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Choose a TerraMaster NAS by starting with the number of drive bays you need, then match its processor, memory, networking and drive support to your workload. The two-bay F2-424 suits buyers who want a smaller system; the four-bay F4-424 leaves more room for capacity growth; and the four-bay F4-424 Pro has higher listed processor and memory specifications for buyers considering heavier applications or multitasking. These comparisons are based on TerraMaster’s specifications, not independent performance tests.
Which TerraMaster NAS should you choose?
For a home or small office, the main choice among these three models is whether two bays are enough and whether your workload warrants the Pro model’s higher listed specifications.
| Model | Drive bays | Listed processor and memory | Networking and M.2 slots | Who it may suit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F2-424 | 2 | Intel N95; 8 GB DDR5 | Dual 2.5GbE; two M.2 NVMe slots | A home or small-office buyer who wants a two-drive system and does not need four bays. |
| F4-424 | 4 | Intel N95; 8 GB DDR5 | Dual 2.5GbE; two M.2 NVMe slots | A home or small-office buyer prioritizing additional bays and room to grow. |
| F4-424 Pro | 4 | Intel Core i3; 32 GB DDR5 | Dual 2.5GbE; two M.2 NVMe slots | A buyer considering higher listed CPU and memory specifications for heavier applications or multitasking. |
TerraMaster positions its entry-level range for personal and home users, and its advanced range for power home users and small offices, including virtualization and multitasking use cases. That is the manufacturer’s positioning, not an independent ranking of the models. See TerraMaster’s product-family overview, F2-424 listing, F4-424 listing and F4-424 Pro listing for current model information.
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The F2-424 has two bays; the F4-424 and F4-424 Pro each have four. More bays allow more drives to be installed, but the sum of drive capacities is not necessarily the amount of storage available for files. RAID configuration affects usable capacity.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with an Intel x86 quad-core processor and 4GB RAM, the F4-425 network attached storage effortlessly handles 4K transcoding and multitasking. The 2.5GbE port ensures ultra-fast file transfers and supports multi-user concurrent access
- Home Multimedia Hub: The F4-425 media server supports hardware-level 4K H.265 decoding, compatible with Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin for smooth HD video playback, with DLNA for seamless multi-device streaming. The Photos app features AI smart album and efficiently organizes millions of photos
- TNAS Mobile Full Control: Initialize setup for your F4-425 NAS storage via the TNAS Mobile app without a PC. The mobile app supports automatic photo and video backups, plus real-time local/remote synchronization, all managed through a single client
- Ultra-Quiet & User-Friendly: The F4-425 NAS server operates at just 21dB(A), suitable for quiet environments like bedrooms. Its tool-free Push-Lock design HDD trays enable to install HDDs in 10 seconds
- Massive Storage & Security: The F4-425 4-bay NAS supports up to 120TB storage (4 x 30TB for each bay), 50+ independent user accounts, and flexible TRAID / TRAID+ arrays, 30% more storage space than traditional RAID while ensuring data redundancy. SPC module and CloudSync (compatible with Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) enable seamless cross-platform synchronization and uninterrupted data access. Additionally, TerraSync enables two-way sync between the F4-425 and PCs/Macs
TerraMaster lists maximum raw capacities of 44 TB for the F2-424, based on two 22 TB drives, and 88 TB for the F4-424, based on four 22 TB drives. These are manufacturer-listed raw figures, and TerraMaster cautions that capacity varies by RAID type. They are not a promise of usable storage after RAID configuration. The F4-424 Pro’s maximum raw capacity is not stated in the cited product information.
Estimate the space you expect to need, account for the capacity implications of your intended RAID setup, and decide whether you want empty bays for later expansion. If you expect your storage needs to grow, four bays offer more room than a two-bay system.
