Best Synology Nas For Plex (2024 Updated)

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If you're looking for the best Synology NAS for Plex, then there are a few key points that you should keep in mind. First, you'll want to consider the processor and RAM of the NAS, as these will have a big impact on the performance of Plex. Next, you should think about the number of drive bays and the maximum storage capacity of the NAS, as this will determine how much media you can store and how easily you can expand your storage in the future. You'll also want to look for a NAS with good connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 ports, as this will make it easier to transfer media to and from the NAS. Finally, you should consider the overall build quality and reliability of the NAS, as well as any additional features that may be useful for your specific needs.

When it comes to finding the best Synology NAS for Plex, there are a few specific models that stand out. The Synology DS920+ is a popular choice, thanks to its powerful Intel Celeron J4125 processor and 4GB of RAM, as well as its four drive bays and support for up to 64TB of storage. Another great option is the Synology DS1621+, which boasts a six-core AMD Ryzen processor and up to 32GB of RAM, as well as six drive bays and support for up to 96TB of storage. Other models to consider include the Synology DS220+, DS718+, and DS1520+. Ultimately, the best Synology NAS for Plex will depend on your specific needs and budget, so be sure to do your research and compare your options carefully before making a decision.

10 Best Synology Nas For Plex

1. Synology 2 Bay Nas Disk Station, Ds218play (Diskless)

The Synology 2 bay NAS Disk Station, DS218play (Diskless) is an excellent multimedia solution for home users. It comes with 4K video transcoding on-the-fly and 10 bit H.265 codec support. The operating temperature of this device ranges from 5°C to 40°C (40°F to 104°F), while the storage temperature is between -20°C to 60°C (-5°F to 140°F).

This device provides an impressive sequential reading and writing throughput of up to 112 MB/s. Additionally, it delivers over 112 MB/s encrypted sequential reading throughput and 112 MB/s encrypted sequential writing throughput. The DS218play is powered by a 64-bit 1.4 GHz quad-core processor with 1 GB DDR4 RAM, making it a powerful device for all your multimedia needs.

The DS218play does not support PLEX, but it is compatible with various other multimedia applications. It has two bays that can accommodate two hard drives, and it is a diskless device, which means that you have to purchase your own hard drives separately.

This device is easy to install and set up, and it comes with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to manage your multimedia files. With the DS218play, you can easily store, access, and share your multimedia files with your family and friends.

Overall, the Synology 2 bay NAS Disk Station, DS218play (Diskless) is an excellent multimedia solution for home users. Its impressive features, including 4K video transcoding, high sequential reading and writing throughput, and powerful processor make it a great choice for those who want to store and manage their multimedia files at home.

2. Synology 6 Bay Nas Diskstation Ds1621xs+ (Diskless)

The Synology 6 bay NAS DiskStation DS1621xs+ (Diskless) is a powerful network-attached storage device designed for demanding workloads. With its built-in 10GbE and optional high-speed NIC, this system is capable of delivering over 3,100 MB/s sequential read performance, making it an ideal solution for businesses and individuals who need fast and reliable storage.

One of the standout features of the DS1621xs+ is its built-in M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots, which allow for cache acceleration without using storage drive bays. This means that users can boost performance without sacrificing valuable storage space, making the DS1621xs+ a versatile and efficient storage solution.

In addition to its impressive performance capabilities, the DS1621xs+ is also highly scalable, allowing users to flexibly scale up to 16 drives to increase storage capacity as demand grows. This means that businesses and individuals can easily expand their storage capacity as their needs change, without having to invest in a completely new storage solution.

Another key feature of the DS1621xs+ is its ability to back up critical data and reduce Recovery Time Objective (RTO) with Snapshot Replication. This feature allows users to create point-in-time copies of their data, which can be quickly and easily restored in the event of data loss or corruption.

The DS1621xs+ also includes a range of virtualization storage tools, allowing users to complete their SAN or run virtual machines on a full-featured hypervisor. This means that businesses and individuals can leverage the power of virtualization to streamline their workflows and increase productivity.

