For most home labs, I’d choose the NavePoint 22U Server Rack Enclosure as the best overall NAS rack and cabinet in this lineup: it combines enclosed storage, casters, fans, and removable panels. The 35-inch-deep Home Lab 22U cabinet is the standout for longer equipment and bundled accessories, while the Sysracks 15U 18-inch-deep cabinet suits compact setups that need a smaller footprint. The main tradeoffs are floor-standing versus wall-mounted designs, enclosure versus open access, and the depth needed for your NAS, cables, and future gear. Check your available space and equipment dimensions before choosing. Read on for the full comparison, buying advice, and recommendations by setup.
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Key Takeaways
- The NavePoint 22U enclosure is the strongest all-around fit: it pairs a full enclosure with casters, fans, a locking glass door, and removable side panels.
- Depth changes the shortlist: the Sysracks wall cabinets offer 18- or 24-inch depths, while the Home Lab cabinet provides 35 inches for longer equipment and more cable clearance.
- Wall mounting and floor-standing solve different space problems: the Sysracks and NavePoint wall options save floor area, while the floor-standing NavePoint and Home Lab cabinets suit setups that need more room to grow.
- The Home Lab cabinet emphasizes bundled convenience: its listed thermostat, PDU, shelf, and cooling fans can reduce separate accessory planning, but its 35-inch depth needs substantial room.
- The AxcessAbles open-frame rack favors access over containment: its three shelves and locking casters suit shelf-based AV or network gear, but an open frame does not offer the dust and access control of an enclosed cabinet.
| nas racks and cabinet | Rack capacity | Material | Door |
|---|---|---|---|
| NavePoint 22U Wall Mount Serve | 22U | Cold-rolled steel | Locking tempered glass |
| NavePoint 22U Server Rack Encl | 22U | — | Locking tempered glass |
| Sysracks 18U Wall-Mount Server | 18U | Alloy steel | — |
| Sysracks 15U Wall-Mount Server | 15U | Steel | Locking tempered glass |
| Home Lab Server Rack Cabinet 1 | 22U | Steel | Lockable glass |
| Sysracks 15U Wall-Mount Networ | — | Steel | Locking tempered glass |
| AxcessAbles 22U Open Frame AV | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
NavePoint 22U Wall Mount Server Cabinet with Casters, Fans, Locking Glass Door, and Removable Side Panels
For a NAS setup that may need to move from a wall-mounted position to a floor-standing one, I’d shortlist this NavePoint 22U. Its casters and dual mounting options offer more placement flexibility than the Sysracks 18U Wall-Mount Server Rack Cabinet, while 22U gives you room to grow beyond a compact network stack. The locking glass door keeps equipment enclosed but visible, and removable side panels make rear and side access easier during wiring changes. Built-in fans help manage heat in a closed cabinet, though airflow still depends on how densely equipment is packed. The main compromises are a 130-pound load limit and a 23.6-inch depth, which rules out some heavier or deeper server builds. Assembly is required, and the casters can create clearance issues beneath low shelves.
Pros:- 22U capacity leaves room for a growing NAS and network setup.
- Wall-mounting and caster-supported placement offer more installation flexibility than a wall-only cabinet.
- Built-in fans, a locking glass door, and removable side panels support cooling, security, and access.
- Cold-rolled steel construction provides a sturdy enclosure.
Cons:- The 130-pound equipment limit may not suit a dense build with heavier servers.
- The 23.6-inch depth can be restrictive for deep equipment.
- Assembly is required, and casters may not fit under low-clearance furniture.
Best for: Home lab owners who want a mid-size enclosed rack that can be wall-mounted or rolled into a different position.
Not ideal for: Buyers with heavy servers, equipment deeper than the cabinet can accommodate, or a fixed low-clearance installation where casters add unwanted height.
- Rack capacity:22U
- Dimensions:23.6 in D x 23.6 in W x 43 in H
- Equipment load capacity:Up to 130 lb
- Material:Cold-rolled steel
- Ventilation:Built-in fans
- Door:Locking tempered glass
- Side panels:Removable
- Mounting options:Wall-mounted or free-standing with casters
Our verdict“Choose this NavePoint if you want 22U of enclosed rack space with flexible placement, but skip it for heavy or unusually deep equipment.”
