In a move that has stirred the NAS community, Synology recently announced that starting with its 2025 Plus Series NAS devices, only Synology-branded or certified third-party hard drives will offer full functionality and support. This includes capabilities such as storage pooling and drive lifespan analysis, which may no longer be available with non-approved drives. That’s why many are now looking for a DIY NAS alternative to Synology.
The restriction is seen as a strategic attempt to tie users more tightly into Synology’s ecosystem. With these limitations, Synology NAS systems become even more expensive than they already are when compared to the actual hardware performance they offer—making the value proposition increasingly questionable, especially for home users and small businesses.
Why You Might Reconsider Synology
Synology’s decision to limit functionalities when using non-validated drives has raised concerns among long-time users and newcomers alike. While the company says this will improve reliability and reduce compatibility issues, many users feel these restrictions limit your choices and increase costs.
If you’re someone who wants flexibility and control, these new rules might make you look for alternatives. You may end up paying more for Synology-branded drives and have fewer options when it’s time to upgrade or expand your setup.
That’s why more and more people like you are choosing to build their own NAS. It’s cheaper, more powerful, and gives you full control over your system.
Build Your Own NAS: More Power, Less Cost
If you seek autonomy and customization, building a DIY NAS presents a compelling alternative. It’s surprisingly easy—even for beginners—to put together a system using off-the-shelf components and a few straightforward tools. Online communities, guides, and videos make the learning curve manageable, even for users with minimal technical experience.
By selecting hardware tailored to your needs, you will achieve higher performance and scalability without being confined to proprietary ecosystems or locked into expensive vendor-specific hardware. Whether you’re focused on data backups, home automation, or running lightweight containerized services, a DIY NAS gives you complete control over your setup.
DIY solutions not only save money but also offer flexibility when it comes to operating systems. Options like TrueNAS, OpenMediaVault, and Unraid allow you to customize storage behavior, implement advanced security measures, and integrate services like ZFS, RAID configurations, and Docker containers—all without artificial limitations. And with modern cases, fanless motherboards, and low-wattage CPUs, it’s easier than ever to build a silent, energy-efficient system that fits right under your desk.
Two Easy Builds to Get You Started
We’ve made things even easier for you. At nasbuilds.com, you’ll find two simple builds, being a perfect DIY NAS alternative to Synology for beginners and more advanced users alike:
- Budget NAS Build: Want to save money but still get a strong, reliable NAS? This build is great for backups, media streaming with Jellyfin, or using tools like Pi-hole. It uses very little power, so you can leave it on 24/7. And it’s still more powerful than most Synology models for home users.
- Cloudmaker Build: Ready to take it further? This advanced build gives you the power and flexibility to host your own cloud, media library, or document archive. It’s perfect for running Nextcloud, Plex, Immich, Paperless-ngx, and more—all from your own setup.
Each guide includes a full list of parts and tips to make sure everything works together. Whether it’s your first NAS or you’re upgrading from a store-bought one, we’ll help you every step of the way.
Break Free from Limits
Synology’s new rules might make you question your next tech move. Yes, their systems are easy to use—but now they’re more limited and even more expensive.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to stay locked in. You can build your own NAS. It’s easy, powerful, and made just for you. You’ll save money and have full control over your system. And no—you don’t need to be a tech expert. With the right help, you can do it.
So why wait? Visit our Golden Builds and check out our beginner-friendly guides. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to build a smart, strong, and private NAS that’s 100% yours