Overall, the Synology 6 bay NAS DiskStation DS1621xs+ (Diskless) is a powerful and flexible storage solution that offers impressive performance, scalability, and reliability. Whether you're a small business owner, a creative professional, or a home user with demanding storage needs, the DS1621xs+ is a versatile and efficient solution that can help you meet your storage and data management requirements.

3. Synology Ds218play Nas Server With Quad-Core Processor, 1gb Ram, 2tb Ssd, And Dsm Software.

The Synology DiskStation DS218play Mini Desktop NAS Server is a compact and powerful storage solution designed for multimedia enthusiasts, home use, and small businesses. Equipped with a Realtek RTD1296 Quad-Core processor and 1GB DDR4 RAM, this device is energy efficient and eco-friendly.

The Synology DSM Operating System is easy to use and features a desktop-like layout. It offers a range of capabilities, including 4K Multimedia Server Capabilities, Desktop and Mobile Device Backup, File Server and Management, Video Station, Audio Station, Photo Station, and Easy File Access with QuickConnect. These features make it an all-around storage solution for any user.

The device comes with a RJ-45 1GbE LAN Port and 2 x USB 3.0 Port for easy connectivity. Additionally, the device comes with 2TB (2 x 1TB) SATA III Solid State Drives for ultra-fast storage. The Synology NAS chassis comes in a sealed box, and the hard drives and memory upgrades are included separately and require installation.

Overall, the Synology DiskStation DS218play Mini Desktop NAS Server is a reliable and efficient storage solution for any user. Its compact size, powerful performance, and user-friendly operating system make it an excellent choice for those who need a reliable storage solution that is both easy to use and environmentally friendly.

4. 12tb Wd Elements Desktop External Hard Drive With Usb 3.0 For Easy Plug-And-Play Storage – Wdbwlg0120hbk-Nesn.

The WD 12TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive is a high-capacity storage solution that provides fast data transfers and plug-and-play convenience for Windows PCs. With its massive 12TB of storage space, this external hard drive is ideal for users who need to store large amounts of data, including photos, videos, music, and documents.

This external hard drive is designed to deliver fast data transfers, thanks to its USB 3.0 interface. USB 3.0 is capable of transferring data at speeds of up to 5Gbps, which is ten times faster than USB 2.0. This means that users can transfer large files, such as high-definition videos, quickly and easily.

The WD 12TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive is also plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs. This means that users can simply plug the hard drive into their computer's USB port and start using it right away, without the need for any software installation or configuration. This makes it easy for users to expand their storage space and start backing up their important files immediately.

In addition to its high-capacity storage and fast data transfers, the WD 12TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive also boasts WD quality inside and out. WD is a trusted manufacturer of hard drives and other storage solutions, and this external hard drive is no exception. It is built to last and is backed by a three-year limited warranty.

Overall, the WD 12TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive is an excellent choice for users who need to store large amounts of data and want a fast, reliable, and easy-to-use storage solution. Its high-capacity storage, fast data transfers, and plug-and-play convenience make it a great choice for both home and office use.

5. Synology Ds1019+ Nas With Intel Celeron, 8gb Ram, 20tb Hdd, Dsm Os.

The Synology DiskStation DS1019+ is a versatile iSCSI NAS server that offers an array of server roles, including backup targets, file storage, email servers, and domain controllers. This powerful server is equipped with an Intel Celeron J3455 Quad-Core 1.5GHz 2MB CPU that can turbo up to 2.3GHz, making it capable of handling a variety of demanding tasks.

The DS1019+ comes with 8GB of DDR3L Synology SDRAM memory, providing ample space for multiple applications to run simultaneously. Additionally, it has 20TB of storage capacity with five 4TB 7.2K 6Gb/s SATA 3.5" HDDs, which are perfect for high-capacity storage needs.

This iSCSI NAS server features two RJ-45 1GbE LAN ports that support link aggregation and failover, ensuring that the network connection remains uninterrupted. It also comes with two USB 3.0 ports and one eSATA port, making it easy to connect to external devices.

The DS1019+ runs on the Synology DSM software, which provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features. The server is also equipped with the Btrf file system, which offers advanced LUN iSCSI service, ensuring that your data is protected and easily accessible.

