Choosing a network-attached storage enclosure means deciding how many drives you need, whether you're comfortable buying used, and what network speed your setup can use. These four options range in listed price from USD 71.00 to USD 170.00, and each one takes a different approach to those trade-offs.
Quick take
For a two-bay NAS at the lowest listed price, the NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 at USD 71.00 is the starting point. The Iron Cow Zero 1 at USD 79.95 is the only new unit here and brings a 2.5GbE LAN port. The QNAP TS-209 Pro at USD 89.99 is a used PC-compatible two-bay server with hot-swap bays. The 5-Bay Black NAS Enclosure at USD 170.00 is the highest-priced option and the only one with five drive trays.
Listed price comparison
| Product | Listed price | Price bar |
| QNAP TS-209 Pro 2-Bay NAS Server | USD 89.99 | |
| NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 | USD 71.00 | |
| 5-Bay Black NAS Enclosure w/ Drive Trays | USD 170.00 | |
| Iron Cow Zero 1 2-Bay NAS Enclosure | USD 79.95 | |
Decision matrix
- Want five drive bays? Choose the 5-Bay Black NAS Enclosure.
- Want the lowest listed price on a two-bay NAS? Choose the NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202.
- Want a new unit with a 2.5GbE network port? Choose the Iron Cow Zero 1.
- Want a PC-compatible two-bay server with hot-swap bays? Choose the QNAP TS-209 Pro.
Product notes
QNAP TS-209 Pro 2-Bay NAS Server
At USD 89.99, this used two-bay NAS is listed as compatible with PC and supports HDDs. It was reset and verified with QNAP QFinder Pro and tested with two HDDs, according to the listing, so it's suited for someone who knows how to configure a NAS. Hot-swap bays and a USB port are listed among its features. The included items are limited to the enclosure and switching power supply, so you'll be supplying your own drives and software setup. That makes it a practical pick if you want a dedicated two-bay server and are comfortable with an older model.
NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202
The NETGEAR-branded ReadyNAS 202 is the least expensive option at USD 71.00. It's a used two-bay NAS with 2 GB RAM, a 1.4 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A15 processor, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 3.0, and hot-swappable drive bays. If NETGEAR-branded hardware and a low entry price are your priorities, this is the one to start with. The listing describes it as a good working pull and notes that only what's pictured is included, so you won't get extra accessories beyond what's shown. Since it's used, you're buying a working pull rather than a new-in-box unit.
5-Bay Black Network Attached Storage NAS Enclosure w/ Drive Trays
At USD 170.00, this used enclosure is the highest-priced product in the group and the only one with five drive trays. If your storage needs outgrow a two-bay unit, this gives you room for more drives. The listing says the power indicator turns on and no visible damage was seen, but it also says no additional testing was done. That means the confirmed functionality stops at basic power-on behavior. For someone who needs the capacity and is willing to work with a used enclosure, the five-bay design is the main draw.
Iron Cow Zero 1 Network Storage System 2-Bay NAS Enclosure 2.5GbE LAN
The Iron Cow Zero 1 is the only new unit in this comparison, listed at USD 79.95. It's a two-bay NAS enclosure with a 2.5GbE LAN port, and the listing highlights a quad-core RK3568 CPU, an ARM Mali G52 GPU, an NPU, HDMI, and SATA support. If a new unit with a faster network interface matters more to you than the used options, this one fits that goal. The listed price is slightly higher than the NETGEAR, and it still uses the same two-bay capacity as the cheaper enclosures here.
Final recommendation
If you want the lowest listed price and a simple two-bay setup, go with the NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202. If five drive bays are the priority and you're okay with a used enclosure, choose the 5-Bay Black NAS Enclosure. If you want a new unit with a 2.5GbE port, the Iron Cow Zero 1 is the one to pick. If you prefer a PC-compatible two-bay server with hot-swap bays and a verified listing, the QNAP TS-209 Pro at USD 89.99 is worth your attention.
