Plex Media Server is available through Package Center on supported Synology models; installation time varies by model, DSM version and connection speed., and by the end of this guide you will have Plex running, your media library scanned, and remote access configured. Whether it runs smoothly across multiple devices depends on which model you have. ARM-based models like the DS223 handle direct play reliably but cannot transcode. The DS225+ and DS425+ contain Intel processors with Quick Sync hardware, but Plex hardware transcoding is not officially supported on their stock DSM configuration because the required graphics driver is unavailable.
In short: Install Plex from the Synology Package Center, add your media as a shared folder, and enable hardware acceleration under Settings - Transcoder only if Plex's NAS Compatibility Guide lists your exact model as supported (Plex Pass required). Before relying on remote access outside your home network, check whether your NBN connection uses CGNAT.
What You Need Before You Start
Before installing Plex, confirm your Synology NAS is running DSM 7.0 or later. DSM, or DiskStation Manager, is Synology's operating system, which manages your NAS the way Windows manages a desktop PC. Check your version and update if needed under Control Panel - Update and Restore. Plex is available on some supported 1GB models, but memory requirements increase with library size, concurrent activity and other running packages. and a shared folder ready for your media files before beginning the Plex setup.
Hardware transcoding in Plex requires a Plex Pass subscription. Without hardware acceleration, transcoding runs on the CPU, and simultaneous-stream capacity varies substantially with resolution, codec, bitrate, subtitles and output quality. Do not subscribe to Plex Pass solely for hardware transcoding on a stock DS225+ or DS425+, because Plex does not officially support hardware transcoding on these models. On ARM-based models (DS223, DS423) and AMD-based models (DS725+, DS925+), Plex Pass provides no transcoding performance benefit.
Step 1: Install Plex Media Server
Plex is available as a native package in the Synology Package Center, so no manual download or Docker setup is required. Open the Package Center, search for Plex Media Server, and click Install. Accept the default installation volume. Plex downloads, installs, and starts through Package Center; completion time varies with the NAS and connection speed. Once installed, Plex listens on port 32400 and appears in your Package Center list of installed applications.
After installation, open Plex by clicking its icon in the Package Center launcher or by navigating to your NAS IP address followed by :32400/web in a browser on the same local network (for example, 192.168.1.100:32400/web). Sign in with a free Plex account or create one at plex.tv, then complete the setup wizard to name your server.
Step 2: Set Up Your Media Library
In the Plex setup wizard, click Add Library and select your media type (Movies, TV Shows, or Music). Point Plex to the shared folder on your Synology NAS where your media files are stored. The standard approach is a shared folder named video or media, created in DSM via Control Panel - Shared Folders. Plex needs read access to that folder, which you grant by adding the PlexMediaServer user to the folder permissions in DSM.
Plex scans the folder and matches files against its metadata database, automatically pulling in cover art, plot descriptions, and cast information. Initial scan time varies with library size, media type, naming quality, storage performance and metadata-download speed. The NAS stays accessible on your network during the scan, and matched titles are playable immediately without waiting for the full scan to complete.
Plex's metadata matching accuracy depends heavily on file naming. Movies should follow the format Title (Year).mkv, for example Oppenheimer (2023).mkv. TV shows work best with Series Name - S01E01 - Episode Title.mkv inside a folder named after the series. Files with raw download names like movie.title.2023.1080p.x264.mkv often fail to match and require manual correction from the Plex web interface using Fix Incorrect Match.
Step 3: Remote Access and NBN Considerations
Plex Relay is a fallback when a direct remote connection cannot be established. Remote personal-video playback requires an eligible Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass arrangement, and Relay streams are capped at 2Mbps. Once signed in to plex.tv, your server appears automatically in the Plex app on devices outside your network. The relay route works reliably for casual use but adds latency and can limit bandwidth compared to a direct connection. For full remote access options including VPN and multi-user setup, see the complete Plex on NAS guide.
For a direct remote connection, forward port 32400 on your router to your Synology NAS's local IP address. The complication for many Australian NBN users is CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT, a cost-saving measure some ISPs use that places multiple households behind a single shared public IP address). CGNAT blocks all inbound connections regardless of your router settings, making direct Plex access impossible through standard port forwarding. To check whether you are behind CGNAT, compare the WAN IP shown in your router settings against the result from a public IP lookup site. If they differ, CGNAT or double NAT may be present; confirm the connection arrangement with your ISP. Contact your ISP to request a dedicated public IP or use Tailscale as a VPN workaround.
