Best Small Business Server Solutions in 2025
I compared the best small business server solutions, focusing on affordability, reliability and scalability. Learn why the Dell PowerEdge T160 is my top pick due to its cost-effective balance of performance and affordability for growing teams.
Written by Kevin Kiruri (Writer)
Reviewed by Kate Hawkins (Editor, Writer)
Facts checked by Igor Kurtz (Fact-checking editor)
Last Updated:
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Key Takeaways: These Are the Best Small Business Server Options
- Dell PowerEdge T160 — Best for balanced performance in small offices. Prices start from $1,350.00.
- Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V3 — Great for small, growing businesses. The latest version offers the best deal, with prices as low as Price not available
- Synology DiskStation DS925+ — Best file server for small businesses. Get a centralized file server for your business for as little as $511.99.
- HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen 11 — The ultimate powerhouse, best for heavy workloads and virtualization. Prices start from $4,299.91.
- QNAP TS-855X — Best for hybrid storage and cloud integration. Start your hybrid storage journey for as little as $1,399.00.
Facts & Expert Analysis: Small Business Servers
- Cloud and hybrid servers are the future: On-premises servers remain vital, but combining them with online servers for small business allows for more flexibility and scalability. Since web servers are not tied to a specific location, organizations can keep working even during outages, and teams can easily manage applications remotely.
- Small business servers beat office computers: A dedicated server provides better security, scalability and uptime than an office computer. Business servers are designed to reduce the risk of data loss through backup systems and error-correcting code (ECC) memory. They can easily handle multiple users and business files across a network.
- Reliability is non-negotiable: Look for features such as ECC memory, redundant power supplies and expandable hard drive bays that protect your data, minimize downtime and ensure your business runs smoothly even under heavy workloads.
Running a small business requires more than just everyday computers — you need a reliable small business server setup that can be used for storing files, powering applications and hosting solutions. The best server for your small business depends on your budget, the business’s performance needs and the number of users you plan to support.
After testing and reviewing the best small business servers, I compiled a list of the top options in this guide to help you make a decision. My goal is to empower you to make a confident and smart investment in your company’s future. If you are exploring data storage options as well, check out our detailed guide on the best cloud storage solutions for personal and business use.
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11/13/2025 Facts checked
We researched, tested and updated our rankings, then rewrote this guide with the latest top options.
Cloudwards’ Choice: Dell PowerEdge T160
Cloudwards’ Choice: Dell PowerEdge T160
After extensive testing, I believe the Dell PowerEdge T160 stands out as the best small business server due to its perfect balance of simplicity and scalability. Take advantage of the best deal available today and enjoy the power of the top Dell server for small businesses.
How to Choose the Best Small Business Server
Buying a small business server may seem daunting, but it’s easier when you focus on your needs instead of flashy specs. The right server will solve real problems, fit your budget and scale with growth.
- Purpose: Identify the main task — storing files, hosting, creating backups or running apps — to quickly narrow down your options.
- Performance: CPU and memory capacity determine how well a server handles daily workloads. A strong setup keeps operations working under pressure.
- Cost (up-front and operating): Consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) — the purchase cost and the maintenance cost over time — to land on an optimal budget for a small business server.
- Growth and scalability: Choose a model with extra bays and slots for easy upgrades instead of worrying about frequent replacements.
- Reliability and uptime: Opt for server components with round-the-clock availability, such as error-correcting code (ECC) memory, redundant power supplies and strong manufacturer support.
Office Computer vs Small Business Server
A desktop computer can handle simple, single-user tasks such as word processing or graphic design, but it lacks the power, reliability and multi-user capabilities of a small business server. A business server is built to run 24/7, manage databases, host applications and securely store files in a shared environment.
