Synology, a leading manufacturer of network-attached storage (NAS) devices, is set to introduce new restrictions on the use of third-party hard drives in its future models. The company confirmed to Ars Technica that starting with its Plus Series models released in 2025, only Synology-branded drives and those certified by the company will offer the full range of features and support.

The move is aimed at reducing compatibility issues and increasing system reliability and performance, according to Synology. The company claims that extensive internal testing has shown that drives that follow a rigorous validation process when paired with Synology systems are at less risk of drive failure and ongoing compatibility issues. However, the change may limit users' choices and increase costs, as they will only be able to use Synology-approved drives to access the full range of features.

The new restrictions will not affect existing Synology NAS users, nor will they apply to Synology J- and Value-series devices. Additionally, consumer-grade Synology Plus devices released in 2024 and earlier will not be impacted. Hard drives migrated to this year's devices from existing NAS systems will also be exempt from the new restrictions.

Synology plans to update its compatibility lists to reflect which third-party drives have been certified to meet its specifications. While the company did not provide a detailed list of certified drives, it is likely that users will need to purchase Synology-branded drives or select from a limited list of approved third-party options to ensure full compatibility.

The move has sparked concerns among users who may be looking to save money by using third-party drives. While Synology's approach is less drastic than some other companies, such as printer manufacturers that block third-party ink with software updates, it still limits users' choices and may increase costs.

Industry analysts suggest that Synology's decision may be driven by a desire to increase revenue from drive sales, as well as to reduce support costs associated with compatibility issues. However, the move may also have implications for the broader NAS market, as users may begin to look for alternative solutions that offer greater flexibility and cost savings.

In conclusion, Synology's decision to tighten restrictions on third-party NAS hard drives is a significant development in the storage industry. While the company's motivations may be understandable, the move may have far-reaching implications for users and the broader market. As the NAS market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Synology's competitors respond to this change and whether users will ultimately benefit from the increased focus on reliability and performance.