In this article, we will look at the best Synology NAS for Plex. When you start looking at Synology NAS devices, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re looking for. First, you need to consider storage space, meaning how much total volume you’ll need.
To determine this, you’ll have to get an understanding of how much you’d like to store on your Synology NAS and the hard drive size you’d like to use. Plex will run on any Synology, so having the total storage space that you need is incredibly important.
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We will look at a few important questions below before looking at other options.
How Much Storage Space Do I Need?
The first thing you should do is use Synology’s RAID calculator to get an idea of how much storage space you’ll have after accounting for RAID. Plug the numbers into the RAID calculator and try and determine how many bays you’ll need in your Synology NAS, then proceed.
Do I Want to Use Hardware Acceleration?
First off, Hardware acceleration is NOT required for most people. However, you should understand if you’d actually like to use it as the Synology NAS device you select must be compatible with Hardware Acceleration.
It’s difficult to explain if Hardware Acceleration is necessary for each individual circumstance, but you should read and understand exactly what it does to confirm if you do or do not need it. Then, look for the Hardware Acceleration Compatible info below to ensure you get a device compatible with Hardware Acceleration.
Best Synology NAS for Plex
The devices below are the best Synology NAS devices you can purchase for Plex.
After you’ve selected your NAS, make sure you buy the best Hard Drive you can!
Synology DS723+
If you’re going to go with a two-bay NAS, get the DS723+. To be clear, the outgoing DS720+ was technically a better unit for Plex since it supported Hardware Acceleration, but if you’re not going to use that, this is a great option. This device also allows you to eventually expand, if necessary, by purchasing an expansion unit as media files tend to grow in size as resolution grows. T
Hardware Acceleration NOT Compatible
Link to purchase a DS723+ on Amazon
Synology DS423+
The DS423+ is basically the same thing as the Synology DS920+ but it does not come with 4GB of memory (it only comes with 2GB of memory) which makes it a candidate for the best Synology NAS for Plex. While I consider the DS920+ to be the best Synology NAS for Plex, the DS423+ has the same processor, same M.2 Drive slots, same RJ-45 ports, and only 2GB less memory. Go with the DS423+ if you can’t find the DS920+.
Hardware Acceleration Compatible
Link to purchase DS423+ on Amazon
Synology DS1522+
The DS1522+ comes with an AMD Ryzen R1600 processor and five bays. The older model of this device (DS1520+) did support hardware acceleration, but the AMD processor in this device doesn’t.
Hardware Acceleration NOT Compatible
Link to purchase DS1522+ on Amazon
Synology DS1621+
The DS1621+ has a different, AMD Ryzen Processor than the DS720+/920+/1520+. For NAS purposes, this is a great unit as you can add a 10Gbe expansion card and it comes standard with ECC memory, but this is NOT compatible with Hardware Acceleration. This will run Plex great, but if you want/need Hardware Acceleration, go with the DS1520+.
Hardware Acceleration NOT Compatible
Link to purchase DS1621+ on Amazon
Synology DS1821+
Similar to the DS1621+, this unit does not work with Hardware Acceleration. However, it’s a great device to run Plex on if that’s not a requirement. This is a superior unit in terms of actual NAS performance, but possibly not with Plex depending on your goals.
Hardware Acceleration NOT Compatible
Link to purchase DS1821+ on Amazon
Setting Up Plex on a Synology NAS
Now that we looked at the best Synology NAS for Plex, let’s look at how to configure Plex. There are two different ways that you can set up Plex on a Synology NAS. The first is by using the Plex Package. This is arguably the easiest way, as you simply download and install the Plex package, and then configure it.
The second is by using Plex and Docker, which will allow you to run Plex on Docker and standardize it (as opposed to using the package). Finally, the third is by using Plex, Docker, and Hardware Acceleration.
How to Set Up Plex using the Plex Package
Conclusion – Best Synology NAS for Plex
The Synology DS423+ is the best Synology NAS for Plex since it has four usable drive bays and the ability to use hardware transcoding. However, there are some other options which we’ll take a look at below that are great for Plex as well. Please note, the new DS923+ DOES NOT support hardware acceleration, so if you want to use it with Plex, you must get the DS920+ (if you can find one) or DS423+.
If you can still get your hands on a DS1520+, this one of the best Synology NAS for Plex devices well, however, it’s been replaced by the DS1522+ which does NOT support hardware transcoding. If you only need two drive bays, the DS723+ is the device you should buy. With that said, not everyone needs Hardware Acceleration, so going with the DS1621+ or DS1821+ is a great option as well.
Thanks for checking out the article on the best Synology NAS for Plex. If you have any questions on the best Synology NAS for Plex, please leave them in the comments!
