Are you intested in running a VPN on your Synology device, or perhaps you want to try setting a VPN service of your own? In this guide we take you through the best VPN services to use with Synology and how to get set up.
What are the Best Synology VPN Services?
These are the VPN we recommend for Synology tha require limited set up:
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ExpressVPN
– The best VPN for Synology. It offers users super-fast servers, fantastic privacy and security features, plus it’s easy to set up. -
CyberGhost VPN
– An easy to use VPN for Synology. You get access to an easy to use VPN app that is simple to set up with your Synology device. -
Surfshark
– The cheapest VPN for Synology on our list, but it is jam-packed with features. It also offers a simple set up for NAS devices. -
VyprVPN
– A great Synology VPN service. It offers set up with PPTP and OpenVPN protocols so you can keep your files secure and private. -
IPVanish
– An easy to configure VPN that work seamlessly with Synology NAS. You also get fantastic speeds across an impressive network of servers.
With Synology NAS devices, you can both connect to a virtual private network (VPN) tunnel via the VPN client or set up your own VPN server through Synology. The easiest and quickest way to secure your data is to sign up to a VPN.
But, if you want to take on the challenge of setting up a VPN service yourself, we list the steps that you need to take in order to set up your very own VPN server for Synology.
Before we can recommend using any VPN with Synology, we first ensure that:
- It provides fast, secure servers
- Strong OpenVPN encryption
- Features to protect your privacy
- It’s straight forward to set up
- Represents good value for money
Only the PNs that can provide all of the above can be included in our best VPNs for Synology list. So, let’s take a closer look at who made the cut.
The 5 Best Synology VPNs to use in 2020
Based on our testing, these are the best Synology VPNs to use in 2020:
ExpressVPN is the best Synology VPN service because it offers super-fast servers based in over 90 countries worldwide. It is also has fantastic privacy and security features.
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Pricing
From
$6.67 –
$12.95 -
Speeds
- 53.36 Mbps
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Protocols
- PPTP
- L2TP/IPsec
- OpenVPN
-
Synology support offered?
Since 2009, ExpressVPN has set the bar for what’s expected of a premium VPN service – and a 4.7 star rating on Trustpilot proves as much! ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, and is the ideal provider for customers who want to access data securely via the Synology NAS device. The VPN provides robust OpenVPN encryption, and the OpenVPN connection can be set up directly on the Synology device. Unfortunately, ExpressVPN does not have port forwarding, so you will need to access your Synology device remotely by setting up QuickConnect (rather than using an IP address). However, they do offer a handy guide to help you get this VPN set up on Synology
QuickConnect will allow you to access your Synology via a dynamic access address (a URL that has been pre-set using Synology’s QuickConnect feature). The nice thing about ExpressVPN, is that it is a highly versatile VPN that will allow you to gain added privacy and security on all your devices, including Synology. To keep you secure at home and in public, ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption – the same standard used by the US military.
What’s more, ExpressVPN can be used to bypass geo-restrictions with ease – meaning you can access torrents in complete privacy. It’s an excellent VPN that provides fast speeds, 24/7 live chat support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee to try for yourself.
CyberGhost is an easy to set up VPN for Synology. It has a really easy to use app that is quick and easy to set up on your Synology device.
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Pricing
From
$2.81 –
$13.47 -
Speeds
- 32.57 Mbps
-
Protocols
- PPTP
- L2TP/IPsec
- OpenVPN
-
Synology support offered?
CyberGhost VPN is another VPN that can easily be setup on a Synology device using OpenVPN. As is the case with ExpressVPN, you will need to connect to Synology using the QuickConnect feature. This will allow you to ensure your remote connection to Synology is protected both with HTTPS and the extra layer of OpenVPN encryption. Fortunatley they offer an easy to follow guide to help get you set up.
We enjoy using CyberGhost VPN because it has servers in over 90 countries. And this VPN can unblock huge amounts of sought after content – such as Netflix US, Disney+, Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. What’s more, with 7 simultaneous connections, you can share your subscription with the family or secure all the devices in your home. CyberGhost is a great tool for improving your online privacy and opening up the web to browse freely, and an automatic kill switch will keep you secure even if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. CyberGhost is a zero-logs VPN, so the service never records what you have done online. And you can test it risk-free thanks to its 45-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark is a cheap Synology VPN service that is still packed with features. It has an intuitive network interface making it easy to set it up with Synology.