The Synology NAS chassis comes in a sealed box, and hard drives and memory upgrades are included separately and require installation. This iSCSI NAS server is an excellent choice for businesses that require a reliable and robust server that can handle multiple applications and provide ample storage capacity.

6. Synology 2 Bay Nas Diskstation Ds220j (Diskless), 2-Bay; 512mb Ddr4

The Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS220j is a high-performance file server designed for households to store, share and backup personal data. With its 2-bay design and 512MB DDR4 memory, this diskless unit offers an efficient and reliable storage solution for home use.

One of the key features of the DS220j is its award-winning DiskStation Manager (DSM) software, which offers an intuitive operation flow and reduces the learning curve for users. This ensures a seamless user experience, even for those who are not familiar with network-attached storage (NAS) systems.

Apart from offering storage and backup capabilities, the DS220j also allows users to access and share data with any Windows, macOS, and Linux computers or mobile devices. This makes it easy to share files and collaborate with others, regardless of the device they are using.

Furthermore, the DS220j comes with an integrated media server that supports multimedia content streaming. Users can easily stream their favorite movies, TV shows, music, and photos on their smart TV, mobile devices, or other compatible devices. In addition, the DS220j also allows users to access their private cloud files on-the-go and back up mobile photos with iOS and Android apps.

The DS220j is compatible with a variety of drive types, including 3.5 inch SATA HDD, 2.5 inch SATA HDD (with optional 2.5 inch Disk Holder), and 2.5 inch SATA SSD (with optional 2.5 inch Disk Holder). This ensures that users have the flexibility to choose the drive type that best suits their needs. It is important to note that the "compatible drive type" only indicates drives that have been tested to be compatible with Synology products and does not indicate the maximum connection speed of each drive bay.

For those who need help setting up their DS220j or want to learn more about its features and capabilities, Synology offers a knowledge center and YouTube channel with helpful resources. Additionally, users can check the product specification page for the software or application they want to use to ensure compatibility with the DS220j.

Overall, the Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS220j is an excellent choice for households that require a reliable and efficient storage solution. Its intuitive software, advanced features, and compatibility with a variety of drive types make it a versatile and valuable addition to any home.

7. Synology Rackstation Rs2421rp+ 12-Bay 350w Nas Enclosure, 4-Core 2.2ghz, 4gb Ram, Diskless

The Synology RackStation RS2421RP+ is a high-performance network-attached storage (NAS) device that offers advanced data management and protection capabilities. This 12-bay enclosure is designed for small to medium-sized businesses that need a reliable and scalable storage solution.

At the heart of the RS2421RP+ is a powerful 4-core 2.2GHz processor that delivers fast and responsive performance for data-intensive applications. The device is equipped with 4GB of DDR4 memory that can be expanded up to 32GB, enabling multiple users to access and share data simultaneously without any performance degradation.

The RS2421RP+ supports a wide variety of storage configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD. This flexibility allows businesses to customize their storage setup to meet their specific needs, whether they require high performance, maximum capacity, or data redundancy.

One of the key features of the RS2421RP+ is its advanced data protection capabilities. The device supports Synology's proprietary Snapshot technology, which enables users to take point-in-time snapshots of their data for quick and easy recovery in case of accidental deletion or data corruption. The device also supports backup to the cloud, ensuring that critical data is always protected and available, even in the event of a disaster.

The RS2421RP+ is designed for easy scalability, with support for up to 180TB of raw capacity when fully populated with 18TB drives. The device is also easy to manage, with a user-friendly web-based interface that allows administrators to configure and monitor the system from anywhere.

In terms of connectivity, the RS2421RP+ features four Gigabit Ethernet ports and two 10GbE ports, providing fast and reliable network access. The device also supports a wide variety of protocols, including SMB, AFP, NFS, FTP, and WebDAV, making it easy to integrate into any existing IT environment.

Overall, the Synology RackStation RS2421RP+ is a powerful and versatile NAS device that offers advanced data management and protection capabilities. With its high-performance hardware, flexible storage configurations, and easy scalability, it is an ideal choice for small to medium-sized businesses that need a reliable and efficient storage solution.

