For nearly a decade, Synology NAS devices have been central to my home data infrastructure, offering more than basic file storage. Their intuitive, web-based interface and built-in cloud service alternatives like the Synology Office suite, alongside capabilities such as Docker container hosting, have made these devices incredibly useful for self-hosted applications.
However, Synology recently announced a significant change: future Plus-series NAS devices will mandate the use of Synology-branded drives. Users will no longer have the freedom to choose their preferred storage hardware, creating potential complications for those looking to migrate from older devices.
I take a look at this shift and why Synology might be doing this in my latest video.
Synology confirmed that the upcoming Plus series would initially require their branded drives, citing system stability as the reason. They did leave the door open for future compatibility with third-party drives following rigorous testing, but the company has made no commitment on that.
Examining market pricing reveals that Synology-branded drives are effectively rebranded Seagate IronWolf or Toshiba NAS drives, differentiated mainly by custom firmware and a slightly higher price point. For instance, an 8TB Synology drive costs roughly $34 more than its equivalent Seagate counterpart. Other drive capacities tend to have about a $30-$40 price premium between the Synology branded drive and one made by Seagate or Toshiba.
Beyond drive compatibility, Synology has made other strategic decisions that hint at a shift away from the consumer enthusiast market. Recent NAS models featuring AMD Ryzen processors lack hardware video transcoding capabilities, impacting home media users significantly. Moreover, Synology discontinued support for certain popular video codecs like HEVC and H.264 in their DSM OS. They also discontinued the Video Station app, although third-party solutions such as Plex and Jellyfin remain viable on Intel-based units.
My take is that Synology wishes to focus on the small and mid-size enterprise market, which offers higher profit margins and fewer competitors. At the same time, consumer and enthusiast sectors are becoming increasingly competitive, with newer entrants like Ugreen, MinisForum, Beelink, and GMKTec offering affordable alternatives. Additionally, free open-source software solutions and low cost solutions like Unraid now rival Synology’s proprietary offerings, further squeezing their enthusiast market share.
Synology’s decision aims to narrow their consumer base to users seeking turnkey solutions, accepting proprietary hardware requirements in exchange for convenience, reliability and comprehensive support. Conversely, enthusiasts looking for customization and flexibility are likely to explore alternative DIY setups, a sector rapidly expanding due to accessible hardware and robust open-source software.
Personally, despite these changes, I’ll maintain a Synology device for mission-critical data due to its reliable backup and support features. However, for many other tasks, my home lab go-to is my hacked together Unraid setup using a GMKTec NAS. See more about that here.