Plex vs Synology Media Server: Which Should You Use?
Plex or Synology Media Server: Which One Should You Use?
Streaming audio and video from a NAS is now a common use case for home offices and small businesses. Plex Media Server and Synology’s built-in Media Server apps are two of the most popular media server choices for Synology NAS systems. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so one may be better for you than the other depending on your goals, performance needs, device compatibility, and network environment.
This article looks at the differences between Plex and Synology Media Server, when each one is better, and how they fit into a storage and backup plan that focuses on NAS.
What Plex Media Server Is
Plex Media Server is a popular cross-platform media solution that puts videos, music, and photos into neat libraries. It can handle a lot of metadata, user profiles, multiple client devices, and remote access. Plex works with a wide range of devices, such as smart TVs, game consoles, mobile apps, and web browsers.
Plex makes a Synology NAS into a central media hub when you connect the two. Plex takes care of organizing the library, transcoding, and streaming while the NAS stores the content.
What the Synology Media Server Can Do
Synology NAS devices also come with built-in media services that let clients stream multimedia content directly. These services work perfectly with DiskStation Manager (DSM) and support DLNA standards for a lot of smart TVs, game consoles, and network clients.
Synology Media Server focuses on being easy to use and not using a lot of resources. It works well in places where content doesn’t need to be transcoded often or where advanced library features aren’t needed.
Transcoding and Performance
Transcoding support is one of the biggest differences between Plex and Synology Media Server. Plex has powerful software-based transcoding that changes media on the fly based on the capabilities of the client device or the state of the network. This lets Plex send high-resolution content to devices that can’t play the source format on their own.
If your streaming devices always work with your media formats (Direct Play), transcoding isn’t as important, and both solutions may work the same way.
Remote Access and Compatibility with Other Devices
Plex is great at reaching devices. Its native apps work on a lot of different platforms with little setup, and Plex accounts make it easy to access them from anywhere. This can be especially appealing if you want to stream content outside of your home network.
Metadata and Features of the Library
Plex automatically gets metadata, artwork, trailers, and descriptions for music, movies, and TV shows. It has user profiles, a watch history, and recommendations that make it easy and polished to browse media.
Synology’s built-in media tools can handle basic metadata, but they don’t have as many features as Plex. Plex usually makes users happier when they want a “media center” experience and rich metadata.
How to Connect to Storage and Backup Workflows
Both solutions work with Synology storage, but they do different things. Plex’s main job is to serve media. The Synology Media Server is a lightweight service in DSM that doesn’t use as many system resources.
No matter what server you use, your NAS backup plan should include media libraries. Synology has options for snapshots, replication, and cloud sync that keep your stored media safe from deletion, corruption, and ransomware.
A layered backup plan makes sure that media assets and metadata stay safe for a long time.
When Plex Is the Best Option
Plex is great if:
- You want a smooth browsing experience and a lot of metadata.
- You need to be able to use a lot of different devices.
- Streaming from a distance is very important.
- Transcoding is necessary for different client formats.
Plex is the default choice for many power users and families because its ecosystem and easy-to-use interfaces.
When the Synology Media Server Works Well
Synology Media Server is a good fit for situations where:
- Most of the time, streaming is local.
- Clients support Direct Play of your media types.
- Simplicity and low costs are best.
- There are only a few options for configuring the network for remote access.
In these situations, native DSM services work well without needing extra licenses or complicated setups.
Choosing Based on NAS Power
The performance of your NAS hardware matters. Plex works better on models with faster CPUs or hardware-assisted transcoding. Some lower-end NAS models may have trouble with Plex transcoding, so Synology’s built-in tools may work better for streaming locally.
When you choose a media server, make sure it works with your NAS so you don’t waste resources and playback goes smoothly.
About Epis Technology
Epis Technology helps businesses build reliable storage systems and service workflows by providing enterprise IT infrastructure, data protection, and Synology consulting services. The company focuses on setting up Synology systems, providing large storage and backup solutions, protecting Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, and making systems run faster. Epis Technology makes sure that NAS environments deliver performance, security, and long-term resilience, whether they are optimizing media delivery, remote access, or backup strategies.