Cloud may be enough
Cloud storage can remain the easiest option when your needs are modest and you value convenience over keeping files at home.
A NAS, or network-attached storage device, connects to your home router and lets every phone, computer and TV in the house reach the same files. It can give your family one place for photos, videos and documents, but cloud storage may still be the simpler choice for some households.
This guide is for households with files scattered across devices or a cloud plan running out of space, wondering whether a NAS would help.
Before comparing products, work out what problem you want to solve and who needs access.
Cloud storage can remain the easiest option when your needs are modest and you value convenience over keeping files at home.
Photos and videos accumulate quickly, so estimate future needs rather than sizing storage only for today's files.
A useful family setup should be simple enough for everyone to access and for one person to maintain confidently.
Start with the household problem that is prompting you to consider shared storage.
A NAS may help bring family memories together while giving each person a private account and shared family space.
Compare the convenience and ongoing cost of cloud storage with the purchase, maintenance and control involved in running storage at home.
A NAS can be part of a home media setup for watching your own collection on a TV, but media streaming is a separate use case with extra requirements.
Skip product research and focus on safe setup, family accounts, shared folders and reliable day-to-day backups.
Not sure how much space your family actually needs? A few plain questions can give you a starting point.
Answer a few plain questions about your family's files and get a starting capacity estimate.
Open the tool →Every guide below is grouped by where you are in the decision, from working out if a NAS is right for your family through to day-to-day setup.
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It is a storage device shared through your home network, but the full What is a NAS? guide explains how it works without assuming technical knowledge.
Cloud may be enough if you want minimal upkeep and your storage needs are manageable. Read the NAS versus cloud storage guide for the practical trade-offs.
Entry-level systems are designed to guide owners through the basics, but you still need to create accounts, organise folders and arrange backups. If you already own one, follow the family NAS setup guide.
The total varies with the enclosure, storage drives and capacity you need. Use the NAS Sizing Wizard first, then consult the beginner NAS buying guide for current options and Australian pricing.
Ask us anything about NAS, storage, or infrastructure. We reply by email.
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