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For a small organization with minimal needs, an office computer may be a cost-effective solution. However, if the business handles sensitive data or requires centralized backups, shared apps or remote access, it would be better to invest in a small business server. This will ensure that your data is organized, secure and available at all times.
| Differences: | Office Computer | Small Business Server |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Minimal, relies on basic antivirus and user logins | Advanced security features such as encryption, firewalls and managed access control |
| Expandable storage | Limited to 1-2 hard drives | Designed for multiple storage drives, hot swapping and NAS devices |
| Up-front cost | Lower initial purchase price | Higher initial investment due to specialized, industrial-grade components and potential software licensing |
| Operating cost | Low cost — biggest expense is power consumption | High costs since servers require power and cooling to run 24/7 |
The 5 Best Small Business Servers
Choosing the right server for your business is like finding a reliable partner to handle your data, support your team and grow with you. Options range from traditional tower servers to versatile network-attached storage (NAS) devices. Your needs and budget will determine the best choice for you. In the table below, I compare five of the top small servers that you should consider.
| Server Model | Processor | Memory | Drive Bays/ Storage Support | Networking/ Expansion | Form Factor | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell PowerEdge T160 | One processor socket (Intel Xeon or Pentium) | Up to 4 DDR5 DIMM slots supporting ECC | Up to 3x 3.5” cabled bays (48TB), up to 3x 3.5” and 2x 2.5” cabled bays (63.36TB) | 2x 1FbE LOM on Planar | Tower server | $1,350.00 |
| Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V3 | Intel Xeon E-2400/6300, up to 8 cores | 4 UDIMM slots, up to 128GB, 5600 MHz | Up to 8x 3.5” simple-swap and hot-swap SATA bays, 16x 2.5” hot-swap SATA bays, 2x 5.25” media bays | 2x 1GbE onboard Ethernet ports | 4U chassis tower server | Price not available |
| Synology DiskStation DS925+ | AMD Ryzen V1500B | 4GB DDR4, upgradeable to 32GB | 4 SATA bays and M.2 NVMe slots | 2x 2.5GbE ports | NAS tower | $511.99 |
| HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen 11 | Intel Xeon, up to 64 cores | DDR5 5600 MT/s memory | 8x 3.5” or 16x 2.5” bays | Multiple GbE ports, numerous PCIe slots | 4U tower with rack conversion capability | $4,299.91 |
| QNAP TS-855X | Intel Atom, 8 cores | 8GB non-ECC UDIMM DDR4, expandable to 128GB | 6x 3.5” and 2x 2.5” SATA bays | 2x 2.5GbE ports and 1x 10GbE port, expansion allowed via a PCIe expansion card | Tower | $1,399.00 |
1. Dell PowerEdge T160 — Best for Balanced Small Office Performance
Pros:
- Affordable
- Supports ECC memory
- Supports remote management
Cons:
- Not designed for heavy virtualization
- Limited network bandwidth
- Optional hot-swap bays on higher-configuration models only
Price: Starting from $1,350.00
The Dell PowerEdge T160 is designed for small businesses that need reliable performance, combining enterprise-grade reliability with compact efficiency. This leads to a perfect balance of power, affordability and manageability for offices that want to modernize their IT infrastructure without overspending.
The Xeon E-2400 processor and DDR5 ECC memory power the T160, ensuring faster processing and greater data integrity for consistent uptime. The device’s PCIe Gen 5 slots support high-speed data transfer and future upgrades, which means it can adapt as technology evolves.
The Dell PowerEdge T160 is best for offices or branch sites that don’t rely on heavy computing or large-scale virtualization. It is ideal for running a file server, print services, backups or light business software.
2. Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V3 — Best for Growing Small Businesses
Pros:
- High scalability
- Flexible storage
- Enterprise-level security
Cons:
- Single-socket design
- Base configurations may lack high-end networking
- Complex Lenovo XClarity management tools
Price: Starting from Price not available
The Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V3 is a smart choice for businesses focused on growth. It hits the sweet spot, combining many advanced features at a highly competitive price point. The device is designed for small to medium-sized businesses that want real server capability without jumping to full rack servers.
The ST250 V3 delivers the power and flexibility that growing businesses need to be efficient and future-ready. The processor options, including the Intel Xeon E-2400 and Xeon 6300 series, ensure fast, reliable performance for everyday operations and demanding workloads. The DDR5 ECC memory provides greater speed, stability and data integrity, minimizing downtime and preventing errors.
The server has a flexible drive configuration, supporting up to eight 3.5” or 16 2.5” hot-swap SATA/SAS bays. This allows users to start small and scale as their storage needs expand, making it a cost-effective and sustainable solution for long-term business growth.
