What is NAS? A network attached storage (NAS) device is an always-on private cloud that serves as your backup vault, media hub, and surveillance NVR, all in a single device you own outright.
Home server without the hassle Synology NAS gives you one place to store, protect, access and make better use of the files, footage and projects that matter most. Centralized storage One secure home for files, photos and projects across every device. Collaborate and share Share folders, sync changes and keep everyone working from the same version. Anywhere access Reach your files from home, work or on the go with private-cloud convenience. Backup and recovery Protect important data with automated backups, snapshots and robust recovery options. Private surveillance Store and manage camera footage in one place without additional recording or monitoring systems. Flexible growth Start with the storage you need today and expand capacity locally or in the cloud as needs grow. Centralized file storage Bring scattered files, media and device backups into one organized storage system, making every file easier to manage. Shared folders Create one destination for documents, photos, media and archives. It gives everyone a consistent place to save and find what they need. Multi-device access Share files across platforms and devices. Enable remote wiping of synchronized files on lost devices to protect against data leaks. Offload from the cloud Automatically copy files from over 20 popular public cloud services including Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive. Collaborate and share Turn your NAS into a shared workspace for local and remote teams. It helps people stay aligned without relying on scattered file copies. Shared workspaces Keep everyone working in the same folders with access to the latest files, making collaboration seamless and eliminating confusion over file versions. Controlled sharing Send links and manage access without exposing everything. You can share what is needed while keeping the rest of your data private. Version confidence Restore previous file or folder versions directly on your device. Synology’s Intelliversioning algorithm saves space by keeping only the versions with the most significant changes over time. Anywhere access Get familiar access to your files while keeping them on hardware you control, eliminating public cloud privacy and cost concerns. Remote file access Open, upload and share files outside the local network to make it easier to stay productive when you're away from home or the office. Private cloud control Keep ownership of your data without relying only on third parties. You get the convenience people expect from the cloud with more direct control. Mobile-ready workflow Reach important folders from phones, tablets and browsers. Quick access on the go helps the NAS feel useful every day, not just at your desk. Backup and recovery Build a stronger safety net with automated backups and flexible recovery tools from system-wide snapshots to individual files. Automated backup jobs Back up computers, phones and shared folders on a schedule. Automation reduces the odds that important files are left unprotected. Recovery options Use snapshots and restore points to quickly recover from mistakes or attacks and get your data back without starting over. 3-2-1 readiness Add off-site or cloud copies of your most important data. A layered backup plan offers stronger protection than any single device alone. Surveillance hub Use your NAS to save video footage, get custom alerts and monitor your property, adding total peace of mind without extra equipment to manage. Unified recording Store surveillance footage from a wide variety of security cameras in one easy-to-manage system called Surveillance Station which can be accessed securely from any device. Easy streaming Connect with IP cameras from all brands, integrate diverse devices via ONVIF and stream with RTMP to deliver live feeds directly to your chosen platform. Practical visibility Review entrances, offices and shared spaces from one system. Bringing video into the same environment can make everyday monitoring easier. Flexible growth Start with the storage you need today and expand capacity locally or in the cloud as needs grow. Drive-based expansion Add capacity as your files, footage and backup needs increase by adding an expansion unit to compatible devices or add larger capacity SATA hard drives. Cloud-connected storage Easily scale your storage capacity the next time demand spikes. Hybrid Share leverages Synology C2 Storage to offer immediate and seamless capacity scaling, and automatic cloud tiering. More room for new use cases A more flexible storage strategy makes it easier to support archives, off-site protection and distributed workflows, helping the NAS stay useful as needs evolve. Shop for the best NAS deals Network Attached Storage by use case Choose the right NAS series that fits your needs for storage, backup and future scalability.
J series Budget-conscious NAS device Replace the public cloud with a private cloud NAS device for personal files, backup and sharing. Recommended model: DS223j
Value series Affordable NAS for basic use Centralized file storage, sharing and point-in-time backups, powered by the Btrfs file system. Recommended model: DS423
Plus series The best 4-bay NAS for most Scalable and powerful devices feature immutable snapshots, disaster recovery and collaboration. Recommended model: DS925+
XS+ / XS series Fits in any environment Storage solutions with advanced networking ideal for mixed use scenarios when performance is key. Recommended model: DS1823xs+
Common NAS questions What is a NAS and how is it different from an external hard drive? A NAS is a small file server on your network that multiple devices share, instead of a single‑user USB drive. An external hard drive does not allow for multiuser access and all data is lost if the drive fails. Is a NAS a backup, or do I still need another backup? NAS can receive and store backups, but you still need at least one more copy off the NAS for real protection.Learn more What is RAID, and do I need it? RAID can spread data across drives so you can survive a disk failure, but it does not replace having separate backups.View RAID calculator How much storage and how many bays do I need? Plan for 2–4x your current data. Two bays fit many homes; more bays add room for RAID, growth and heavier workloads. Is a NAS hard to set up and manage? Setup is mostly wizard‑driven in a browser. Once running, you manage users, storage and backups from a web dashboard. Synology systems are fully supported if you hit a snag and need help, you can reach out via chat on our website, phone or email. What is Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)? Synology DSM is the operating system that powers every Synology NAS device. It’s professional and intuitive interface is designed to be lightweight and modular with over 100 free applications that you can install from the Package Center. Learn more about Synology solutions 3-2-1 Backup See how one rule protects your data from disaster. NAS for Creators See why digital creators use Synology in their workflows. Private Cloud Host your own cloud storage and keep your data private.