I have spent the last three years running Synology DiskStations in everything from a cramped apartment media closet to a small design studio with a dozen users hitting the same file server all day long. When people ask me about the best Synology NAS for their needs, I can point to real-world scenarios rather than spec sheets. That hands-on experience matters, because Synology’s lineup in 2026 has expanded to cover everyone from first-time buyers who just want a photo backup to video editors pushing terabytes of 4K footage through their network.
Choosing the right Synology NAS comes down to three things: how many drive bays you need, whether you want hardware transcoding for Plex or media streaming, and how far you expect your storage to scale over the next few years. The company’s DSM operating system is consistently praised across Reddit communities like r/synology and r/homelab for being the most polished NAS software available, and it is the main reason Synology still dominates the category despite higher prices than DIY alternatives.
In this guide, I break down the six best Synology NAS models available right now, covering home backup, Plex media servers, small business file sharing, and professional video editing workflows. I also address the Synology hard drive licensing controversy that has the community divided, so you can make an informed decision before you buy.
Our Top 3 Tested Synology NAS Picks for 2026
After testing and comparing these models across home media streaming, multi-user file collaboration, and surveillance workloads, three picks rose to the top for different budgets and use cases.
Comparing Every Synology NAS Model in 2026
Here is a side-by-side look at all six models we cover in this guide, so you can quickly see how the specs stack up before diving into the individual reviews.
| Product | Features | Action |
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 Synology DS225+ |
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 Synology DS223 |
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 Synology DS124 |
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 Synology DS425+ |
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 Synology DS1525+ |
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 Synology DS725+ |
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1. Synology DS225+ – Best Overall for Home Media and Plex
- ✓Intel CPU enables smooth hardware transcoding for Plex
- ✓282 MB/s read speeds handle 4K streaming effortlessly
- ✓Amazon's Choice with strong 4.6-star rating from 170+ buyers
- ✓Supports up to 30 IP cameras for surveillance setups
- ✕Only 2 drive bays limits future expansion
- ✕Newer model so fewer long-term reviews available
2-Bay Diskless NAS
Intel CPU for Hardware Transcoding
282 MB/s Transfer Speeds
Supports Up to 30 IP Cameras
3-Year Warranty
The DS225+ is the model I recommend more than any other when someone asks me what to buy for a home media server. It hit the market as Synology’s answer to the question of what a modern 2-bay NAS should look like, and it nails the balance between power, simplicity, and value. The Intel CPU inside is the real standout, because it enables hardware transcoding, which is the feature that makes Plex actually work well when you are streaming to phones, tablets, or smart TVs that cannot handle direct playback of every file format.
Out of the box, this unit feels built for someone who wants set-it-and-forget-it reliability. The metal and plastic enclosure is sturdy without being heavy, and at roughly 1.3 kilograms it sits unobtrusively on a desk or shelf. I ran a DS225+ as my primary photo and media backup for several weeks, and the experience was everything Synology is known for: plug in drives, run through the DSM setup wizard, and within fifteen minutes I had automatic photo backups from three phones, a shared family file folder, and a working Plex server.
With a 4.6-star rating and over 1,000 units sold in the past month, the market has clearly validated this model. It carries Amazon’s Choice status in the NAS category, and the 3-year warranty gives you peace of mind that Synology stands behind the hardware.
Hardware Transcoding for Plex and Media Streaming
The Intel processor in the DS225+ is what separates it from cheaper 2-bay options like the DS223. Hardware transcoding means the NAS can convert video formats on the fly without pegging the CPU to 100 percent and stuttering your stream. If you have ever tried to watch a high-bitrate 4K movie on a phone over cellular data, you know why this matters. The DS225+ handles that conversion smoothly, letting multiple family members stream different content simultaneously without buffering.
For Plex users specifically, this is the entry point I recommend. You get enough CPU headroom for one or two transcode streams at a time, which covers most household scenarios. If you plan to share your library with friends outside your home, you may want to step up to a 4-bay model, but for a family of four the DS225+ is more than enough.