NavePoint 22U Server Rack Enclosure with Shelves, Casters, Fans, Locking Glass Door, and Removable Side Panels
I’d pick this NavePoint when the rack needs to hold a mix of rack-mount gear and equipment that sits on shelves. Its three included shelves give it a practical advantage over the similarly sized NavePoint 22U Wall Mount Server Cabinet, which does not list shelves in its included equipment. Two built-in fans, a locking glass door, removable side panels, and casters make this a ready-to-organize enclosed option for NAS and A/V components. That convenience has limits: the cabinet supports up to 130 pounds, so a shelf-heavy setup can use up its capacity quickly, and the 23.6-inch depth may not work for long chassis. Compared with the deeper Home Lab Server Rack Cabinet 19-inch 22U, this NavePoint is less suited to full-depth servers, but it offers shelves and mobility in a more compact footprint.
Pros:- Three included shelves accommodate devices that are not rack-mountable.
- 22U capacity provides room for NAS, networking, and A/V equipment.
- Two built-in fans and removable side panels support access and cooling.
- Casters make repositioning the cabinet easier.
Cons:- The 130-pound load limit can constrain a fully populated rack.
- The 23.6-inch depth may not fit deeper server chassis.
- Assembly is required and may take time.
Best for: NAS owners building a mixed setup of rack-mount devices, small desktop equipment, and accessories that need dedicated shelves.
Not ideal for: People installing heavy, full-depth servers or expecting a high load capacity from a shelf-filled cabinet.
- Rack capacity:22U
- Dimensions:23.6 in D x 19 in W x 43 in H
- Equipment load capacity:Up to 130 lb
- Material and finish:Cold-rolled steel with black powder coating
- Shelves:3 included
- Ventilation:2 built-in fans
- Door:Locking tempered glass
- Mobility and access:Casters and removable side panels
Our verdict“Choose this model if included shelves matter more than deep-equipment clearance or a higher load rating.”
Sysracks 18U Wall-Mount Server Rack Cabinet, 24-Inch Deep
The Sysracks 18U stands out for buyers who want a wall-mounted cabinet with useful rack accessories already included. Its package brings together two vented shelves, a PDU, cable-entry panels, mounting hardware, a fan, and leveling feet—more setup support than the NavePoint 22U Wall Mount Server Cabinet lists. The tradeoff is less vertical room: at 18U, it has four fewer rack units than either 22U NavePoint, so it suits a defined network and NAS build better than a setup expected to expand substantially. The stated 24-inch overall depth is not the usable equipment depth; mounting space is 20 inches, so check chassis dimensions before buying. Its load rating also changes by installation: 133 pounds on the wall versus 200 pounds on leveling feet, a meaningful distinction for heavier equipment.
Pros:- Includes a PDU, two vented shelves, a fan, cable-entry panels, and mounting hardware.
- Locking glass door and removable side panels provide enclosure and service access.
- Leveling feet allow a higher listed load capacity than wall mounting.
- Standard 19-inch equipment compatibility suits typical rack-mount network and A/V gear.
Cons:- 18U offers less expansion room than the 22U NavePoint cabinets.
- Usable mounting depth is 20 inches, despite 24 inches of overall depth.
- Wall-mounted load capacity is 133 pounds, below the 200-pound leveling-feet rating.
Best for: Home network builders who want a wall-mount cabinet with a PDU, shelves, cable-entry panels, and mounting hardware in the package.
Not ideal for: Owners planning a large expansion or installing equipment that needs more than 20 inches of usable mounting depth.
- Rack capacity:18U
- Overall dimensions:24 in D x 24 in W x 37 in H
- Usable mounting depth:20 in
- Compatibility:Standard 19-inch rack equipment
- Load capacity:133 lb wall-mounted; 200 lb on leveling feet
- Included accessories:Integrated fan, PDU, two vented shelves, cable-entry panels, mounting hardware
- Material:Alloy steel
- Weight:65 lb
- Warranty:2 years
Our verdict“Choose the Sysracks 18U for a well-accessorized wall rack with a modest footprint, provided your equipment fits its 20-inch usable depth.”
