Are the QNAP TS-464, TR-004, and TS-264 Still Worth Using?
Detailed Answer
QNAP’s lineup can be confusing with dozens of models spanning different generations and capabilities. The TS-464, TR-004, and TS-264 are popular choices frequently recommended in NAS communities. Let’s examine whether each remains relevant and worth purchasing in 2026.
QNAP TS-464: The Plex-Ready 4-Bay NAS
The TS-464 is QNAP’s mainstream 4-bay NAS, positioned as a media-focused device with hardware transcoding capabilities.
Key Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Celeron N5105 (4 cores, 2.0-2.9 GHz)
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB)
- Bays: 4x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA
- M.2 Slots: 2x NVMe (for SSD caching or storage pool)
- Networking: 2x 2.5GbE RJ45
- Quick Sync: Yes (Intel UHD Graphics)
- HDMI: Yes (4K 60Hz output)
Why the TS-464 Is Still Worth It:
1. Hardware Transcoding Excellence
The Intel Celeron N5105 includes Intel Quick Sync, enabling efficient hardware transcoding for Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin. The TS-464 can handle 5-8 simultaneous 1080p transcodes or 2-3 4K transcodes — impressive for a $450 NAS. This makes it one of the most cost-effective Plex servers available.
2. Dual 2.5GbE Networking
While 10GbE would be nice, dual 2.5GbE ports provide 5Gbps aggregate bandwidth via link aggregation. This exceeds most home users’ needs and costs nothing extra.
3. NVMe SSD Slots
Two M.2 NVMe slots enable SSD caching for improved random read/write performance, or can be used as a high-speed storage pool for applications and databases.
4. Mature Software Ecosystem
QNAP’s QTS operating system has matured significantly. While historically buggier than Synology’s DSM, recent versions are stable and feature-rich. Container Station (Docker support), Virtualization Station, and QuMagie (photo management) add genuine value.
Limitations:
- Security History: QNAP has faced ransomware attacks targeting their NAS devices. Keep firmware updated and follow security best practices (disable UPnP, use VPN for remote access).
- Software Learning Curve: QTS is more complex than Synology DSM — more powerful but less intuitive for beginners.
- Fan Noise: The TS-464’s cooling can be audible under load; not ideal for living room placement.
Current Pricing: $430-480 (diskless)
Verdict: Still Worth It?
Absolutely yes for Plex users. The TS-464 offers the best price-to-transcoding-performance ratio in its class. The dual 2.5GbE and NVMe slots future-proof it reasonably well. If media streaming is your primary use case, the TS-464 is hard to beat.
QNAP TS-264: Compact 2-Bay for Beginners
The TS-264 is QNAP’s entry-level 2-bay NAS with the same Intel Celeron platform as the TS-464.
Key Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Celeron N5095 (4 cores, 2.0-2.9 GHz)
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB)
- Bays: 2x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA
- M.2 Slots: 2x NVMe
- Networking: 2x 2.5GbE RJ45
- Quick Sync: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (4K 60Hz output)
Why the TS-264 Is Still Worth It:
The TS-264 packs TS-464-level capabilities into a 2-bay form factor. You get the same Intel Quick Sync transcoding, dual 2.5GbE networking, and NVMe slots — just with fewer drive bays.
Ideal For:
- Individual users or couples without massive storage needs
- First-time NAS buyers testing the waters
- Secondary/backup NAS devices
- Small media libraries (under 20TB)
Limitations:
- Limited Expansion: 2 bays cap your raw storage at approximately 40TB (using 20TB drives) before RAID redundancy
- Same Price Concern: The TS-264 often costs only $50-80 less than the TS-464, making the 4-bay version better value per bay
Current Pricing: $350-400 (diskless)
Verdict: Still Worth It?
Yes, but consider the TS-464 instead. The TS-264 is capable, but the small price difference to the TS-464 makes the 4-bay model better value for most users. Buy the TS-264 only if you’re certain you’ll never need more than 2 bays or if space constraints require the smaller unit.
