Imagine this: you’ve spent hours curating your perfect movie and TV show collection, all ready to stream on your Plex server. But then, your trusty hard drive finally gives up the ghost, taking your precious media with it. Or maybe you’re simply out of space and need a way to grow your library without buying more physical drives. This is where cloud storage for Plex swoops in, offering a lifeline for your digital entertainment.
Choosing the right cloud storage can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many services, each with different prices, storage limits, and features. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, and picking the wrong one could mean slow streaming, unexpected costs, or even losing access to your beloved media. You want a solution that’s reliable, affordable, and works seamlessly with your Plex setup.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand the key things to look for in cloud storage for Plex. We’ll break down the jargon, compare popular options, and give you the confidence to find a solution that keeps your media safe and accessible. Get ready to say goodbye to storage headaches and hello to uninterrupted streaming!
Our Top 5 Cloud Storage For Plex Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cloud Storage For Plex Detailed Reviews
1. BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
Rating: 8.9/10
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB is a fantastic option for anyone needing a simple and reliable way to store and back up all their digital stuff. It acts like your own personal cloud right at home, letting you keep all your photos, music, and videos in one safe spot. This makes it super easy to access your files from any device in your house. Plus, it’s built with quality in mind, being made in Japan.
What We Like:
- It’s a great value for a NAS with RAID for keeping your data safe and organized.
- You can easily connect it to your router and share files with all your computers and phones.
- It gives you a subscription-free personal cloud, so no monthly fees for your storage.
- Buffalo focuses on data security with a closed system and SSL encryption to protect your files.
- It makes backing up multiple computers simple with included software.
- You can share files securely with family and friends and control who sees what.
- It comes with 2TB of storage and the hard drive is already included.
- The NAS is made in Japan, which means good quality.
- You get 24/7 US-based support and a 2-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- This model is the LS200, and for more advanced features like faster speeds and cloud capabilities, you’d need to look at the LS700.
- While it offers NAS Navigator 2 for MacOS 10.13 or later, older Mac users might need to check compatibility.
Overall, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB is a solid choice for centralizing your digital life. It offers a secure and easy way to manage your data without ongoing costs.
2. AMBER X Smart Personal Cloud Storage Device Data and Media Files
Rating: 9.2/10
The AMBER X Smart Personal Cloud Storage Device is your new best friend for keeping all your important files and media safe. It’s like having your own private cloud right in your home. This device stores 512GB of data on a super-fast SSD. You can even add more storage using a USB drive. It works with all your gadgets, from phones to computers, and is easy to set up. Plus, you get to keep full control of your data without paying any monthly fees.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to set up and use for backing up all your smart devices.
- You own all your data and have complete control with no membership required.
- Access your files from anywhere and share them with ease.
- It has a fast 512GB SSD built-in and lets you expand storage with USB.
- It’s a private and secure way to store your data, unlike regular cloud services.
- Installing Plex and Home Assistant is a simple one-click process.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial setup might require a bit of patience for those completely new to home networks.
- While expandable, the built-in 512GB might be limiting for very large media collections without additional drives.
The AMBER X offers a fantastic way to manage your digital life. It gives you peace of mind knowing your data is secure and always accessible.
3. BUFFALO LinkStation 210 6TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
Rating: 9.0/10
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 6TB is a smart way to keep all your important files in one place. It’s like having your own private cloud right at home. This network-attached storage (NAS) device lets you save videos, music, and photos from all your computers and phones. You can even share them with family and friends easily. Plus, it comes with a big 6TB hard drive already inside, so you have plenty of space.
What We Like:
- It offers a great value for centralized storage and backups for all your devices.
- Setup is simple; just connect it to your router.
- You get a subscription-free personal cloud, meaning no monthly fees for accessing your files.
- The NAS is built with data security in mind, using a closed system and SSL encryption.
- It makes backing up multiple computers and devices easy with the included software.
- You can securely share files with others by setting individual access permissions.
- The 6TB capacity provides ample storage space.
- It’s made in Japan, suggesting good quality.
- Reliable 24/7 US-based support and a 2-year warranty are included.
What Could Be Improved:
- The LS200 model is noted as having slower performance compared to the LS700, which offers enhanced features and cloud capabilities.
- While it works well for basic needs, users wanting advanced cloud features might consider other models.
This LinkStation is a solid choice for anyone looking to organize and protect their digital life without complicated setups or extra costs. It’s a reliable way to keep your memories and important documents safe and accessible.
4. Synology BeeStation Plus 8TB Personal Cloud Storage Device (BST170-8T)
Rating: 9.2/10
The Synology BeeStation Plus 8TB is a smart way to keep all your important files safe and easy to find. Imagine a private cloud just for you! It lets you put everything from your phone, computer, and even other cloud services into one spot. You can then get to your files from anywhere, whether you’re at home or on vacation.
What We Like:
- You can set up your private cloud very quickly. It’s ready to go in just minutes, so you can start organizing your files right away.
- It gathers all your data from different places like computers, phones, and other cloud storage. This means all your important stuff is in one convenient location.
- You can easily share your storage space with family or friends. Each person gets their own private cloud space, which is great for sharing photos or projects.
