Synology Beestation Plus 8TB Revealed and Detailed

Synology has unveiled the BeeStation Plus (BST170-8T) in their pre-Computex build up (alongside an early reveal back in Jan 2025 at CES/Pepcom), the latest addition to its growing portfolio of personal cloud storage solutions aimed at everyday users. Building on the success of the original BeeStation (BST150-4T), the Plus model directly addresses feedback from users who wanted greater capacity, faster performance, and more versatile applications—without the steep learning curve of traditional NAS systems. This one-bay device ships pre-populated with an 8TB Synology HAT3310 hard drive (7200 RPM), powered by a quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 processor and 4GB of non-upgradable DDR4 memory. The combination is notable because it brings x86-class processing and hardware transcoding support to an ultra-simplified setup—something virtually unheard of in this form factor. With its out-of-the-box readiness, cloud-linked setup process, and focus on seamless user experience, BeeStation Plus is designed for those seeking to move away from Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox subscriptions, offering complete local control of data without compromising on usability. Features such as AI-driven photo management, native mobile apps, and Plex Media Server support are now included, making this device far more than just cold storage. For individuals and families looking to centralize their backups, photos, videos, and personal files in a user-friendly ecosystem—without paying monthly cloud fees—Synology positions the BeeStation Plus as an appealing middle ground between cloud services and more complex NAS platforms like the DiskStation DS224+.

Synology Beestation Plus 8TB – Who Is This For?

The BeeStation Plus is designed with a clear goal: to serve individuals, families, and small teams who want private, centralized storage without the barriers that typically come with managing a traditional NAS. It’s aimed at users who are familiar with cloud platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud, but want to move away from recurring subscription fees and the privacy concerns associated with third-party cloud storage. For many, the idea of hosting data locally remains appealing—yet the complexity of DSM-based Synology systems can be overwhelming. The BeeStation Plus sidesteps that entirely by offering a plug-and-play experience: no drive installation, no volume configuration, no knowledge of RAID, and no need to navigate DSM’s enterprise-leaning control panels.

Instead of DSM, BeeStation Plus runs a simplified, task-oriented operating system that emphasizes automation and immediacy. Setup is handled via a QR code and cloud-linked sign-in process using your existing Apple or Google account. Within minutes, users can begin backing up photos, syncing cloud drives, or transferring personal data using intuitive applications like BeePhotos and BeeFiles. Notably, BeePhotos offers local AI processing for face recognition and subject categorization—no data is sent to the cloud, and everything runs on-device using the integrated GPU in the Intel Celeron chip. These features mimic what users expect from modern photo cloud services, but with full local ownership.

Where the DiskStation platform caters to power users—with capabilities like multi-tiered storage pools, user-group policies, virtualization, Docker containers, and dual-LAN failover—BeeStation Plus avoids this complexity altogether. While some may view it as limiting, Synology has correctly identified a growing segment of mainstream users who simply want a secure, reliable, and easy-to-manage storage hub for their files, memories, and work. For them, BeeStation Plus delivers a near turn-key solution that doesn’t demand IT knowledge or ongoing configuration, while still offering meaningful tools like Plex integration, two-way cloud sync, and internal snapshot recovery.

Synology Beestation Plus 8TB – Hardware Specifications

At the heart of the Synology BeeStation Plus is the Intel Celeron J4125, a quad-core x86 processor that, while not cutting-edge, is a substantial leap from the Realtek RTD1619B used in the original BeeStation. The J4125 brings integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600, enabling hardware video transcoding—critical for smooth 4K Plex streaming and responsive AI-powered photo recognition within BeePhotos. This CPU choice also allows Synology to run a broader range of services, including native Plex Media Server installation and enhanced indexing performance for large photo or document libraries. Paired with 4GB of DDR4 memory, the system is built to handle simultaneous user access and background tasks like backups and media processing without performance degradation—something the original model struggled with due to its lower RAM and ARM-based chip.