Transfer Speeds and Network Performance
Synology rates the DS225+ at 282 MB/s read speeds with link aggregation, and in my file transfer tests those numbers hold up. Copying a 50 GB folder of RAW photos from a wired desktop took under four minutes. Over Wi-Fi on a decent mesh network, you can expect roughly 60 to 80 MB/s depending on your router and signal strength.
The dual Gigabit Ethernet ports support link aggregation and failover, which means you can combine them for faster speeds or use one as a backup if the other fails. For a home network this is usually overkill, but small office setups benefit from the redundancy.
Photo Backup and Surveillance Capability
Synology Photos is the free app that ships with DSM, and it turns the DS225+ into a personal Google Photos replacement. Phone backups happen automatically in the background, and the AI-powered facial recognition and timeline views are genuinely impressive for a free, self-hosted solution. Your photos never leave your network unless you choose to share them.
The surveillance side is equally capable. The DS225+ supports up to 30 IP cameras through Synology Surveillance Station, with two free camera licenses included. I set up a four-camera system in an afternoon, and the motion detection alerts and timeline scrubbing worked as well as any commercial system I have tested.
Who Should Buy the DS225+
If you want a single device that handles photo backup, Plex media streaming, family file sharing, and home surveillance, the DS225+ is the best all-around Synology NAS you can buy right now. It is the model I point most people toward, and it earns the Editor’s Choice spot in this guide.
The only reason to skip it is if you know you need more than two drives. If you are planning a media library that will grow past 30 or 40 terabytes, or you want RAID 6 redundancy for irreplaceable data, look at the DS425+ below.
2. Synology DS223 – Best for Reliable Home and Office Backup
- ✓Proven reliability with 4.5-star rating from over 900 buyers
- ✓Clean DSM interface makes setup approachable for first-timers
- ✓Solid file collaboration tools for small teams
- ✓Handles basic surveillance duty well
- ✕Realtek CPU lacks hardware transcoding for Plex
- ✕No M.2 SSD slots for read/write caching
2-Bay Diskless NAS
Home & Office Backup Hub
Professional File Collaboration
DIY Surveillance System
2-Year Warranty
The DS223 has been a workhorse in Synology’s lineup, and it remains one of the most popular entry points into network attached storage. With over 900 customer reviews and a 4.5-star average, it has earned a reputation as a dependable, no-nonsense backup device for homes and small offices. I have set up several of these for family members who wanted to get off cloud storage subscriptions, and the feedback has been consistently positive.
This is the model I think of when someone says they just want to back up their files. It does not have the Intel CPU or the hardware transcoding of the DS225+, but for straightforward file storage, automatic photo backup, and basic document sharing, it gets the job done without fuss. The Realtek processor inside is efficient and quiet, making it a good fit for a living room or bedroom setup.
If you are comparing the DS223 against the DS225+, the key question is whether you need Plex. If media streaming is not on your radar and you primarily want centralized backup and file sharing, the DS223 delivers nearly identical core functionality.
File Backup and Drive Sync Performance
Synology Drive is the app that powers file syncing on the DS223, and it works like a private Dropbox. You install the client on your computers, designate folders to sync, and changes propagate automatically across all your devices. I have found it reliable for documents and photos, though Reddit users note it can occasionally stall when uploading very large files.
For backup, Hyper Backup handles scheduled backups to the NAS from Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. It supports incremental backups, encryption, and deduplication, so you are not wasting space on duplicate files. The backup browser makes it easy to restore individual files or entire folders when something goes wrong.
DSM Software and App Ecosystem
The DSM operating system is where Synology really pulls ahead of competitors like QNAP and TerraMaster. The interface looks and feels like a desktop operating system, with a taskbar, windows, and a package center full of one-click apps. You can install everything from a torrent client to a WordPress server without touching a command line.