NBN 50 has a wholesale upload rate of up to 20Mbps; actual upload throughput varies by access technology, provider and connection conditions. A single 1080p Plex stream at original quality can require 8-20Mbps depending on the video bitrate. If remote playback buffers frequently, reduce the remote streaming quality to 4Mbps or 8Mbps under Plex Settings - Remote Access. Households with multiple remote Plex users should consider an NBN 100 plan or higher.
Step 4: Enable Hardware Transcoding
Transcoding converts a video file from one format in real time so it plays on a device that cannot handle the original. Think of it like a live translator between two languages: the NAS receives a file in one format and delivers it in another without saving the converted version. Without hardware transcoding, this translation runs on the CPU, which can saturate with as few as two simultaneous streams on entry-level models, causing buffering and stuttering.
The DS225+ and DS425+ contain Intel J4125 processors with Quick Sync hardware, but Plex hardware transcoding is not officially supported on their stock DSM configuration. To enable it, open Plex and navigate to Settings - Transcoder, then turn on Use hardware acceleration when available. This option only appears with an active Plex Pass subscription. With hardware transcoding enabled, each transcoded stream uses a fraction of the CPU compared to software mode, Simultaneous-transcode capacity varies with resolution, bitrate, codecs, subtitles, tone mapping and audio conversion and should be tested with representative media. For a cross-brand hardware transcoding comparison, see the Plex hardware transcoding guide.
The DS725+ and DS925+ use AMD CPUs, which offer more raw processing power than the Intel models for CPU-intensive tasks. However, they do not support Plex hardware transcoding via Intel Quick Sync. These models have stronger general-purpose CPUs than the J4125 models, but software-transcoding capacity varies by media and should not be assumed to support multiple concurrent 1080p jobs.
Which Synology NAS Suits Plex Best?
The right model depends on how many streams you expect and whether those streams require transcoding. Direct play, where Plex sends the original file untouched to a device that natively supports the format, puts minimal load on the CPU. Transcoding is the demanding scenario, particularly for remote users on slower connections or devices that cannot handle modern video codecs. For a full breakdown by use case, see the best NAS for Plex in Australia guide.
Synology NAS for Plex: Model Comparison (AU Pricing 2026)
| DS225+ | DS425+ | DS725+ | DS925+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU family | Intel | Intel | AMD | AMD |
| Drive bays | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Plex HW transcoding | Yes (Intel QSV) | Yes (Intel QSV) | No | No |
| AU price from | $593 (market avg) | $857 (market avg) | $949 (market avg) | $999 (market avg) |
| Best for | 1-2 streams, HW transcoding | 2-4 streams, HW transcoding | Direct play, compact | Multi-stream, power use |
Prices last verified: 6 June 2026. Always check retailer before purchasing.
For most Australian households running Plex alongside backups and file sharing, the DS425+ from $849 at Scorptec and PLE is the practical starting point. It provides 4 bays for a growing media library, but stock DSM does not expose the required graphics driver for officially supported Plex hardware transcoding. The DS225+ at~$638 suits smaller setups with 1-2 streams and limited storage needs. The DS925+ can serve multiple direct-play clients, but it should not be presented as a solution for four or more simultaneous software transcodes.
The DS225+ and DS425+ are 2025-generation Plus series models. DSM 7.3 (October 2025) restored third-party 3.5-inch HDD and 2.5-inch SATA SSD compatibility on desktop Plus series models, including Seagate and WD drives. M.2 NVMe SSDs still require drives from Synology's official Hardware Compatibility List for new cache or storage pool creation. Check the Synology compatibility list before purchasing M.2 NVMe drives for these models.
Synology's distribution through BlueChip and Multimedia Technology (MMT) means Stock varies by model, retailer and location. Warranty and service arrangements vary by model, retailer and service plan; confirm the authorised Australian warranty path before purchase. Buying from an authorised specialist like Scorptec or PLE gives you a cleaner warranty path compared to marketplace sellers.