Rank #2
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with an Intel x86 quad-core processor and 4GB RAM, the F2-425 network attached storage effortlessly handles 4K transcoding and multitasking. The 2.5GbE port ensures ultra-fast file transfers and supports multi-user concurrent access
- Home Multimedia Hub: The F2-425 media server supports hardware-level 4K H.265 decoding, compatible with Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin for smooth HD video playback, with DLNA for seamless multi-device streaming. The Photos app features AI smart album and efficiently organizes millions of photos
- TNAS Mobile Full Control: Initialize setup for your F2-425 NAS storage via the TNAS Mobile app without a PC. The mobile app supports automatic photo and video backups, plus real-time local/remote synchronization, all managed through a single client
- Ultra-Quiet & User-Friendly: The F2-425 NAS server operates at just 19dB(A), suitable for quiet environments like bedrooms. Its tool-free Push-Lock design HDD trays enable to install HDDs in 10 seconds
- Massive Storage & Security: The F2-425 2-bay NAS supports up to 60TB storage (2 x 30TB for each bay), 50+ independent user accounts, and flexible TRAID arrays, saving 30% more storage space than traditional RAID while ensuring data redundancy. SPC security module and CloudSync (supporting Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) guarantee worry-free data protection. Additionally, TerraSync enables two-way sync between the F2-425 and PCs/Macs
Does the F4-424 Pro make sense for your workload?
The F4-424 and F4-424 Pro both have four bays, dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots in the listed specifications. The Pro’s listed Intel Core i3 processor and 32 GB DDR5 memory are higher-spec than the F4-424’s Intel N95 and 8 GB DDR5.
Those differences can help you compare models if you plan to run multiple applications, media services or virtualization workloads. They do not establish how fast either NAS will perform in a particular setup: the cited product information is not an independent benchmark. If your priority is simply four drive bays, compare the F4-424 and Pro against the applications and workload you actually expect rather than assuming the Pro is necessary.
Rank #3
- Powerful Hardware: The F6-424 NAS storage features an N95 quad-core 4-thread CPU 3.4GHz (turbo), integrated UHD GPU at 0.75GHz, 8GB DDR5 4800MHz memory (non-ECC, upgradable up to 32GB), dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, and dual M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching.
- Enhanced Application Speed: The F6-424 NAS enclosure, equipped with a powerful CPU and DDR5 memory, achieves a remarkable 140% performance boost over its predecessors. Experience 90% faster application load times, a 40% increase in file and photo retrieval speed, a 50% improvement in database response speed, and a outstanding 60% faster PHP response for web pages. Elevate your workflow efficiency with seamless high-load performance.
- High-Speed Connectivity: The F6-424 NAS case features dual 2.5 GbE interfaces and can achieve a linear data transmission speed of 283 MB/s (tested with NAS dedicated HDDs 18TB x 4, RAID 0), Link Aggregation offers a network bandwidth up to 5 Gb, ideal for multi-user and high-concurrent file access. Featuring dual USB 3.2 10Gbps interfaces, data transfer between your NAS and external devices is made swift. The F6-424 supports various RAID types, including RAID 0/1/5/6/10/JBOD/Single, TRAID and TRAID+.
- Effortless M.2 SSD Installation: TerraMaster streamlines M.2 SSD handling in the F6-424 NAS server with a side-sliding cover, allowing quick and simple SSD installation. The inclusion of hand-tightened screws ensures a hassle-free installation process. The F6-424 NAS adopts a tool-free hard disk tray, eliminating the need for additional tools during hard disk installation. Additionally, TerraMaster's innovative Push-Lock design automatically secures inserted hard disks, preventing accidental disconnection or offline issues.
- Comprehensive Business Backup Solution: The F6-424 backup server comes with TerraMaster Business Backup Suite (BBS) which is an enterprise-grade solution that includes Centralized Backup for data consolidation, TerraSync for server and PC synchronization, Duple Backup for off-site recovery, CloudSync for cloud recovery, and Snapshot for ransomware protection. BBS offers flexible, high-performance backup strategies tailored for small and medium-sized businesses.
