The rise of personal cloud storage solutions has made owning a NAS more practical than ever, and the TerraMaster F2-425 is a fine example of how accessible this technology has become. Designed for home users and small offices, it provides a secure and private way to store, share, and stream data without relying on third-party cloud services. By keeping everything within your own network, it ensures data remains in your hands while offering the same convenience as cloud-based alternatives.
The F2-425 serves as more than just a storage device; it’s a versatile hub that brings together backup, multimedia streaming, and even virtual machine capabilities under one roof. Whether you’re backing up family photos, managing work files, or streaming your favourite films to a smart TV, this compact NAS handles a wide range of everyday digital needs with confidence.
Built around capable Intel hardware and TerraMaster’s refined TOS 6 operating system, the F2-425 delivers speed and reliability in a tidy, understated form. It balances performance with ease of use, catering to both first-time NAS owners and more experienced users seeking dependable, modern storage that just works.
Design and Functionality
The TerraMaster F2-425 presents a clean, understated design that fits comfortably in both home and office environments. Its matte black finish and minimalist front panel give it a professional appearance, while the build quality feels solid enough for everyday handling. Measuring compactly, it’s small enough to place on a desk or shelf without drawing attention, yet sturdy enough to house dual hard drives securely.
The chassis blends metal framing with plastic panels, providing a balance between rigidity and reduced weight. Although not rugged by industrial standards, it’s well-suited for stationary use in controlled settings. The unit’s dimensions make it unobtrusive, and at under two kilograms, it’s easy to relocate should you wish to adjust your setup. The rubberised feet help keep vibrations low and ensure stable operation during extended use.
Up front, you’ll find the power button, LED indicators, and a single USB 3.2 Type-A port for quick data transfers. The drive bays are designed for easy access, using a simple push-lock mechanism that allows users to install or replace drives in seconds. This tool-free design contributes to the F2-425’s approachable nature, making setup and maintenance straightforward for users of all experience levels.
The rear panel houses a 2.5GbE network port, additional USB connections, a power input, and a single large fan for cooling. The inclusion of a 2.5GbE port is a welcome upgrade, providing significantly faster transfer speeds than the standard Gigabit Ethernet still found on many competing models. Combined with efficient airflow management, the NAS remains cool and whisper-quiet even under heavier workloads.
While the F2-425 includes an HDMI port, its purpose is strictly for terminal use rather than media output. This design choice reinforces TerraMaster’s focus on network-based management rather than direct display interaction. The absence of a graphical desktop output helps maintain system stability and keeps the operating environment streamlined.
Internally, the NAS features a single memory slot populated with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 16GB. This provides flexibility for those who plan to run virtual machines or more demanding applications. The dual-bay configuration supports up to 60TB of total raw capacity, making it suitable for large media libraries or comprehensive backup strategies.
Cooling efficiency is achieved through a quiet, low-RPM fan that balances performance and acoustics effectively. With an operating noise level of around 19dB, it’s nearly silent in typical use scenarios. This makes it ideal for placement in bedrooms, studies, or living areas where noise could otherwise be distracting.
A key part of its appeal lies in its user-friendly approach to setup and operation. The TNAS desktop software automatically detects the device on your local network, simplifying the installation process. Within minutes, users can configure drives, create storage pools, and start backing up or streaming data without needing advanced technical knowledge.
The F2-425’s focus on efficiency extends to its power consumption as well. Running on a modest 48W power supply, it draws minimal energy even under continuous use. This makes it both environmentally friendly and cost-effective to operate over time, especially compared to large desktop systems.
Physically, the NAS is thoughtfully designed with ventilation on both sides and rear to ensure consistent cooling. Even when fully loaded with drives, internal temperatures remain well within safe limits. TerraMaster’s attention to detail in airflow design helps extend the lifespan of both the drives and system components.
Despite its simple appearance, the F2-425 is built with scalability in mind. It integrates seamlessly into existing networks and supports multiple user accounts, permissions, and storage configurations. This adaptability allows it to transition easily from personal use to small business environments.
In daily use, the F2-425 feels like a refined piece of hardware. The combination of understated design, practical engineering, and quiet operation makes it a dependable choice for anyone seeking efficient, hassle-free data storage at home or in a small office.
