Once upon a time, in the land of Network-Attached Storage (NAS), there lived a hero named Synology NAS. This hero bestowed upon its users the power of a private cloud, where they could store, access, back up, and share files like a digital Robin Hood, without fear of the tyranny of file limitations. With the trusty steed of web browsers and mobile apps, users could collaborate gallantly from anywhere in the world.
However, in this realm of bits and bytes, there were whispers of danger lurking in the shadows. As users reveled in the freedom provided by Synology NAS, they could not escape the gnawing unease about the safety of their precious files. In response, a new champion emerged: the valiant Virtual Private Network, or VPN, as the common folk called it.
Like a digital suit of armor, VPNs encased users’ files in an impenetrable layer of security, shielding them from the perils of public wifi networks and the prying eyes of internet evildoers. But alas, not all VPNs were created equal. Some were knights in shining armor, while others were mere jesters in tin foil hats.
Fear not, dear reader, for we have ventured into the realm of VPNs to bring you a tale of the finest services for your Synology NAS. With this knowledge, you too can join the ranks of the digital elite, safeguarding your files and ensuring your cloud remains a bastion of security and convenience.
NordVPN
In the epic quest to find the most reliable VPN for Synology, our hero, NordVPN, emerged triumphant. Like a knight in shining armor, NordVPN offered detailed guides for setting up Synology devices using OpenVPN on its noble steed of a website. Fear not, for the 24/7 live chat support stood ready, like a trusty squire, to assist the weary traveler in their time of need.
This digital champion was not only easy to install but also one of the most performant providers on the VPN battleground. If that wasn’t enough, NordVPN could be installed on compatible routers, providing yet another path to victory for its loyal subjects.
NordVPN dazzled its users with extraordinary speeds that would make even a cheetah envious. Security was no laughing matter, as encryption was offered in the form of AES-256 and further bolstered by a strict no-logs policy. Our hero came equipped with an arsenal of additional features, including anti-DDoS, double VPN, and Tor over VPN. An automatic kill switch and built-in ad blocker stood guard, while desktop apps for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, as well as iOS and Android, ensured compatibility across the realm.
With a robust network of around 5,200 servers in 59+ countries, NordVPN guaranteed that users could access files from every corner of the globe without breaking a sweat. As the chosen one, NordVPN proved itself a valiant ally for users in regions like China and the UAE, where internet dragons lay in wait.
SurfsharkVPN
Ahoy, mateys! The next contender in the quest for Synology NAS protection is Surfshark, the affordable VPN that offers a treasure trove of features without sinking your budget. With AES-256 encryption at the helm, you can trust Surfshark to steer your file transfers safely through the stormy seas of the internet.
Beware of the treacherous phishing sites, ads, and malware attempts lurking beneath the waves! Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature helps you navigate these dangerous waters with ease. The clever Camouflage mode hides your VPN use from the watchful eyes of ISPs, disguising it as innocent HTTPS traffic to bypass restrictions like a cunning digital pirate.
Recent treasure maps revealed a new Whitelister feature, akin to split tunneling, which doubles as a formidable cybersecurity tool to block potential threats. With DNS leak protection so effective it could rival airtight ship hulls, Surfshark never let our real IP address slip during testing. And should your VPN connection falter, the trusty kill switch comes to the rescue, disconnecting your device from treacherous Wi-Fi connections.
Setting sail with Surfshark, you can configure OpenVPN TCP or UDP encryption on your Synology device, while also exploring other protocols like the latest WireGuard and its proprietary Shadowsocks. Though Surfshark hails from the Netherlands—a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance—it has earned the trust of its crew, as Cure53 audited its servers and confirmed its no-logs policy.
Don’t be deceived by its affordable price tag, for Surfshark battles fiercely against its rivals with 3200+ servers across 100 countries, offering both physical and virtual servers to ensure smooth sailing and secure file transfers on your Synology NAS journey.