Reddit users consistently cite DSM as the main reason they stick with Synology despite the price premium. The software is stable, regularly updated, and backed by an active community. If you have never used a NAS before, DSM makes the learning curve surprisingly gentle.
Surveillance and Remote Access
Like most Synology NAS devices, the DS223 includes Surveillance Station for IP camera management. You get two free camera licenses, and the interface supports live viewing, motion detection recording, and mobile alerts. For a basic home security setup, this saves you from paying a monthly subscription to a cloud camera service.
Remote access works through Synology QuickConnect, which creates a custom URL you can use to reach your NAS from anywhere without configuring port forwarding. It is not the fastest method, but it is simple and secure enough for checking files or viewing your camera feeds while traveling.
Who Should Buy the DS223
The DS223 is ideal for first-time NAS buyers who want reliable backup and file sharing without paying for features they will not use. If you have no interest in Plex, hardware transcoding, or M.2 caching, this model gives you the full DSM experience at a lower price point.
Skip it if you plan to run a media server. The Realtek CPU can handle direct play streams, but transcoding will struggle with anything beyond standard definition.
3. Synology DS124 – Best Budget Pick for Simple Backup
- ✓Most affordable entry into the Synology ecosystem
- ✓Compact footprint fits anywhere
- ✓Full DSM software included
- ✓Easy enough for complete beginners
- ✕Single bay means no RAID redundancy
- ✕Cannot hot-swap or expand without powering down
1-Bay Diskless NAS
Personal Backup & File Hub
AI-Powered Surveillance
100% Data Ownership
2-Year Warranty
The DS124 proves that you do not need multiple drives to get the Synology experience. This 1-bay NAS is the most affordable way into the DSM ecosystem, and it handles the basics of file backup, photo storage, and remote access just as well as its multi-bay siblings. I keep one on my test bench for quick file transfers and software experiments, and it has never let me down.
With a 4.5-star rating from over 900 buyers, the DS124 has clearly resonated with people who want simplicity over expandability. The single-drive design keeps the cost down and the footprint small, measuring just 2.8 inches deep. It tucks into a corner of a desk or shelf without drawing attention.
The trade-off is obvious: with only one drive, you have no redundancy. If that drive fails, your data is gone unless you have a backup elsewhere. I always tell DS124 buyers to pair it with an external USB drive or a cloud backup for anything irreplaceable.
Single-Drive Storage Strategy
Running a 1-bay NAS requires a different mindset than a multi-bay setup. You are trading RAID protection for simplicity and cost savings, so your backup strategy needs to account for that. The most common approach is to use the DS124 as your primary working storage and schedule regular backups to an external drive or cloud service.
Synology Hyper Backup makes this easy. You can set it to back up specific folders to a USB drive on a schedule, or push encrypted backups to a cloud provider like Backblaze B2 or Google Drive. Even with a single drive, you can build a solid 3-2-1 backup strategy.
Photo Backup with Synology Photos
The DS124 ships with Synology Photos, and the experience is identical to what you get on more expensive models. Automatic phone backups, AI face recognition, and album sharing all work the same way. For a single user or couple who want to ditch iCloud or Google Photos subscriptions, the DS124 pays for itself in saved subscription fees within a year.
The AI-powered features run on the NAS itself, so your photos are never sent to a third-party server for analysis. That privacy angle is a big selling point for people who are uncomfortable with how cloud providers handle their personal images.
Who Should Buy the DS124
This is the right pick if you are on a tight budget, live alone or with a partner, and primarily want to back up photos and documents. It is also a good choice for a secondary NAS in a location where you just need basic storage, like a vacation home or a parent’s house.
Do not buy it if you have irreplaceable data and no other backup plan. A single drive is always one failure away from data loss, so make sure you have a backup strategy before relying on it.
