Synology Surveillance Station License Free «Premium × 2026»

This is a major source of confusion.

Yes. Even generic ONVIF-compliant cameras (Amcrest, Reolink, Hikvision, Dahua) still consume a Synology license. The "free" allowance applies to any camera brand, not just Synology’s own.

The single exception: If you use a Synology Network Video Recorder (e.g., DVA3221) bundled with licenses, those are pre-paid. But for a standard NAS (DS220+, DS923+, etc.), every third-party ONVIF camera uses one license slot. synology surveillance station license free

Synology Surveillance Station is a leading video surveillance solution that allows users to manage IP cameras, record footage, and monitor live feeds through a web browser or mobile device. It's compatible with a wide range of IP cameras, offering flexibility in choosing the right camera for your specific needs.

No. Their business model relies on license sales. The 2-free allowance is a loss leader to get you into the ecosystem. This is a major source of confusion

If you are setting up a Synology NAS for home security, you’ve probably run into the biggest bottleneck of the system: Device Licenses.

Synology Surveillance Station is a fantastic piece of software—robust, reliable, and feature-rich. However, by default, you are usually limited to 2 free camera licenses (sometimes 0 on older/refurbished J-series units). Once you add that third camera, you hit a paywall that surprises many users. and feature-rich. However

Here is the breakdown of what is free, what isn't, and the current state of "hacks."