3. Synology DiskStation DS925+ — Best File Server for Small Businesses
Pros:
- Dual 2.5GbE ports
- ECC memory support
- Runs quietly & efficiently
Cons:
- Not ideal for CPU-heavy tasks
- Limited network upgrades
- Base cost doesn’t include hard drives
Price: Starting from $511.99
The DS925+ is designed for businesses whose primary needs are file sharing, backups and reliable data storage. The device comes with two built-in 2.5GbE ports, and it supports over 522 MB/s read and 565 MB/s write performance. This ensures fast access and data sharing, which enhances collaboration even in busy office environments.
The Synology DiskStation DS925+ comes with 4GB of ECC DDR4 memory (expandable to 32GB) to maintain data integrity and prevent corruption during transfers. It features two M.2 NVMe (non-volatile memory express) slots for cache acceleration and four main SATA drive bays for scalable storage. It also supports the newer DX525 unit for additional drive capacity.
4. HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen 11 — Best for Heavy Workloads, Virtualization and Growth
Pros:
- Excellent scalability
- Enterprise-grade security
- Robust management using HPE’s iLO (integrated lights-out)
Cons:
- High up-front cost
- Complex for beginners
- High power & cooling demands
Price: Starting from $4,299.91
The HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen 11 is suitable for small businesses that need more than just an entry-level system. The device features exceptional expandability, supports numerous hard drives and has substantial memory capacity to keep up with growing data needs. Its robust performance is ideal for running multiple servers and hosting critical business applications.
The robust tower server is built for performance and flexibility. It supports both 4th and 5th Gen Intel Xeon processors, with up to 64 cores in a single- or dual-CPU configuration. It also accommodates up to 8TB of DDR5 memory, which facilitates demanding workloads such as virtualization, databases or application hosting.
5. QNAP TS-855X — Best High-Performance NAS with Hybrid Compute and Storage
Pros:
- Strong performance
- Versatile connectivity
- Hybrid storage options
Cons:
- Not suitable for CPU-heavy workloads
- QTS software may be complex for beginners
- Pricey high-spec models
Price: Starting from $1,399.00
The QNAP TS-855X is a high-end NAS (network-attached storage) solution developed to handle both storage and light compute tasks. Powered by an eight-core Intel Atom chip with 8GB DDR4 memory (expandable to 128GB ECC), it delivers reliable multitasking and smooth performance for simultaneous file access and backups.
The server offers six 3.5” HDD (hard disk drive) bays, two 2.5” SSD (solid-state drive) bays and dual M.2 NVMe slots for caching so businesses can balance speed and capacity. Its easy integration with cloud servers — enabling hybrid storage, off-site backups and remote access — ensures business continuity and data protection.
My Methodology: How I Tested the Best Server for Small Business
A server keeps most small businesses running, whether on premises or as cloud-based storage. I tested several small business server options, focusing on performance, practicality and cost-effectiveness for small business needs.
- Performance and processing power: I compared CPUs like the Intel Xeon and ECC memory features to assess stability and multitasking performance.
- Storage and expandability: I evaluated HDD, SSD and NVMe options, checking for server components such as drive bays, hot swapping and upgrade potential.
- Security and backup options: I tested built-in security features such as encryption, firmware protection and support for small business server backups.
- Connectivity and networking: I measured Ethernet performance, including 2.5GbE and 10GbE ports, and reviewed expansion slot availability.
- Cost-effectiveness and ease of management: I compared up-front and recurring costs against performance, scalability and vendor management tool usability.
Final Thoughts: Best Small Business Server
Choosing the right server for your business is key. I hope this guide has helped you understand your core business needs better so you can select the best server for your use case. The Dell PowerEdge T160 is my personal favorite small business server setup because it provides the perfect entry point into the server ecosystem.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. What type of server do you use in your business? What types of workloads does your server handle? Leave a comment below — we would love to hear from you.
FAQ: Best Server for Small Business
You need a server for your small business if your team struggles to share files or needs reliable storage for backups and always-on data access.
The price varies depending on whether you choose an on-premises server, a cloud server or a hybrid solution. The cost could range from as little as $30 per month for a cloud server, to $1,000 for a barebones budget small business server or rack server, to more than $4,000 for a server equipped to handle heavy workloads.
A small business server setup involves installing the operating system, configuring user access, securing the network and testing performance.