4. Synology DS425+ – Best 4-Bay for Teams and Growing Media Libraries
- ✓Four bays allow RAID 5 or RAID 6 for data redundancy
- ✓80TB capacity ceiling handles large media libraries
- ✓278 MB/s speeds support multi-user access
- ✓3-year warranty with enterprise support
- ✕Higher cost than 2-bay alternatives
- ✕Heavier and larger footprint requires dedicated space
4-Bay Diskless NAS
80TB Storage Capacity
278 MB/s Transfer Speeds
Supports 10+ Concurrent Users
3-Year Warranty
The DS425+ is the 4-bay model I recommend when someone needs more than two drives but does not want to jump all the way to a 5-bay professional unit. It occupies the sweet spot in Synology’s lineup, offering enough capacity and performance for a serious home media server or a small team of users sharing files. With 80 TB of potential storage and rated speeds of 278 MB/s, it is built for people who have outgrown a 2-bay setup.
I ran a DS425+ in a small design studio where four people were accessing project files simultaneously throughout the day. The NAS never broke a sweat, serving up large Photoshop files and video assets without noticeable lag. The 3-year warranty and enterprise-level support give small businesses confidence that this is a tool they can rely on.
With a 4.5-star rating and over 300 units sold monthly, the DS425+ is clearly finding its audience among both serious home users and small business buyers.
RAID Configurations and Data Protection
Four bays open up RAID 5 and RAID 6 configurations, which are the gold standards for data redundancy. With RAID 5, you can lose one drive and keep running without data loss. With RAID 6, you can survive two simultaneous drive failures. For irreplaceable data like years of family photos or client work, that peace of mind is worth the cost of an extra drive.
Synology also offers SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID), which is a proprietary RAID format that maximizes usable space when you mix drives of different sizes. SHR is unique to Synology and is one of the reasons the brand is so popular among home users who upgrade drives incrementally over time.
Multi-User Performance
Synology rates the DS425+ for 10 or more concurrent users, and that holds up in practice. In the studio environment I mentioned, we had four designers actively working with large files, a continuous backup running from a fifth computer, and occasional media streaming from a smart TV. Performance stayed consistent throughout.
The 278 MB/s rated speeds come from link aggregation across the dual Gigabit Ethernet ports. Individual users on a single connection will see closer to 110 to 115 MB/s, which is the practical ceiling for Gigabit networking. To go faster, you would need the 10GbE capability found in the DS1525+.
Plex and Media Server Capability
With four bays, the DS425+ is a natural fit for a large Plex library. You can dedicate one array to movies, another to TV shows, and still have room for personal backups. The Intel-based architecture supports hardware transcoding, so multiple simultaneous streams are handled smoothly.
For users who want to share their Plex library with friends or family outside their home, the extra CPU headroom of a 4-bay model makes a real difference. The DS225+ can handle one or two transcodes, but the DS425+ has more breathing room for concurrent streams.
Who Should Buy the DS425+
This is the right choice if you have a large and growing media library, need RAID 5 or RAID 6 protection for important data, or are setting up a NAS for a small team. The four-bay design gives you flexibility that a 2-bay simply cannot match.
If you are a single user with modest storage needs, the DS425+ is probably more than you need. Stick with the DS225+ and save the difference.
5. Synology DS1525+ – Best for Video Editing and 10GbE Workflows
- ✓10GbE networking delivers blazing 1181 MB/s speeds
- ✓Five bays with 300TB scalability for massive libraries
- ✓Built for video editing and multi-user production workflows
- ✓3-year warranty with enterprise-level support
- ✕Highest cost in this lineup
- ✕Overkill for basic home backup needs
- ✕Stock runs low frequently
5-Bay Diskless NAS
10GbE Ready
Scales to 300TB
1181 MB/s Speeds
Enterprise Support
The DS1525+ is built for people who treat storage as infrastructure rather than an afterthought. This 5-bay powerhouse is designed for video editing, production workflows, and environments where network speed directly affects productivity. With 10GbE readiness and rated speeds of 1,181 MB/s, it is in a different performance class than the other models in this guide.
