Nice video. I have a Unifi network and NVR setup, and I also have a Synology RS822+ mounted in my rack along with my unifi equipment. I use the synology for archiving Unifi recordings, backing up my Macs, running Plex, Scrypted and a VM that hosts Home Assistant. Also some limited shared network storage. I'm also working on a project to bring a DNS server online on the Synology, and use it to help set up reverse proxy for friendly urls on my network devices and services.
Great video. I trust you as someone who used to be a developer for Apple. Consistently great videos. BTW, what’s the difference between not being sponsored by Synology vs. getting one for free? Generally seems the same to me as a regular RUclips viewer.
Thanks Eric. I always enjoy your content. I use my 2 bay Synology for storage, a Plex server and for Homebridge. I feel it was the cheapest and easiest solution for multiple different tasks.
Great overview, Eric. Seems like each year I’m running up against the limitations of my two-bay Synology. Throwing money at new, larger HDDs is not so fun. I’m also using UniFi for networking and security, and may soon test out the UNAS Pro.
I would not use Quick Connect. Install the tailscale package. I have had a Synology NAS since 2009. That DS409 is still in use too lol. Not my primary Synology of course, just for some backup. I can honestly say I have had zero issues. The DS918+ still killing it with Plex transcoding if needed. An upgraded DS918+ is still awesome today. You can add RAM and 2.5gb networking ($28) for nothing. Pretty crazy a $140 N97 mini pc is even better these days. Good video.. think I saw a peek of Unifi GW dashboard too :)
Thanks! Yes I’m heavily into Unifi as well. That’s a great setup. You are not the first person who’s mentioned TailScale to me. I’ll have to check it out.
The problem with NAS is that its too expensive for us regular people. The fact that Synology’s entry-level NAS is already pricey, it doesn’t help either. With that said, please consider making a video on how to save Homebridge scheduled backups to NAS instead of locally.
DS 223j costs around 200 EUR/USD. Is it expencive for those who buy Apple products? It’s 1/5 of iPhone price or 1/5 of cheapest m2 MB Air or 1/10 of MBP or costs near the price of Apple Care for iPhone…
@@AhmadNazirAfiq You don't have to buy new device. You can buy used NASes for less than 50 USD, and they are still working even today. Last year saw used DS213j for 40 USD. SSD or HDD enclosure even costs more. How is that expensive?
Eric, as always a great video, recently I ordered a Psychology. And thus far, I’m loving it as a back up for files documents. And it’s something I can definitely share with my family. Now when it comes to smart home, I believe in a little bit of everything Homie pro. Is something that I’m already using for automations and I do love it in addition I really would love to tryhome assistant and Eric from my family to yours. Happy new year.
Hey William, thanks and happy new year to you and your family. I agree Synology is great as a NAS but probably more trouble than it’s worth for containers for smart home stuff
Thank you. I am also interested in Qnap because so many reviews said it was more Mac friendly, but then all my favorite RUclipsrs, like yourself, go with Synology. I was a bit confused on what is UnFi, etc. My goal is the same as yours, I think: I want to have local storage/control. I rely on Apple Home(Kit) with a number of compatible devices from Aqara, Vocolinc, Nanoleaf. I also rely on TimeMachine and CarbonCopyClone for backups to a G-Drive and a Seagate Drive. I'd like to see more about securing those two basic needs: Home app devices and TimeMachining. I'll keep checking in with your reviews/advices. Thank you. (Ps. I accept that for now, I must have a premium iCloud account to put into service as many cameras as possible.)
UniFi is an enterprise networking/wifi company that is essentially, the apple of networking. It’s great for home users that want pro features. I chose UniFi because it can manage my security system, my networking(vlans, threat detection,advanced routing), and my NAS (which is what this video is about). I am new to the NAS space so I am not sure what the best recommendation is for yourself.
Too bad that our Synology NAS keeps dropping out mapped drives from our Macs…. Always having to reconnect to access. No matter what I change can’t get it to stop dropping the “server” connection.
