5 Best VPNs for Synology NAS in 2024
Synology NAS is a network attached storage device that helps you create a cloud to safely store and share files. Most NAS users want to ensure secure file sharing because they are concerned about maintaining data integrity and confidentiality. They also want to safeguard remote access to their devices to prevent unauthorized entry and protect their data.
Fortunately, the best VPN for Synology NAS can be used to overcome all those hurdles. A reliable VPN will come with many security features like encryption to protect your data. Therefore, you’ll prevent unauthorized remote access and maintain secure sharing of confidential files on your NAS device.
In this article, we’ll reveal our 5 recommendations for the best Synology VPN and teach you how to set one up on your Synology device. You’ll also learn why you might need a VPN and how to choose the best provider. In the end, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions.
Best Synology VPNs - Our Shortlist
- NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Synology NAS
- Surfshark – Synology NAS VPN with Incredible Security
- ExpressVPN – VPN for Synology with Impressive Speeds
- CyberGhost VPN – Secure VPN with Many Optimized Servers
- Private Internet Access – Customizable and Trustworthy VPN
How to Set Up a VPN on Synology NAS
To set up a VPN on Synology NAS, you need to complete a slightly lengthy process, but we’ll make it as easy as possible for you. First, find a VPN that works with the device and get a subscription. Follow along as we walk you through how to install a VPN on Synology NAS using OpenVPN:
- Sign up for a VPN compatible with Synology NAS (we recommend NordVPN).
- Select a server and download its OpenVPN config files from your VPN’s website.
- Boot your NAS device and log in.
- Turn off IPv6 on the Synology device.
- Open the Control Panel and navigate to Network.
- Under Network Interface, click on Create and then Create VPN profile.
- Choose OpenVPN (via importing a .opvn file) from the available options.
- Complete the fields that appear and upload the OpenVPN configuration file.
- Tick the boxes next to the following options:
- “Use default gateway on remote network.”
- “Reconnect when the VPN connection is lost.”
- “Allow other network devices to connect through this Synology server’s Internet connection.”
- Select the profile you just created and click on Connect.
- That’s it! You can now enjoy secure file sharing with your VPN for Synology NAS.
The Best VPNs for Synology NAS
To find the best VPN for Synology NAS devices, we advise you to check out the criteria established in our guide about the best VPN for multiple devices. First, the provider must be compatible with Synology devices. It should also have robust security, such as a kill switch, split tunneling, port forwarding, strong protocols, encryption, a no-logs policy, and obfuscation.
The VPN you select needs to be fast with stable performance no matter where you are located or what you want to access. That’s why you need to choose a provider with a huge global server fleet spread across many countries. In addition, the VPN must be able to unblock censored or geo-blocked content.
Your chosen VPN should also allow numerous simultaneous connections, which will let you protect multiple devices at the same time. Lastly, the provider needs to have a generous money-back policy and 24/7 customer support.
Based on the criteria we just explained, here are the 5 best Synology VPNs:
1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Synology NAS
NordVPN is the best VPN for Synology NAS. Not only is it compatible with Synology devices, but it also has next-level security. With robust AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch that cuts your Internet if the VPN fails, and an independently audited no-logs policy, NordVPN builds a strong security shield. Its Threat Protection adds an extra layer to secure your data.
The list of security features goes on with VPN protocols like NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. NordVPN also offers split tunneling that creates a unique tunnel for your online activities, port forwarding, and obfuscation on almost all servers that hides your VPN usage.
Furthermore, NordVPN will provide you with stellar speeds and consistent performance even across longer distances. This is possible in part because the provider has an extensive server network of 5,800+ servers in 60 countries. Even better, it also helps you unblock geo-restricted or censored content from anywhere.
NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connections. Due to this, you will be able to set up NordVPN on Synology and other devices as well, like smartphones, computers, tablets, routers, and gaming consoles. Last but not least, this fantastic VPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to test its services and 24/7 customer support.