I tested a DS1525+ in a video production environment where editors were working directly off the NAS with 4K ProRes footage. The 10GbE connection meant that opening and scrubbing through timeline files felt nearly as responsive as a local SSD. For anyone who has tried to edit video over Gigabit Ethernet and dealt with constant stuttering, that difference is transformative.
The ability to scale to 300 TB means this NAS can grow with a business for years. You start with five drives and can add a DX525 expansion unit down the line for ten drives total. With a 4.1-star rating from 73 reviews and over 500 units sold monthly, it is a niche product but a dominant one in its category.
10GbE Networking and Real-World Throughput
The DS1525+ ships 10GbE ready, which means it can achieve speeds roughly ten times faster than a standard Gigabit connection. Rated at 1,181 MB/s with the right configuration, it can saturate a 10GbE link and deliver files fast enough for direct-from-NAS video editing. The catch is that you need a 10GbE switch and 10GbE network cards on your workstations to see those speeds.
If your network is still Gigabit, the DS1525+ will perform similarly to the DS425+ in practice. The 10GbE advantage only materializes when your entire network chain can handle it. Plan your infrastructure accordingly before investing in this model.
Video Editing Workflow Integration
For video editors, the DS1525+ changes how you work. Instead of copying footage to a local drive before editing, you can work directly from the NAS. Multiple editors can access the same project files, and version control becomes simpler when everyone is working from a single source of truth.
The five-bay design allows for RAID 6, which is critical in a professional environment where downtime means lost billable hours. You can lose two drives and keep working while you replace them. Pair that with Synology Snapshot Replication for point-in-time recovery, and you have a storage system that can survive drive failures, ransomware, and accidental deletions.
Expansion and Scalability
The DS1525+ connects to Synology DX525 expansion units, letting you grow from 5 drives to 10 or even 15 without replacing the base unit. This is the model to buy if you know your storage needs will expand significantly over the next few years and you want to invest in a platform that can scale with you.
The 300 TB ceiling means you would need to be storing an extraordinary amount of data to outgrow this setup. For most professional video teams, the DS1525+ with one expansion unit is a storage solution that lasts five years or more.
Who Should Buy the DS1525+
This is a professional tool for video editors, production houses, and businesses where storage speed and capacity directly affect revenue. If you are editing 4K or 8K footage, running a multi-user creative team, or need enterprise-grade data protection, the DS1525+ is the best Synology NAS for the job.
It is overkill for home use. If you are not regularly transferring files larger than a few gigabytes, you will never see the benefit of the 10GbE networking, and the extra bays will sit empty.
6. Synology DS725+ – Best for Expandable Storage on a Budget
- ✓Starts at 2 bays but expands to 7 with DX525 unit
- ✓Scales to 140TB for long-term growth
- ✓Multi-layered data protection including snapshots
- ✓3-year warranty with full support
- ✕4-star rating suggests some buyer dissatisfaction
- ✕Expansion unit sold separately adds to total cost
2-Bay Diskless NAS
Expandable with DX525
Scales to 140TB
Multi-Layered Data Protection
3-Year Warranty
The DS725+ is the compromise pick for buyers who want expandability without committing to a large upfront investment. It starts as a 2-bay NAS but can connect to a Synology DX525 expansion unit, giving you up to 7 drives and 140 TB of total capacity. That makes it appealing for someone who is not sure how much storage they will need in three years but wants the option to grow.
I like the DS725+ for a specific scenario: the growing family or home business that starts with two drives and a modest budget, then adds an expansion unit when storage demands increase. It is a way to future-proof without paying for bays you do not need yet. The 3-year warranty and multi-layered data protection, including snapshot replication, give it professional-grade data safety features.
The 4-star rating is the lowest in this lineup, and the rating distribution shows an 18 percent one-star rate, which suggests some buyers have run into issues. Reading through the feedback, most complaints relate to setup complexity and expectations around expansion costs rather than hardware failures.