Great video Eric. I am fully invested into UniFi so think their NAS is probably best for me. I do have an Asustor but the experience has not been trouble free. I have Homey Pro which is good and, hopefully, will only get better. It covers most home automation but I would like to use Apple’s HomeKit as well, as it does somethings better in my opinion. Let’s see if Apple can up their game.
I had a drobo and then one day I upgraded my computer and went to update it to work with mt m1 Mac and found out that they had gone out of business nd now I can never use my 10 terabyte drive ever again so I think I might need one
1. My DS420+ had 2 (out of 4) IronWolf NAS HDDs crashed just days after warranty; 2. the 2 GbE ports are slow and not upgradable; 3. Besides macOS, and other Apple OSes , I need to manage one more alien OS, i.e. DSM from Synology; 4. The Synology Photos app is far from compatible and comprehensively a complement to Apple Photos; 5. Plex doesn’t search and download the Album covers of your DVD / Blu-ray collections; 6. You still need to seriously think of the ABC backup of the NAS; 7. Do you need good customer service or don’t care?
Hi Eric - all the best for 2025! Nice video, but it felt a little like a sponsored one so glad you discussed some other options. I have personally used Synology for many years, and initially it was a great value proposition. I still run Plex server on it and previously used Home Assistant in a Docker container for my smart home due to a mix of devices, some of which are not HomeKit native. Lately though, Synology has lost a lot of their initial appeal. Their hardware is expensive, dated and inferior compared to other vendor options and it's often only their software that is ahead of the competition. I have subsequently moved my Home Assistant to a dedicated device which is far less complex and more stable. I'm also heavily invested in the Unifi ecosystem and will be moving to their UNAS Pro soon. Plex can stay on the Synology for now as it still works fine on my Apple Tv 4K, but I'm using Infuse more these days due to issues with Atmos content with the Plex client on the Tv. I'm hoping their new client due later this year will fix that as the Apple Tv still provides the superior user experience in my opinion. Looking forward to your content in 2025 and God bless!
Hey Deon! Thanks for the kind words and I agree with a lot of what you mentioned which is why I wanted to steer people away from containers for smart home stuff on a Synology. I’ve never talked about Synology and I use them a lot which is why I wanted to have something on my channel about them. I agree I can’t wait for the UNAS pro to get back in stock to try that. As I mentioned in the video this was not sponsored, but perhaps a lot of the pre amble might feel that way. All the best in 2025 - Eric
You don’t need to “casually” expose it. The VPN functionality of your router can be used or you can install one on the NAS if you don’t feel comfortable with the quick connect tunnel interface. Also, the NAS has its own firewall software.
No home user should buy any NAS with out video transcoding, this is a waste of money, you are better off with the obsolete 423+. How Synology has all RUclipsrs on the pocket is beyond me.
I think you should preface your comment with: “If you plan on using your NAS as a media server and that functionality is very important then…” The primary purpose for my Synology is data backup and storage. I use it to host a Jellyfin server for free over the air recording. Otherwise Jellyfin doesn’t work that well which is probably do to transcoding. I can just download my saved files through smb and watch them in VLC without issue. If my primary purpose was a plex server to watch movies that I bought then maybe transcoding would be an issue. But that is not why I bought it.
@@thomasreedy4751 Do you really think normal people have any clue or care what you are talking about ? people buy these boxes, put the files in, and they expect them to work, need or not, video transcoding should be there for home users, especial on a Synology box that praise themselfs to be plug and play.
Most NAS are quite noisy, so you need to hide them somewhere. I use mine primarily for Plex/Infuse app on the Apple TV. Pretty flawless.
Nice video. I have a Unifi network and NVR setup, and I also have a Synology RS822+ mounted in my rack along with my unifi equipment. I use the synology for archiving Unifi recordings, backing up my Macs, running Plex, Scrypted and a VM that hosts Home Assistant. Also some limited shared network storage. I'm also working on a project to bring a DNS server online on the Synology, and use it to help set up reverse proxy for friendly urls on my network devices and services.
