qnap ts vs hs

QNAP TS vs HS: Which NAS Series Is Right for You?

Picking the perfect Network Attached Storage (NAS) device can be tricky. QNAP offers two popular series – the TS and HS – each with unique features. This QNAP NAS comparison will help you decide which fits your needs best.

The TS series, known for its versatility, comes in various sizes. From compact 2-bay models to large 8-bay towers, it caters to both home users and small businesses. The TS-464, a 4-bay model expected in 2022, promises powerful performance with its Intel CPU and dual 2.5GbE ports.

On the other hand, the HS series focuses on silent operation. The upcoming HS-264, a 2-bay model, is designed for quiet environments. It’s perfect if you need a NAS that won’t disturb your living or working space.

Both series offer impressive features. The TS lineup excels in expandability and raw power, while the HS prioritizes noise reduction without sacrificing performance. As we dive deeper into this comparison, you’ll discover which QNAP NAS series aligns best with your storage needs.

Understanding QNAP NAS Series Architecture

QNAP NAS devices come in various shapes and sizes to suit different needs. Let’s explore the key aspects of QNAP form factors, NAS hardware specs, and the QTS operating system that power these versatile storage solutions.

Form Factor Differences

QNAP offers three main form factors:

  • Tower: Popular for home and small office use
  • Rackmount: Ideal for enterprise settings
  • Set-Top: Designed for silent operation in home environments

The TS series typically features tower designs, while the HS series, like the HS-264, showcases a unique set-top form factor. At just 4.1cm tall, the HS-264 is one of the slimmest 2-bay NAS systems available.

Hardware Specifications Overview

QNAP NAS hardware specs vary widely to cater to different performance needs:

  • Processors: Intel, AMD, Marvell, Realtek, and AnnapurnaLabs
  • Memory: Options range from basic to high-performance configurations
  • Drive bays: 1 to 30 bays available
  • Connectivity: Built-in ports from 2.5GbE to 25GbE, plus Thunderbolt 3 and USB options

For example, the HS-264 boasts an Intel N5105/N5095 Quad Core Celeron processor, 8GB DDR4 memory, and 2.5GbE network connectivity.

Operating System Variations

QNAP devices run on three main operating systems:

  • QTS: The standard OS for most QNAP devices
  • QuTS hero: Features 128-bit ZFS for enhanced data protection
  • QES: Based on FreeBSD kernel, tailored for enterprise use

These systems offer user-friendly interfaces and robust features for file management, multimedia streaming, and data backup. The HS-264, for instance, runs on QTS, providing a balance of performance and ease of use for home users.

QNAP TS vs HS: Core Differences and Features

When choosing between QNAP TS and HS series, understanding their core differences is key. These two lines cater to distinct needs, with unique design philosophies and performance characteristics.

Design Philosophy and Use Cases

The TS vs HS design reflects different priorities. TS models offer versatility for various environments. HS series, like the HS-251+, focuses on silent operation, ideal for home use. Its fanless design makes it a perfect fit for noise-sensitive areas.

Performance Comparisons

NAS performance varies between series. Both TS-251+ and HS-251+ feature quad-core Intel Celeron processors at 2.0GHz. The TS-251+ offers more RAM options, with up to 8GB, while the HS-251+ is fixed at 2GB. This impacts multitasking capabilities, especially for demanding tasks like running Roon Server.

Noise Levels and Cooling Systems

The HS series shines as a silent NAS option. The HS-251+ operates at just 6.5 dB(A), compared to the TS-251+’s 15.4 dB(A). This significant difference stems from the HS model’s fanless design. It’s perfect for living spaces where noise is a concern. The TS series uses traditional cooling, offering better performance for intensive tasks but at the cost of higher noise levels.

  • TS-251+: Higher performance, more versatile
  • HS-251+: Ultra-quiet operation, ideal for home media centers
  • Power consumption: HS series slightly more efficient

Your choice between TS and HS depends on your priorities. If silence is golden, the HS series is your go-to. For more power and flexibility, the TS series delivers. Consider your space, noise tolerance, and performance needs when deciding.

Storage Capabilities and Expansion Options

QNAP NAS systems offer diverse storage options to fit your needs. The number of NAS drive bays ranges from 1 to 30, giving you flexibility in capacity. Let’s explore the key aspects of QNAP storage solutions.

Drive Bay Configurations

QNAP NAS devices come in various sizes. You can choose from compact 2-bay models for home use to large 30-bay systems for businesses. This range lets you pick the right size for your storage needs.

RAID Support and Data Protection

QNAP RAID support is robust, offering multiple options to secure your data. You can set up RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, or 60, depending on your model. This flexibility helps you balance performance and data protection. Some models even allow hot spare configurations for quick recovery.