Sysracks 15U Wall-Mount Server Rack Cabinet, 24-Inch Deep
For a smaller installation where included accessories matter more than extra rack height, I’d favor this Sysracks 15U over the brand’s 18U model. It has the same 20-inch usable mounting depth and the same stated load limits—133 pounds on the wall or 200 pounds on leveling feet—but takes up less vertical space. A fan, two vented shelves, a rack-mount PDU, cable-entry panels, and mounting hardware help make a modest NAS and network system easier to organize. The cost of that compact footprint is limited room for future additions: the 18U Sysracks gives you three more rack units without changing the listed depth. This cabinet can also stand on leveling feet, but its wall-mounted rating should guide placement if you plan to install it on a wall.
Pros:- Compact 15U height suits a smaller rack installation.
- Includes a fan, two vented shelves, a rack-mount PDU, and cable-entry panels.
- Locking glass door and steel construction provide an enclosed, secure setup.
- Can be wall-mounted or placed on leveling feet.
Cons:- Three fewer rack units than the comparable Sysracks 18U model.
- Usable mounting depth is 20 inches, less than the 24-inch overall depth.
- Wall mounting is limited to a 133-pound load.
Best for: Home network or NAS owners with a compact equipment list who want shelves, a PDU, cooling, and cable-entry panels included.
Not ideal for: Buyers expecting to add several rack devices or using chassis that need more than 20 inches of mounting depth.
- Rack capacity:15U
- Overall dimensions:24 in D x 24 in W x 30 in H
- Usable mounting depth:20 in
- Compatibility:19-inch rack equipment
- Load capacity:133 lb wall-mounted; 200 lb on leveling feet
- Included accessories:Cooling fan, two vented shelves, rack-mount PDU, cable-entry panels, mounting hardware
- Material:Steel
- Door:Locking tempered glass
- Item weight:55 lb
Our verdict“Choose this 15U cabinet for a compact, accessory-rich setup; pick the Sysracks 18U if you need more room to add equipment.”
Home Lab Server Rack Cabinet 19-inch 22U – Premium Series, 35-inch Deep Network Rack Enclosure with Glass Door, Cooling Fans & Thermostat, PDU, Shelf, Lockable
When depth and load headroom matter more than a wall-friendly footprint, this 35-inch-deep 22U cabinet is the standout in this group. Its stated 220-pound maximum load exceeds the 130-pound limits of both NavePoint 22U cabinets, while the extra depth is better suited to larger servers and a more substantial NAS build. Dual top fans with a thermostat, a PDU, a shelf, leveling feet, casters, and a lockable glass door make it a fuller floor-rack package than either wall-mount Sysracks option. That capacity comes with a tradeoff: at 35 inches deep, it needs considerably more room than the 24-inch-deep Sysracks cabinets and is a poor fit for a small closet or shallow home office. The description also flags the rack as heavy and requiring assembly, so plan its location before setup.
Pros:- 35-inch depth accommodates larger equipment than the listed 20-inch usable-depth Sysracks cabinets.
- 220-pound maximum load is higher than the 130-pound limits of the NavePoint 22U options.
- Dual top fans with a thermostat support temperature-managed cooling.
- Includes a PDU, shelf, leveling feet, casters, and a lockable glass door.
Cons:- Its 35-inch depth demands substantially more floor space than the other cabinets here.
- The cabinet is heavy and requires assembly.
- The added capacity and size may be unnecessary for a small NAS or network setup.
Best for: Home lab builders with deep server chassis, heavier equipment, and floor space for a full-depth 22U cabinet.
Not ideal for: Buyers with a small room, a wall-mount-only requirement, or a compact NAS setup that will not use the extra depth and load capacity.
- Rack capacity:22U
- Width:19 in
- Depth:35 in
- Maximum load:220 lb
- Material:Steel
- Cooling:Dual top fans with thermostat
- Included accessories:PDU and shelf
- Mobility and support:Casters and leveling feet
- Door:Lockable glass
Our verdict“Choose this full-depth rack for a heavy, expandable home lab; choose a shallower cabinet if room efficiency matters more.”