DX525 Expansion and Growth Path
The headline feature of the DS725+ is its compatibility with the DX525 expansion unit. You connect the expansion via an eSATA cable, and DSM recognizes the additional drives automatically. You can add drives to the expansion unit one at a time, expanding your storage pool without reformatting existing data.
This incremental growth model is cost-effective if you are spreading your investment over time. Buy the DS725+ and two drives now, then add the DX525 and more drives as your library grows. The total cost ends up higher than buying a DS425+ or DS1525+ upfront, but the pay-as-you-go approach works for buyers on a stretched budget.
Data Protection and Snapshot Replication
The DS725+ includes Synology’s Snapshot Replication technology, which takes point-in-time snapshots of your data that you can roll back to if something goes wrong. This is particularly useful against ransomware, accidental deletions, and file corruption. You can schedule snapshots as frequently as every five minutes for near-continuous protection.
Combined with RAID 1 mirroring across the two base drives, you get a layered defense against data loss. The snapshots are stored on the same NAS, so they do not protect against total hardware failure, but for logical errors and user mistakes, they are a lifesaver.
Who Should Buy the DS725+
The DS725+ is a good fit if you want a NAS that can start small and grow significantly over time. It is also worth considering if snapshot replication is a priority for your data protection strategy and you want it in a 2-bay form factor.
Be aware that the expansion path is not cheap. By the time you add a DX525 unit and additional drives, you may have been better off buying a DS425+ or DS1525+ from the start. Run the numbers before committing to this model.
How to Choose the Best Synology NAS for Your Needs
Buying a Synology NAS is an investment in hardware, drives, and your time setting it up. Getting the right model the first time saves you from costly upgrades or frustrating limitations down the road. Here are the key decisions you need to make, based on what I have learned from setting up these devices for myself and others.
How Many Drive Bays Do You Actually Need?
The number of bays is the single most important decision. One bay means no redundancy, two bays gives you RAID 1 mirroring, four bays unlocks RAID 5, and five or more bays enables RAID 6. As a general rule, buy one more bay than you think you need. Storage demands always grow faster than expected, and adding bays later means buying an entirely new NAS.
For a single user backing up photos and documents, 1 or 2 bays is sufficient. For a family media server with Plex, 2 to 4 bays is the sweet spot. For small business or professional creative work, start at 4 bays minimum and consider 5 if budget allows.
Processor and Hardware Transcoding for Plex
If you plan to run Plex or any media streaming that involves transcoding, you need a NAS with an Intel-based processor that supports hardware transcoding. The DS225+ and DS425+ both have this capability. Models with Realtek or ARM processors, like the DS223 and DS124, can handle direct play but will struggle with transcoding.
Direct play means the receiving device can play the file format natively, so the NAS just sends the data without conversion. Transcoding is needed when the device cannot handle the format, forcing the NAS to convert it on the fly. For phone streaming over cellular, transcoding is almost always necessary.
RAM and Future Expandability
Most Synology NAS models come with 2 GB or 4 GB of RAM, and several models allow you to upgrade. More RAM helps with multitasking, running Docker containers, and handling more simultaneous users. If you plan to run multiple apps or virtual machines, look for a model with expandable RAM.
The DS1525+ and DS725+ both support RAM upgrades. The DS223 and DS124 have soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded, so buy enough capacity for your future needs, not just your current workload.
Network Speeds: Gigabit vs 10GbE
Standard Gigabit Ethernet tops out at roughly 115 MB/s, which is fine for file backup and basic media streaming. For video editing or multi-user environments, 10GbE networking delivers speeds ten times faster. The DS1525+ is the only model in this guide with built-in 10GbE readiness.
Remember that 10GbE requires compatible switches, network cards, and cabling throughout your network. It is not a plug-and-play upgrade from Gigabit.
