Is a NAS Better Than Cloud Storage?

NAS is better than cloud storage if you want to maintain control over your data, and keep it local to your network and physical location

Can a NAS Be Used as a Cloud?

Yes. It is essentially a private cloud that you can use on your home network.

What Are the Disadvantages of NAS?

Some disadvantages of NAS devices include paying high upfront costs, performing maintenance and upkeep, and having security and privacy responsibilities

Is NAS Better Than Google Drive?

NAS is better than Google Drive if you want to keep your data local and private.

NAS vs Cloud Storage for Data Backup: Pros & Cons in 2025

Storing your data in a location other than your device is always a smart decision. If you are considering using a local NAS device or subscribing to a cloud solution, we’ll help you decide in this NAS vs cloud storage guide.

Written by Jason Stagnitto (Writer, Script Writer)

Reviewed by Valentina Bravo (Editor)

Facts checked by Igor Kurtz (Fact-checking editor)

Last Updated: 12 Apr'25

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Key Takeaways: NAS vs Cloud Storage

Using a NAS device keeps your data local and under your control. However, you are responsible for its security and privacy.
A cloud storage provider has tight security; the most private ones use zero-knowledge encryption. Your data lives on a remote server, and it comes with a subscription.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. The best choice for you comes down to what you need from a data storage solution.

Facts & Expert Analysis: Network-Attached Storage & Cloud Storage

Disk sold separately: Part of the high upfront cost of getting a NAS is the storage itself. In most cases, storage is sold separately from the actual NAS device.
Internet research: There is no shortage of NAS providers, each with different configurations, styles and model numbers. Before you invest the money into a NAS, research the available options.
Free options: Nearly every cloud storage solution has a free account for users to sign up. Doing this is a good way to test the service. However, the storage you get with a free account is almost never enough for all your data.

Backing up your data is an important step to ensure you don’t lose irreplaceable files, such as pictures or home videos. Of course, you could choose from the best online backup services and be just fine. However, if you don’t want to rely on third-party services to handle your data, consider using a NAS. In this article, we’ll compare NAS vs cloud storage to see which is better for you.

A NAS or cloud storage service will certainly do the job of backing up your data. However, both options have some pros and cons that you need to consider first. To help you make an informed decision, read on to see how each stacks up in the sections below.

Meet the experts

Jason Stagnitto (Writer, Script Writer)

Jason Stagnitto is a seasoned writer with over a decade of experience, specializing in cloud storage and online backup, and contributing to Cloudwards for over a year. Holding a Masters in IT from SNHU and a Bachelors in English and Historical and Political Studies from Chaminade University, Jason’s extensive educational background is complemented by his professional writing stints for platforms like Dogtown Media and CBT Nuggets. Beyond his technical expertise, he harbors a love for fantasy and sci-fi literature, movies, and a keen focus on health and well-being.

More about Jason Stagnitto

Valentina Bravo (Editor)

Valentina Bravo is an editor at Cloudwards with a rich background in technology topics, particularly productivity tools and online security. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and a triple Master’s degree in Literary and Cultural Studies. Her prior role as an academic writing instructor and over a decade of freelance editing across various fields, including academic publishing and tech education, have honed her skills in nurturing writers and producing strategically resonant content. Outside of work, she is a travel enthusiast, music lover and avid learner interested in global cultures, spirituality, psychology and neuroscience.

More about Valentina Bravo

Learn more about our editorial team and our research process.

01/28/2025 Facts checked

We rewrote this article to show a comparison between NAS and cloud storage.
updates

What Is Network-Attached Storage (NAS)?

Network-attached storage is a device specifically designed to store and share files, typically within a local area network. It is a physical device you set up in your home that connects to your devices. The NAS typically has a graphical user interface for managing your data, which is accessible through a web address or a downloadable app.

A NAS is like an upgraded external hard drive. Both store your files, but you can do much more with a NAS. This is because a NAS comes with an operating system, making it a personal file server in your home. As long as you can access your network, your files are always available.

Since they are scalable, NAS devices can grow or shrink as needed, making them a good option for businesses that need to store lots of data in one or two locations. If necessary, a NAS can also be designed using RAID configuration. Having RAID configuration on your NAS lets you set up your hard drives for data redundancy and loss protection.

Advantages of NAS Data Storage

Using a NAS has many advantages, including lower overall costs of ownership and maintaining more control over your data.

Cost-friendly: With a NAS, you don’t pay recurring monthly or annual costs for a service subscription. In the long run, it saves you a lot of money.
Local data: By keeping your data local, you don’t have to worry about third-party mishandling or even eavesdropping, although both are infrequent occurrences.
Scalability: Many NAS devices can handle larger hard drives that increase the overall storage capacity, most often by simply swapping them out. Some even allow extensions that go beyond the predetermined number of bays on the device.
Data redundancy: If you set up your NAS with RAID configurations, you can implement data redundancy that protects against the loss of one or more hard drives if they fail.

Disadvantages of NAS Devices

NAS devices are not perfect data storage solutions. As with most things tech-related, you should consider the following potential issues and limitations before making a decision.