Great video. I trust you as someone who used to be a developer for Apple. Consistently great videos. BTW, what’s the difference between not being sponsored by Synology vs. getting one for free? Generally seems the same to me as a regular RUclips viewer.
Not to be a jerk, but he said app developer for the apple platform. Not that he was employed by apple
@ Not a jerk comment. Thanks for the clarification!
Thanks guys! Sponsored means they pay me a fee for the video beyond just giving the free products.
Thanks Eric. I always enjoy your content. I use my 2 bay Synology for storage, a Plex server and for Homebridge. I feel it was the cheapest and easiest solution for multiple different tasks.
Great summary. Thanks.
I foresee HexOS being a real contender in the NAS space.
Great overview, Eric. Seems like each year I’m running up against the limitations of my two-bay Synology. Throwing money at new, larger HDDs is not so fun. I’m also using UniFi for networking and security, and may soon test out the UNAS Pro.
I would not use Quick Connect. Install the tailscale package. I have had a Synology NAS since 2009. That DS409 is still in use too lol. Not my primary Synology of course, just for some backup. I can honestly say I have had zero issues. The DS918+ still killing it with Plex transcoding if needed. An upgraded DS918+ is still awesome today. You can add RAM and 2.5gb networking ($28) for nothing. Pretty crazy a $140 N97 mini pc is even better these days. Good video.. think I saw a peek of Unifi GW dashboard too :)
Thanks! Yes I’m heavily into Unifi as well. That’s a great setup. You are not the first person who’s mentioned TailScale to me. I’ll have to check it out.
The problem with NAS is that its too expensive for us regular people. The fact that Synology’s entry-level NAS is already pricey, it doesn’t help either.
With that said, please consider making a video on how to save Homebridge scheduled backups to NAS instead of locally.
DS 223j costs around 200 EUR/USD. Is it expencive for those who buy Apple products? It’s 1/5 of iPhone price or 1/5 of cheapest m2 MB Air or 1/10 of MBP or costs near the price of Apple Care for iPhone…
@ i’m glad that you can afford it. Most people don’t.
@@AhmadNazirAfiq You don't have to buy new device. You can buy used NASes for less than 50 USD, and they are still working even today. Last year saw used DS213j for 40 USD. SSD or HDD enclosure even costs more. How is that expensive?
Eric, as always a great video, recently I ordered a Psychology. And thus far, I’m loving it as a back up for files documents. And it’s something I can definitely share with my family. Now when it comes to smart home, I believe in a little bit of everything Homie pro. Is something that I’m already using for automations and I do love it in addition I really would love to tryhome assistant and Eric from my family to yours. Happy new year.
Hey William, thanks and happy new year to you and your family. I agree Synology is great as a NAS but probably more trouble than it’s worth for containers for smart home stuff
Thank you. I am also interested in Qnap because so many reviews said it was more Mac friendly, but then all my favorite RUclipsrs, like yourself, go with Synology. I was a bit confused on what is UnFi, etc. My goal is the same as yours, I think: I want to have local storage/control. I rely on Apple Home(Kit) with a number of compatible devices from Aqara, Vocolinc, Nanoleaf. I also rely on TimeMachine and CarbonCopyClone for backups to a G-Drive and a Seagate Drive. I'd like to see more about securing those two basic needs: Home app devices and TimeMachining. I'll keep checking in with your reviews/advices. Thank you. (Ps. I accept that for now, I must have a premium iCloud account to put into service as many cameras as possible.)
UniFi is an enterprise networking/wifi company that is essentially, the apple of networking. It’s great for home users that want pro features. I chose UniFi because it can manage my security system, my networking(vlans, threat detection,advanced routing), and my NAS (which is what this video is about).
I am new to the NAS space so I am not sure what the best recommendation is for yourself.