8. Synology Ds1618+ Nas Server For Business With Intel Cpu, 32gb Memory, 6tb Ssd Storage, Dsm Os, Iscsi Ready

The Synology DiskStation DS1618+ is a versatile network-attached storage (NAS) server designed to meet the needs of businesses. This device can perform various server roles, including backup, file storage, email servers, and domain controllers. It is equipped with an Intel Atom C3538 Quad-Core 2.1GHz 8MB CPU, 32GB DDR4 PC4-19200 2400MHz Memory, and 6TB (6 x 1TB) SATA III Solid State Drives for ultra-fast storage. It also features four RJ-45 1GbE LAN Port (with Link Aggregation / Failover support), three USB 3.0 Port, and two eSATA Port.

The Synology DiskStation DS1618+ is designed to provide optimal performance and reliability. It features iSCSI Target Protocol, Security Advisor, AES 256-bit Encryption, 2 Factor Authentication, Cloud Station Suite, 4K Multimedia Server role, Active Backup for VMware and Windows, Synology Drive, Active Backup for Office 365 and G Suite, Surveillance Station role, Collaboration Suite, and many more. These features enable the device to perform various tasks efficiently and securely.

The Synology NAS chassis comes in a sealed box, and hard drives and memory upgrades are included separately and require installation. This ensures that the device is delivered in optimal condition and allows for customization according to specific needs. The device is easy to set up and manage, thanks to its user-friendly DSM operating system.

In summary, the Synology DiskStation DS1618+ is a reliable and efficient NAS server designed for businesses with demanding workloads. Its powerful hardware, advanced features, and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to streamline their data management and improve their productivity.

9. The Synology Ds620slim Iscsi Nas Server Is Equipped With A Powerful Intel Celeron Cpu, 6gb Of Memory, And 1tb Of Ssd Storage (2 X 500gb). It Runs On The Dsm Operating System.

The Synology DiskStation DS620slim is a versatile server designed to handle a range of tasks, including iSCSI targets backup, file storage, email servers, and domain controllers. This powerful server is equipped with an Intel Celeron J3355 Dual-Core 2.0GHz 2MB CPU, which can turbo up to 2.5GHz for fast performance. It also boasts 6GB DDR3L Synology SDRAM Memory and 1TB (2 x 500GB) SATA III Solid State Drives for ultra-fast storage.

With two RJ-45 1GbE LAN Port (with Link Aggregation / Failover support), the Synology DiskStation DS620slim offers reliable connectivity for your network. It also comes with two USB 3.0 ports for easy external device connection.

The server features the Btrf File System for Advanced LUN iSCSI Service, which provides efficient data management and protection. This system uses a cutting-edge snapshot technology to ensure that data is backed up and protected against accidental deletion or corruption.

The Synology NAS chassis comes in a sealed box, with hard drives and memory upgrades included separately but not installed. Installation is required, but the process is straightforward and can be completed quickly.

Overall, the Synology DiskStation DS620slim is a powerful and versatile server that offers a range of features and benefits for businesses and individuals alike. Whether you need to manage your data, backup your files, or run a complex network, this server has the power and flexibility to meet your needs.

10. Synology 6 Bay Nas Diskstation Ds1621+ (Diskless)

The Synology 6 bay NAS DiskStation DS1621+ (Diskless) is an advanced storage solution that delivers exceptional performance and scalability. With accelerated performance compared to its predecessor, it provides 174% higher 4K random read IOPS and 76% faster sequential write speeds. This makes it an ideal choice for demanding applications that require fast data access and processing.

One of the key features of the Synology DS1621+ is its ability to maximize performance by using dual built-in M.2 slots for NVMe SSD cache. This allows users to turbocharge HDD arrays by 20x or more without occupying drive bays, providing a significant boost to system performance. Additionally, the device can be scaled-up on-demand to 16 drives with two DX517 expansion units, making it a highly flexible solution that can grow with your needs.

The Synology DS1621+ includes everything you need to protect your data, including Synology Active Backup suite, Hyper Backup, and Snapshot Replication. These tools enable you to back up critical data to and from public clouds, Windows PCs and servers, virtual machines, and data on the NAS, ensuring that your data is always safe and secure.

