What to know

  • Synology will restrict certain features on new Plus-series NAS devices if you use non-approved hard drives.
  • Only Synology-branded or certified third-party drives will offer full functionality in 2025 models and beyond.
  • Current Synology NAS users and older models are not affected by these changes.
  • The company says the move aims to improve reliability, but it limits user choice and may increase costs.

Synology, a leading provider of network attached storage (NAS) devices, is introducing new restrictions on the use of third-party hard drives in its upcoming Plus-series models. Starting with devices released in 2025, you will need to use either Synology-branded drives or those that have been officially certified by the company to access the full range of features.

If you install a non-approved hard drive in one of these new NAS units, you will face limitations. For example, you may not be able to create storage pools, and features like volume-wide deduplication, lifespan analysis, and automatic firmware updates will only be available if you use Synology-approved drives.

While some of these features may not matter to every user, the ability to create storage pools is essential for data security and system performance.

Synology has not yet provided full details on how these restrictions will work in practice, but the company has confirmed that these changes will not affect older Plus-series hardware or users who migrate drives from existing systems.

Synology says the new policy is based on internal testing that shows certified drives are less likely to fail and have fewer compatibility problems. The company argues that this approach will improve reliability and support for users.

However, the move also means you will have fewer options when choosing hard drives for your NAS, and you may face higher costs if you are required to buy Synology-branded or certified drives.

For many small businesses and IT professionals who rely on Synology for its flexibility and reliability, these changes represent a significant shift. The new restrictions could be seen as a way to lock users into the Synology ecosystem, reducing operational flexibility and potentially increasing expenses.

If you are planning to purchase a new Synology NAS in the future, you should check the company’s updated compatibility list to ensure your preferred drives are supported.

Via: TheVerge