Introduction
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts internet traffic and hides your IP address by routing connections through remote servers, providing more privacy and security. Synology NAS devices store valuable data and media, making an extra layer of protection vital. The right VPN allows safe remote access plus unblocks geo-restricted content across Synology’s versatile DSM software.
But with countless VPNs claiming top-notch features, settling on the best Synology VPN for your needs takes research. Evaluating critical factors like speeds, platform support, and interface simplicity helps narrow suitable secure options tailored for DiskStations and routers in SOHO environments. Read on for detailed advice choosing a trustworthy VPN provider for your Synology setup.
Considerations For Choosing a VPN for Synology
Synology NAS appliances power home and small business networks with data redundancy across RAID drive configurations and extensive backup features. Integrating a VPN adds another shield by encrypting traffic traveling to and from your DiskStation.
Here are key criteria to weigh when selecting an ideal VPN service for deploying on Synology devices:
Security Features
A VPN can only protect data in transit if the underlying infrastructure and policies provide genuine anonymity assurances. Seek out VPNs owning all servers while maintaining strict zero logging policies on activity and connections. Additional protocols like SOCKS5 proxies, Tor network access, or multi-hop connections deliver extra traffic obfuscation when needed.
Speed & Performance
VPN encryption inherently slows throughput speeds to varying degrees.qos 5 Opt for providers prioritizing consistent speeds with high bandwidth allowances so backups, remote playback, and file transfers won’t get bottlenecked across Synology units.
Compatibility With Synology Devices
All recent VPNs offer native apps or manual setup guides for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android platforms. But compatibility specifics for NAS devices takes deeper digging. Confirm any potential VPN candidate offers tutorials or optimized configs for DiskStations and RouterManager before purchasing.
User-Friendly Interface
Ease of management from DSM admin consoles rates crucial for centralizing network controls across NAS, switches, and wireless routers. VPN software with intuitive interfaces that integrate permissions, automated connectivity rules, and seamless account access removes headaches for admins overseeing dispersed hardware.
Server Network & Locations
Top-notch VPNs rely on robust server infrastructure in key regions rather than leasing 3rd party arrangements. More servers in diverse locales increases odds of smooth Synology traffic routing locally and unblocks geo-restricted sites when traveling abroad with VPN enabled on laptops, mobile devices, or routers.
Top VPNs for Synology
Based on critical evaluation criteria for balancing security, speeds, platform support, usability, and reliable server coverage, these rank as the leading VPN recommendations for Synology users:
ExpressVPN
Owned by reputable cyber privacy company Express VPN International Ltd, their solution lands frequently at the top of trustworthy VPN lists for its excellent speeds, range of privacy tools, and wide platform compatibility.
Although priced higher than competitors, ExpressVPN’s 3200+ servers in 94 countries, reliable connections, and intuitive interface justify the premium costs for peace of mind across Synology networks.
Security Features
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Perfect Forward Secrecy
- Private DNS on Every Server
- Strict No Logging Policy
- Kill Switch feature
Compatibility with Synology
- Optimized Synology NAS VPN Setup Guides
- native OpenVPN Config Files
- HTTP Proxy Support for Routers
- Integrates DSM User Permissions
Pricing
- 12 Months = $8.32/month
- 6 Months = $9.99/month
- 1 Month = $12.95/month
NordVPN
This Panama-based provider brings military grade AES-256-GCM encryption implemented through their fleet of 5400+ servers hosted in uncongested data centers rather than on shared networks subject to variable speeds.
An independent audit confirmed NordVPN’s strict no logs policy across all server nodes as well – a rare verification few competitors offer. For the ultimate peace of mind deploying a VPN across Synology NAS devices on home or business networks, Nord scores big.
Security Features
- 4096-bit RSA Key Exchange
- AES-256-GCM Encryption
- Automatic Kill Switch
- Obfsu Scation Cloaking
- Tor Over VPN Capability
Compatibility with Synology
- Step-By-Step Setup Instructions
- Synology SRM VPN Profiles
- SOCKS5 Proxy Included
- Browser Extensions Available
Pricing
- 24 Months = $3.29/month
- 12 Months = $4.92/month
- 1 Month = $11.95/month
Surfshark
This British Virgin Islands-based upstart offers startlingly good performance with unlimited device connections for a mere fraction of the monthly rates charged by bigger brands.
Surfshark won’t provide the same depth of features or server count (3500+) as the top-tier competition, but its speedy performance and budget-friendly pricing make it appealing for home media servers and remote media streaming across Synology networks.