Expansion Unit Compatibility

NAS expansion units extend your storage as your needs grow. QNAP offers over 20 different expansion options, including desktop and rackmount models. These units connect via USB, SATA, or SAS interfaces. The TL-XXXXC series, for example, adds 8-12 drives with USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds up to 10 Gb/s. For even more capacity, the TL-XXXXS series supports 4-16 drives with throughput up to 6 GB/s.

  • TL-XXXXC: 8-12 drives, USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gb/s)
  • TR-XXX: 2-4 drives, USB 3.1 Gen 1/2 (5-10 Gb/s)
  • TL-XXXXS: 4-16 drives, up to 6 GB/s throughput

With these options, you can start small and scale up your QNAP NAS as your data grows, ensuring you always have the right amount of storage.

Connectivity and Interface Options

QNAP NAS connectivity options are extensive, catering to diverse user needs. The TS and HS series offer a range of QNAP interfaces to enhance your network options. Let’s explore the key features that set these NAS devices apart.

Both series come equipped with Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing solid baseline performance. For those seeking faster speeds, select models feature 2.5GbE or even 10GbE connections. These high-speed ports significantly boost data transfer rates, ideal for businesses or power users.

USB 3.0 ports are standard across both lines, allowing quick connections to external drives or devices. HDMI outputs are available on many models, enabling direct video playback at 1080p resolution. This feature is perfect for home media setups.

Advanced users will appreciate the link aggregation support. This technology combines multiple network connections, increasing bandwidth and providing failover protection. It’s a powerful tool for optimizing your network performance.

Some high-end models in the TS series even offer Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. This ultra-fast interface is perfect for creative professionals working with large files or requiring rapid data access.

  • Gigabit Ethernet: Standard on all models
  • 2.5GbE/10GbE: Available on select models
  • USB 3.0: Multiple ports for external devices
  • HDMI: Direct video output capabilities
  • Link Aggregation: Combine ports for increased performance
  • Thunderbolt 3: Ultra-fast connectivity on high-end models

When choosing between QNAP TS and HS series, consider your connectivity needs. The TS series typically offers more varied and advanced options, while the HS series focuses on essential connections for a streamlined setup.

Performance Considerations for Home and Business Use

When choosing a NAS for home use or evaluating business NAS performance, it’s crucial to consider processing power, memory, and networking capabilities. The QNAP TS and HS series offer various options to suit different needs.

Processing Power and Memory Options

The QNAP TS-262, priced at $439, features an Intel N4505 Dual-Core Celeron processor and 4GB DDR4 memory. This configuration provides solid performance for home users and small businesses. For more demanding tasks, the TS-464, at $549, offers expandable memory up to 16GB, making it suitable for resource-intensive applications.

Network Performance and Throughput

Network speed is vital for efficient data transfer. The TS-262 supports 2.5GbE connectivity, while the TS-464 boasts two multi-gig Ethernet ports. In performance tests, the TS-464 achieved write speeds of 89MBps and read speeds of 90MBps, outperforming several competitors in its class.

Multimedia Capabilities

For those looking to set up a multimedia server, both models offer impressive features. The TS-262 includes an HDMI 2.1 output, perfect for direct media playback. The TS-464 supports up to four drives with a potential 88TB capacity, ideal for storing large media libraries. With 107 apps available through the QNAP App Center, users can customize their NAS to serve as a powerful multimedia hub for home entertainment or business presentations.

Making the Right Choice: Price-Performance Analysis

When it comes to NAS price comparison, QNAP offers a range of options to suit various budgets and needs. The TS series, like the TS-220 priced at $230, provides a cost-effective entry point. For those seeking more features, the HS-210 at $290 offers a 40% performance boost over the TS-220, showcasing QNAP’s value for money.

In the higher-end segment, the TVS-h1288X and TVS-h874X, both priced between $2500 and $3200, cater to power users. The TVS-h1288X boasts 128GB max memory and 12 drive bays, while the TVS-h874X offers 64GB max memory and 8 bays. These specs highlight how QNAP balances features and cost across their lineup.

For those seeking the best NAS for budget, consider long-term costs too. The TVS-h1288X consumes slightly more power (97.492W vs 96.247W) in typical operation compared to the TVS-h874X. This minimal difference suggests that running costs won’t significantly impact your choice between these high-performance models.

Ultimately, your ideal QNAP NAS depends on your specific needs. The HS series offers sleek design and improved performance, while the TS series provides a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features. Whichever you choose, QNAP’s range ensures you’ll find a NAS that delivers on both performance and value.

Our recommendations stem from independent assessments. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission as part of our affiliate program.

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