10 Best Synology For Plex 2026 in the United States

The Synology DS3617xs NAS Disk Station is designed to cater to users looking for a high-performance solution for Plex media streaming. With an Intel Xeon D-1527 quad-core CPU and 16GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 48GB), it offers robust processing power that can handle multiple streams and high-quality content without breaking a sweat. This is particularly beneficial for those who plan to transcode videos on-the-fly, as its substantial processing capacity supports efficient transcoding capabilities.

Storage-wise, the DS3617xs stands out with its 12-bay configuration, allowing for significant expansion potential when paired with Synology's DX1215 expansion unit. This means you can scale your storage up to 36 drives, making it ideal for users with large media libraries. The impressive sequential throughput reading of over 2,358 MB/s ensures that you won’t experience buffering issues during playback, which is crucial for a seamless streaming experience.

In terms of connectivity, it features a PCIe 3.0 slot, enabling users to add high-performance network interface cards for faster data transfer rates. This is a strong point for those needing to ensure quick access to media files across multiple devices. The DS3617xs is a more advanced solution and may be overkill for casual users or those with smaller media collections. Its initial setup can be more complex compared to simpler NAS solutions, so some technical knowledge would be beneficial. Additionally, while its price reflects its high-end capabilities, it might not be the best fit for those on a tight budget.

The Synology DS1821+ 8-Bay Diskstation NAS is a powerful option for anyone looking to store and stream large amounts of media using Plex. With its AMD Ryzen quad-core processor, it offers solid performance for multitasking, making it suitable for file sharing, virtualization, and particularly multimedia streaming. The 8-bay capacity allows for significant storage (up to 32TB with the included drives), which is great for users with extensive media libraries. The addition of dual M.2 NVMe slots means you can boost its performance further by adding SSD cache, making access to frequently used files faster.

One of the standout features is its sophisticated software, which provides a range of applications for backups and streaming, enhancing the user experience. Furthermore, its expandable storage capability—allowing connection to two DX517 expansion units—provides flexibility for future needs.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the device is robust, its initial setup might be complex for someone less familiar with NAS systems. Additionally, the 4 GB of RAM may not be sufficient for heavy multitasking or for users with very demanding applications, although it can be expanded. The mechanical hard drives included run at 5400 RPM, which is decent but slower compared to SSDs, potentially resulting in slower read and write speeds, especially under heavy loads.

For users focused primarily on Plex media streaming, the DS1821+ performs well but may require additional RAM for optimal performance in larger households or heavy usage scenarios. It’s an excellent choice for those needing reliable storage and streaming capabilities but could be better suited for users willing to invest time in its setup and configuration.

The Synology DS1522+ 5-Bay DiskStation NAS is a solid choice for Plex, especially if you're looking to store and manage a large media library. It comes with an AMD Ryzen R1600 processor and 8GB of RAM, which means it is well-equipped to handle demanding applications and multiple users simultaneously. This makes it a reliable option for streaming high-definition content through Plex without experiencing lag or interruptions.

The bundle includes five 4TB WD Red Plus drives, offering a total storage capacity of 20TB. This should be more than sufficient for a sizable collection of movies, TV shows, music, and other media files. The five drive bays also provide room for future expansion if your storage needs grow. With four RJ-45 1GbE LAN ports, the DS1522+ offers robust network connectivity, helping to ensure smooth data transfer and streaming performance.

However, it does not support faster 2.5GbE or 10GbE connections, which could be seen as a limitation for those seeking ultra-fast network speeds. Another notable feature is its transcoding capability, which allows the NAS to convert videos to a playable format on the fly, ensuring compatibility with different devices. This feature is particularly important for Plex users who might stream content to various screens. On the downside, the hard drives included in the bundle have a rotational speed of 5400 RPM, which is slower compared to some other options. While this won't be a significant issue for most users, those needing the fastest possible read/write speeds might find it lacking. The Synology DS1522+ also benefits from Synology’s robust software and apps, offering easy management and access to your data from anywhere. In summary, this NAS is a strong performer with ample storage and good processing power, making it a good fit for Plex users who need a reliable and expandable solution.