I’ve been using Synology devices for years (previously a DS220+ and now a DD925+). I would say that they’re fairly user-friendly, but you aren’t going to find anything as straightforward as the old Time Capsules. Synology isn’t perfect, but IMO they’re still the best choice if you’re looking for solid software/support. Their OS (DSM) is one of the reasons Synology users stick around despite their hardware being somewhat overpriced/outdated relative to the competition. Another option to consider is Ubiquiti. Here’s their UNAS 2 (which looks very Time Capsuley to me): https://store.ui.com/us/en/category/network-storage/products/unas-2?variant=unas-2-w Ubiquiti is pretty new to the NAS space, though, and their current offering doesn’t have as many features as their competitors. This might not be an issue for you, though. Ugreen has been making some waves too with their recent entries into the NAS market. From a hardware perspective, they’re quite appealing. Answer from poopmagic on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/mac › nas solution that is compatible with time machine?
r/mac on Reddit: NAS Solution that is compatible with Time Machine?
January 27, 2026 -
As Time Capsule will no longer be an option, I am looking for a good user-friendly solution for backing up a household of macbooks over the network.
It needs to be able to plug into an ethernet port on the back of my router
It needs to not rely on a subscription to function or unlock time machine features
I have seen lots of suggestions that a use plug an external drive into their computer and then just share that for household backups but since the computers are all laptops aand in and out of the house this is not an option.
I have seen people suggest doing the same thing by plugging a drive into the usb port of the router, but this is not a good idea since the routers usually are not really built for this purpose. (I have seen lots of instance of advising against this).
I have seen Synology devices that might work. I have also seen Western Digital devices that might work, but there is very little information about how user friendly they are with Time Machine.
What are people in this sub using?
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I’ve been using Synology devices for years (previously a DS220+ and now a DD925+). I would say that they’re fairly user-friendly, but you aren’t going to find anything as straightforward as the old Time Capsules. Synology isn’t perfect, but IMO they’re still the best choice if you’re looking for solid software/support. Their OS (DSM) is one of the reasons Synology users stick around despite their hardware being somewhat overpriced/outdated relative to the competition. Another option to consider is Ubiquiti. Here’s their UNAS 2 (which looks very Time Capsuley to me): https://store.ui.com/us/en/category/network-storage/products/unas-2?variant=unas-2-w Ubiquiti is pretty new to the NAS space, though, and their current offering doesn’t have as many features as their competitors. This might not be an issue for you, though. Ugreen has been making some waves too with their recent entries into the NAS market. From a hardware perspective, they’re quite appealing.
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Use any solution that EXPLICITLY supports Time Machine. Anyone that suggests random SMB solutions like router connected drives will cause you to lose data. Time Machine requires specific implementations of SMB to provide safe and reliable backups. Personally I have a Synology NAS which works well once you understand the storage consequences of sharing large volumes with Time Machine. And don’t stop there. One backup is no backups. I also backup to a connected USB SSD and use iCloud Drive.
Macworld
macworld.com › home › accessories
Best NAS drives for Mac 2026: Top network storage picks & buying guide | Macworld
January 1, 2026 - The LinkStation does work with Time Machine so that you can back up your Macs over the network, but setting up Time Machine and a ‘shared folder’ for your backups proved rather complicated. Buffalo’s NAS Navigator app for Macs allows you to view the LinkStation on your network and displays basic information, such as its IP address.
Setup NAS storage for Time Machine - Apple Community
Time Machine, Time Capsule, NAS, & TP-Link...The Rollercoaster Compatibility Saga It's been a saga lately trying to get Time Machine to work in 2025 with various generations of Mac computers. The whole Journaled to APFS migration is throwing a wrench into the backup agenda. Time Capsule doesn't speak APFS...so that makes it less than favorable as a viable option for ... More on discussions.apple.com
NAS for Time Machine backups... Apple says no more.
On your NAS or server, enable SMB3 file sharing. Disable AFP so your Mac doesn’t auto‑connect to it. Re‑add the share in Finder More on reddit.com
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September 11, 2025Time Machine for MacBook Pro: External HDD or NAS?
NAS has the advantage that backups can run whenever you are on your local network. This means that backups are happening even if you can't remember to hook up the external drive to your MacBook. Not having to remember to eject a hard drive is an added bonus. More on reddit.com
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January 21, 2025Synology recommendation for Time Machine? - Hardware - MPU Talk
I’m looking for a recommendation for a Synology that we could use as a Time Machine that would back up two MacBooks to (possibly three in the future) so we don’t have to attach drives physically. Ideally, the NAS would easily wake up when backups run and be seamless – kinda like those A... More on talk.macpowerusers.com
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January 2, 2023Videos
14:36
How to Back Up Your Mac WIRELESSLY (Time Machine + NAS) - YouTube
18:51
Monster Storage! UGREEN NAS Time Machine & CCC backups Tested! ...
