Synology Surveillance Station License Free Free

Some older versions (pre-8.0) allowed more than 2 free cameras on certain models, but this is not recommended due to security vulnerabilities and missing features.

Synology Surveillance Station is NOT license-free beyond 2 cameras. The "free" part is just 2 permanent licenses. Any claim of "unlimited free licenses" is false or involves unsupported hacks that break with every update.

Synology Surveillance Station allows users to turn their NAS into a Network Video Recorder (NVR) with a set number of included free licenses

. While the software itself is free to download and install from the Synology Package Center

, the number of devices you can manage without additional cost depends on your hardware model. Default Free License Quotas

Every Synology device comes with a "default license" quota that never expires. The number included depends on the product series: Standard NAS Series : Includes 2 free licenses (e.g., DiskStation or RackStation models). Network Video Recorder (NVR) Models : Includes 4 free licenses (e.g., NVR1218). Deep Learning NVR (DVA) Series : Includes 8 free licenses (e.g., DVA3221, DVA1622). Virtual DSM (vDSM) include any default device licenses. Free License Exceptions

Recent changes in Synology's hardware ecosystem have introduced specific exceptions to the licensing requirement: Synology Brand Cameras : Legacy models like the BC500, TC500, and CC400W license-free , meaning they do not count against your free quota. Note on Newer Models : Newer models released after late 2025, such as the , may require one license per unit. Maximizing Free Licenses with CMS If you own multiple Synology NAS units, you can use the Centralized Management System (CMS) synology surveillance station license free free

to pool their free default licenses together onto one "host" server.

Understanding Synology Surveillance Station Licenses

Synology Surveillance Station is a robust video surveillance solution that allows you to monitor and record video from IP cameras. To use Surveillance Station, you need a license, which can be a bit confusing, especially for those new to Synology.

Free License Limitations

Synology offers a free license that allows you to connect 2 IP cameras to your Surveillance Station. This free license has some limitations:

How to Get a Free License

If you have a Synology NAS device, you can get a free license for Surveillance Station. Here's how:

Upgrading to a Paid License

If you need to connect more than 2 cameras or want to use advanced features, you'll need to purchase a paid license. You can buy a license from Synology or an authorized reseller.

Tips and Tricks

Conclusion

In summary, Synology Surveillance Station offers a free license that allows you to connect up to 2 IP cameras with limited features. If you need more cameras or advanced features, you can upgrade to a paid license. By understanding the free license limitations and how to get a free license, you can make the most of your Surveillance Station setup. Some older versions (pre-8

For 99% of users, yes. You will eventually have to pay Synology if you want a stable, professional system with more than 2 high-quality IP cameras.

However, here is the cheat sheet to get as close to $0 as possible:

Synology’s licensing page explicitly states:

"Each Synology NAS comes with two free camera licenses. For additional cameras, you must purchase license packs (1-pack, 4-pack, or 8-pack). There is no legal method to obtain additional free licenses."

If you need more than 2 cameras, the supported paths are: Synology Surveillance Station is NOT license-free beyond 2