5 Best VPNs for Synology NAS in 2024

Synology provides secure Network Attached Storage (NAS) as a safe way to store sensitive information for businesses and individuals.

What Synology can’t do, though, is protect your data while transferring files on an unsecured network, and cybercriminals use packet sniffers to intercept data while it is being transferred.

There is good news, though. A good VPN will protect your sensitive data from hackers while transferring files through advanced encryption. That way, even if a hacker intercepts your message, it will be impossible to decipher.

Quality VPN services will automatically hide your IP address protecting you or your business from targeted cyber attacks.

The top VPN services also improve your speed for accessing and downloading files and photos.

Keep reading to find out more…

5 Best VPNs for Synology NAS

After testing over 50 VPNs on the market, these are the best VPNs for Synology in 2022:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Synology NAS. The competition just can’t match its speed and security features.

Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is not bound by the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, which allows countries to use surveillance for security purposes. The strict no-logs policy further protects your privacy.

ExpressVPN ensures a secure connection with its military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, and its Perfect Forward Secrecy changes the VPN client encryption key every time you log on.

ExpressVPN provides IP and DNS leak protection, and the automatic Kill Switch kicks in to protect you if your VPN connection fails. OpenVPN protocol uses the SHA-512 HMAC authentication security for all data transfers.

When it comes to speed, as we mentioned above, ExpressVPN is the best! With 3,000+ servers in 94+ countries, there are plenty of options to find the fastest connection speed, and the Smart Location feature automatically connects to the fastest local server.

ExpressVPN also has a split tunneling feature that allows you to decide which apps are protected by the VPN tunnel, and which apps you would like to keep outside of it.

If you are also looking for a VPN for watching shows on streaming services, ExpressVPN is definitely for you! The VPN app is capable of unblocking geo-restricted content on all the popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and more.

If you need help setting up the VPN on your Synology NAS devices, the 24/7 live-chat support can help you out; plus, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN has everything you need when looking for the best VPN for Synology NAS, and it even costs less than ExpressVPN.

The speed on NordVPN is reliably fast.

You won’t experience any interruptions or lags in service, and the Quick Connect feature automatically connects you to the fastest server available. With 5,100+ servers in 60+ countries, there are plenty of options to keep your data moving.

Based in Panama, NordVPN is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. This, along with the strict no-logs policy, ensures that your privacy is protected.

NordVPN uses AES 256-bit military-grade encryption with SHA2-382 authentication, 2048-bit DH key, and Perfect Forward Secrecy to keep you safe every time you log on.

Your security is ensured through  IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN UDP/TCP protocol, but the fastest and most secure option for Synology NAS is OpenVPN UDP, which is good because, when connecting to most devices, NordVPN automatically connects you to the OpenVPN feature. On macOS and iOS devices, you will need to option to switch to OpenVPN.

The double VPN option on NordVPN also provides an extra layer of protection by routing traffic through 2 different VPN servers, meaning your data is encrypted twice.

NordVPN is also a great VPN for accessing blocked streaming services. The company has a great track record for bypassing geo-blocks on Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and more.

Customer service is always available with NordVPN’s 24/7 live-chat support, and the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you aren’t totally satisfied.

 3. Surfshark

Surfshark is a high-quality VPN at a great price, and you can connect all of your Synology NAS devices to one VPN app since Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections with your VPN account.

The speed on Surfshark is consistent and reliable for all of your Synology NAS needs and the quick connect feature automatically connects you to the fastest server.

Your privacy is also well protected with Surfshark.

Like ExpressVPN, this company is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. You are also shielded by its verified strict no logs policy. Plus, Surfshark uses military-grade encryption to keep your real IP address secret.

Surfshark security protocols include IKEv2, L2TP, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, and Wireguard.

Surfshark provides all of the security protection features you would expect from a premium VPN service, with IP and DNS leak protection, automatic Kill Switch, and military-grade encryption.

Surfshark’s superb OpenVPN encryption offers great protection when transferring information from Synology NAS on the Internet.

The Double VPN feature on Surfshark connects you to two different VPN servers, providing an extra layer of security.

Surfshark Alert lets you know if there are any signs of your personal information being hacked.

Surshark is also a good choice for streaming online content. It can unblock content on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and more. Its speeds are a bit slower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN, so you may experience occasional buffering while streaming content.

Surfshark has easy-to-use customer service with its 24/7 live-chat support. If you find this VPN doesn’t meet your needs, take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a secure, fast, and reasonably priced VPN for Synology NAS devices.

When it comes to finding a secure VPN provider, CyberGhost is a great option. The VPN uses the highest quality, AES 256-bit military-grade encryption. There is a strict no-logs policy, and as a Romanian-based company, it is not bound by the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.

CyberGhost uses OpenVPN protocol, IP and DNS leak protection, and a Kill Switch for security.

The automatic HTTPS protection automatically finds the most secure HTTPS version of any website.

You can choose from a variety of security protocols on CyberGhost, including KEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN UDP/TCP. OpenVPN protocol is the best choice for Synology NAS devices.

Split tunneling is available on desktop and mobile apps. This lets you select what information you want to tunnel through the secure VPN while simultaneously leaving some apps on your local Internet connection.

CyberGhost has a server network of 7,400+ servers in 91+ countries, providing plenty of options for a fast connection speed. CyberGhost has good speed, especially when connected to a local server.