QNAP TR-004: Simple USB DAS
The TR-004 is fundamentally different from the TS models — it’s a DAS (Direct Attached Storage), not a NAS. It connects via USB, not network, and has no operating system or apps.
Key Specifications:
- Bays: 4x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
- RAID Modes: JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 (hardware RAID)
- Hot-Swap: Yes
- No CPU/RAM/OS: It’s a “dumb” enclosure with hardware RAID
Why the TR-004 Is Still Worth It:
1. Simple Storage Expansion
The TR-004 adds 4 drive bays to any computer or NAS with a USB port. Connect it to your existing NAS, PC, or Mac for instant storage expansion without buying a whole new NAS.
2. Hardware RAID Without Configuration
Unlike software RAID, the TR-004 handles RAID processing in hardware. Set the DIP switches for your desired RAID level, insert drives, and you’re done. The computer sees it as a single drive.
3. Portable(-ish) Mass Storage
While not truly portable, the TR-004 can move between systems easily. Use it with your desktop during the week and connect to a laptop for weekend work.
4. Budget-Friendly Expansion
At $180-220, the TR-004 costs less than most 4-bay NAS enclosures and far less than adding internal bays to a computer.
Limitations:
- USB Bandwidth: 5Gbps USB limits throughput to approximately 400-450 MB/s — fine for HDDs but bottlenecks SSDs
- No Network Access: Files are only available to the connected device; no remote access without that device running
- No Smart Features: No apps, no media streaming, no Docker — just raw storage
Current Pricing: $180-220
Verdict: Still Worth It?
Yes, for its intended purpose. The TR-004 excels at simple, reliable storage expansion. It’s not a NAS and shouldn’t be compared to one. If you need to add 4 drive bays to an existing system cheaply, the TR-004 delivers exactly that.
Comparison: TS-464 vs TS-264 vs TR-004
| Feature | TS-464 | TS-264 | TR-004 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | NAS | NAS | DAS |
| Bays | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| CPU | Intel Celeron N5105 | Intel Celeron N5095 | None (hardware RAID) |
| Quick Sync | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Network | 2x 2.5GbE | 2x 2.5GbE | None (USB only) |
| NVMe Slots | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Plex Transcoding | Excellent | Excellent | N/A |
| Remote Access | Yes | Yes | No |
| Docker/Apps | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price | $430-480 | $350-400 | $180-220 |
Alternatives to Consider
Instead of TS-464:
- Synology DS923+ — Similar price, AMD CPU (no Quick Sync), better software polish
- Synology DS423+ — Intel Quick Sync, excellent DSM software, slightly higher price
- QNAP TS-464T — Thunderbolt 4 version for Mac users
Instead of TS-264:
- Synology DS224+ — Intel CPU, DSM software, similar capabilities
- QNAP TS-262 — Similar specs, occasionally cheaper
Instead of TR-004:
- Terramaster D4-300 — Similar DAS with USB-C
- ORICO 4-bay enclosure — Budget options under $100 (no hardware RAID)
Security Note for QNAP Users
QNAP devices have been targeted by ransomware (Deadbolt, Qlocker) more frequently than Synology. Protect yourself:
- Disable UPnP on your router
- Don’t expose QNAP directly to the internet — use VPN for remote access
- Keep firmware updated immediately when patches release
- Enable 2FA for admin accounts
- Disable unnecessary services (SSH, Telnet, web server if not used)
- Use strong, unique passwords
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Summary
| Model | Still Worth It? | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| QNAP TS-464 | Yes | Plex servers, media streaming, home NAS |
| QNAP TS-264 | Yes (but TS-464 is better value) | Small storage needs, 2-bay requirement |
| QNAP TR-004 | Yes | Simple USB storage expansion, DAS use |
All three QNAP models remain solid purchases in 2026. The TS-464 stands out as the best value for media-focused users, while the TR-004 serves a completely different (but equally valid) purpose as affordable DAS expansion.