Check the network your NAS will connect to
All three models list dual 2.5GbE ports. That describes the NAS ports, not the speed a client will necessarily experience. Actual network performance depends on the client devices, switch, cabling and configuration as well as the NAS. Check that the rest of your home or office network can make use of the connection before treating the ports as a reason to choose one model.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose compatible drives and plan backup separately
The enclosure and its drives are separate purchase decisions. TerraMaster lists the F4-424 as supporting 3.5-inch SATA hard drives, 2.5-inch SATA hard drives and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. Confirm support for your chosen drive model and capacity using the compatibility information for the exact NAS before buying.
Rank #4
- Powerful 4-Bay NAS with Triple M.2 Expansion & Premium Build: Powered by the Intel N95 Quad-Core CPU (up to 3.4GHz) and 8GB memory, the F4-425 Plus NAS delivers high-efficiency performance for demanding users. Its innovative triple M.2 SSD design supports SSD cache or independent storage pools. All housed in a durable aluminum-alloy chassis with tool-less Push-Lock HDD trays for easy drive installation and long-term reliability.
- Meet TOS 7 – The First AI-Native NAS Operating System, with OpenClaw AI Agent ready to download from the App Center. This 4-bay NAS breaks free from traditional complexity, delivering a fundamental shift from a passive NAS enclosure to an active AI-powered assistant. OpenClaw's natural language interface lets you command your NAS in plain language — no CLI, no menus, no learning curve. TOS 7's one-stop AI platform orchestrates intelligent workflows across storage, backup, and media; while predictive management proactively handles data protection, semantic search, and smart organization. Just tell TOS 7 what you need — it understands, executes, and adapts.
- 4K Multimedia Server for the Whole Family: With hardware 4K decoding and native support for Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin, this multimedia server streams your media library to smart TVs, phones, tablets, and streaming sticks. The TerraMaster Photos app automatically organizes family memories with AI-powered smart categorization.
- Dual 5GbE LAN Ports up to 1020MB/s: Featuring dual 5GbE network interfaces, the F4-425 Plus network attached storage supports link aggregation and SMB Multichannel, achieving up to 1020 MB/s sequential read/write speeds. Ideal for video editors, creative teams, and small business offices that require fast and reliable data access.
- Massive 152TB Storage with TRAID Protection & Data Drive Mounting: The F4-425 Plus NAS server supports up to 152TB total capacity (4× HDD + 3× M.2 SSD). TerraMaster's exclusive TRAID technology optimizes capacity while providing strong data protection. Plus, easily integrate your existing storage: first install TOS 7 on a new drive, then hot-plug your existing data drive for instant access without formatting – keeping all your files secure and untouched. Housed in a durable aluminum-alloy chassis, the F4-425 Plus is built to last.
The F2-424 and F4-424 materials list RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10, as well as JBOD, Single and TRAID. RAID choices involve trade-offs in usable capacity, fault tolerance and expansion; the cited product information does not establish one configuration as the right choice for every buyer. RAID does not replace a separate backup. Keep an independent copy of important files so that a problem affecting the NAS does not leave you without another copy.
A practical selection checklist
- Set your bay requirement. Choose between the F2-424’s two bays and the four bays on the F4-424 and F4-424 Pro.
- Estimate usable capacity. Select drive capacities and a RAID approach with the understanding that usable space differs from raw drive capacity.
- List the work the NAS must do. Consider file storage, media services, applications, virtualization and the number of users; compare the listed CPU and memory against those needs without treating specifications as a performance guarantee.
- Check network compatibility. Confirm that client devices, switches, cabling and configuration support the network connection you plan to use.
- Verify drives and backup. Check drive compatibility for the exact model and decide how you will keep an independent backup.
Prices, stock, configurations, drive capacities and compatibility can change. Consult the official product listings and the compatibility information for your selected enclosure before purchasing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