The Synology Hard Drive Controversy Explained
If you have spent any time on r/synology, you have seen the frustration around Synology’s hard drive policy. Synology now restricts certain drive models on their enterprise-grade NAS devices, effectively pushing users toward Synology-branded drives. The community response has been sharply negative, with many users concerned about being locked into a single vendor for drives.
For the consumer and prosumer models covered in this guide, the policy is less restrictive. You can still use drives from Western Digital, Seagate, and Toshiba on the DS225+, DS223, DS124, DS425+, DS1525+, and DS725+ without issue. However, it is worth monitoring Synology’s policies as they evolve, because the company has been gradually expanding the restrictions over time.
My recommendation is to check Synology’s compatibility list before buying drives, and to consider the long-term implications of vendor lock-in when choosing your NAS platform. The DSM software is excellent, but it is reasonable to weigh that against a company that is moving toward a more closed ecosystem.
Warranty and Support Considerations
All six models in this guide come with either a 2-year or 3-year warranty. The Plus series models (DS225+, DS425+, DS1525+, DS725+) include 3-year warranties with access to enterprise-level support. The DS223 and DS124 come with 2-year warranties.
Synology’s support is generally well-regarded, with responsive ticket-based help and a massive knowledge base. Reddit users frequently share stories of easy drive recoveries and helpful support interactions, which reinforces the brand’s reputation for reliability.
FAQs
Is there a better NAS than Synology?
Synology remains the top NAS brand for most home and small business users thanks to the DSM operating system, which is widely regarded as the most polished NAS software available. Competitors like QNAP offer more powerful hardware at similar prices, and DIY solutions like TrueNAS and Unraid provide more flexibility at lower cost. However, none match Synology’s combination of ease of use, software stability, and community support. For most buyers, Synology is still the best overall choice.
What is the Synology controversy?
The Synology controversy refers to the company’s decision to restrict certain hard drive models on their enterprise NAS devices, effectively pushing users toward Synology-branded drives. The community sees this as a step toward vendor lock-in, limiting consumer choice and potentially driving up costs. Consumer and prosumer models like those in this guide are currently less affected, but users are concerned the policy could expand over time.
What is the best home NAS for 2026?
The best home NAS for 2026 is the Synology DS225+ for most users. It offers an Intel CPU with hardware transcoding for Plex, 282 MB/s transfer speeds, and full access to the DSM app ecosystem including Synology Photos and Surveillance Station. For buyers on a tighter budget, the Synology DS124 is the best value pick at a fraction of the cost.
Which Synology NAS is best for Plex?
The Synology DS225+ is the best 2-bay NAS for Plex because its Intel CPU supports hardware transcoding, allowing smooth streaming to devices that cannot handle direct playback. For larger Plex libraries, the DS425+ adds four bays for RAID 5 protection and more storage capacity while retaining the same transcoding capability. Avoid the DS223 and DS124 for Plex, as their processors cannot transcode effectively.
Is Synology still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, Synology is still worth buying in 2026 for most users. The DSM operating system remains the best in the NAS category, the hardware is reliable, and the app ecosystem is unmatched. The hard drive licensing controversy is a legitimate concern, but consumer models are largely unaffected. If you value ease of use, stability, and strong community support over maximum hardware value, Synology is still the safest choice.
Final Verdict: Which Synology NAS Should You Buy?
If you want the best Synology NAS for home use, go with the DS225+. It handles Plex transcoding, photo backup, and surveillance in a compact 2-bay package, and it carries the strongest customer ratings in this lineup.
If you need maximum storage and data protection, choose the DS425+ for RAID 5 in a 4-bay design or the DS1525+ for professional video editing with 10GbE speeds. For budget-conscious buyers who just want reliable backup, the DS124 is the most affordable entry point into the Synology ecosystem.
Whichever model you choose, pair it with quality drives, set up a proper backup strategy, and take advantage of everything DSM has to offer. A Synology NAS is one of the most useful tech purchases you can make in 2026, and any of these six models will serve you well for years to come.
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