Troubleshooting Common Plex Issues on Synology
If Plex shows No server found after installation, confirm the package is running in the Package Center (a green status indicator should appear). Check DSM - Control Panel - Security - Firewall and ensure port 32400 is not blocked for your local network. A Synology firewall rule denying all inbound connections will prevent Plex from responding even on the local network.
For buffering on local streams, check whether Plex is transcoding rather than direct playing the file. Open the Plex web app, go to the Now Playing view, and check the quality label. If it shows Converting , Plex is transcoding; possible causes include client compatibility, subtitles, bandwidth limits or playback-quality settings. On Intel models with Plex Pass, confirm hardware acceleration is enabled under Settings - Transcoder. On ARM models, set the client quality to Original to encourage direct play for compatible devices.
If the Plex package restarts unexpectedly, check available RAM in DSM Resource Monitor. Running Plex alongside multiple Docker containers, Surveillance Station, or Active Backup on a 2GB model can exhaust available memory. The DS225+ and DS425+ support RAM upgrades, which may help when Resource Monitor shows that memory pressure is affecting concurrently running services.
Related reading: our NAS buyer's guide, our Synology brand guide, and our Synology vs QNAP comparison.
Free tools: Plex Media Planner and NAS Sizing Wizard. No signup required.
Related reading: our NAS explainer.
See also: our complete Synology NAS Australia guide.
See also: our full Plex and Media guide.
Does Plex work on the Synology DS223?
Yes, Plex installs and runs on the DS223 via the Package Center. The DS223 uses a Realtek RTD1619B ARM processor, which does not support Plex hardware transcoding. It handles direct play reliably for devices that natively support your video formats, Direct Play works when the client supports the file's container, video and audio codecs, bitrate and subtitle configuration. For regular transcoding, a stock DS225+ should not be recommended on the basis of hardware acceleration; choose a model currently listed by Plex as supported or use separate transcoding hardware.
Do I need Plex Pass to use Plex on Synology?
Plex Pass is not required to run Plex on Synology. A free account covers local personal-video streaming. Remote personal-video playback requires a Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass on the viewer account unless the server administrator has Plex Pass. Plex Pass adds hardware transcoding on Intel models (DS225+, DS425+), offline mobile sync, and live TV integration. It is worth subscribing on Intel-based Synology models for the hardware transcoding benefit, and provides no transcoding advantage on ARM or AMD models.
How many simultaneous Plex streams can a Synology NAS handle?
Stock DS425+ systems do not officially support Plex hardware transcoding. Software-transcode capacity varies with resolution, bitrate, codecs, subtitles and output quality and should be tested with representative media. Direct play streams impose minimal CPU load, and a DS925+ can serve multiple direct play connections simultaneously without strain.
Can I run Plex alongside other Synology packages like Hyper Backup?
Yes, Plex and Hyper Backup run concurrently on Synology. Scheduling intensive Hyper Backup jobs during peak Plex usage can cause performance degradation on entry-level models with 2GB RAM. Schedule Hyper Backup overnight to avoid competition with active Plex sessions. The DS925+ includes more factory-installed RAM, but concurrent-service performance depends on the workloads and storage activity involved.
What is the best Synology NAS for Plex in Australia?
The DS425+ (from $849 at Scorptec and PLE) is the best all-round Synology NAS for Plex for most Australian households. Four bays accommodate a growing media library, but Plex hardware transcoding is not officially supported on the DS425+'s stock DSM configuration. The DS925+ can support multiple direct-play clients, but it should not be presented as capable of four or more simultaneous software transcodes without workload-specific testing.
Does CGNAT affect Plex remote access in Australia?
Yes. CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) blocks inbound port forwarding, preventing a direct Plex remote connection to your NAS. Plex's relay service still works under CGNAT but can limit bandwidth and adds latency. To check, compare your router's WAN IP against your public IP at a lookup site. If they differ, CGNAT is active. Contact your ISP to request a public IP address, or use Tailscale to create a VPN tunnel that routes Plex traffic around CGNAT entirely.
Setting up Plex on a Synology NAS is just the start. The complete Plex on NAS guide covers every decision from drive selection to multi-user remote access, with comparisons across Synology, QNAP and Asustor hardware.