If you also want your VPN to unblock content on streaming services, CyberGhost is a good choice. You will get access to geo-restricted content on many popular streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and more.

CyberGhost is user-friendly and has an intuitive user interface. CyberGhost’s 24/7 live-chat support is responsive, and it offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access has the largest server network of the recommended VPN providers for Synology NAS, with 29,000+ servers in 78 countries. Plus, you can connect 10 simultaneous devices.

When it comes to your privacy and security, PIA is one of the best VPNs for your Synology NAS device. The VPN comes complete with military-grade encryption, OpenVPN configuration files, DNS leak protection, and a Kill Switch.

As a US-based company, PIA is bound by the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. Since it has a trusted no logs policy, this isn’t a huge concern. You can’t hand over information that you don’t have.

PIA has great speed when connected to local servers. Its unlimited bandwidth allows you to transfer large amounts of data quickly.

Long-distance servers give you Internet access with minimal lag. If you find your connection is slow, the 24/7 live-chat support will help you find a speedier server.

PIA is easy to use, has great customer support, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee

About Synology NAS

Synology NAS is a company that manufactures network-attached storage devices. It is a secure way for businesses and individuals to store data and is usually used to store very sensitive information, which requires the best data protection.

Synology specializes in providing the most advanced technology in data protection. Every Synology device is new and fully authorized by the manufacturer. Each system is configured, burn tested, and ready to use on arrival.

Unfortunately, Synology does not offer protection while transferring files. You need a VPN for that.

Why You Need a VPN for Synology

While Synology NAS is a secure way to store data, your information is vulnerable when transferred on the Internet.

Hackers often use packet sniffers to intercept data while it is being transferred.

VPN services encrypt all incoming and outgoing traffic, so even if your data gets intercepted, it will be indecipherable.

Another VPN feature is your true IP address is hidden, protecting you from targeted cyber attacks.

The best VPN services will also improve your speed by finding the fastest server for downloading your files.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Synology

The best VPNs for Synology offer the best in encryption, including AES 256-bit military-grade encryption and OpenVPN to keep your network traffic secure.

Look for a provider with fast and secure servers.

Privacy features should include a no-logs policy, a Kill Switch, and DNS and IP leak protection to ensure your privacy and security.

Choose a VPN with 24/7 live-chat support and a money-back guarantee.

How to Install a VPN on Synology

Setting Up VPN on Synology with OpenVPN

Here is how to set up a VPN for Synology with OpenVPN

1. Choose and subscribe to the VPN service.
2. Go to the VPN set-up page and choose a location for the OpenVPN download
3. Turn on the Synology device and go to the Control Panel
4. Click Network and select Network interface
5. Click create
6. Select Create VPN profile
7. Choose OpenVPN via importing a .ovpn file
8. Go to General setting and fill in the details
   • Profile name: Your choice
   • User name: From your VPN setup page
   • Password: From the setup page
   • Import .ovpnfile: Upload OpenVPN configuration file from provider
   • CA certificate: select ca.rt from the provider
   • Client certificate: select .crt file from your provider
   • Client Key: select .keyfrom provider
9. Click next
10. In advanced settings, select Use default gateway on remote network. Allow other network devices to cent through this Synology server’s Internet connection, and reconnect when the VPN connection is lost
11. Connect to a VPN server

Setting Up VPN on Synology with PPTP

After you have subscribed to and downloaded your VPN for Synology, complete the following steps:

1. Open the Synology control panel
2. Click on Network
3. Select Create then Create VPN profile
4. Choose connection method PPTP, then press next
5. Complete the credentials section, then click next
6. Check with your provider for advanced setting specifications.
7. Check Use default gateway on remote network, Allow other network devices to cent through this Synology server’s Internet connection, and reconnect when the VPN connection is lost.
8. Click apply
9. Connect to VPN server

Advantages of Using Synology VPN

While the data stored on Synology is secure, the devices operate over the Internet. That means data isn’t protected from hackers when you transfer your sensitive documents. You need the advanced encryption and privacy features found in an exceptional VPN service for that.

Installing a reliable VPN to your Synology NAS devices ensures that all incoming and outgoing data is encrypted through a VPN tunnel. Once encrypted, your files are safe from the prying eyes of hackers.

A Synology router can be set up as a VPN server. In addition, Synology also offers a VPN server as one of its add-on packages. The device supports OpenVPN, PPTPP, and L2TP/IPSec services.

Can I Use a Free VPN for Synology?

A free VPN is unlikely to have the privacy and security features that Synology users want.

Many free VPNs make a profit by selling your browsing history to advertisers. That means most free VPNs keep logs, which is a privacy and security risk.

To maintain the highest level of security when transferring data on the Internet you are better off with a trusted subscription plan. Free VPNs don’t provide the peace of mind you get from a highly reliable VPN with a verified no logs policy, military-grade encryption, and other first-rate security and privacy protection.

FAQs

Conclusion

Synology NAS is a secure way to store sensitive information. When you need to send that information to someone via the Internet, it is no longer protected. Hackers can intercept files while they are being transferred.

A good VPN will protect your sensitive data from hackers while it is being sent on the Internet. The best VPNs will provide advanced encryption and security features needed to keep your data private and secure.