Synology Surveillance Station License Free May 2026

If you solely want to view cameras in Apple HomeKit, Scrypted is free and runs in Docker. It records to your NAS file system without any license. However, the UI is not a traditional security NVR.

You cannot legally run 10 cameras for free on a single Synology NAS. However, you can run 2 cameras for free indefinitely, and with clever workarounds (sequential recording, RTSP viewing, dual-lens cameras), you might not need more.

If you exceed two cameras, your honest options are:

Avoid cracked licenses at all costs. The malware risk is not worth saving $80.

Final recommendation: Start with your two free licenses. If you find yourself needing a third camera, buy a single license. After 10 years, that $50 license will have cost you $5 per year—cheaper than any cloud subscription. Free is great, but reliable security is priceless. synology surveillance station license free

Have you successfully run Surveillance Station without licenses? Share your setup in the comments below.

By default, every Synology NAS includes two free device licenses for Surveillance Station. These licenses allow you to connect and manage up to two surveillance devices—such as IP cameras, intercoms, or IP speakers—without any additional cost. Key Features of Free Licenses

Availability: These licenses are pre-installed and activated as soon as you set up Surveillance Station on your NAS.

Deep Video Analytics (DVA): If you own a Synology DVA series model (like the Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Go to product viewer dialog for this item. If you solely want to view cameras in

), you typically receive eight free licenses instead of two.

Perpetual Use: Unlike subscription-based models, these built-in licenses do not expire.

Device Ratio: Most standard IP cameras and I/O modules require one license each. However, specific hardware like multi-lens cameras or transaction devices may consume more than one. Limitations and Expansion

Strict Limit: To add a third camera (or ninth on a DVA model), you must purchase a Surveillance Device License Pack. Avoid cracked licenses at all costs

No Transfer for Free Licenses: While purchased licenses can be migrated between Synology servers, the free default licenses are bound to the hardware and cannot be transferred to a different NAS unit.

Remote Access: You can use the free licenses with Synology DS cam for mobile monitoring and playback at no extra charge.

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.

Yes. Licenses are tied to your Synology Account, not the hardware. You can deactivate a license from an old NAS and reactivate it on a new one. This is not "free" but it is perpetual.