PROS
- Works with Synology devices
- High-end security features
- Provides OpenVPN protocol
- Lightning-fast speeds
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Only 6 simultaneous connections
2. Surfshark – Synology NAS VPN with Incredible Security
The next Synology NAS VPN is Surfshark. This provider works perfectly well with Synology NAS devices and comes with an independently audited no-logs policy that guarantees the VPN won’t share your confidential data with third parties. It also has robust AES 256-bit encryption and a reliable kill switch, so expect highly protected file sharing.
Surfshark provides obfuscation on all its servers, as well as strong VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 that establish fast data transmission. It also offers split tunneling to optimize your VPN usage and port forwarding to redirect your communication requests and port number combinations from one address to another address.
Moreover, Surfshark has a vast server range, which consists of 3,200+ servers across 100 countries. This allows it to unblock censored and geo-restricted content while providing blazing speeds and dependable performance regardless of your location.
One of the best things is that Surfshark has unlimited simultaneous connections, letting you utilize the VPN on NAS devices, phones, computers, tablets, and gaming consoles at the same time. Surfshark also provides a full refund with its 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide it doesn’t work for you and reliable customer support that helps you resolve any issue.
PROS
- Compatible with Synology NAS devices
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Excellent speeds and performance
- Robust VPN protocols
- 30-day refund policy
CONS
- iOS app is slightly slow
3. ExpressVPN – VPN for Synology with Impressive Speeds
ExpressVPN is another impressive VPN for Synology. Not only does this VPN work with Synology NAS devices, but it also offers next-level security. More precisely, you will benefit from strong AES 256-bit encryption, a reliable kill switch, and an independently audited no-logs policy.
Other ExpressVPN security practices that you will benefit from are automatic obfuscation on many servers and split tunneling that creates a unique tunnel for specific traffic. Plus, it offers port forwarding and industry-leading VPN protocols, such as its proprietary Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec.
ExpressVPN is just as fast as the previous two providers. It has ultra-fast speeds and reliable performance because of the huge server range that counts 3,000+ servers in 105 countries. Due to this, you will be able to access all popular censored and geo-restricted platforms.
This provider also allows 8 simultaneous connections that help you use ExpressVPN on Synology NAS, phones, computers, gaming consoles, and tablets. Ultimately, you will be able to test it before committing fully thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. The 24/7 customer support is a huge benefit as well.
PROS
- Works seamlessly with Synology devices
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
- Strong unblocking abilities
- Unique Lightway protocol
- 30-day money-back policy
CONS
- On the expensive side
4. CyberGhost VPN – Secure VPN with Many Optimized Servers
Another excellent VPN to consider is CyberGhost. It’s fully compatible with Synology NAS devices, so you will be able to install CyberGhost VPN on Synology NAS easily. It also has AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch to prevent data leaks, and a no-logs policy that has been independently audited.
CyberGhost offers a port forwarding feature, split tunneling to selectively route your traffic, and robust VPN protocols, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. Therefore, you will enjoy fast and secure data transmission. Unfortunately, this provider lacks obfuscated servers.
This VPN delivers medium-fast speeds and consistent performance. However, it doesn’t quite reach the speeds of NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. But CyberGhost makes up for this with its 10,000+ servers across 100 countries. This allows it to effortlessly unblock geo-restricted and censored content.
What’s more, CyberGhost has 7 simultaneous connections, which helps you use it on NAS devices, phones, computers, tablets, and gaming consoles. Last but not least, you will enjoy 24/7 customer support and benefit from its 45-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
- Compatible with Synology technology
- Reliable port forwarding
- Second-largest server fleet
- Unblocks geo-restricted sites
- 45-day refund period
CONS
- No obfuscation available
5. Private Internet Access – Customizable and Trustworthy VPN
Private Internet Access (PIA) is our last recommendation and works with Synology NAS without any issues. It also has robust security features, such as a no-logs policy audited by a third party, military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, and a powerful kill switch. But that’s not all!
You will also get obfuscation on all of its servers, port forwarding that redirects your communication requests, split tunneling, and VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. PIA is highly customizable, allowing you to choose between different encryption levels to prioritize security over speed or vice versa.
Speed, in general, is not PIA’s specialty. It is slower than NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost. However, it delivers decent speeds and pretty stable performance. Luckily, PIA has the largest server fleet on the market, with thousands of servers in 84 countries. Due to this, it unblocks geo-restricted and censored content.
