How to Set Up Plex on Synology NAS: Complete 2026 Guide
Quick Answer+
Quick Answer: To set up Plex on Synology: Open Package Center → Search “Plex” → Install. For hardware transcoding (Plex Pass required), use Intel-based models like DS224+ or DS423+. AMD models (DS923+, DS723+) have limited transcoding. Enable hardware transcoding in Plex Settings → Transcoder → “Use hardware acceleration when available.”
Running Plex Media Server on a Synology NAS transforms your storage device into a powerful home entertainment hub. Stream movies, TV shows, music, and photos to any device — TVs, phones, tablets, computers — anywhere in the world.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from initial installation to advanced optimization, including the critical topic of hardware transcoding and which Synology models work best for Plex.
Best Synology Models for Plex
Not all Synology NAS units are equal for Plex. The key factor is hardware transcoding — using the CPU’s integrated GPU to convert video formats on-the-fly.
Intel Models (Best for Transcoding)
Intel Quick Sync provides excellent hardware-accelerated encoding/decoding for H.264, HEVC, and VP9 — essential for smooth Plex transcoding.
AMD Models (Limited Transcoding)
AMD Ryzen R1600 has limited hardware transcoding via its integrated Radeon GPU. These models work great for direct play but struggle with multiple transcodes.
Our Recommendations
- Best for Plex:DS423+ — 4 bays, excellent transcoding
- Budget Plex:DS224+ — 2 bays, great transcoding, affordable
- Direct Play Only:DS923+ — Better overall NAS, but skip if transcoding matters
Prerequisites
Before installing Plex, ensure you have:
- Synology NAS with DSM 7.0 or later
- Storage volume configured (SHR, RAID, etc.)
- Plex account (free at plex.tv)
- Plex Pass (optional, required for hardware transcoding)
- Media files organized in folders
Step 1: Install Plex Media Server
Method A: Package Center (Recommended)
- Open DSM in your browser
- Go to Package Center
- Search for “Plex Media Server”
- Click Install
- Select the volume for installation (usually Volume 1)
- Wait for installation to complete
- Click Open to launch Plex
Method B: Manual Installation (Latest Version)
Package Center may have an older version. For the latest:
- Visit plex.tv/media-server-downloads
- Select Synology as platform
- Choose your NAS architecture (Intel 64-bit for most Plus models)
- Download the .spk file
- In DSM, go to Package Center → Manual Install
- Browse to the downloaded .spk file
- Follow installation prompts
Step 2: Initial Plex Configuration
Access Plex Web Interface
After installation:
- Open http://[NAS-IP]:32400/web in your browser
- Or click Open in Package Center
- Sign in with your Plex account
- Name your server (e.g., “Home Media Server”)
Create Media Folders
Before adding libraries, organize your media:
- Open File Station in DSM
- Create a shared folder called “Media” (or similar)
- Inside, create subfolders:
/Media/Movies/Media/TV Shows/Media/Music/Media/Photos
Set Folder Permissions
Plex needs read access to your media folders:
- Go to Control Panel → Shared Folder
- Select your Media folder → Edit
- Go to Permissions tab
- Find PlexMediaServer user
- Grant Read permission (Read/Write if you want Plex to delete files)
- Click Save
Step 3: Add Media Libraries
- In Plex web interface, click “Add Library”
- Select library type (Movies, TV Shows, Music, Photos)
- Name the library
- Click “Browse for media folder”
- Navigate to your folder (e.g.,
/volume1/Media/Movies) - Click “Add Library”
- Plex will scan and add metadata automatically
Repeat for each media type.
Step 4: Enable Hardware Transcoding
Requirements:
- Plex Pass subscription (lifetime or monthly)
- Intel-based Synology (DS224+, DS423+, DS920+, etc.)
Enable in Plex Settings
- Go to Settings → Transcoder
- Check “Use hardware acceleration when available”
- Check “Use hardware-accelerated video encoding”
- Click Save Changes
Verify Hardware Transcoding
To confirm it’s working:
- Play a video that requires transcoding
- Go to Settings → Status → Now Playing
- Look for “(hw)” next to the transcode — this indicates hardware acceleration
If you see “(hw)”, hardware transcoding is active. If not, the CPU is handling transcoding in software (much slower).
