# Best Budget NAS Under $300 Australia 2026

Looking for a NAS under $300 in Australia? Your realistic options are the Synology DS124 and Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite: a 1-bay unit and an entry-level 2-bay unit, both with real trade-offs. This guide covers what you actually get at this price, what you give up, and when it makes sense to spend a bit more.

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> Published: 25 February 2026
> Last updated: 22 October 2026
> Facts last checked against sources: 30 September 2026
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> Verified against operator_knowledge_register: 2026-09-27 (next review 2026-12-26)

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**Our Pick: Synology DS124**
The most affordable Synology NAS in Australia. Limited to one drive and 1GB RAM, but DSM software and Synology's mobile apps make it the best option under $300 for a solo user.
- CPU: Realtek RTD1619B (quad-core 1.7GHz)
- RAM: 1GB DDR4 (fixed)
- Drive Bays: 1x 3.5"/2.5" SATA
Market price: about $255 across 12 Australian retailers
[Check Price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CBZ11HVD?tag=ntkit-22)

**Under $300 in Australia, you are choosing between two or three NAS units, and all of them are compromises.** This is the absolute entry point for network-attached storage. You get a diskless enclosure with a basic ARM processor, 1GB or 2GB of RAM, 1GbE networking, and a single drive bay (or a bare-bones 2-bay if you stretch to the ceiling). RAID protection is available under $300 on 2-bay models such as the AS1102TL, which supports RAID 1. There is no Plex hardware transcoding. Synology's Container Manager does run on the DS124, but 1GB of RAM leaves little room for containers. What you do get is a proper NAS operating system, remote file access, automated backups, and a device that sits on your network 24/7 doing one job reliably.

For a broader overview of this topic, see [our NAS buying guide hub](/blog/best-nas-australia/).

> **Note:** **In short:** The **Synology DS124** has a market price of about $255 and is the best NAS under $300 in Australia. It runs Synology's DiskStation Manager, the most user-friendly NAS OS available, and handles file sharing, photo backup, and cloud sync with zero fuss. If you want a 2-bay option for under $300, the **Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL** has a market price of about $299 and gets you there, but the software experience is a clear step down.

## What $300 Actually Gets You in a NAS in Australia

At this price point, every NAS is a **diskless enclosure**. You supply your own hard drive. Budget separately for a compatible NAS-grade HDD like a [Seagate IronWolf or WD Red Plus](/blog/seagate-ironwolf-vs-wd-red-australia/). That extra drive cost is important to keep in mind when comparing against the [best NAS under $500](/blog/best-nas-under-500-australia/) bracket, where you get significantly more capable 2-bay units.

Models under $300 here run ARM processors (Realtek RTD1619B or similar) with 1GB or 2GB of RAM. These chips are power-efficient. Expect roughly 7-12W in use, based on vendor figures for the models here (7.32W typical for the TS-133, 10.69W for the DS124, 11.7W for the AS1102TL). But they are strictly limited to basic NAS tasks: file sharing over SMB/NFS, automated backups, cloud synchronisation, photo management, and light media serving via DLNA. Plex hardware transcoding, virtual machines and heavy multi-user workloads are off the table. Synology's Container Manager does run on the DS124, but 1GB of RAM leaves little room for containers.

Networking is 1x Gigabit Ethernet across every option under $300. That caps your transfer speeds at roughly 110-115 MB/s in practice. Plenty for most home use, but a bottleneck if you are moving large video files or backing up multiple devices simultaneously. 2.5GbE networking does not show up at all in this bracket. It is one of the concrete things the extra budget buys once you cross into the [under-$500 bracket](/blog/best-nas-under-500-australia/), where models such as the Asustor AS1202T add it.

## The Single-Bay Reality: No RAID, No Redundancy

Most NAS units under $300 are **1-bay models**. That means a single hard drive with no RAID protection. If that drive fails, your data is gone unless you have a separate backup. This is the single biggest limitation of this price bracket, and it is the reason many buyers are better served stretching to a 2-bay unit in the next price bracket.

A 1-bay NAS is not inherently a bad product. It is simply a product that **must** be paired with an external backup strategy. If you use Synology's Hyper Backup to sync critical files to an external USB drive or a cloud service like Backblaze B2, a 1-bay NAS is a perfectly functional and affordable storage solution. The problem is when buyers treat a single-drive NAS as their only copy of important data. If you are not going to maintain a backup, do not buy a 1-bay NAS. Full stop.