Too bad that our Synology NAS keeps dropping out mapped drives from our Macs…. Always having to reconnect to access. No matter what I change can’t get it to stop dropping the “server” connection.
Great video Eric. I am fully invested into UniFi so think their NAS is probably best for me. I do have an Asustor but the experience has not been trouble free. I have Homey Pro which is good and, hopefully, will only get better. It covers most home automation but I would like to use Apple’s HomeKit as well, as it does somethings better in my opinion. Let’s see if Apple can up their game.
Thanks Paul! Yes I can’t wait to try out the UNAS pro as well and I think that could be a good option for you.
I had a drobo and then one day I upgraded my computer and went to update it to work with mt m1 Mac and found out that they had gone out of business nd now I can never use my 10 terabyte drive ever again so I think I might need one
1. My DS420+ had 2 (out of 4) IronWolf NAS HDDs crashed just days after warranty; 2. the 2 GbE ports are slow and not upgradable; 3. Besides macOS, and other Apple OSes , I need to manage one more alien OS, i.e. DSM from Synology; 4. The Synology Photos app is far from compatible and comprehensively a complement to Apple Photos; 5. Plex doesn’t search and download the Album covers of your DVD / Blu-ray collections; 6. You still need to seriously think of the ABC backup of the NAS; 7. Do you need good customer service or don’t care?
Hi Eric - all the best for 2025! Nice video, but it felt a little like a sponsored one so glad you discussed some other options. I have personally used Synology for many years, and initially it was a great value proposition. I still run Plex server on it and previously used Home Assistant in a Docker container for my smart home due to a mix of devices, some of which are not HomeKit native. Lately though, Synology has lost a lot of their initial appeal. Their hardware is expensive, dated and inferior compared to other vendor options and it's often only their software that is ahead of the competition. I have subsequently moved my Home Assistant to a dedicated device which is far less complex and more stable. I'm also heavily invested in the Unifi ecosystem and will be moving to their UNAS Pro soon. Plex can stay on the Synology for now as it still works fine on my Apple Tv 4K, but I'm using Infuse more these days due to issues with Atmos content with the Plex client on the Tv. I'm hoping their new client due later this year will fix that as the Apple Tv still provides the superior user experience in my opinion. Looking forward to your content in 2025 and God bless!
Hey Deon! Thanks for the kind words and I agree with a lot of what you mentioned which is why I wanted to steer people away from containers for smart home stuff on a Synology. I’ve never talked about Synology and I use them a lot which is why I wanted to have something on my channel about them. I agree I can’t wait for the UNAS pro to get back in stock to try that. As I mentioned in the video this was not sponsored, but perhaps a lot of the pre amble might feel that way. All the best in 2025 - Eric
Please don't recommend people casually expose a server to the open internet.
You don’t need to “casually” expose it. The VPN functionality of your router can be used or you can install one on the NAS if you don’t feel comfortable with the quick connect tunnel interface.
Also, the NAS has its own firewall software.
Stay away from NAS if possible, you can consider PCloud.
0:46 "this video is not sponsored"
No home user should buy any NAS with out video transcoding, this is a waste of money, you are better off with the obsolete 423+. How Synology has all RUclipsrs on the pocket is beyond me.
I think you should preface your comment with: “If you plan on using your NAS as a media server and that functionality is very important then…”
The primary purpose for my Synology is data backup and storage.
I use it to host a Jellyfin server for free over the air recording. Otherwise Jellyfin doesn’t work that well which is probably do to transcoding.
I can just download my saved files through smb and watch them in VLC without issue.
If my primary purpose was a plex server to watch movies that I bought then maybe transcoding would be an issue.
But that is not why I bought it.
@@thomasreedy4751 Do you really think normal people have any clue or care what you are talking about ? people buy these boxes, put the files in, and they expect them to work, need or not, video transcoding should be there for home users, especial on a Synology box that praise themselfs to be plug and play.
YES!