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Pricing
From
$2.21 –
$12.95 -
Speeds
- 68.40 Mbps
-
Protocols
- L2TP/IPsec
- OpenVPN
-
Synology support offered?
With Surfshark, you’ll be able to connect to your Synology device using strong OpenVPN encryption – and once you’re connected to the VPN, you’ll be able to access your files in a few clicks via the QuickConnect feature. We’d recommend Surfshark because of its versatility and user-friendly interface. But, if you do require help getting set up, they have useful guides on their website. So, beginners and VPN veterans alike will be able to use the service to gain additional online privacy and security, and thereby open up the web.
The VPN has apps for all platforms that provide a whole range of advanced features. And this is one of the few services that provides access to huge numbers of sought after services; such as BBC Player and Netflix US. We enjoy using this VPN on all platforms, and we are impressed that it lets users connect to the VPN on an unlimited number of devices. It’s a fast VPN that is extremely versatile, and you can test it using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
VyprVPN is a fantastic Synology VPN service. It offers some great guides showing users how to set up the service with both OpenVPN and PPTP.
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Pricing
From
$2.50 –
$12.95 -
Speeds
- 26.99 Mbps
-
Protocols
- PPTP
- L2TP/IPsec
- OpenVPN
-
Synology support offered?
VyprVPN is one of the best VPNs for Synology and is a service that has a lot going for it. It’s owned by a parent company named Golden Frog, based out of Switzerland, and offers affordable pricing for features that feel premium. We really like how VyprVPN manages its own servers rather than outsourcing hardware and virtual machine management to third party services. It also supports OpenVPN, which is the strongest security option for your NAS device. VyprVPN’s website even includes guides that detail the process of setting up the VPN tunnel. Although the guides were adequate and succinct, we think they could have benefited from highlighted pictures.
VyprVPN has an expansive network of servers operating in over 70 countries, which gives you plenty of connection options and the ability to unblock content like streaming sites. It even has a proprietary Chameleon feature that prevents VPN blocking and protects against Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). Last but not least, note that the Premium version is moderately priced. This offers up to five simultaneous connections.
IPVanish is a great Synology VPN serivce. The config files are easy to find and configure and it has really fast servers around the world.
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Pricing
From
$2.91 –
$10.00 -
Speeds
- 50.87 Mbps
-
Protocols
- PPTP
- L2TP/IPsec
- OpenVPN
-
Synology support offered?
IPVanish is a provider based in the USA that can also be setup directly with a NAS device such as Synology. We like this VPN because of its handy setup guides for getting Synology connected. And you’re ready to go. You can easily access your files using Synology’s QuickConnect feature. Admittedly, IPVanish isn’t as fast as some of our other recommendations. However, it is a great all rounder that can be used for streaming in HD and downloading via BitTorrent. And it does provide strong OpenVPN encryption that you can trust to keep your data secure.
With IPVanish you get apps for all platforms that are easy to use, and this VPN enhances your online privacy at home and on public WiFi. Plus, this VPN permits torrenting and is able to unblock international services such as Netflix US. It’s an excellent VPN that you can test yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Fastest VPNs for Synology in 2020
Depending on what you want to use your VPN for, torrenting for example, using a fast VPN on your Synology server might be required. To help you understand how fast our Synology VPN recommentdations are, we run daily speed tests on them and display the results in the table below.
How to Set up a VPN on Synology
To set up a VPN client on Synology, all you need to do is follow the basic steps we’ve outlined below.
Synology devices support all 3 major VPN protocols: PPTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN. We’d strongly recommend opting for OpenVPN for security and privacy purposes. So, to set up OpenVPN for Synology, you’ll first need to:
- Download the necessary config files from your VPN provider. If you aren’t sure what config files you need, ask your provider directly. You will need the .ovpn files for either UDP or TCP connections, depending on which you intend to use (we recommend UDP as it is faster and more stable). You will also require .crt and .key files. (If your VPN cannot provide you with access to these files, you will likely need to subscribe to a different VPN service.).
- Open your Synology Control Panel.
- Now click on “Network
- Select the “Network Interface” tab in the top menu.