> **Warning:** **A NAS is not a backup.** This is doubly true for a single-bay NAS. One drive failure and your data is gone. Always maintain at least one additional copy of important files on an external drive, in the cloud, or ideally both. The [what is a NAS](/blog/what-is-a-nas/) guide covers this in detail.

## Also Consider: QNAP TS-133

The QNAP TS-133 is a 1-bay NAS with an ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 1.8GHz processor, 2GB RAM and 1GbE networking. The QNAP TS-133 has a market price of about $286.

## Best Under $300: Synology DiskStation DS124

The Synology DS124 is the standout choice under $300 in Australia, and the reason is simple: **DiskStation Manager (DSM)**. Synology's operating system is the best in the NAS industry for usability. Setup takes 10-15 minutes, the web interface is clean and intuitive, and the mobile apps, including Synology Photos, DS File and DS Cam, are polished and regularly updated. For a first-time NAS buyer, this matters more than specs.

The Synology DS124 has a market price of about $255 and is comfortably the cheapest Synology NAS you can buy in Australia. It runs the same Realtek RTD1619B processor found in the DS223 and DS223j, a proven ARM chip that handles basic NAS workloads without breaking a sweat. The DS124 has 1GB of RAM, which limits heavier multitasking but is sufficient for the core use case: file storage, photo backup, cloud sync, and a couple of surveillance cameras.

Synology Photos alone justifies the DS124 for many buyers. It is a genuine Google Photos alternative that runs entirely on your own hardware. Automatic phone backup, face recognition, timeline view, and sharing links that work without a subscription. For households looking to move photos off iCloud or Google, the DS124 running Synology Photos is the most affordable path to that goal. If you are specifically interested in this use case, our [best NAS for beginners guide](/blog/best-nas-for-beginners-australia/) covers the setup in detail.

The DS124 is backed by Synology's Australian distribution through BlueChip and MMT. Warranty claims go through your retailer, then up the chain to the distributor and Synology in Taiwan. Replacement turnaround times can vary depending on the retailer and distributor.

*[Synology DiskStation DS124 on Amazon AU](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CBZ11HVD?tag=ntkit-22)*

- **Model:** Synology DiskStation DS124
- **CPU:** Realtek RTD1619B, quad-core 1.7GHz
- **RAM:** 1GB DDR4 (not expandable)
- **Drive Bays:** 1x 3.5" SATA (compatible with 2.5")
- **Network:** 1x Gigabit Ethernet
- **USB:** 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1
- **Noise Level:** 19.0 dB(A)
- **Power Consumption:** 10.69W (access) / 3.44W (HDD hibernation)
- **Warranty:** 2 years
- **AU market price:** about $255
- **Cheapest AU listing:** $239 (Computer Alliance, MSY, UMart)

**Pros**
- Best NAS operating system at any price. DSM 7 is genuinely intuitive
- Synology Photos is an excellent Google Photos / iCloud replacement
- Low power consumption: 10.69W during access
- Near-silent operation at 19.0 dB(A)
- Strong Australian distribution. Stock is reliably available at major retailers
- Includes 2 free Surveillance Station camera licences

**Cons**
- Single drive bay. No RAID protection whatsoever
- 1GB RAM limits multitasking and package installations
- No Plex hardware transcoding
- Container Manager runs, but 1GB RAM leaves little room for containers
- 1GbE networking only. No upgrade path

## Budget 2-Bay Option: Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL

The Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL has a market price of **about $299** and is the only 2-bay NAS here with a market price under $300. The extra bay is the headline feature. With two drives, you can run RAID 1 (mirroring) for data redundancy, which means a single drive failure does not result in data loss. That alone makes it worth considering over the DS124 for buyers who want that safety net without stretching beyond this bracket.

Hardware-wise, the AS1102TL runs the same Realtek RTD1619B processor as the Synology DS124, paired with 1GB of DDR4 RAM. Performance is comparable. Basic file operations, SMB shares, and DLNA media serving all work fine. Where the Asustor falls short is in software. ADM (Asustor Data Master) is functional but less polished than Synology's DSM. The mobile apps are less refined, the app ecosystem is thinner, and documentation is not as comprehensive. For experienced users who know their way around a NAS, this is not a dealbreaker. For first-timers, the learning curve is steeper.

Asustor's Australian distributor is Dicker Data.

