Quick Answer+
Quick Answer: The Synology DS923+ (~$550) is the best NAS for most surveillance setups (8-25 cameras). It supports up to 40 IP cameras, offers 10GbE for 4K streams, and expandable storage. For home use (4-8 cameras), the DS224+ (~$300) provides excellent value. Use WD Purple or Seagate SkyHawk surveillance drives. Surveillance Station includes 2 free camera licenses.
Synology NAS with Surveillance Station transforms your network storage into a powerful NVR. Unlike standalone NVRs or cloud cameras, a Synology system offers expandable storage, no monthly fees, and multi-purpose use for files, backup, and media.
Best Synology NAS for Surveillance: Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Max Cameras | Best For | 10GbE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS224+ | ~$300 | 25 | Home (2-8 cameras) | ❌ |
| DS423+ | ~$470 | 30 | Small business (4-12) | ❌ |
| DS923+ | ~$550 | 40 | Medium (8-25 cameras) | ✅ Option |
| DS1522+ | ~$700 | 40 | Large (15-40 cameras) | ✅ Option |
Best Overall: Synology DS923+
Why DS923+ is Best for Surveillance
- 40 camera support: Handles medium to large deployments
- 10GbE option: Essential for 4K camera streams (~$110)
- Expandable storage: 4 bays + DX517 = up to 162TB
- Dual NIC: Separate surveillance and general traffic
Best for Home: Synology DS224+
Surveillance Station & Licensing
Surveillance Station supports 8,500+ compatible cameras with features like motion detection, mobile viewing (DS cam app), and timeline search.
Camera License Costs
| Licenses | Cost | Total Cameras |
|---|---|---|
| Included | Free | 2 |
| +1 license | ~$50 | 3 |
| +4 license pack | ~$200 | 6 |
| +8 license pack | ~$400 | 10 |
Licenses are one-time purchases, not subscriptions. They transfer if you upgrade NAS.
Best Drives for Surveillance
Use surveillance-optimized drives (WD Purple or Seagate SkyHawk) designed for 24/7 continuous writing.
Storage Calculator
| Resolution | Frame Rate | Codec | GB/Day per Camera |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 15 fps | H.264 | ~15 GB |
| 1080p | 15 fps | H.265 | ~8 GB |
| 4K | 15 fps | H.265 | ~25 GB |
Example Configurations
| Setup | Storage Needed | Recommended | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 cameras × 30 days | ~1.8TB | DS224+ + 2× 4TB | ~$500 |
| 8 cameras × 30 days | ~3.6TB | DS224+ + 2× 8TB | ~$590 |
| 16 cameras × 30 days | ~7.2TB | DS923+ + 4× 8TB | ~$1,130 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Synology NAS is best for surveillance cameras?
The DS923+ (~$550) is best for most surveillance deployments with 8-25 cameras. It supports 40 cameras maximum, offers 10GbE for 4K streams, and provides expandable storage. For home use with 2-8 cameras, the DS224+ (~$300) is more cost-effective.
How many cameras can a Synology NAS support?
It depends on the model: DS224+ supports 25 cameras, DS423+ supports 30, DS923+ and DS1522+ support 40, DS1823xs+ supports 75. Actual capacity depends on resolution, frame rate, and available storage.
What drives should I use for surveillance NAS?
Use surveillance-optimized drives: WD Purple or Seagate SkyHawk. These are designed for 24/7 continuous writing with firmware that prevents frame drops. They're also cheaper than NAS drives (~$140 vs $160 for 8TB).
How much does Synology Surveillance Station cost?
Surveillance Station is free and includes 2 camera licenses. Additional licenses cost ~$50 each or ~$200 for a 4-pack. These are one-time purchases, not subscriptions.
How much storage do I need for surveillance?
Rough estimate: 15GB per camera per day at 1080p/15fps (H.264). For 8 cameras with 30-day retention: ~3.6TB. Use H.265 cameras to cut storage by 50%.
Can I use Synology NAS for both files and surveillance?
Yes. Synology NAS can run Surveillance Station alongside file storage, Plex, Docker, and other applications. Just ensure you have enough storage and processing power.
Conclusion
The Synology DS923+ is the best NAS for most surveillance deployments. For home use, the DS224+ provides excellent value. Always use surveillance-optimized drives (WD Purple or Seagate SkyHawk) for 24/7 recording reliability.
Related Resources
- Synology Surveillance Station Guide
- WD Purple Synology Compatibility
- Seagate SkyHawk Synology Guide
- Best Synology NAS 2026
Last Updated: February 2026