Maintenance: Since you own the hardware, you are responsible for maintaining it and even troubleshooting, if needed.
Cyber threats: Similar to performing maintenance, you must protect the NAS and its contents from the ever-growing number of cyber threats.
Higher upfront costs: You’ll need to purchase the hardware, which includes the NAS device and the hard drives for storing your data. It could be a significant upfront investment.
Scalability limitations: Despite the ability to increase hard drive capacity, it is possible that your digital life could outgrow the maximum storage space. This would mean reinvesting into a larger and more expensive NAS.

What Is Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage is a service that stores customer data on remote servers. To upload, download or manage your data, you need an internet connection and an interface provided by the cloud storage company. You can store and share data from your computer or mobile devices.

The main feature that makes cloud storage work is data synchronization. By keeping your data synced across the devices connected to your account, you will always have access to the latest version of a given file. Any changes you make to a file will automatically sync with all of your devices.

Cloud storage shouldn’t be confused with cloud backup. These are different services that have distinct use cases. As mentioned above, cloud storage keeps your data synced, while online backup stores a copy of your data to protect against loss or hardware failure. We go into greater detail in our cloud storage vs online backup article.

Advantages of Cloud Storage Services

Cloud storage services come with several benefits, the most significant being the ability to access your data from anywhere with an internet connection.

Security: Online cloud storage uses the strongest encryption, such as AES 256-bit and TLS/SSL encryption protocols, to protect your data.
Zero-knowledge encryption: The cloud storage services that put a premium on your privacy use zero-knowledge encryption. With it, no one — not even the service provider — can view your files without your permission.
Off-site servers: Cloud storage providers use one or more hardened data centers to store your data and keep it safe from digital and physical threats.
Scalability: Most cloud storage providers let you easily increase your overall storage capacity by selecting a plan that meets your needs.
Minimal maintenance: All of the responsibility for running the servers, operating the hard drives and protecting the data centers rests with the service provider, not you.

Disadvantages of Cloud Services

Despite the many benefits that come with cloud services, there are some potential factors to consider that may not make it the best option for you.

Long-term cost: Most plans that offer a decent amount of storage space are not cheap. Higher-priced plans and business plans can charge a premium price.
Connectivity: You are completely reliant on the cloud storage service to connect to and access the servers that hold your data. If they go down, you won’t be able to access your account.
Vendor lock-in: If you’ve been with a cloud storage solution for a long time, it can be difficult to switch to another provider and transfer your data over. Plus, there’s no guarantee a vendor will be around indefinitely.
Third-party reliance: If you sign up for a long-term contract or even a lifetime plan (if offered), you could become reliant on the third party for all your cloud storage needs.

What Is Personal Cloud Storage?

Personal cloud storage can be a term for cloud storage designed for personal use. This service lets you store, sync and share data across multiple devices. You can also upload data to help free up space on your devices. Personal cloud storage is often used for photos, videos or important documents.

Personal cloud storage can also refer to using a NAS device and your local network to create a private cloud just for your own use. It functions in the same way as cloud storage providers, but the hardware is located in your home, and the devices connected to your network can use it. You can still upload, edit or share files with others on the same network, and you can access the NAS.

Cloud Storage vs NAS: Detailed Comparison

NAS and cloud storage are strong in some areas and weaker in others. The following table shows a side-by-side comparison of a few essential categories.

Feature:	NAS	Cloud Storage
Security	Generally good, with the onus to protect data falling on the owner.	Uses the highest encryption standards for data at rest and in transit.
Privacy	Good privacy as your data remains local; risks are related to network security.	Some are better than others. Cloud storage with zero-knowledge encryption is the best for privacy.
Storage Options	NAS uses bays with hard drives (often sold separately).	Storage options are directly tied to subscription plans.
Reliability	Involves a piece of tech hardware; at some point, it will fail.	Having multiple hard drives and servers means that most cloud storage has 99.9% uptime.
Scalability	Scalable to a point as every NAS has a max storage capacity.	Generally good, but dependent on the service provider’s plans.
Cost	Higher upfront costs but minimal long-term costs. No subscriptions required.	Can get pricey, especially with higher storage plans. Pricing can be monthly or annual, with some offering lifetime plans.

Final Thoughts: NAS Server vs Cloud Storage

Choosing a NAS or a cloud storage subscription will depend on your data storage needs. NAS gives you complete control over your data, but it can be limiting if you need to access your data away from home. Cloud storage works from anywhere, but your data lives on a remote server. Whichever one you choose is better than not storing your data at all.

Do you use a cloud service provider for your data storage? What is your favorite online cloud storage? Do you have a preference for a NAS device? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading our article.

FAQ: NAS Cloud Storage

NAS is better than cloud storage if you want to maintain control over your data, and keep it local to your network and physical location
Yes. It is essentially a private cloud that you can use on your home network.
Some disadvantages of NAS devices include paying high upfront costs, performing maintenance and upkeep, and having security and privacy responsibilities
NAS is better than Google Drive if you want to keep your data local and private.