Key Features
The TerraMaster F2-425 is powered by an Intel Celeron N5095 quad-core processor, which provides enough muscle to handle demanding workloads with ease. Clocked at 2.0GHz with burst speeds of up to 2.9GHz, it delivers smooth multitasking across file transfers, media streaming, and backup tasks without slowing down under pressure. The x86 architecture also ensures compatibility with a wide range of modern NAS applications.
Paired with 4GB of DDR4 memory, the system is well equipped out of the box, but it’s also expandable up to 16GB. This flexibility means users can tailor the device to their specific needs, whether they’re running lightweight home tasks or using more advanced features such as Docker containers and virtual machines. The ability to scale performance makes it appealing to both newcomers and experienced users.
One of the F2-425’s standout elements is its support for hardware-based 4K H.265 decoding. This allows for fluid, high-quality video playback without straining the CPU, ensuring seamless media streaming through services like Plex, Emby, or Jellyfin. Even with multiple users accessing different media simultaneously, performance remains steady and responsive.
The NAS also supports DLNA, which allows smart TVs, consoles, and media players on the same network to access stored movies, music, and photos directly. This transforms the F2-425 into a true multimedia hub for the entire household, capable of managing extensive digital libraries effortlessly.
Backing up data is a major strength thanks to TerraMaster’s Centralised Backup feature. Users can back up files from Windows, macOS, and Linux devices through SMB sharing or dedicated client software. This ensures that documents, photos, and other files remain safely stored and easily recoverable in case of accidental deletion or system failure.
For Apple users, Time Machine support makes integration seamless. Backups can run automatically in the background, providing an extra layer of security without user intervention. The NAS can also synchronise data to cloud storage services for hybrid redundancy, giving users both local and remote backup options.
The F2-425’s CloudSync feature consolidates multiple cloud platforms into a single, unified app. It supports popular services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Amazon S3, Baidu Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud. This two-way sync makes it easy to keep your cloud and local storage aligned, ideal for remote teams or anyone who frequently works across multiple devices.
TerraMaster’s TRAID technology offers flexible and efficient data redundancy similar to Synology’s Hybrid RAID. By automatically optimising available drive space while maintaining protection against disk failure, it saves up to 30% more storage than traditional RAID setups. This makes it especially valuable for users working with large files or limited drive bays.
Security hasn’t been overlooked either. The NAS includes SPC hardware encryption and secure access control options to protect sensitive information. Combined with HTTPS connections, user permission management, and account-based restrictions, it provides the confidence that private data stays private.
For those using IP cameras, the Surveillance Manager app offers an affordable local security solution. Supporting ONVIF-compliant cameras, it allows for easy setup of multiple streams without the licensing fees often found in competing NAS ecosystems. Recorded footage can be stored directly on the NAS, ensuring full control and privacy.
Another highlight is the inclusion of a 2.5GbE Ethernet port, which delivers transfer speeds up to 250MB/s under ideal conditions. This faster connection significantly reduces the time needed for large file transfers and enhances multi-user performance, especially in shared office environments.
TerraMaster’s TOS 6 operating system forms the foundation of the F2-425’s functionality. With a modern interface, guided setup wizards, and built-in tutorials, it strikes a great balance between simplicity and control. Even users unfamiliar with NAS devices will find it easy to create storage volumes, manage users, and install applications.
For mobile users, the TNAS app provides full remote control of the NAS. It enables automatic photo backups, real-time synchronisation, and secure access to files while away from home. The intuitive layout mirrors the desktop experience, ensuring consistency across all platforms.
Quiet operation is another key advantage. Running at just 19 decibels, the F2-425 can easily coexist in living areas without becoming a distraction. The cooling system is tuned to maintain optimal temperatures while staying nearly silent, making it perfect for bedrooms, studios, or shared spaces.
The NAS also includes support for Docker, which allows developers and enthusiasts to deploy lightweight applications within containers. This broadens the device’s use beyond storage, turning it into a mini server capable of hosting tools, databases, or even websites. It’s a clear example of how versatile this compact NAS can be.
With a maximum storage capacity of 60TB and compatibility for up to 50 user accounts, the F2-425 adapts easily to growing storage needs. Whether used as a family media hub, a creative studio backup server, or a small business file centre, its combination of performance, expandability, and ease of use makes it an exceptional all-rounder.
