Pushing for Plus Synology confirms that higher-end NAS products will require its branded drives Firm will later add "curated drive compatibility" lists after testing. Kevin Purdy – Apr 18, 2025 2:50 pm | 48 Credit: Synology Credit: Synology Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more Popular NAS-maker Synology has confirmed and slightly clarified a policy that appeared on its German website earlier this week: Its "Plus" tier of devices, starting with the 2025 series, will require Synology-branded hard drives for full compatibility, at least at first. "Synology-branded drives will be needed for use in the newly announced Plus series, with plans to update the Product Compatibility List as additional drives can be thoroughly vetted in Synology systems," a Synology representative told Ars by email. "Extensive internal testing has shown that drives that follow a rigorous validation process when paired with Synology systems are at less risk of drive failure and ongoing compatibility issues." Without a Synology-branded or approved drive in a device that requires it, NAS devices could fail to create storage pools and lose volume-wide deduplication and lifespan analysis, Synology's German press release stated. Similar drive restrictions are already in place for XS Plus and rack-mounted Synology models, though work-arounds exist. Synology also says it will later add a "carefully curated drive compatibility framework" for third-party drives and that users can submit drives for testing and documentation. "Drives that meet Synology’s stringent standards may be validated for use, offering flexibility while maintaining system integrity." As previously noted by the German press release, Synology Plus models purchased prior to the 2025 series will continue to support third-party drives at their current level. Devices in the J and Values series are also not affected. Third-party drives used in systems prior to the 2025 models can be migrated into newer models without restrictions. Synology does not manufacture its own drives but packages and markets drives from major manufacturers, including Toshiba and Seagate. As such, Synology's drives are typically more expensive than third-party models with similar specs. An 8TB 3.5-inch HDD from Synology's Plus line, the HAT3310, costs $210 on Synology's web store. One of the original drives the HAT3310 is reportedly sourced from, the Toshiba N300, can be found for $173 at more than one vendor. That number changes as you move up and down in capacity or move to "Enterprise" levels—and, of course, as you multiply it across large arrays. The company previously stated on its European Union release that its integrated Plus drives and systems offered the "highest levels of security and performance, while also offering more efficient support." Kevin Purdy Senior Technology Reporter Kevin Purdy Senior Technology Reporter Kevin is a senior technology reporter at Ars Technica, covering open-source software, PC gaming, home automation, repairability, e-bikes, and tech history. He has previously worked at Lifehacker, Wirecutter, iFixit, and Carbon Switch. 48 Comments