Sysracks 15U Wall-Mount Network Cabinet, 18-Inch Deep
The 18-inch depth makes this Sysracks a compact enclosed option for NAS units, switches, and other equipment that fits standard 19-inch rails. Compared with the 24-inch-deep Sysracks 15U Wall-Mount Server Rack Cabinet, it takes up less room but gives up space for deeper hardware and cable clearance. A locking tempered-glass door and removable side panels add security while keeping equipment visible and accessible. Vented panels and a fan-ready top support airflow, though cooling fans are not included. The cabinet arrives empty, so shelves, a PDU, and other add-ons require separate planning. At 55 pounds before equipment is installed, it also calls for a sturdy mounting surface; its listed free-standing option may suit a floor setup better when the wall cannot support the load.
Pros:- Locking glass door and removable side panels provide secure access to equipment.
- Adjustable rails fit standard 19-inch rack equipment.
- Vented panels and a fan-ready top allow airflow improvements.
- Wall-mount plate and hardware are included.
Cons:- Empty cabinet; fans, shelves, PDU, and other accessories are not included.
- 18-inch depth limits compatibility with deeper equipment and cable runs.
- The 55-pound cabinet needs sturdy wall support when wall-mounted.
Best for: Home-lab owners or small offices fitting standard-depth NAS and network gear into a limited footprint who want a lockable enclosure.
Not ideal for: Buyers with deep servers, a large accessory list, or walls that cannot safely support the cabinet and installed equipment.
- Capacity:15U
- Dimensions:24 × 18 × 30 inches
- Weight:55 pounds
- Weight capacity:66.5 pounds minimum
- Equipment compatibility:Standard 19-inch servers, switches, routers, firewalls, NAS, DVR, UPS, and AV equipment
- Mounting:Wall mount or free-standing
- Material:Steel
- Door:Locking tempered glass
- Warranty:2 years
Our verdict“Choose this cabinet for a compact, lockable home-lab or office setup with standard-depth gear, but pick the 24-inch Sysracks model for deeper equipment.”
AxcessAbles 22U Open Frame AV and Network Rack with Locking Casters and Three Shelves
This AxcessAbles rack suits buyers who value easy access and mobility over a fully enclosed cabinet. Its 22U frame includes three shelves, front and rear rails, and locking casters, making it easier to arrange mixed AV and network equipment than an empty enclosure such as the Sysracks 15U Wall-Mount Network Cabinet. The open structure also makes cabling and airflow less restrictive, while its listed capacity reaches 440 pounds without the wheels. The tradeoff is reduced protection: unlike the glass-door Sysracks, this rack does not enclose equipment behind a locking door. Its 18-inch maximum equipment depth also rules out some deeper hardware. Assembly is required for the shelves, and the included wall-mount kit is for floor-level installation rather than suspending the rack.
Pros:- Three included shelves accommodate equipment that lacks rack ears.
- Locking casters make the loaded rack easier to reposition.
- Open-frame construction supports access and airflow.
- Rated for up to 440 pounds without wheels.
Cons:- Open frame offers less physical security and dust protection than enclosed cabinets.
- Maximum equipment depth is 18 inches, limiting deeper hardware.
- Shelves require assembly, and the wall-mount kit is not for elevated or suspended installation.
Best for: AV installers and home-lab owners who need a movable, accessible rack for equipment up to 18 inches deep and want shelves included.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a lockable, dust-shielding enclosure, equipment deeper than 18 inches, or an elevated wall-mounted rack.
- Rack size:22U
- Rack width:19 inches
- Maximum equipment depth:18 inches
- Dimensions with wheels:18 × 20 × 47.2 inches
- Weight capacity with wheels:330 pounds
- Weight capacity without wheels:440 pounds
- Shelves:3
- Caster wheels:3-inch locking casters
- Finish:Textured matte black
Our verdict“Pick this rack for a mobile, accessible setup with mixed AV and network gear; choose an enclosed Sysracks cabinet when security and equipment shielding matter more.”
