP?

Asustor NAS hardware is manufactured by an ASUS subsidiary and uses the same class of components (Intel, AMD, Realtek processors, standard SATA and NVMe interfaces) as Synology and QNAP. The difference is in software maturity and support infrastructure. Synology's DSM has had more years of refinement, and their Australian distribution through BlueChip is more established. Asustor hardware is solid. It is the after-sales support chain that is less proven in Australia.

Can I run Plex on an Asustor NAS?

Yes. Plex runs on every Asustor range, including the ARM Drivestor models; hardware transcoding is where the ranges differ. The Nimbustor (AS5402T/AS5404T), Lockerstor Gen2 (AS6702T/AS6704T/AS6706T), Flashstor, and Lockerstor Gen3 ranges. Intel-based models support hardware transcoding through Plex using Intel Quick Sync, while Plex hardware-transcoding support on AMD-based models is not established. You will need a Plex Pass subscription to enable hardware transcoding. The budget Drivestor models use ARM processors and cannot hardware transcode. On those units Plex can software-transcode only up to 720p (some 1080p), so plan on direct play for larger files.

What warranty do Asustor NAS devices have in Australia?

ASUSTOR's warranty length depends on the model: ASUSTOR states a range of three months to five years, with each model's period on its specifications page. ASUSTOR asks owners to start a warranty claim with the place of purchase. They do not have a service centre in Australia. The claim goes from retailer to Dicker Data (the Australian distributor) to Asustor in Taiwan, then back down the chain. Expect 2-3 weeks minimum for resolution. Your first step for a faulty product is usually the retailer that sold it. The ACCC explains your rights under the Australian Consumer Law at accc.gov.au. NAS warranty and returns in Australia lists each maker's published warranty length and who to contact first.

Should I buy an Asustor NAS from Amazon AU?

Amazon AU sometimes lists Asustor models at competitive prices, and their returns policy is excellent if you want your money back. However, if your NAS fails and you need a direct replacement, Amazon may not have stock. Especially for older or less common models. Replacement options and stock availability can vary by retailer and model. For a device that stores your data, the support relationship matters more than saving a few dollars.

Can I access my Asustor NAS remotely over the internet?

Yes. Asustor provides EZ-Connect, a free relay service that enables remote access without manual port forwarding. Alternatively, you can set up direct remote access via DDNS and port forwarding, or use a VPN solution like Tailscale or WireGuard for a more secure approach. Be aware that some Australian NBN connections use CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT), which blocks incoming connections and prevents direct remote access. If you are on CGNAT, contact your ISP to request a public IP address. Most providers will assign one on request. Typical NBN upload speeds of 20-50Mbps will limit remote access performance, so don't expect local-network speeds when accessing files remotely.

How does Asustor NAS pricing in Australia compare to the US?

It varies by model: once GST is included, some Asustor models cost about the same in Australia as in the US, so compare current Australian retailer prices rather than converting a US price. Always compare prices across Scorptec and PLE, as pricing can differ noticeably for the same model. For business purchases, request a formal quote from your preferred retailer.

What is the difference between Drivestor, Nimbustor, Lockerstor, and Flashstor?

Drivestor is Asustor's budget line. ARM processors, basic RAM, 1GbE or 2.5GbE networking. Best for file storage and backups only. Nimbustor is the multimedia-focused range with Intel x86 CPUs, expandable RAM, dual 2.5GbE, and HDMI output. Aimed at Plex users and gamers. Lockerstor is the performance and business line, available in Gen2 (Intel N5105), Gen2+ (Intel N5105 with dual 5GbE), and Gen3 (AMD Ryzen V3C14 with ECC RAM, 10GbE and 5GbE). Flashstor is the all-flash M.2 NVMe range for users who need fast SSD storage in a compact, silent form factor. Each line targets a different use case and budget.