*[Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL on Amazon AU](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CHYMWH66?tag=ntkit-22)*

- **Model:** Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL
- **CPU:** Realtek RTD1619B, quad-core 1.7GHz
- **RAM:** 1GB DDR4 (not expandable)
- **Drive Bays:** 2x 3.5-inch SATA HDD
- **Network:** 1x Gigabit Ethernet
- **USB:** 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0
- **Power Consumption:** 11.7W (operation) / 3.1W (disk hibernation)
- **Warranty:** 3 years
- **AU market price:** about $299

**Pros**
- Only 2-bay NAS here with a market price under $300. RAID 1 protection is available
- Same Realtek RTD1619B processor as the Synology DS124
- Hardware decoding for 10-bit 4K H.265 media in LooksGood
- Low power consumption. Around 12W under load
- Asustor EZ-Connect for simplified remote access

**Cons**
- ADM software is less polished than Synology DSM
- Mobile apps are functional but less refined
- 1GB RAM is tight for running additional packages
- Limited Australian stock. Availability can be inconsistent
- App ecosystem is smaller than Synology or QNAP

## Honourable Mention: Asustor Drivestor 2 Gen2 AS1202T

The Asustor Drivestor 2 Gen2 AS1202T has a market price of **about $304** and is worth mentioning here because it improves on the AS1102TL's USB connectivity and networking. The AS1202T includes three USB 5Gbps Type-A ports and 2.5GbE, against the AS1102TL's one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (plus one USB 2.0 port) and 1GbE. If your budget has any flexibility, the upgrade is meaningful. It only gets a brief mention here, not a full review, because it belongs in a higher-budget guide by price and capability. Our [best NAS under $500 guide](/blog/best-nas-under-500-australia/) covers it properly, including how it stacks up against QNAP and Synology alternatives in that bracket.

The Synology DS223j has a market price of **about $322** and is another just-over-budget option that delivers a 2-bay Synology with DSM. For buyers who want both RAID protection and the Synology software experience, stretching beyond $300 is genuinely worth considering. The DS223j shares the same RTD1619B processor and 1GB RAM but adds a second bay, which changes the data protection equation entirely.

## Who Should Buy a NAS Under $300

A sub-$300 NAS suits a specific type of buyer. If you match one of these profiles, the DS124 or AS1102TL will serve you well:

**Still deciding?: Synology DS124**
Our top pick: Synology DS124.
[Check price](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CBZ11HVD?tag=ntkit-22)

**Basic backup and file server.** You want a central location for documents, photos, and media that every device in the house can access. You are not planning to run Plex, Docker containers, or VMs. You understand that a NAS needs its own backup strategy.

**Phone photo backup.** You want to move your photos off iCloud or Google Photos and host them locally. The Synology DS124 with Synology Photos is the cheapest way to do this properly in Australia.

**Mac Time Machine target.** A single-bay Synology NAS is an excellent Time Machine backup destination. Plug in one large drive, enable the Time Machine service in DSM, and every Mac on your network backs up automatically. For more on this use case, see our [best 2-bay NAS guide](/blog/best-2-bay-nas-australia/).

**First NAS / learning platform.** If you have never owned a NAS and want to learn what one can do before committing to a more expensive unit, a sub-$300 model gives you the core experience without a large investment. Many buyers start with a DS124, learn the ropes, and upgrade to a 2-bay or 4-bay model within a year or two.

## Who Should Not Buy a NAS Under $300

Be honest about what this price bracket cannot do. If any of the following apply, spend more:

**You need Plex or media transcoding.** QNAP lists hardware-accelerated transcoding for the TS-133, and Asustor lists hardware decoding for the AS1102TL in its LooksGood app, but Plex's NAS compatibility list shows no Plex hardware transcoding for either, or for the Synology DS124. If Plex is your primary use case, you need an Intel-based NAS. The TerraMaster F2-425 has a market price of about $499. Its Intel Celeron N5095 has Quick Sync, which Plex uses for hardware transcoding, and TerraMaster lists 4K hardware transcoding, but Plex's compatibility list does not include this model yet, so check before buying. Check Plex's supported NAS list before buying any model specifically for hardware transcoding; the Synology DS225+ is not officially supported for Plex hardware transcoding. Our [best NAS Australia](/blog/best-nas-australia/) guide covers the full range.

**You need Docker or home automation.** Synology's Container Manager does run on the DS124, but its 1GB of RAM leaves little room for containers. Spend more if containers are a priority.

**You want RAID protection without stretching the budget.** If losing data to a drive failure is unacceptable and you cannot maintain a separate backup, you need a 2-bay NAS running RAID 1 at minimum. The Asustor AS1102TL has a market price of about $299 and technically gets you there, but its 1GB of RAM and Asustor's less mature software are compromises. The Synology DS223j has a market price of about $322. The Synology DS223 has a market price of about $485. Both Synology models are stronger choices for data protection. See the [best NAS under $500](/blog/best-nas-under-500-australia/) guide for those options.

