Best Synology NAS for streaming Plex media

One of the most common ways to store and stream movies, TV shows, and music on multiple devices is to use a Synology NAS to run Plex Media Server. But not all Synology NAS devices offer the same Plex experience. The right model depends on how many people will be using the server at the same time, how good the streaming quality is, how much storage space you need, and how many people will be using the server at the same time.

This guide tells you what to look for and which Synology NAS options work best for streaming Plex media without going overboard.

What a NAS needs from Plex

How media is delivered has a big effect on how well Plex works. Plex can use Direct Play if all of the client’s devices can play the original video format. This uses very little CPU power. In these situations, the speed of storage and the amount of bandwidth on the network are more important than processing power.

When Plex has to transcode media, which means changing the format or resolution of videos in real time, problems happen. Transcoding takes a lot of CPU power or hardware acceleration, especially for 4K content. How often you need to transcode will help you choose the right NAS.

The best Synology NAS for streaming Direct Play

A mid-range Synology NAS works very well in homes or places where most devices can handle modern codecs.

For Direct Play situations, the Synology DS423+ and DS923+ are both great options. They work well, have expandable storage, and have enough processing power to handle big Plex libraries, metadata scanning, and multiple streams without any problems.

These systems are best when:

• Most of the content is 1080p or 4K that works with it.
• Modern codecs work with client devices.
• Most of the time, Plex is used on the local network.

In these cases, Plex streaming doesn’t put much strain on the NAS.

The best Synology NAS for transcoding hardware

When you use Plex to transcode media, especially for streaming from a distance or on older devices, choosing the right CPU is very important.

Synology models with Intel processors that support Quick Sync Video work much better with Plex. The DS423+ is special because it supports hardware-assisted transcoding. This makes it one of the best options for Plex users who need transcoding from time to time but don’t want to pay enterprise prices.

When 4K Plex Streaming Changes the Game

4K Plex streaming makes things more complicated. Direct Play of 4K content works well if the client device fully supports the format. But transcoding 4K is very hard and not recommended for most NAS systems.

If you need to transcode to 4K, the best way to do it is to:

• Use Direct Play whenever you can.
• Keep more than one copy of media
• Avoid real-time 4K transcoding on the NAS

Even the best desktop NAS systems aren’t built to handle multiple 4K transcodes reliably.

Things to think about when storing and using Plex

Media libraries get bigger very quickly. If you choose a NAS with enough drive bays, you can add more storage without having to buy a new system. Learn how Synology NAS can serve as media and backup hub

Four-bay models are perfect for Plex users because they offer RAID protection while still having enough space to use. Using NAS-grade drives that are meant to run all the time together makes them more reliable and better over time. Explore how a Synology NAS also powers home video surveillance

SSD cache can make Plex work better when you browse large libraries, but it doesn’t directly make streaming better.

Network Needs for Streaming to Go Smoothly

The NAS is only as good as the network it is on. For most 4K Direct Play situations and multiple HD streams, Gigabit Ethernet is enough. Connecting the NAS and streaming devices with wires cuts down on buffering and lag.

The performance of remote streaming depends on the upload bandwidth and the right network setup, not just the power of the NAS. Get expert Synology NAS support to keep your system reliable

Media Libraries: Security and Backup

The time spent building a Plex library is important, even if the media itself isn’t always business-critical. Synology NAS systems can do:

• Protection for snapshots
• Backups on-site and off-site, See how Synology C2 cloud backup pricing and options compare
• Secure user access controls, Learn how user and permission management strengthens access security

Protecting Plex’s metadata and configuration files makes it easy to get things back up and running quickly after hardware or software problems.

Summary of the Recommended Plex NAS

The Synology DS423+ is the best choice for most people because it has the best balance of Plex performance, hardware transcoding support, storage options, and long-term value. People who only want to use Direct Play can also look at AMD-based models that are focused on performance. People who don’t need to stream much may want to choose smaller systems.

When choosing a Synology NAS for Plex, you should think about how you will use it in real life, not just its specs. Consider renting a Synology NAS instead of buying upfront

More about Epis Technology

Epis Technology provides enterprise IT infrastructure, data protection, and Synology consulting services to help organizations and advanced users design reliable NAS environments. Epis Technology makes sure that Synology systems are set up for maximum performance, security, and long-term growth. They do this by providing everything from media servers to big storage solutions and backup architectures.