The device is also ready for 10GbE, which means you can add in a 10GbE SFP+ or RJ-45 NIC to instantly increase network bandwidth based on your existing infrastructure. This makes it easy to integrate the Synology DS1621+ into your existing network, and ensures that you can take advantage of the device's advanced features without any additional setup or configuration.

Overall, the Synology 6 bay NAS DiskStation DS1621+ (Diskless) is a highly advanced storage solution that delivers exceptional performance and scalability. Whether you're looking to store and manage large amounts of data, or need a highly flexible solution that can grow with your needs, the Synology DS1621+ is an excellent choice. With its advanced features and easy-to-use interface, it provides a highly versatile and reliable storage solution that can meet the needs of businesses and individuals alike.

Best Synology Nas For Plex FAQs

Can a lower-end Synology NAS still effectively run Plex?

Yes, a lower-end Synology NAS can still effectively run Plex. However, the effectiveness of the system will depend on the specific model of the NAS and the number of users that will be accessing Plex simultaneously.

Some lower-end models may have limited processing power and RAM, which may affect the ability to transcode and stream media smoothly. In this case, it may be necessary to optimize the settings and limit the number of simultaneous streams to ensure smooth playback.

It is recommended to check the minimum system requirements for Plex and ensure that the NAS meets those requirements before setting up the software. Additionally, investing in a higher-end Synology NAS may provide better performance and more room for growth in the long run.

How does the Synology NAS performance affect the quality of Plex media streaming?

The performance of a Synology NAS can greatly affect the quality of Plex media streaming. A high-performance NAS with a powerful processor and ample RAM will ensure smooth playback of high definition video files without buffering or stuttering. Similarly, a well-optimized NAS with a fast network interface and sufficient storage space can help reduce latency and boost overall streaming performance. Additionally, a NAS with a built-in hardware transcoding engine can significantly improve the quality of streamed content by converting video files into compatible formats on the fly. On the other hand, a low-performance NAS with limited processing power and low memory can result in poor streaming quality and slow response times. Therefore, choosing a high-performance Synology NAS with optimized settings and adequate hardware resources is crucial for delivering a seamless and high-quality Plex media streaming experience.

What are the minimum hardware requirements for running Plex on a Synology NAS?

The minimum hardware requirements for running Plex on a Synology NAS depend on the intended use case. For basic media streaming and transcoding, a Synology NAS with a 64-bit Intel or AMD processor, 1 GB of RAM, and at least 10 GB of available storage is recommended. For more intensive transcoding and multiple streams, a higher-end NAS with a more powerful CPU and additional RAM may be necessary. It is also important to ensure that the NAS is running the latest version of DSM and that the Plex Media Server software is up to date. Additionally, Plex recommends enabling hardware acceleration on the NAS for improved transcoding performance. Overall, it is important to consider the specific needs of the user and their media library when selecting a Synology NAS for running Plex.

What factors should be considered when selecting the best Synology NAS for Plex?

When selecting the best Synology NAS for Plex, there are several factors that should be considered. First, the processor should be powerful enough to handle transcoding multiple streams simultaneously. Second, the amount of RAM should be sufficient to ensure smooth playback and transcoding. Third, the number of drive bays should be considered, as it determines the maximum storage capacity. Fourth, the network interface should support high-speed data transfer to ensure smooth streaming. Fifth, the compatibility with Plex software and other multimedia applications should be checked. Finally, the cost should be taken into account, as some models may be more expensive than others. It is recommended to choose a Synology NAS that meets the specific needs of the user in terms of storage capacity, processing power, and budget.

Which Synology NAS models are recommended for running Plex media server?

Synology NAS models that are recommended for running Plex media server include the DS218+, DS418play, DS1019+, and DS1618+. These models have powerful processors and ample RAM, which are necessary for transcoding and streaming media content smoothly. The DS218+ is an affordable and compact option that can handle up to two simultaneous 1080p streams, while the DS418play has the capability of transcoding up to two 4K video streams simultaneously. The DS1019+ can transcode up to five 1080p streams or three 4K streams at once, and the DS1618+ can transcode up to 10 streams simultaneously. These models also have expandable storage options, allowing users to add more hard drives as their media library grows. Overall, users should consider their specific needs and budget when selecting a Synology NAS for running Plex media server.

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