Note: Surveillance Station running on does not include any default device licenses. Maximizing Your "Free" Setup
A retail store that only needs to record the back door during night hours and the front register during day hours. You never exceed 2 concurrent recordings.
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Treat Surveillance Station licenses like software. If you can't afford them, use Method 1 (multiple NAS) or switch software (see Part 5). Do not crack.
Whether you buy a budget-friendly 1-bay NAS (like the DS124) or a massive enterprise rackmount unit, you will find two free licenses pre-installed and ready to use out of the box. The Exceptions to the Rule synology surveillance station license free
Most Synology hardware comes with a pre-installed quota of "default" device licenses, allowing users to start monitoring without immediate additional costs. Typically includes 2 default licenses . Network Video Recorders (NVR): Models like the include 4 default licenses . Deep Learning NVR (DVA Series): Units like the come with 8 default licenses .
To add a third camera (or ninth on a DVA model), you must purchase a Surveillance Device License Pack .
Unlike Nest, Ring, or Arlo, Synology licenses are not a subscription . You pay once, and you own the license forever.
If you absolutely refuse to purchase additional licenses butSeparate Storage/Apps for Extra Cameras Note: Surveillance Station running on does not include
While the default free licenses cannot be moved to a new NAS, any purchased licenses can be migrated if you upgrade your hardware.
If the "Synology tax" is too high for your deployment, users often consider these alternatives:
However, when new users research Synology for home security or small business use, they almost immediately stumble upon a frustrating roadblock:
If you need to expand your setup, license packs are available from retailers like AliExpress or Network Webcams in bundles of 1, 4, or 8. This public link is valid for 7 days
The free license offers several benefits:
These free licenses are linked to the hardware itself. They never expire, require no subscription fees, and are ready to use the moment you initialize Surveillance Station on your DSM dashboard. What Can You Connect with Free Licenses?
If you are on a strict budget and want to stick to the free limits, consider these strategies: 1. Optimize Camera Placement
When your security needs grow and you need a third or fourth camera, you will need to purchase official Synology Surveillance Station License Packs. License Pack Options Synology sells official licenses in three tiers: 4-Pack License 8-Pack License Key Rules for Purchased Licenses
For many apartments, small homes, or tiny offices, two cameras are exactly enough to cover the main entry points (e.g., the front door and the back yard). If you want to stay within the free limit, use these strategies to get the most out of your setup: 1. Use Multi-Lens or Panoramic Cameras
