Choosing nas storage & drives usually comes down to a practical fork: do you need a defined multi-drive setup, or is a lower-cost external-drive format enough? Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 and Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400 take different paths. Match the hardware shape and connection details to your plan first; then use the price difference to make the final call.
Quick verdict
The Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 is the better fit when a defined chassis and multi-drive plan matter. The Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400 is the clearer choice when keeping the purchase price lower is the priority. The two listed prices are far apart, so this is a direct tradeoff between a more specified storage setup and a lower-cost route, not a close feature-by-feature tie.
Compact comparison
| Comparison point | Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 | Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 149.99 | USD 39.00 |
| Listed structure | Rackmount; 4 bays; HDD support; no HDDs | External Drive |
| Condition | Used | Used |
Where each product wins
Netgear wins for defined connections
PC and Mac compatibility, USB 3.0, and the 3.5-inch form factor give the ReadyNAS clear matching points for a mixed-computer home setup. If those details align with your equipment, Netgear is easier to assess before you commit to its higher listed price. This is the clearer route for shoppers who care about a rackmount setup and a clearly stated HDD-oriented configuration.
Seagate wins on the price gap
Seagate wins when the $110.99 spread is the deciding factor. That difference makes it the logical pick for shoppers who want to keep initial spending lower and do not need the ReadyNAS's defined chassis arrangement. The BlackArmor 400 series title identifies a NAS device, while its listed External Drive type keeps the format description straightforward. Its advantage is therefore decisional rather than technical: choose it for the lower-cost path, not for a specifically described multi-bay build.
Product notes
Netgear ReadyNAS 2100
Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 stands out for shoppers who want clear setup parameters: it is listed as PC- and Mac-compatible and includes USB 3.0 as a stated connection detail. Those specifics make it easier to match to a mixed-computer home NAS or an existing setup using that connection standard. The listed silver, 3.5-inch form factor is another concrete part of its configuration. The tradeoffs are important: the USD 149.99 price is higher in this comparison, HDDs are not included, and the power adapter is not included. Its used condition also means cosmetic wear may be present. Choose this model when those defined connection and form-factor details matter more than minimizing the initial purchase.
Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400
Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400 is the straightforward cost-led choice. Its USD 39.00 listed price is the clearest reason to consider it, especially for a shopper who wants a NAS device without paying for the more elaborate ReadyNAS setup. The used condition is the main limitation to weigh. That makes the choice less about a defined chassis and more about keeping the initial purchase simple. Choose BlackArmor when the lower price fits the job and a general NAS device is enough; select Netgear when the storage layout itself is central. The title's NAS device wording also keeps the use case broad rather than tying it to a particular layout.
Final choice by use case
- Choose Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 for a multi-drive plan that specifically benefits from four bays, HDD support, and a rackmount setup. Those are concrete reasons to accept its higher listed price.
- Choose Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400 when the lower listed price is the deciding factor and a used NAS device fits the job. Its simpler format keeps the purchase focused on initial cost.
- For PC and Mac users who also want USB 3.0, Netgear has the clearer match because those details are listed together.
In short, Netgear fits a shopper choosing around storage structure and connection details; Seagate fits a shopper choosing around price. The price spread is justified only when the ReadyNAS's specified setup is part of the plan.