**You are deploying this for a small business.** A sub-$300 NAS is a home device. These models have limited resources, but DSM and ADM support directory integration; the AS1102TL also supports expansion to six total bays. Business buyers should look at the [NAS for beginners guide](/blog/best-nas-for-beginners-australia/) for entry-level business options at a higher budget.

## When to Stretch to $500 Instead

The honest answer is: **most buyers are better served by spending more**. The Synology DS124 has a market price of about $255. The Synology DS223 has a market price of about $485. Choosing the DS223 instead buys you a second drive bay, double the RAM, and RAID protection, fundamentally changing the reliability equation. A second bay and RAID 1 improve availability after a drive failure, but you still need a separate backup strategy for important data.

The sweet spot for a 2-bay NAS in Australia sits above this entry-level bracket. The Synology DS223 has a market price of about $485 and delivers the same class-leading DSM software as the DS124 but with double the RAM (2GB) and two drive bays instead of one. The Asustor Drivestor 2 Gen2 AS1202T has a market price of about $304 and adds 2.5GbE networking and three USB 5Gbps ports, which nothing under $300 offers. Our [best NAS under $500 guide](/blog/best-nas-under-500-australia/) covers the full lineup in that bracket, including where QNAP fits for buyers who want a second brand option.

Think of it this way: the NAS enclosure is a one-time purchase that will last 5-7 years. Hard drives are the recurring cost. Spending more on the enclosure gets you a fundamentally more capable and resilient platform for the entire lifespan of the device. The drive costs are the same regardless of which enclosure you buy.

## Remote Access and NBN Considerations

Both the Synology DS124 and Asustor AS1102TL support remote access, letting you reach your files from outside your home network. Synology uses QuickConnect, a relay service that works through most Australian internet connections without port forwarding. Asustor uses EZ-Connect, which serves a similar purpose. Both work, but Synology's implementation is more reliable and better documented.

If you are on an NBN connection, be aware of two factors. First, **upload speed**: remote file access runs at your plan's upload speed, not its download speed. A 20 Mbps upload gives roughly 2.5 MB/s and a 50 Mbps upload roughly 6 MB/s. Fine for documents and photos, slow for large video files. Second, **CGNAT**: some NBN providers (particularly mobile broadband and some fixed wireless connections) use Carrier-Grade NAT, which blocks direct incoming connections. QuickConnect and EZ-Connect work around CGNAT through relay servers, but performance is reduced. If direct remote access matters, check with your ISP whether you have a public IP address or can request one.

## Buying Advice: Where to Buy and What to Look For

Prices do differ between retailers. The cheapest Synology DS124 listing is $239 (Computer Alliance, MSY, UMart). The Synology DS124 is $289 at PLE Computers. Beyond price, the real difference between retailers is after-sales support. For a device that stores your data, that matters.

If you are buying your first NAS, buy from a specialist like **Scorptec or PLE** where you can get genuine pre-sales guidance. Support responsibility depends on whether Amazon AU or a marketplace merchant is the seller of record; Australian Consumer Law rights still apply to purchases from an Australian retailer. For experienced buyers who are confident in their technical ability, Amazon is a valid option. For first-timers, a specialist retailer is the easier route, because you can ask about the warranty process before you buy.

> **Tip:** **Before buying, ask your retailer:** "If this unit fails, what is your warranty process? Is an advanced replacement available?" The answer tells you more about the value of buying from that retailer than the price on the website. Australian Consumer Law protections apply when purchasing from Australian retailers. Your warranty claim goes to the retailer, not the manufacturer.

Do not forget to budget for a hard drive. NAS-grade drives are recommended for continuous NAS workloads, but they are not an absolute technical requirement; verify the exact drive against the NAS vendor's compatibility information. Desktop drives are not designed for the 24/7 operation a NAS requires. Compare current retailer listings for a compatible Seagate IronWolf or WD Red Plus drive, then add that cost to the Synology DS124 enclosure price.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Our [RAID Calculator](/tools/raid-calculator/) shows usable capacity across common 2-bay RAID 1 drive combinations at this price point, and our [NAS Power Cost Calculator](/tools/power-calculator/) estimates annual running cost at your AU state electricity rate.

Found the right NAS? Before you buy, our expert build review checks your full configuration, including drives, RAID type, RAM, and backup strategy, to catch gaps before they become expensive problems. $149 AUD, 3 business days.