12:47
Backup Mac to Synology NAS: Time Machine vs Active Backup vs Synology ...
06:57
How To Backup Your MAC Using Time Machine To Your NAS - YouTube
13:47
How to Backup MacOS to Synology NAS using Time Machine (easy) - ...
Apple Support
support.apple.com › en-us › 102423
Backup disks you can use with Time Machine - Apple Support
6 days ago - When setting up Time Machine on other Mac computers that are connected to the same network, you can now select the shared folder or storage device as the backup disk. Time Machine can back up to a third-party NAS device that supports Time Machine over the SMB network protocol.
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255647692
Setup NAS storage for Time Machine - Apple Community
June 15, 2024 - To install Synology in your (usually wired) network, follow the a Synology installation instructions, and then follow the Synology instructions for enabling Time Machine server. Other NAS vendors also have Time Machine server support.
Synology
kb.synology.com › en-us › DSM › tutorial › How_to_back_up_files_from_Mac_to_Synology_NAS_with_Time_Machine
How do I back up files from my Mac to Synology system using Time Machine? - Synology Knowledge Center
June 4, 2026 - Synology Knowledge Center offers comprehensive support, providing answers to frequently asked questions, troubleshooting steps, software tutorials, and all the technical documentation you may need.
VI-CONTROL
vi-control.net › forums › studio production › pc/mac computer hardware & peripherals
NAS for Time Machine | VI-CONTROL
November 2, 2025 - My current main desktop Mac, 5,1, has a dedicated backup drive installed and does Carbon Copy Cloner backups with snapshots, which is the same benefit as Time Machine, but better. I don't back it up to a NAS, too many problems. In my view the only way to reliably do some kind of true timemachine style backup to a NAS is using iSCSI on a NAS, and carbon copy cloner. The might work, but its a bit of a hack a thon also. ... TM backup to my SMB volume seems to go well. The trick I use is to have an Apple filesystem inside a file on that SMB drive. As for NAS, I recommend learning Linux or FreeBSD and serve network filesystems from a real computer.
ASUSTOR
asustor.com › admv2
Time Machine Backup | ASUSTOR NAS
You can use your Mac's built-in backup, Time Machine, to easily back up your Mac to an ASUSTOR NAS. All ASUSTOR NAS devices have been optimized for use with Time Machine, providing Mac lovers with a familiar and easy to use backup solution.
Jordan Crawford
jc.kiwi › synology-time-machine
My rules for using Time Machine on Synology – Jordan Crawford
September 16, 2023 - This is handy as it lets you jump back in time to get an old version of a file, however it also means Time Machine will fill to grow the space you give it! The Synology guide recommends assigning a quota to prevent backups from getting too out of hand and filling your NAS. A quota enforces an upper limit for the shared folder or user so when Time Machine approaches the quota it’ll wipe old backups to keep itself in check.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/macos › nas for time machine backups... apple says no more.
r/MacOS on Reddit: NAS for Time Machine backups... Apple says no more.
September 11, 2025 -
I've used a NAS for Time Machine backups for years, but now Apple says "Disk not recommended for backups. Future versions of macOS will no longer support AFP network disks for backups." So what are the future alternatives for a secure wireless and automatic backup?
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On your NAS or server, enable SMB3 file sharing. Disable AFP so your Mac doesn’t auto‑connect to it. Re‑add the share in Finder
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Apple is phasing out its own Apple Filing Protocol in favour of SMB3 that's an implementation of Windows file sharing protocol. Pretty hilarious if you ask me
Reddit
reddit.com › r/mac › time machine for macbook pro: external hdd or nas?
r/mac on Reddit: Time Machine for MacBook Pro: External HDD or NAS?
January 21, 2025 -
I have a setup where my MacBook Pro is connected to my Pro Display XDR with a single cable. I frequently unplug and replug that cable as I am in a university. Should I get a simple external hard drive connected to the display, or should I set up a NAS? Is a NAS unreliable for Time Machine? The only thing I'm worried about for an external hard drive is having to eject it every time I unplug my computer, does anybody have a solution for that?
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NAS has the advantage that backups can run whenever you are on your local network. This means that backups are happening even if you can't remember to hook up the external drive to your MacBook. Not having to remember to eject a hard drive is an added bonus.
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A simple external drive will likely be cheaper and easier to set up than a NAS. Getting into the habit of ejecting a drive before pulling your laptop is an easy habit.
