Imagine a NAS device that breaks the mold—one that you can take with you on trips, use as an external drive, and even connect to your TV. This might sound like a fantasy, but the UnifyDrive UT2 has made it a reality. After spending a week with this portable NAS drive, I’m eager to share how it has reshaped my understanding of what a NAS device can be.
Editor’s Note: This post has been published in partnership with UnifyDrive, but the opinions are our own.
UnifyDrive UT2 NAS Box Content
Let’s be clear: I’m not a NAS expert, but my day-to-day experiences in the Moyens I/O office have given me a decent idea. When I first unboxed the UnifyDrive UT2, I genuinely thought it was just another external hard drive.
The size is impressively small and portable, making it easy to overlook its capabilities. Here’s what’s included in the box:
- UnifyDrive UT2 NAS
- Rubberized case
- TV remote
- Two AA batteries for the remote
- 33W GaN charger
- USB Type-C to C cable
- HDMI cable
- Ethernet cable
- A Philips head screwdriver
However, you will need to purchase the storage drives separately, as they are not included.
UnifyDrive UT2 NAS Design Overview
The UnifyDrive UT2 doesn’t resemble your typical NAS device. Weighing just 306 grams without its silicon case and measuring 170 x 85 x 21 mm, it’s designed for portability. The device features an array of ports on the front and the back.
The UT2’s metallic exterior feels sturdy, and the included rubberized case provides extra protection while allowing for airflow. The device features a variety of ports, including:
- SD card reader
- CFexpress Type B port
- USB Type-C on the front
- Power button
- USB Type-C for power
- 2.5GbE RJ-45 Ethernet port
- HDMI 2.1 port, supporting up to 4K playback
UnifyDrive UT2 Setup Process
I anticipated a complicated setup, but I was pleasantly surprised. In under half an hour, I had everything configured without any hiccups.
Installing The SSDs
The UnifyDrive UT2 can hold M.2 SSDs in two slots, but you’ll need to provide them yourself. Flipping the unit over, I unscrewed a single screw and inserted my SSDs.
While I installed two 512 GB SSDs, the UT2 has the capacity for up to 16 TB. After securing the drives, I simply closed the cover, plugged in the USB-C cable, and powered it on.
Setting Up the NAS
I downloaded the UnifyDrive mobile app to configure my NAS, although a desktop app is available too. Opening the app, I paired it with the device and set up my Wi-Fi network.
Next, I created an admin account and a UD Link account for remote access. Finally, I formatted the drives and selected the RAID type. The options include RAID 0, RAID 1, and UDR (UnifyDrive Dynamic RAID), which allows selective file backup across both drives.
UnifyDrive UT2 NAS Companion App Overview
The UT2 runs on UDOS, which is user-friendly, even for those new to NAS. You’ll find essential features built right in, but it lacks options for third-party apps like Plex.
The interface is intuitive, with large icons for File Manager, Photos, Movies, and more. The Photos app is particularly impressive, using AI to allow searches based on keywords, effectively rivaling Google Photos in usability.
This device includes standard NAS features like remote access, cloud backup, and Docker support. You can even invite collaborators to work on projects directly from your NAS.
UnifyDrive UT2 NAS TV App Overview
When connected to a TV via HDMI, the UT2 displays an intuitive TV interface with a simple control layout. This feature showcases the versatility of the device—it’s like transforming your NAS into an entertainment hub.
UnifyDrive UT2 NAS Storage Speed and Functionality
Under the hood, the UT2 is powered by an 8-core Rockchip RK3588C4 processor, complemented by 8GB of DDR4 RAM. The performance during my tests was promising, but not without minor hiccups in video playback.
During testing, I observed some buffering while playing videos across various resolutions, although the CPU usage was only at 28%. When streaming 4K content, frame drops occurred due to higher bit rates but improved on subsequent plays.
While testing file transfers, I managed to achieve transfer speeds between 16 to 64 MB/s using the Wi-Fi network, with speeds peaking at 86 MB/s when transferring files to the NAS. Connecting it to my PC via USB-C yielded an average speed of 320 MB/s during tests. The speed when backing up from an SD card was impressively quick, taking less than 2 minutes for a 5.5 GB file.
UnifyDrive UT2 NAS Verdict: Worth the Money?
The UnifyDrive UT2 stands out as a unique NAS device that adapts to multiple roles, making it far more than just a storage solution. Priced at $599 (around €560), it may seem steep, but with ongoing discounts available, you can snag it for as low as $519 (about €485).
This product is ideal for creatives and adventurers who capture large amounts of footage. If you’re someone who can leverage its host of features, it could be a worthy addition to your gear. For those more inclined towards a traditional NAS setup, you might consider sticking with conventional models.
If you’re curious to learn more, be sure to check out additional reviews and insights at Moyens I/O.