How We Picked
I ranked these NAS racks and cabinets by how clearly their design fits common home-lab needs: equipment fit, mounting style, access, cooling provisions, and the work needed to get a usable setup. I gave more weight to an enclosure that can accommodate varied gear and routine maintenance than to a single standout feature. Stated depth and whether a unit is wall-mounted, floor-standing, or open-frame matter because they affect both installation and future expansion.
The ranking favors versatility and practical fit, not a claim that one cabinet works for every room or NAS. The NavePoint 22U enclosure leads for its combination of enclosure, mobility, and access; the deeper Home Lab model ranks well for bundled features but is less space-friendly. Wall-mounted Sysracks models earn places for compact installations, with depth and capacity distinguishing them, while the open-frame AxcessAbles serves a narrower use case where easy access matters more than containment.
| nas racks and cabinet | Material | Door |
|---|---|---|
| NavePoint 22U Wall Mount Serve | Cold-rolled steel | Locking tempered glass |
| NavePoint 22U Server Rack Encl | — | Locking tempered glass |
| Sysracks 18U Wall-Mount Server | Alloy steel | — |
| Sysracks 15U Wall-Mount Server | Steel | Locking tempered glass |
| Home Lab Server Rack Cabinet 1 | Steel | Lockable glass |
| Sysracks 15U Wall-Mount Networ | Steel | Locking tempered glass |
| AxcessAbles 22U Open Frame AV | — | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Nas Racks And Cabinets
Before choosing a rack, I’d start with the NAS and the room it will occupy—not the rack’s unit count alone. The right fit depends on equipment dimensions, how you plan to mount it, and how much room you need for cables, airflow, and later additions.
Measure Equipment, Not Just Rack Units
A NAS may fit on a shelf even when it is not designed to mount directly to rack rails. Measure the chassis, power connectors, and cable bend space behind it, then compare those dimensions with the rack’s usable depth. Rack-unit capacity tells you vertical space, but it does not confirm that a deep chassis or shelf will fit. Leave room for gear you expect to add, while avoiding an oversized cabinet that takes over a small office. A common mistake is checking the rack’s advertised depth without verifying usable interior clearance around doors, rails, and cables.
Choose Wall-Mount or Floor-Standing Around the Load
Wall-mounted cabinets can free up floor space, but the wall and mounting hardware need to support the fully loaded cabinet—not just its empty weight. A NAS, UPS, switches, and shelves can add substantial load, so check the manufacturer’s mounting limits and the wall structure before installation. Floor-standing racks avoid putting the full load on a wall and may be easier to expand, though they claim more floor area. Do not assume casters make a loaded rack safe to move over thresholds or uneven floors. If the cabinet must be relocated often, plan for cable slack and a clear route as well as mobility.
Treat Cooling as a Room-and-Equipment Plan
Fans can move air through a cabinet, but they cannot fix a hot room or poor intake and exhaust placement. Check where the NAS draws air and where it releases heat, then avoid blocking those paths with shelves or tightly packed equipment. A glass door and removable panels provide enclosure and access, but they still make airflow planning relevant. Noise can also become more noticeable in a small home office, especially when rack fans run alongside NAS fans. Think about ventilation, fan control, and where warm air will go before treating included fans as a complete cooling solution.
Decide Whether You Need an Enclosure
An enclosed cabinet can limit casual access and help keep equipment organized, while an open frame makes cabling and equipment changes easier. Open designs are less protective against dust, curious hands, and items placed nearby, so they suit controlled rooms better than busy shared spaces. A locking door is useful for access control, but it does not replace ventilation or secure room placement. Also check whether removable side panels give you enough working access for the way the rack will sit. Choose containment when the environment calls for it; choose an open frame when access and visibility matter more.
Check Shelf, PDU, and Accessory Compatibility
Bundled shelves and a PDU can simplify setup, but only if their dimensions and mounting style suit your equipment and power needs. Confirm that a shelf can support the NAS or UPS and that it leaves space for airflow and cable routing. A listed PDU is not a substitute for checking outlet type, capacity, and the number of devices you plan to connect. If accessories are not included, buying them separately can give you more choice but adds compatibility checks. Make a short inventory of devices, plugs, and shelf needs before comparing bundles.