Technical Specifications – TerraMaster F2-425
Processor
- Model: Intel Celeron N5095
- Architecture: x86 64-bit
- Cores: Quad-core (4 cores, 4 threads)
- Base Frequency: 2.0 GHz
- Burst Frequency: Up to 2.9 GHz
- Hardware Transcoding Support: H.264, H.265, MPEG-4, VC-1 (up to 4K 60 FPS)
Memory
- Installed Memory: 4 GB DDR4 (non-ECC SODIMM)
- Memory Slots: 1
- Maximum Supported Memory: 16 GB DDR4 (non-ECC SODIMM)
Storage Capacity
- Drive Bays: 2 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA HDD/SSD bays
- Maximum Internal Storage: 60 TB (30 TB x 2)
- Supported RAID Modes: TRAID, RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD
- File Systems: Btrfs, EXT4
Connectivity
- Ethernet: 1 x 2.5GbE RJ-45 Network Port
- USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 (10 Gbps) + 1 x USB 3.0 (5 Gbps)
- HDMI: 1 x HDMI (terminal use only)
Performance Features
- 4K H.265 hardware decoding and transcoding
- Supports Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin media servers
- DLNA for multi-device media streaming
- Centralised Backup and CloudSync with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Amazon S3, Baidu Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud
- TRAID technology for flexible storage and redundancy
- Docker and Virtual Machine support
- Surveillance Manager app for ONVIF IP cameras
Operating System
- TerraMaster TOS 6
- Supported Apps: File Manager, Multimedia Server, Centralised Backup, CloudSync, TerraSync, Docker, Surveillance Manager, and more
- Mobile Access: TNAS Mobile App (Android & iOS)
Noise and Cooling
- Operating Noise Level: 19 dB(A)
- Cooling System: 1 x low-noise rear fan
- Operating Temperature: 0°C – 40°C
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 222 x 119 x 154 mm
- Net Weight: 1.5 kg
- Gross Weight: 2.3 kg
- Enclosure Material: Plastic with internal metal framing
Power
- Power Supply: External 48 W adapter
- Power Efficiency: Energy-efficient design for 24/7 operation
Security and User Management
- Supports up to 50 independent user accounts
- SPC hardware security module
- Hyper-Lock WORM folders for immutable data storage
- HTTPS and permission-based access controls
WD Red Pro 26TB and 14TB Drives – The Perfect Match for the TerraMaster F2-425
Pairing the TerraMaster F2-425 with drives that match its performance and reliability is essential, and WD’s Red Pro series delivers exactly that. The 26TB and 14TB models both stand out as ideal companions for this NAS, offering the endurance, speed, and data integrity required for continuous operation. Whether you’re managing multimedia archives, business backups, or virtual machines, these drives unlock the full potential of the F2-425.
The WD Red Pro 26TB represents the pinnacle of NAS hard drive engineering. Built for 24/7 workloads, it’s designed to handle sustained activity without compromise. The high-capacity format is perfect for users who need large storage volumes without sacrificing performance, making it an excellent option for creative professionals and small businesses using the F2-425 as a central storage hub.
Helium-sealed construction allows the 26TB model to house more platters while maintaining cool and efficient operation. This design ensures lower friction inside the drive, resulting in quieter performance and extended longevity—both crucial when installed in compact NAS units like the F2-425. The reduced heat output also complements the TerraMaster’s near-silent cooling system, keeping the entire setup thermally balanced.
Western Digital’s use of conventional magnetic recording (CMR) technology gives these drives a major advantage over consumer-grade options. Unlike SMR drives that struggle under heavy write activity, CMR delivers consistent throughput even during demanding transfers. For F2-425 users who rely on large-scale backups, video editing, or database hosting, this reliability translates into smooth, uninterrupted performance.
Both the 26TB and 14TB Red Pro drives feature a 7200 RPM spindle speed, offering a strong balance between speed and stability. This allows the F2-425 to handle concurrent users with ease, ensuring that large file transfers and real-time streaming occur without delay. Combined with the NAS’s 2.5GbE connectivity, these drives deliver impressive performance across multi-user environments.
The 512 MB cache found in the WD Red Pro 26TB enables quick access to frequently used data and efficient caching for media files. This responsiveness becomes particularly valuable when using Plex, Emby, or other media servers installed on the F2-425. Even when several users stream simultaneously, playback remains fluid and consistent.
The 14TB model may offer smaller capacity, but it mirrors the same robust engineering that defines the Red Pro line. For users who don’t need extreme storage space but still value durability and enterprise-level features, the 14TB drive is a perfect fit. Its size also provides flexibility for mirrored RAID configurations, offering a strong balance between data protection and usable capacity.