Step 5: Optimize Plex Settings
Transcoder Settings
In Settings → Transcoder:
- Transcoder quality: “Automatic” (or “Make my CPU hurt” for best quality)
- Transcoder temporary directory: Leave default or set to SSD if available
- Background transcoding: Enable for Sync/Mobile optimization
Network Settings
In Settings → Network:
- Enable Relay: ON (allows streaming when port forwarding fails)
- Remote access: Configure for streaming outside your home
- Custom server access URLs: Optional for advanced setups
Library Settings
For each library:
- Scanner: Use “Plex Movie” or “Plex TV Series”
- Agent: Use “Plex Movie” or “Plex TV Series” (new agents are better)
- Enable video preview thumbnails: Optional (uses CPU during library scan)
Remote Access Setup
To stream outside your home network:
Option 1: Automatic (UPnP)
- Go to Settings → Remote Access
- Click “Enable Remote Access”
- If your router supports UPnP, it should configure automatically
- Look for green checkmark indicating success
Option 2: Manual Port Forward
If automatic fails:
- Log into your router’s admin panel
- Find Port Forwarding settings
- Create rule: External port 32400 → Internal IP of NAS, port 32400
- Protocol: TCP
- Save and test remote access in Plex
Option 3: Plex Relay (Fallback)
If port forwarding isn’t possible, Plex Relay provides remote access through Plex’s servers. Quality is limited to 2 Mbps for free users, unlimited for Plex Pass.
Direct Play vs Transcoding
Understanding this distinction is crucial for Plex performance:
| Direct Play | Transcoding |
|---|---|
| Client plays original file format | Server converts to compatible format |
| No CPU usage on NAS | Heavy CPU/GPU usage |
| Best quality (original) | May reduce quality |
| Unlimited streams | Limited by hardware |
| Requires compatible client | Works with any client |
Optimize for Direct Play
To minimize transcoding:
- Use compatible formats: H.264/AAC in MP4/MKV containers play on most devices
- Configure clients: Set quality to “Original” or “Maximum”
- Use capable devices: Apple TV, Nvidia Shield, modern smart TVs
- Avoid subtitles: Burned-in subtitles force transcoding; use SRT/ASS instead
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Plex Can’t Find Media Folders
Solution: Check permissions. Ensure PlexMediaServer user has read access to your media shared folder (Control Panel → Shared Folder → Edit → Permissions).
Buffering During Playback
Solutions:
- Lower streaming quality in client settings
- Check network speed between NAS and client
- Enable hardware transcoding (if transcoding is occurring)
- Use Ethernet instead of WiFi for NAS
Hardware Transcoding Not Working
Solutions:
- Verify Plex Pass is active
- Confirm Intel-based NAS (AMD has limited support)
- Update to latest Plex version
- Check DSM version (7.0+ recommended)
Remote Access Unavailable
Solutions:
- Configure port forwarding (port 32400 TCP)
- Check firewall isn’t blocking Plex
- Try different external port if ISP blocks 32400
- Enable Plex Relay as fallback
Frequently Asked Questions
Plex Pass is not required for basic functionality — you can install and use Plex for free. However, Plex Pass ($5/month or $120 lifetime) is required for hardware transcoding, which dramatically improves performance on Synology NAS. Without Plex Pass, transcoding uses software only, limiting you to 1-2 streams.
For Plex with transcoding, Intel-based models are best: DS224+ (~$300) or DS423+ (~$470). These have Intel Quick Sync for hardware-accelerated transcoding. AMD models (DS923+, DS723+) work for direct play but struggle with transcoding. If you only use direct play, any model works.
Yes, but with limitations. The DS923+ handles direct play perfectly (unlimited streams). However, its AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU has limited transcoding capability — expect only 1-2 simultaneous transcodes. For heavy transcoding, the Intel-based DS423+ is a better choice despite being cheaper.
Direct play: Unlimited (network bandwidth is the only limit). Transcoding on Intel models (DS224+, DS423+): 2-4 simultaneous 1080p streams. Transcoding on AMD models (DS923+, DS723+): 1-2 streams. 4K transcoding is more demanding — expect roughly half the stream count.
For most users, the native Package Center installation is easier and works well. Docker is useful for advanced users who want more control over updates, multiple Plex instances, or specific version pinning. The native package integrates better with DSM permissions and is simpler to maintain.
Common causes: (1) Transcoding without hardware acceleration — enable in Settings → Transcoder. (2) Network bottleneck — use Ethernet, not WiFi for NAS. (3) Client set to transcode unnecessarily — set to ‘Original’ quality. (4) Remote streaming with slow upload — lower remote streaming quality.
Related Resources
- Best Synology NAS 2026 — Complete buying guide
- Synology DS423+ Review — Best for Plex
- Synology DS224+ Review — Budget Plex option
- Best Hard Drive for Plex Server
- Synology Troubleshooting Guide
Last Updated: February 2026 | Tested on DSM 7.2