- Click “Create” and select “Create VPN profile“.
- Select “OpenVPN (via importing a .ovpn file)“.
- In general settings enter – Profile name: (make this whatever you like). Username: Your VPN username from when you subscribed. Password: your VPN password from when you subscribed.
- Import .ovpn file: Select the .ovpn file you downloaded from your provider.
- CA certificate: Select the ca.crt you got from your provider.
- Client certificate: Select the .crt file you got from your provider.
- Client key: Select the .key you got from your provider.
- In the next window, click the checkboxes next to: Use default gateway or remote network.” “Allow other network devices to connect through this Synology server’s internet connection.” And: “Reconnect when the VPN connection is lost.
- You should now see the newly created connection in the list. Select it, and click “Connect“.
- Once a connection is established, you should see a box appear that shows an active connection with data being sent.
Remember: This is a basic outline, and your VPN provider should be able to help you by providing any further specific information required for your setup.
Test your Synology VPN is secure
Once you’re all set up, it’s a good idea to test that everything is working as it should. To do this you can use out handy VPN leak test tool to see if your VPN is protecting you online.
Advantages of using a Synology VPN service
Synology is a Taiwanese firm that specializes in Network Area Storage (NAS). Synology may not be the most budget-friendly way to create your own VPN server, but it is at the top of its game, and offers a lot of things that you’d be hard pushed to achieve otherwise. This includes everything from simple NAS to all things web-related.
But why should you bother with a VPN connection on your NAS device? Well, there are several benefits. By using NAS storage with a VPN server, you’ll gain:
- VPN encryption protects against eavesdropping and wiretapping, to prevent third parties from intercepting and reading your files.
- A VPN prevents packet sniffers from reading transmitted data.
- It allows you to use geolocation-related plugins as some may be blocked in your location.
Unfortunately, VPN tunnels have overhead, which will ultimately slow down your connection. Nevertheless, it is worth trading a bit of speed for increased security when you’re accessing sensitive data. If you go with a fast VPN service, the amount of your connection that’s slowed becomes negligible thanks to the high-speed servers. Also, as Synology devices can connect to OpenVPN servers, you should be able to connect your NAS VPN with the majority of leading providers.
What to consider before using a Synology VPN
A Note Regarding PIA VPN and Synology
At the time of writing, numerous users in the Private Internet Access (PIA) forums are complaining of issues, bugs and configuration problems with PIA. As such, we’d recommend steering clear of PIA if you want to use a VPN with a Synology device.
Multiple users commented in the forums that the support agents were unable to resolve their issues because they weren’t trained to support and troubleshoot Synology. Likewise, it’s unlikely that Synology staff are training to troubleshoot PIA VPN. Navigating this paradox can be tricky.
However, we’d still recommend PIA as a solid VPN – it has a lot to offer and plenty of functionality. That said, we’d simply avoid it in scenarios that include Synology due to these complaints and common problems reported by multiple users. If you want to read up more on these issues, you can find the threads on PIA VPN’s website and forums.
Conclusion
You can never be too careful in this day and age – and I advocate the use of VPN tunnels every time you power on your computer or mobile device, just as a precaution. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It’s always better to stay safe with a VPN tunnel than it is to risk a third party stealing your data.
On a NAS device, if you’re copying or downloading large amounts of data or archives, it’s best to use a VPN. Such data would likely include some information (text files, personal images, videos, and so forth) that you wouldn’t want a hacker or government organization seeing. Lastly, remember to use OpenVPN whenever possible. It’s much stronger than Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) and Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) connections, which are the only other two protocols compatible with Synology.
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ExpressVPN
– The best VPN for Synology. It offers users super-fast servers, fantastic privacy and security features, plus it’s easy to set up. -
CyberGhost VPN
– An easy to use VPN for Synology. You get access to an easy to use VPN app that is simple to set up with your Synology device. -
Surfshark
– The cheapest VPN for Synology on our list, but it is jam-packed with features. It also offers a simple set up for NAS devices. -
VyprVPN
– A great Synology VPN service. It offers set up with PPTP and OpenVPN protocols so you can keep your files secure and private. -
IPVanish
– An easy to configure VPN that work seamlessly with Synology NAS. You also get fantastic speeds across an impressive network of servers.