Security Features
- WireGuard Next-Gen Protocol
- AES-256-GCM Encryption
- MultiHop Connections
- CleanWeb Ad & Tracker Blocking
Compatibility with Synology
- Apps for NAS Browser
- Manual OpenVPN Config Files
- Works on All Major Platforms
- SOCKS5 Proxy Available
Pricing
- 24 Months = $2.21/month
- 12 Months = $2.95/month
- 1 Month = $12.95/month
How to Set Up a VPN on Synology
Once you select an ideal VPN provider for use with DiskStation Manager (DSM) and Synology Router Manager (SRM), leveraging their privacy and security features involves just a few configuration steps.
For both OS platforms, downloading OpenVPN configuration files simplifies deploying your chosen VPN’s settings across devices. Most VPNs covered earlier provide Synology-optimized .OVPNs ready for upload.
Here are condensed instructions for adding VPNs to Synology networks:
Add VPN to Synology NAS
- Login to DSM on DiskStation
- Go to Control Panel > Network > Network Interface
- Select ‘Create’ > Create VPN Profile
- Assign profile name & upload .ovpn file from VPN provider
- Apply User Permissions to control access
Add VPN to Synology Router
- Login to SRM on your Router
- Visit Network Center > Network Interface > VPN
- Select ‘Create’ then pick VPN Provider Type
- Enter VPN account details when prompted
- Set Server Location and Save
Ideally, reference the setup instructions from your selected VPN provider in tandem with Synology’s official VPN documentation to fill in any gaps missing from these generalized steps.
Recommended VPNs for Easy Setup
Based on clear manuals and tutorials for integrating with Synology devices, these rank as the most newbie-friendly secure options:
- ExpressVPN – Offers native OVPNs, detailed NAS instructions & proxy guides
- NordVPN – Includes useful Synology deployment blog posts & SRM profiles
- Surfshark – Provides direct package install via NAS Browser app
Smooth VPN operation hinges on correctly configuring encryption protocols, storing sensitive account details like passwords securely, and assigning restricted admin-level access to prevent tampering.
Thankfully reputable providers understand these challenges, so turn to their Synology-tailored support articles whenever unsure how features translate from generic software to customized NAS and networking environments.
Tips for Using a VPN with Synology
Once connected, follow these expert recommendations for maintaining optimal security and performance when linking Synology devices through VPN tunnels:
Enable Kill Switch
For maximum leak protection, enable the ‘kill switch’ feature in VPN software/settings which cuts off internet access completely if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops. This prevents data leaks that could expose your NAS IP or local network resources mapped to DiskStation volumes or drives.
Setup VPN Router Function
Configure Synology routers to handle VPN duties for all connected clients like laptops, mobiles, smart home gear. Routing all local node traffic through SRM units places VPN management into a single dashboard while offloading encryption overhead from your NAS, avoiding bottlenecks when accessing DiskStation apps simultaenously from many devices.
Reboot After Updates
Make it standard procedure to reboot both your Synology NAS and routers after major DSM or SRM software updates. This ensures continued compatibility with any installed VPN packages following patches or upgrades that may alter baseline networking behavior.
Test Remote Access
Remotely connect to Synology QuickConnect or DDNS hostnames while VPN remains linked to verify restrictions function properly for safe remote data and media streaming access from anywhere. Confirm remote VPN connections only permit authorized DS File, Audio Station, Video Station, Moments access for your user account.
Conclusion
Shielding Synology systems with a reliable VPN solution adds tremendous privacy protections and circumvention tools for unlocking geo-blocked streaming platforms regardless of NAS model chosen. Suitable options range from premium picks like blazing fast ExpressVPN to Surfshark’s low pricing – just be sure to verify platform support fits your specific router and DiskStation lines before subscribing long-term.
Carefully evaluate each VPN provider’s server locations, logging policies, commitment to maintaining strict no log policies, and transparency around independent audits before entrusting security across Synology setups storing irreplaceable data. And don’t forget to actually enable kill switches and configure user permission policies tailored to your remote access preferences, not just accepting default settings.
Following the setup guides and tips covered here will help securely integrate your preferred VPN choice with DSM interfaces and keeps performance smooth across both DiskStation and Synology routers handling routing duties. Just remember to reboot all involved devices after major updates and periodically test remote connectivity through VPN tunnels. By understanding the full workflow, your Synology-VPN tandem can deliver reliable and private network functionality at home or work for years to come.