**[Review My Build ($149) →](https://needtoknowit.com.au/review-my-build/)**

See also: [our NAS buying guide hub](/blog/best-nas-australia/).

See also: [our detailed NAS buying guide](/blog/nas-buying-guide-australia/).

See also: [our complete Synology NAS Australia guide](/brand-guides/synology/).

See also: [our complete Asustor NAS Australia guide](/brand-guides/asustor/).

**Q: Is a NAS under $300 worth buying in Australia?**

Yes, if your expectations are realistic. A sub-$300 NAS like the Synology DS124 is an excellent centralised file server, photo backup device, and Time Machine target. It is not a Plex hardware-transcoding box, and although Synology's Container Manager runs on it, 1GB of RAM leaves little room for Docker containers. If those capabilities matter, spend more: the TerraMaster F2-425 has a market price of about $499. For basic file storage and backup, the Synology DS124 has a market price of about $255 and is genuinely good value.

**Q: Can I use a regular hard drive instead of a NAS-rated drive?**

Technically yes. NAS-rated drives (Seagate IronWolf, WD Red Plus) are designed for 24/7 operation, handle vibration better, and have firmware optimised for RAID environments. Whether a desktop drive is suitable for NAS use depends on the exact model’s workload, power-on-hour and warranty ratings, so choose one rated for the intended workload. A NAS-rated drive usually costs only a little more. Spend it.

**Q: What happens if the single drive in a 1-bay NAS fails?**

Your data is gone unless you have a separate backup. A 1-bay NAS has zero redundancy. There is no RAID, no parity, no second copy. This is why a backup strategy is non-negotiable with a single-drive NAS. Use Synology's Hyper Backup to sync critical files to an external USB drive or a cloud service. If you cannot commit to maintaining a backup, buy a 2-bay NAS and run RAID 1 instead. The Asustor AS1102TL has a market price of about $299. The Synology DS223j has a market price of about $322. These are the cheapest 2-bay options.

**Q: Can I run Plex on a budget NAS under $300?**

Not for hardware transcoding. Plex's NAS compatibility list shows no Plex hardware-accelerated transcoding for the Synology DS124, Asustor AS1102TL or QNAP TS-133. You can use Plex in **direct play** mode, where the NAS serves the file and your client device handles decoding. But this requires your playback device to support the video format natively. For most users, this means no Plex transcoding of 4K content, no on-the-fly subtitle burning, and limited remote streaming capability. If Plex is your primary NAS use case, consider the TerraMaster F2-425, which has a market price of about $499. Its Intel Celeron N5095 has Quick Sync, which Plex uses for hardware transcoding, but Plex's compatibility list does not include this model yet, so check before buying.

**Q: Should I buy a Synology DS124 or wait for a 2-bay NAS sale?**

If you need a NAS now, buy now. Gone are the days of waiting for Black Friday to buy tech. Australian retailers run rolling sale events throughout the year, and NAS discount levels vary by retailer, model and sale event. The Synology DS124 has a market price of about $255. The Synology DS223j has a market price of about $322 and is the smarter buy for most people if you can afford it. But do not sit on the fence hoping for a dramatic price drop. Stock and price movements vary by model and retailer, so compare current listings instead of assuming a uniform upward trend.

**Q: What is the warranty process for a NAS in Australia?**

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. Separate manufacturer-warranty processes and some manufacturer remedies may also be available. NAS vendors like Synology and Asustor do not have service centres in Australia. The claim flows from retailer to distributor to the vendor in Taiwan, then back. Expect a 2-3 week turnaround for a replacement. Advanced replacements (receiving a new unit before returning the faulty one) are generally not available through standard processes, though some resellers will accommodate this informally. Have this conversation with your retailer before you buy, not after.

If you're still deciding on a brand, our [Synology vs QNAP comparison guide](/blog/synology-vs-qnap-australia/) breaks down which platform suits different use cases in Australia.

**Q: Can I access my NAS remotely over the internet?**

Yes. The Synology DS124 supports QuickConnect, which lets you access files, photos, and the DSM interface from anywhere via a web browser or mobile app. The Asustor AS1102TL has EZ-Connect for the same purpose. Both work on most Australian NBN connections, including those behind CGNAT. Performance depends on your upload speed. A typical NBN 100 plan gives you roughly 20Mbps upload (2-3 MB/s effective), which is fine for documents and photos but slow for large files.

Ready to explore more capable NAS options with RAID protection and better performance? Check our full guide to the best NAS under $500 in Australia.

**[Best NAS Under $500 Australia →](https://needtoknowit.com.au/blog/best-nas-under-500-australia/)**