Synology just launched the BeeStation Plus, an upgraded version of its easy-to-use NAS device. It features 8TB of storage, a Celeron J4125 CPU, and curiously, it can function as a Plex Media Server.

The original BeeStation was a super-easy but surprisingly competent local network storage solution. I had the chance to test it, and I was extremely impressed by the user-friendly setup process, file storage functionality, and dedicated photo gallery app (which is comparable to Google Photos and has a decent AI search feature).

That said, the BeeStation’s 4TB HDD isn’t big enough for some customers. The new BeeStation Plus offers double the storage, meaning that it’s a better option for large families, small businesses, digital media professionals, or anyone who needs to back up a lot of large files.

The upgrade to an Intel Celeron J4125 CPU should also improve some of the BeeStation Plus’ functions, including AI photo analysis, which I found to be somewhat slow in the original model. That said, Plex Media Server support is the headlining feature here.

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Synology neglected to include Plex functionality in the original BeeStation despite the fact that its Realtek RTD1619B processor was more than capable of streaming media. This omission was somewhat disappointing, but it also made sense, as BeeStation runs a special super-intuitive operating system that can’t download new apps. It’s a personal network storage solution, not a “real” NAS.

But the BeeStation Plus ships with Plex Media Server. It supports hardware transcoding and remote streaming, too, although these features require a Plex Pass subscription. Synology hasn’t shared all the details here—like, do you need to dig into the BeeStation’s filesystem from your computer to set your library structure and upload videos? But, judging by the info that the company has offered thus far, the BeeStation Plus’ version of Plex Media Server isn’t missing any features.

If Synology does things right, BeeStation Plus may be the best home media server solution for people who don’t want to deal with a “real” NAS (or repurpose an old PC). However, the BeeStation Plus’ single-HDD design limits upgradability and doesn’t offer any data redundancy (although Synology offers a cloud storage service that can automatically back up your BeeStation). The inability to install new apps or run Docker containers is also quite limiting, at least for those who would like to run an automated setup with Sonarr, Radarr, and so on.

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To be fair, I’m not sure that these limitations will matter to the average home media server newbie. And if someone decides that they’re willing to take the plunge and set up automated media retrevial processes, they can just buy a Raspberry Pi or cheap mini PC, run the appropriate Docker containers on it, and connect it to the BeeStation via NFS or SMB.

As for whether Plex functionality will extend to the original BeeStation—the answer, for now, is “no.” Synology’s BeeStation OS 1.3 release notes explicitly state that Plex Media Server support is limited to the BeeStation Plus. I assume that this is an upsell tactic, although I could be wrong.

Oh, I should take a moment to point out that the BeeStation Plus only has 4GB of RAM (fine for a beginner media server) and offers the same port selection as the standard BeeStation. A Gigabit Ethernet jack, a USB 3.0 Type-A port, and a USB-C port line the back of the unit, while the front is barren.

You can buy the BeeStation Plus today for $410 at the Synology web store. Curiously, it costs extra at Amazon, though this may be due to third-party retailer pricing or other temporary quirks. Orders begin shipping June 10th.

Synology BeeStation Plus

The BeeStation Plus features 8TB of HDD storage, plus a highly inutitive operating system that makes file transfers, photo backups, and other simple tasks as easy as possible. It’s a great replacement for cloud storage solutions like Google Photos, and it boasts Plex Media Server support.

Source: Synology