ExpressVPN
In the thrilling saga of Synology NAS protection, a new contender bursts onto the scene: ExpressVPN, the fearless hero with unmatched speed and security features. Like a digital Superman, ExpressVPN soars above its competition, fighting for your Synology NAS data with unparalleled prowess.
Hailing from the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is free from the constraints of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, which allows countries to spy on their citizens in the name of security. Its strict no-logs policy only adds to its heroic reputation, keeping your privacy safe from prying eyes.
ExpressVPN’s military-grade AES 256-bit encryption is like a digital fortress, and its Perfect Forward Secrecy acts as a shapeshifter, changing the VPN client encryption key every time you log on. With IP and DNS leak protection, ExpressVPN secures your connection like a superhero’s secret identity.
Should your VPN connection falter, the automatic Kill Switch swoops in to protect you. OpenVPN protocol employs SHA-512 HMAC authentication security to guard all data transfers like a digital Captain America’s shield.
As we’ve mentioned, ExpressVPN is the Usain Bolt of VPNs! Boasting 3,000+ servers in 94+ countries, there’s always a fast connection ready to whisk you away. The Smart Location feature is like a superhero sidekick, automatically connecting you to the speediest local server.
ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature allows you to choose which apps are protected by the VPN tunnel and which apps venture outside its protective walls. And if you’re a streaming aficionado, ExpressVPN is your best ally for unblocking geo-restricted content on popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and more.
With ExpressVPN by your side, you can conquer the digital world with the speed and security that even the Justice League would envy.
PrivateVPN
Enter PrivateVPN, the charming and quirky addition to our lineup of the best VPNs for Synology. With a few handy guides on its website, PrivateVPN invites you to get started on your Synology journey, and if you happen to stumble along the way, fear not! The developers themselves are ready to lend a helping hand.
PrivateVPN boasts noteworthy speeds and a reputation for working reliably in the land of dragons – China. However, every hero has its kryptonite, and for PrivateVPN, it’s a smaller server network and support that isn’t available 24/7. So, should you require assistance, you might have to muster some patience while waiting for a response.
But don’t let these quirks deter you, for PrivateVPN offers a generous 10-device connection with just one account. Additional privacy features, including leak protection, a kill switch, port forwarding, and Stealth VPN, make this cozy contender a worthy addition to your Synology NAS protection arsenal.
So, if you’re looking for a more intimate VPN experience, PrivateVPN might just be the charming hero you’ve been searching for.
CyberGhostVPN
Beware, for CyberGhost has materialized on our list of top VPNs compatible with Synology network-attached storage devices! With extensive guides to initiate your OpenVPN journey, this spectral sentinel offers protection for your files and online activities.
Cloaking your data in the shadows of AES-256 encryption, CyberGhost employs a no-logs policy that has been independently audited, ensuring your data remains as elusive as a ghost. Its supernatural feature set includes an ad blocker, an automated kill switch, and a dedicated IP to help maintain your NAS’s invisibility.
CyberGhost conjures up WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN tunneling protocols, essential for Synology devices, while also casting a spell to boost performance and speed for a lag-free experience.
Compatible with all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, this phantom VPN allows you to share connections with up to 7 devices simultaneously. Connect to over 9,700 servers in 91 countries and let CyberGhost’s presence keep your Synology NAS safe from the shadows.
The Great VPN Synology Quest: Cracking the NAS Nut
Embarking on a quest to find the perfect VPN for your Synology device can feel like trying to crack the world’s toughest nut. Fear not, for we’ve donned our armor and ventured into the VPN wilderness to select and test the top contenders, using these valiant criteria:
Compatibility Crusade: We sought VPNs compatible with Synology, QNAP NAS, and FreeNAS devices, all of which support L2TP, PPTP, and OpenVPN tunneling protocols.
Encryption Enchantment: Only the VPNs wielding top-tier encryption made the cut, ensuring your important files stay under lock and key.
Installation Ingenuity: As Synology devices don’t support native VPN apps, we favored those with a user-friendly manual installation process, complete with easily found credentials and configuration files.