PIA stands out because it has unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to use it on various devices at the same time, like phones, computers, tablets, and gaming consoles. To wrap it up, PIA also has knowledgeable customer support and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
- Works for Synology NAS protection
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Port forwarding feature
- Secure OpenVPN protocol
- 30-day money-back period
CONS
- Slowest VPN on the list
Why Do You Need a VPN for Synology NAS?
You need a VPN for Synology NAS because it will help you enhance your overall privacy and the security of your file sharing. Let’s explore all the reasons to use a Synology VPN:
- Security – Hackers can use NAS devices to gain access to your personal data. Luckily, a reliable VPN will help you protect your confidential data from even the most advanced hackers and various cyber threats.
- Mask Your IP Address – In order to ensure high-end security, you must keep your IP address hidden. You will be able to achieve this with a VPN provider that lets you display a new IP that is assigned to the VPN server.
- Hide Your Browsing Activity – Some governments and ISPs, as well as hackers, may track your online activities. So, if you want to avoid any surveillance or possible associated issues, it’s best to go for a VPN that will make your browsing activities undetectable.
- Remote Access – A VPN supports remote access to your Synology NAS device by preventing unauthorized access to your confidential files. The best VPNs even have port forwarding that will redirect communication requests from one address to another.
- Secure File Sharing – Synology does have its own encryption, but hackers can still access your files when you share them with other users. So, look for a VPN with additional features like a kill switch that will prevent data leaks. A kill switch works by cutting your Internet if it detects an issue with your connection to the VPN server.
- Bypass Bandwidth Throttling – Excessive data usage can cause your ISP to throttle your bandwidth and slow down your connections. Fortunately, a VPN with encryption will help you make your traffic and data use undetectable to prevent such issues.
- Access Geo-Blocked Services – Using a VPN will also help you unblock services and content that are geo-restricted in the region where you’re located, such as gambling sites, messaging platforms, torrent websites, and more.
How to Choose the Best Synology VPN?
To choose the best Synology VPN, you need to focus on a few essential criteria. First and foremost, search for a provider with strong security and privacy features that is compatible with Synology devices. Here is a detailed list of everything you should consider:
- Compatibility with Synology Devices – In order to install a VPN on Synology NAS devices, you should make sure the provider works with such devices.
- Advanced VPN Features – As the VPN needs to ensure safe file sharing, go for a provider that has advanced features like a reliable kill switch, port forwarding, split tunneling, and ad blocking.
- No-Logs Policy – The best VPN for Synology NAS devices should have an audited no-logs policy that guarantees the provider won’t collect, store, or share your confidential data.
- VPN Protocols and Encryption – In order to achieve top-notch security, you need a VPN with encryption that will obscure your traffic and strong VPN protocols for fast transmission of data.
- Performance and Speed – Your chosen VPN must have fast speeds and consistent performance so that you don’t encounter interruptions during file transfers.
- Server Network Size – The bigger the server network size, the better speeds you’ll get. Also, you will be able to choose the server that works best for you.
- Ability to Unblock Censored/Geo-Restricted Content – A Synology NAS VPN will help you unblock geo-restricted or censored content, such as streaming, torrenting, or gambling sites.
- Simultaneous Connections – Always go for a VPN that allows numerous connections, so you can use the VPN on more devices at the same time.
- Money-Back Policy – To make sure that a VPN is right for you, choose one that has a money-back policy and allows you to test it for a while.
- Customer Support – Using a VPN with 24/7 customer support is a must so you can solve any issue effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
Synology NAS devices help you store, share, and access your data on a cloud server. Unfortunately, these devices are very attractive to hackers, so users fear for their online security and privacy. They also want to prevent unauthorized remote access. Due to this, it’s best to use a reliable VPN.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for Synology NAS. This VPN works seamlessly with such devices and has robust security features that facilitate safe file sharing and restrict unauthorized access to your files. With NordVPN, you’ll be able to protect your sensitive data and access it remotely without worrying about your privacy.
That’s all for our guide on the best VPN for Synology devices. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Thank you for reading!