Synology is set to implement new restrictions on the use of third-party hard drives in its future network attached storage devices. Starting with models released in 2025, only Synology-branded drives and those certified by the company will be supported for full functionality, limiting users’ choices for storage options. This change follows extensive internal testing, which Synology claims shows that drives meeting their strict validation process are less prone to failure and compatibility issues. Current users of Synology devices will not be affected, and the restrictions will not apply to earlier models or drives migrated from existing systems. The company emphasizes that these measures are intended to improve system reliability and performance, although they may frustrate consumers seeking cost-effective storage alternatives.
Why do we care?
Synology tends to be very popular with SMB focused MSPs, and Synology’s shift to restrict third-party hard drive use is a clear signal of vendor lock-in tactics creeping deeper into hardware ecosystems—and that affects MSPs in both cost and operational flexibility. Many MSPs embrace platform standardization—and Synology has long been a favorite for NAS due to reliability and ease of use.
This move undermines that trust by introducing unpredictable restrictions tied to hardware SKUs, potentially forcing a platform reevaluation for forward-looking deployments. Heads up.