Speed Sprint: Faster VPN speeds help transfer hefty files at lightning pace, so we prioritized the swiftest contenders.
Server Selection: A wider server network means more chances of a VPN connection near your location, minimizing the impact on speed.
Trial Triumph: We value a VPN with a money-back guarantee or free trial, so you can test drive its Synology compatibility without commitment.
Support Superstars: Installing a VPN on a Synology NAS device isn’t always a walk in the park. Thus, we championed VPN providers with top-notch, all-encompassing customer support.
Armed with these criteria, we’ve emerged victorious from the VPN battlefield, presenting you with the finest Synology-compatible VPNs.
NAS Class: Unraveling the Synology VPN Connection Conundrum
Embarking on the journey to connect your Synology NAS with a VPN can be perplexing, but fret not! We’ve prepared a user-friendly, step-by-step guide to navigate this digital labyrinth. While Synology devices support PPTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN protocols, we wholeheartedly recommend OpenVPN for optimum security and privacy.
Each VPN varies slightly when it comes to manual OpenVPN configuration, but the process is similar. Let’s use NordVPN as our shining example.
Behold, the steps to VPN Synology NAS harmony:
- Sign up with a top-tier VPN service (We vouch for NordVPN, as Synology DiskStation Manager 6.1 and later versions support it).
- Download the OpenVPN configuration file (.ovpn or .conf) for your desired VPN server. NordVPN offers a nifty server utility to acquire the file. Consult your VPN’s support team if the OpenVPN files elude you.
- Access your Synology device and open the “Control Panel.”
- Select “Network.”
- Navigate to the “Network interface” tab, click “Create,” and choose “Create VPN profile.”
- Among the options, pick “OpenVPN (via importing a .ovpn file)” and click “Next.”
- It’s time for the general settings! Fill in the fields accordingly:
- Profile name: Your preferred profile name.
- Username: Your NordVPN service credentials (available in the Nord Account dashboard).
- Password: Your NordVPN service credentials.
- Import .ovpn file: Use the .ovpn file from step 2.
- Tick the checkboxes for “Use default gateway on remote network,” “Allow other network devices to connect through this Synology server’s Internet connection,” and “Reconnect when the VPN connection is lost.”
- Choose the profile you created and click “Connect” to initiate.
- When the profile status shifts to “Connected,” you’ve triumphed!
- Some VPN wizards suggest disabling IPv6 to prevent traffic leaks outside the VPN tunnel.
If you encounter any hurdles, contact your VPN’s customer support team for a helping hand.
Synology VPN: A Digital Fort Knox for Your Precious Data
While Synology dutifully guards your data like a loyal bouncer at an exclusive nightclub, it’s important to remember that devices operate over the Internet. This means your sensitive documents become exposed during data transfers, vulnerable to the sneaky hackers lurking in the digital shadows. To combat this, you need the superhero-esque encryption and privacy features only a top-notch VPN service can provide.
By adding a reliable VPN to your Synology NAS devices, you’re essentially wrapping your data in an impenetrable VPN tunnel, encrypting all incoming and outgoing information. Once encrypted, your files become as secure as a secret agent’s identity.
Not only can a Synology router be configured as a VPN server, but Synology also offers a VPN server as one of its swanky add-on packages. These devices have a taste for versatility, supporting OpenVPN, PPTPP, and L2TP/IPSec services.
Conclusion
Synology NAS devices serve as a fantastic centralized storage solution, like a digital Library of Alexandria for all your precious data. They offer users the convenience of managing and storing everything in one handy spot. However, since these devices operate over the Internet, they’re like a treasure chest left out in the open—unless you protect them with top-notch encryption, courtesy of VPNs.
With the best VPN for Synology, you’re not only securing your centralized data but doing so with military-grade encryption protocols that would make even the most persistent hackers give up. After thorough testing of numerous VPN contenders, NordVPN emerged as our champion for NAS Synology. With 3,000+ servers, advanced security features, and lightning-fast speeds, NordVPN ensures your data’s fairy tale ending is a secure one.