MacPowerUsers
talk.macpowerusers.com › hardware
Synology recommendation for Time Machine? - Hardware - MPU Talk
January 2, 2023 - Hi all, We’re a laptop-only family and our machines get moved around quit a bit/ We’re considering a Synology for Time Machine instead of replacing a cheap, portable drive that’s no longer working with Ventura. I’m loo…
QNAP NAS Community Forum
forum.qnap.com › home › board index › general › file sharing › mac os
Has anyone got their NAS to work with Time Machine - QNAP NAS Community Forum
November 19, 2024 - HBS 3 > Services > Time Machine • Make sure time machine is enabled • Make sure broadcast via Samba is enabled • Hit select button adjacent "shared folders available as backup destinations and make sure timemachine folder is selected • Click apply • Under backup settings, this is all screwed up, this blue box had to be checked for time machine on mac (finder > go > connect to server, smb://IP addy here) to see "any" folder that is designated as a time machine backup folder, otherwise they are greyed out. When this is checked (blue) it will also create a TMBackup folder and it will create a hidden user named TimeMachine, I say hidden because it don't show up anywhere and you can't create it or see it. But that user is inop and I couldn't login to the NAS with it.
MacRumors
forums.macrumors.com › macs › networking
Using a NAS for TimeMachine? | MacRumors Forums
December 28, 2021 - Irrespective of chosen platform, both will allow you the ability to use Time Machine and set a disc size limit quite easily. Personally I still use an external TB3 based drive for Time Machine purely because I want a restore to be as simple and quick as possible, without having any issues seeking a network drive etc, which has always been my fear with using a NAS for TM Backups!
Reddit
reddit.com › r/linustechtips › best nas solution for mac time machine
r/LinusTechTips on Reddit: Best NAS Solution for Mac Time Machine
September 30, 2023 -
What’s the best solution for Time Machine backups on Mac? Currently I’ve just been periodically connecting a sata drive, but would like a solution that doesn’t involve me remembering to do it. I’ve got 3 devices so having a NAS seems like the obvious choice. Is there a way for Time Machine to just do it in the background without me prompting it? I’ve got a lot of Linux ISO files on one machine.
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I’ve been using a Drobo 5n2 for about five years now. The macOS/Windows app you have to use is garbage, and they have not come out with an update since before I owned one. So that means macOS will inform me that the app uses features that aren’t supported anymore. If money was no object, I’d toss the Drobo and get something from Synology instead.
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Yup, Time Machine will map to a network share that is configured for Time Machine and will do regular backups over the network on a regular basis. Most NAS software will have an optional module. If you want off-the-shelf, a Synology or Netgear ReadyNAS will have support built in. You just have to go in the settings and enable it.
WD Community
community.wd.com › nas and personal cloud › my cloud single bay
MyCloud NAS No longer connects to Mac Time Machine - My Cloud Single Bay - WD Community
February 13, 2024 - I have 2 MacBook Air M1 machines. Had been using Time Machine with a MyCloud NAS for over 3 years. No problems. About 2 months ago, I could no longer backup to the MyCloud on one of the MacBook Airs (running Sonoma). …
Quora
quora.com › Whats-the-best-NAS-network-attached-storage-for-macOS-Time-Machine-for-multiple-Macs
What's the best NAS (network attached storage) for macOS Time Machine (for multiple Macs)? - Quora
Answer (1 of 6): I’m using a Synology NAS and I am currently backing up one of my MacBooks using a Time Machine archive located on the NAS. I have been backing up via TimeMachine since October and have had no issues. I have TM set up to back up at 3 am instead of backing up incrementally ...
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Synology does have this walk-through for doing what you want to do.
I will mention that (quite some time ago) I used a Synology NAS as a time-machine target disk, and I did get it to work, but found it to be highly error-prone. Not what you want in a backup. Also slow. I'm using a drive with a direct USB3 connection now and am much, much happier with that.
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I wrote a guide to configuring Time Machine to back up to a cloud server which is almost relevant. And it looks like the DiskStation supports the same IPSec server setup that I'm recommending, so you might be able to crib some parts from my guide to make it work.
Time Machine over the internet works for me, even over a 1Mbps connection connection. Though you have to leave your Mac running for a bit longer to make sure each backup completes, so number of completed backups is going to be proportional to that bandwidth.
Wondershare Recoverit
recoverit.wondershare.com › nas-recovery › best-nas-for-mac.html
7 Best NAS for Mac in 2026 (For Home & Pro Users)
The Synology DiskStation DS723 ($620) and the 8-bay Synology DiskStation DS1821 ($950) are the optimal NAS systems for Mac users, offering seamless Time Machine compatibility via the DSM operating system for home setups and large business ...
UGREEN
nas.ugreen.com › blogs › buying-guide › manage-mac-files-with-nas
How to Connect a NAS to Your Mac: Setup, Backup (December 2025 Update) – UGREEN NAS US
November 27, 2024 - Click “Set time machine folder”, ... folder is recommended), and click “Save” to apply. Open Mac Finder and click the top menu “Go” > “Connect to Server”. Enter the NAS address in the following format: smb://...