Byte & Key

NAS Storage & Drives: Choose Between More Bays, Lower Price, or a New DS423

Compare four network attached storage enclosures from $71 to $374.99, including 2-, 4-, and 6-bay ReadyNAS models plus the new Synology DS423. The key trade-offs are bay count, included hardware, condition, and price.

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Choosing NAS storage & drives comes down to an awkward trade-off: do you want the lowest entry price, more bays, a rackmount enclosure, or a new unit? The four choices span $71.00 to $374.99, but bay count alone does not settle the decision. Drives, cables, and power accessories are handled differently across the group, so match the enclosure to the setup you actually plan to build.

Quick take

The four choices divide cleanly by setup priority. NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 is the lowest-price two-bay route with hot-swappable drive bays. NETGEAR ReadyNAS RND-6A is the six-bay route with RJ-45 and USB-A. Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 is the rackmount four-bay choice, but its title calls out NO HDDs. Synology DS423 is the new sealed four-bay enclosure with the listed 2.5- and 3.5-inch form factors. The central question is whether a used enclosure with separate hardware fits better than a new enclosure at the top of the price range.

Listed-price comparison

The listed prices span $71.00 to $374.99, an absolute spread of $303.99. The bars simply show relative listed-price position within this comparison.

NAS enclosureListed pricePrice position
NETGEAR ReadyNAS RND-6A RNDU6000-100NAS 6-Bay Network Attached Storage$129.99
NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 2-Bay Network Attached Storage NAS RN20200-100NES$71.00
Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 RNRX4410-100NAS Rackmount Network Attached Storage NO HDDs$149.99
Synology DS423 4-Bay Network Attached Storage Enclosure$374.99

Decision matrix

  • Lowest entry price: NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202, whose $71.00 price and two-bay title make it the direct match for a lower-cost starting point.
  • Six-bay enclosure: NETGEAR ReadyNAS RND-6A, with the six-bay phrase in its title and RJ-45 plus USB-A connectivity.
  • Rackmount setup: Netgear ReadyNAS 2100, identified as rackmount and paired with four bays and 3.5-inch HDD support.
  • New-condition enclosure: Synology DS423, marked new and sealed, with 2.5- and 3.5-inch drive-bay form factors.

Product notes

NETGEAR ReadyNAS RND-6A RNDU6000-100NAS 6-Bay Network Attached Storage

NETGEAR ReadyNAS RND-6A RNDU6000-100NAS 6-Bay Network Attached Storage

The NETGEAR ReadyNAS RND-6A is the bay-count pick: its title specifies six bays, and its attributes list RJ-45 and USB-A connectivity. That combination suits a setup where the enclosure's six-bay format matters more than having a new unit. The description identifies it as used and says cables and hard drives are not included; it also mentions scratches and scrapes around the body. Choose it for the six-bay enclosure and listed RJ-45 or USB-A connections. The practical limitation is the extra setup work: drives and cables must be handled separately, and cosmetic wear is part of the description.

NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 2-Bay Network Attached Storage NAS RN20200-100NES

NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 2-Bay Network Attached Storage NAS RN20200-100NES

The NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 keeps the choice focused on a two-bay enclosure with hot-swappable drive bays. Its description also specifies Gigabit Ethernet with two ports, USB 3.0, and 2 GB RAM. At $71.00, it is the lowest listed price in this comparison, giving it the clearest entry-price position. The trade-off is its used condition: accessories not pictured are not included. Choose the RN202 when two bays, hot swap, and Gigabit Ethernet match the intended setup. It is less suitable when the plan calls for a new enclosure or a four- or six-bay configuration.

Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 RNRX4410-100NAS Rackmount Network Attached Storage NO HDDs

Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 RNRX4410-100NAS Rackmount Network Attached Storage NO HDDs

Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 RNRX4410-100NAS is the rackmount choice, with four bays and support for 3.5-inch HDDs. PC and Mac compatibility is listed, giving it a defined fit for shoppers using either platform. The title plainly identifies the enclosure as NO HDDs, and the description says a power adapter is not included. Those omissions are the key limitation: the $149.99 price is for a used enclosure that needs the drive hardware and adapter planned separately. Choose it when rackmount placement and four bays are central; avoid it for a setup that needs those accessories included.

Synology DS423 4-Bay Network Attached Storage Enclosure

Synology DS423 4-Bay Network Attached Storage Enclosure, NEW, SEALED, DISOUNTED

Synology DS423 is the new, sealed 4-bay enclosure in the group. Its description specifies four 3.5- and 2.5-inch SATA drive bays, while the attributes list PC compatibility and Ethernet. The diskless wording means the enclosure does not include drives, which is the main limitation for a shopper expecting a populated NAS. The $374.99 price is also the highest here. Choose the DS423 when new condition and 2.5- or 3.5-inch bay support matter more than the lowest entry price. Its concrete trade-off is the highest listed price while still requiring separate drives.

Final recommendation by use case

For the lowest entry price, choose the RN202 if a used two-bay unit and separate accessories fit. For six-bay storage, choose the RND-6A; its title gives the clearest match, while its no-drives and no-cables limitation should shape the setup. For rackmount use, choose ReadyNAS 2100 only if sourcing HDDs and an adapter separately is acceptable. For a new four-bay enclosure, choose DS423 when its diskless configuration fits the build. Overall, start with enclosure format and included hardware, then use the $303.99 spread to decide how much the condition difference matters.

Products in this article
NETGEAR ReadyNAS RND-6A RNDU6000-100NAS 6-Bay Network Attached StorageUSD 129.99View on eBayNETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 2-Bay Network Attached Storage NAS RN20200-100NESUSD 71.00View on eBayNetgear ReadyNAS 2100 RNRX4410-100NAS Rackmount Network Attached Storage NO HDDsUSD 149.99View on eBaySynology DS423 4-Bay Network Attached Storage EnclosureUSD 374.99View on eBay
NETGEAR ReadyNAS RND-6A RNDU6000-100NAS 6-Bay Network Attached StorageUSD 129.99View on eBayNETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 2-Bay Network Attached Storage NAS RN20200-100NESUSD 71.00View on eBayNetgear ReadyNAS 2100 RNRX4410-100NAS Rackmount Network Attached Storage NO HDDsUSD 149.99View on eBaySynology DS423 4-Bay Network Attached Storage EnclosureUSD 374.99View on eBay

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