- It automatically backs up your phone pictures. Plus, its smart AI can help you find photos of people or things you’re looking for without a lot of searching.
- It comes with a 3-year warranty, giving you peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial setup, while quick, might require a bit of learning for those new to cloud storage.
- While it consolidates data well, managing very large amounts of data might become a bit slower over time.
The Synology BeeStation Plus is a fantastic tool for anyone wanting to simplify their digital life. It offers a secure and accessible way to store and manage all your memories and important documents.
5. BUFFALO LinkStation 210 4TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
Rating: 9.3/10
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 4TB 1-Bay NAS is a smart way to keep all your important files safe and easy to find. It acts like your own personal cloud right at home. You can store photos, music, and videos all in one place. This makes it simple to access your stuff from any device, without paying monthly fees.
What We Like:
- It gives you 4TB of storage, which is a lot of space for your files.
- You can back up your computers automatically, so you don’t lose your work.
- It’s easy to set up and connect to your home network.
- You can share files with family and friends securely.
- It is made in Japan, known for quality.
- It comes with a 2-year warranty and support from the US.
- It offers RAID for better data protection.
- There are no monthly fees for using it as your personal cloud.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a 1-bay NAS, meaning it only has one drive slot. For more advanced users, a multi-bay NAS might be preferred for more robust RAID configurations or expansion.
- While it offers good value, it doesn’t have the very latest cloud features or the extreme speed of higher-end models like the LS 700.
Overall, this NAS is a solid choice for anyone wanting to centralize their digital life and keep their data secure. It’s a great starting point for home network storage.
Choosing the Best Cloud Storage for Your Plex Media Server
Plex is a fantastic way to organize and stream your movies, TV shows, and music. But what happens when your local hard drives get full? Cloud storage offers a great solution for expanding your media library. This guide will help you pick the right cloud storage for your Plex setup.
What to Look for in Cloud Storage for Plex
Key Features to Consider
- Storage Space: How much room do you need? Think about all the movies and shows you have now and what you plan to add.
- Speed (Upload/Download): Faster speeds mean quicker uploads of new media and smoother streaming.
- Reliability: You want your media to be safe and accessible whenever you want it. Look for services with good uptime records.
- Cost: Cloud storage plans vary. Some offer a lot of space for a low monthly fee, while others are more expensive but might have extra features.
- Integration with Plex: Some cloud services work better with Plex than others. Check if the service is easy to connect to your Plex server.
Important Materials (What the Service is Built On)
When we talk about “materials” for cloud storage, we mean the technology and infrastructure behind it. Think of it like the building blocks of the service.
- Data Centers: These are secure buildings where the actual data is stored. More locations can mean faster access for you.
- Servers and Hard Drives: These are the computers and disks that hold your files.
- Network Infrastructure: This is how your data travels from the data center to your Plex server. Fast networks are crucial.
Factors that Affect Quality
What Makes it Better?
- High-Speed Internet: Your own internet connection plays a big role. Faster uploads are essential for adding media.
- Server Location: If the cloud server is closer to you, streaming will be smoother.
- Service Provider’s Infrastructure: A company that invests in good technology will offer a better experience.
What Can Make it Worse?
- Slow Internet: If your internet is slow, uploading and streaming will be frustrating.
- Server Overload: If too many people are using the same server, it can slow down for everyone.
- Data Transfer Limits: Some plans limit how much data you can move in and out each month.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using cloud storage for Plex should be easy. You want to be able to add files and stream without a lot of technical hassle.
- Simple Uploads: Dragging and dropping files into a folder should be straightforward.
- Seamless Streaming: Once your media is in the cloud, Plex should be able to play it without buffering.
- Remote Access: Cloud storage lets you access your media from anywhere, not just your home.
- Backup Solution: It can also act as a backup for your precious media collection.
Consider how you plan to use Plex. Are you streaming mostly at home? Do you travel a lot and want to access your library on the go? Your answers will help you choose the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use any cloud storage with Plex?
A: Yes, you can connect many different cloud storage services to Plex. However, some work better than others.
Q: Do I need to pay for cloud storage?
A: Most cloud storage services require a subscription fee, especially for larger amounts of space.
Q: How do I connect cloud storage to Plex?
A: You usually connect it by mapping the cloud storage as a network drive on your computer or server that runs Plex.
Q: Will cloud storage make my Plex streams slower?
A: It can, especially if your internet connection is slow or the cloud server is far away. But good services minimize this.
Q: Is my data safe in the cloud?
A: Reputable cloud providers use strong security measures to protect your data.
Q: What is “unlimited” cloud storage?
A: This means you can store as much data as you want, but there might be speed limits or other restrictions.
Q: Can I use cloud storage for live TV recording with Plex Pass?
A: Yes, some cloud storage solutions can work with Plex Pass for DVR recordings.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: It depends on your library size. Start with an estimate and choose a plan that allows you to upgrade if needed.
Q: Are there free cloud storage options for Plex?
A: While there are free tiers, they usually have very limited space, making them unsuitable for large Plex libraries.
Q: What’s the difference between cloud storage and a NAS (Network Attached Storage)?
A: Cloud storage is online and managed by a company. A NAS is a physical device you own and manage at home.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.