Plan for Growth Without Overbuying
Extra rack units can accommodate future switches, storage, or power equipment, but unused capacity still takes up room. Estimate what you may add over the next few years and reserve space for ventilation and service access rather than filling every unit. A compact wall cabinet can be a better fit for a stable, small setup, while a larger floor-standing model makes more sense when expansion is likely. Avoid choosing only by the largest capacity: depth, installation limits, and accessibility may matter more than an empty unit count. Paying for a larger rack is most useful when your equipment plan—not just a vague possibility—supports it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a desktop-style NAS in a rack cabinet?
Yes, if the cabinet has enough usable depth and a shelf rated for the NAS’s weight. Check the chassis dimensions with its cables attached, since the rear connectors can need more clearance than the body alone suggests. Leave space around the NAS’s air intakes and exhaust, and confirm that the shelf does not obstruct them. A rack cabinet does not make a non-rackmount NAS compatible with rails; it usually sits on a shelf instead. If you also plan to add a UPS, measure that separately because it can be larger and heavier.
Is an 18-inch-deep cabinet enough for a NAS?
It can work for compact NAS units and shallow network equipment, but the cabinet’s usable interior depth is what matters. Compare that clearance with the NAS body, power connectors, network cables, and the space needed to bend those cables safely. The listed 18-inch Sysracks option is the shallowest cabinet in this group, so it favors a compact equipment list over a plan with deep devices. If your dimensions are close, a deeper cabinet gives you more room for connection access and future changes. Do not rely on the external depth alone when making the fit decision.
Should I choose a wall-mounted rack or a floor-standing cabinet for a NAS and UPS?
I would check the combined loaded weight before choosing a wall mount, especially if the UPS will sit inside the cabinet. The wall, anchors, and mounting method need to support the full setup, and the manufacturer’s stated capacity should guide that decision. A floor-standing cabinet generally avoids concentrating the load on a wall and can make expansion easier, but it uses floor space. The wall-mounted models in this roundup suit space-conscious installations, while the floor-standing enclosures are more natural choices for larger equipment plans. If the load or wall construction is uncertain, get qualified installation advice rather than guessing.
Do the included fans mean I do not need to plan cabinet airflow?
No. Fans help move air, but their presence does not confirm that cool air can reach every device or that heated air can leave the room. Check the direction of the NAS’s airflow, fan placement, and whether shelves or cables block intake and exhaust paths. Room temperature and cabinet placement also affect cooling, particularly in a closed closet or a warm office. The Home Lab model lists a thermostat alongside fans, while the NavePoint enclosures list fans; either way, airflow still depends on the installation. Monitor equipment temperatures after setup and adjust placement if needed.
When does an open-frame rack make more sense than a locking cabinet?
An open frame is a sensible choice when the rack sits in a controlled room and easy access matters more than enclosing the equipment. The AxcessAbles model’s three shelves and locking casters suit shelf-based AV and network gear that benefits from straightforward access. A cabinet is a better fit where dust, casual handling, or a more contained installation is a concern. Open frames also expose cables and equipment, so they may look less tidy in a shared living area. Decide based on the room and who can reach the gear, not just how easily the rack can be serviced.
Conclusion
For the best overall balance of enclosure, access, and mobility, I’d start with the NavePoint 22U Server Rack Enclosure. The best value in function for a simple, compact installation is the Sysracks 15U 18-inch-deep cabinet, provided your equipment fits its shallower layout. For a best premium-style bundled setup, the 35-inch Home Lab 22U stands out with its listed thermostat, PDU, shelf, and fans, though it needs generous space. Beginners who want an enclosed rack with accessible panels may prefer the NavePoint 22U enclosure; buyers with little floor space should compare the wall-mounted Sysracks options and choose depth based on their actual gear. For specific needs, pick the 24-inch Sysracks wall cabinet when a deeper wall-mounted layout fits, or the AxcessAbles open frame when easy access and shelves matter more than enclosure. Measure first, then let mounting limits, equipment depth, and room conditions decide the final choice.
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