NASware 3.0 firmware is at the heart of the WD Red Pro series, optimising drive behaviour for NAS environments. This intelligent firmware ensures seamless integration with the F2-425, improving data consistency, reducing latency, and enhancing RAID recovery times. The result is a smoother, more predictable experience when managing critical workloads.
Vibration resistance is another area where the Red Pro drives excel. Built-in rotation vibration sensors continuously monitor drive conditions and make micro-adjustments to counteract movement. In the compact dual-bay design of the F2-425, this helps both drives maintain peak performance and extends their operational lifespan.
Dynamic fly height technology and multi-axis shock sensors further safeguard stored data. These features protect the read/write heads from contact with the platters during vibration or shock, preserving file integrity. Combined with the NAS’s solid enclosure and cooling, they create a dependable system that’s ready for long-term, 24-hour operation.
OptiNAND technology, available in the 26TB variant, separates metadata processing from the physical platters, improving data accuracy and reducing wear. This is especially useful for users who frequently write and delete large volumes of data. Within the F2-425, OptiNAND ensures smooth performance during heavy database queries or frequent file indexing tasks.
Both drives also support workload ratings of up to 550TB per year and have a mean time between failures of 2.5 million hours. These enterprise-grade specifications make them ideal for use in the F2-425, which is designed for reliability and uptime. Together, they deliver a combination of endurance and stability that few NAS setups can match.
In terms of scalability, users can start with the 14TB model and later expand to 26TB drives as their storage needs grow. The F2-425’s flexible TRAID and RAID options allow smooth upgrades without data loss, ensuring the system evolves with the user’s requirements. This makes it a future-proof solution for both home and professional storage environments.
The WD Red Pro 26TB and 14TB drives complement the TerraMaster F2-425 perfectly. Their speed, resilience, and advanced firmware bring out the best in the NAS, ensuring dependable storage for media, backups, and business data alike. For anyone building a robust and high-performance NAS setup, this pairing offers the ideal balance of capacity, reliability, and long-term peace of mind.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
Setting up the TerraMaster F2-425 is refreshingly simple, especially for those new to NAS systems. Using the TNAS desktop software, the NAS is automatically detected on the local network, and within minutes, it’s ready for initialisation. The guided setup process walks users through creating accounts, configuring drives, and establishing storage pools with minimal effort.
Once configured, the NAS feels responsive and well-tuned. The web interface under TOS 6 is clean and intuitive, offering clear visual cues and tooltips to help navigate settings. Even complex tasks such as RAID creation or user permission setup are handled through friendly wizards that make the process smooth for both casual and advanced users.
Performance immediately stands out when transferring files over the 2.5 GbE connection. Speeds easily exceed those of traditional gigabit systems, making large backups and media uploads significantly faster. When paired with high-capacity drives like the WD Red Pro series, throughput remains consistent even during simultaneous read and write operations.
The F2-425 maintains excellent thermal control during sustained workloads. The low-noise cooling fan operates efficiently, keeping drive temperatures steady without introducing distracting noise. Even when placed in a quiet workspace or bedroom, the NAS remains virtually silent thanks to its 19 dB operation.
Running Plex or similar media servers highlights the NAS’s capability for entertainment use. Hardware-assisted 4 K H.265 decoding allows for smooth playback across smart TVs and mobile devices. Streaming high-resolution video to multiple screens occurs effortlessly, confirming its suitability as a multimedia centre.
For photo management, the built-in Photos app works impressively well. It automatically categorises images using AI-based recognition, creating smart albums and easy-to-browse collections. This is particularly handy for households managing years of digital photos across multiple devices.
Backup operations are another area where the F2-425 excels. TerraMaster’s Centralised Backup tool enables seamless file protection across Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. With support for incremental backups, snapshots, and scheduling, users can ensure critical data is continuously safeguarded.
Integration with cloud services adds another layer of convenience. Through CloudSync, files can be mirrored or backed up to Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, and other providers. This hybrid approach combines local control with off-site redundancy, providing confidence that data is safe regardless of local failures.
Running Docker containers on the F2-425 demonstrates how versatile the system can be. Developers and enthusiasts can deploy lightweight applications directly within the NAS environment. This capability transforms the unit from a simple storage device into a compact and capable home server.
Virtual machine support expands its utility even further. Users can run additional operating systems within the NAS to test software, simulate networks, or manage isolated environments. The Intel Celeron N5095 handles such workloads comfortably, especially when the RAM is upgraded beyond the default 4 GB.
Security is thoughtfully implemented throughout TOS 6. From encrypted folders to account-level permissions, every aspect of data access can be controlled. HTTPS connections and two-way authentication support ensure that external access remains secure, even when the NAS is remotely managed.
In practical day-to-day use, the F2-425 feels stable and responsive under load. File browsing via TNAS Explorer or the web interface is quick, and applications launch promptly. Even when handling multiple users, streaming sessions, and backups at once, performance remains consistent and lag-free.
The Surveillance Manager app proves useful for those setting up a home or small-office security system. Connecting ONVIF-compliant cameras is straightforward, and live feeds are stable. The ability to record and review footage locally eliminates the need for expensive subscription services.
Mobile integration is another highlight. The TNAS Mobile app mirrors many desktop functions, allowing full access to storage pools, system stats, and alerts. Uploading photos or retrieving documents on the go feels seamless, and automatic photo backup ensures nothing gets lost.
Noise and vibration are minimal, even with multiple drives spinning. The system’s anti-vibration design and the Red Pro drives’ stability features complement each other perfectly. This makes the NAS suitable for continuous use without causing distraction or mechanical stress.
Testing file redundancy using TRAID and RAID 1 arrays revealed quick rebuild times and minimal downtime. The NAS efficiently redistributes data and restores integrity after simulated drive swaps. It’s clear that the underlying file system and firmware are optimised for data safety.
Power consumption remains impressively low throughout operation. Even with both drive bays populated, the NAS consumes far less energy than a standard desktop PC performing the same role. This makes it both economical and environmentally considerate for 24/7 use.
Snapshot functionality is easy to manage through TOS 6’s Btrfs implementation. Users can capture system states and roll back when needed without complicated command-line operations. This feature is invaluable when experimenting with applications or managing shared folders across teams.
Performance testing during simultaneous multimedia streaming and file transfers shows the NAS maintains stable bandwidth allocation. The system intelligently prioritises active tasks, ensuring that video streams remain uninterrupted even when large files are being copied in the background.
During extended uptime tests, the NAS remained steady with no noticeable slowdowns. Firmware updates install smoothly through the web interface, and automated update checks keep security patches current. These maintenance touches contribute to its reliability over time.
Running scheduled backups to cloud services proved equally smooth. Transfers completed efficiently, and the NAS handled encryption and compression without noticeably affecting system performance. For users storing sensitive data, this balance of speed and safety is reassuring.
RAID management through the interface is particularly user-friendly. Adding, removing, or expanding drives can be done with minimal downtime, and the contextual prompts help prevent configuration errors. Even first-time users can perform advanced storage tasks with confidence.
Throughout daily use, the combination of the TerraMaster F2-425 and WD Red Pro drives showcases a perfect blend of hardware and software optimisation. The drives’ speed, vibration resistance, and endurance complement the NAS’s efficiency and power delivery. Together, they create a solution that feels professional and dependable.
Conclusion
The TerraMaster F2-425 stands out as an exceptionally capable NAS that bridges the gap between simplicity and professional-grade performance. It’s a compact yet powerful solution that makes local data management straightforward while still offering advanced tools for experienced users. Whether it’s used for storing personal media, hosting backups, or running lightweight applications, it consistently delivers dependable results without unnecessary complexity.
Its design prioritises user comfort and practicality. The combination of efficient cooling, whisper-quiet operation, and quick-access drive bays makes it both approachable and functional. Paired with TerraMaster’s polished TOS 6 operating system, it provides a seamless experience from setup to daily use, with features that cater to both novices and enthusiasts alike.
When matched with WD Red Pro 14TB or 26TB drives, the NAS reveals its full potential. The drives’ reliability and endurance perfectly complement the F2-425’s fast network speeds and advanced file system, offering a blend of capacity and resilience that’s ideal for continuous workloads. Together, they create a dependable storage ecosystem capable of supporting anything from a family’s digital archive to a small business’s data infrastructure.
The TerraMaster F2-425 is a thoughtfully designed and well-balanced NAS that offers far more than its modest footprint suggests. It’s efficient, quiet, and remarkably versatile, giving users complete control over their data without compromise. For anyone seeking a reliable and scalable storage solution, this NAS earns its place as one of the most practical and well-rounded options available today.