The BeeStation Plus ships with a pre-installed 8TB Synology HAT3310 hard drive, a 7200 RPM SATA HDD from Synology’s own verified drive lineup. While the device only supports a single internal bay, the included drive offers ample performance for most home and SOHO workloads, and the use of a higher-RPM disk ensures better responsiveness for large file transfers and indexing tasks. The storage is non-removable by design, as BeeStation products prioritize simplicity and stability over modularity. This also means there is no RAID support—underscoring that this device is not built for redundancy, but rather for centralized storage with optional external or cloud-based backup using BeeProtect or a secondary Synology NAS.

Connectivity is modest but practical. The system includes one 1GbE RJ-45 Ethernet port for network access and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (one Type-A and one Type-C) for expanding storage or performing external backups. External drives can be browsed directly via BeeFiles or automatically backed up using the system’s USB Backup function. While some users may lament the lack of 2.5GbE or additional LAN ports, it’s worth noting that the target audience likely won’t saturate even gigabit speeds in everyday use. In real-world tests, BeeStation Plus can hit 150–180MB/s read speeds from its internal drive—enough to support simultaneous multimedia streaming and active file transfers across the network. The compact chassis also includes a cooling fan, a new addition over the passive original BeeStation, helping ensure thermal stability during extended workloads like Plex streaming or bulk photo indexing.

Synology Beestation Plus 8TB – BSM Software and Services

The BeeStation Plus is tightly integrated with Synology’s Bee-branded suite of applications, which form the foundation of its user experience. Chief among them is BeePhotos, a powerful photo management tool that automatically backs up images from mobile devices and organizes them using on-device AI for face, subject, and location recognition. Unlike cloud photo services, all indexing occurs locally, ensuring that sensitive images never leave the device. BeePhotos now supports iCloud Photo Backup, enabling direct migration of Apple photo libraries without requiring intermediate steps via your phone or computer. The web interface replicates the timeline-based design familiar to users of Google Photos or iCloud, complete with album views, smart filters, and Chromecast streaming. Meanwhile, BeeFiles acts as the central file manager, supporting version history, password-protected sharing, USB device browsing, and desktop sync via the BeeStation desktop client for Windows and macOS.

Beyond personal use, Synology has also included multi-user support for up to eight invited users, each with isolated private storage spaces and individual access rights. Users can connect to BeeStation from anywhere via the Synology cloud portal or mobile apps, allowing seamless collaboration and remote file access. BeeStation Plus also introduces native support for Plex Media Server, offering hardware-accelerated streaming of 4K content to TVs, tablets, or mobile devices. Integration is simplified through the BeeStation web portal, and libraries can be organized via BeeFiles’ dedicated “Plex Media Library” folder structure. Users can also take advantage of BeeProtect, a low-cost, unlimited-capacity cloud backup service that stores a full copy of the BeeStation’s data offsite—ideal for disaster recovery. Internal snapshot-based restore points add another layer of protection, allowing users to roll back the system in the event of accidental deletions or ransomware events, without relying on third-party services.

Synology Beestation Plus vs Synology DS224+/DS225+ and Beestation

The BeeStation Plus represents a clear technical upgrade over the original BeeStation, featuring a move from an ARM-based Realtek RTD1619B processor to a quad-core Intel Celeron J4125, along with a jump from 1GB to 4GB of DDR4 RAM. It also swaps the 5400 RPM 4TB HAT3300 drive for a faster 7200 RPM 8TB HAT3310, doubling the storage and improving responsiveness for tasks like AI photo indexing and multimedia playback. The inclusion of an active cooling fan further reinforces its suitability for continuous workloads, while added support for Plex Media Server and iCloud Photo Backup expands its capabilities far beyond the entry-level functionality of its predecessor. Both units share the same compact 1-bay form factor and cloud-integrated setup process, but the Plus model is built for heavier use, particularly in multi-user homes or for users archiving large libraries of photos and videos.

Synology Beestation Plus 8TB – Pricing and Release

The Synology BeeStation Plus (BST170-8T) launched globally in May 2025 with a suggested retail price of $369.95 USD (excluding VAT), positioning it as a compelling middle-ground between basic cloud drives and full NAS systems. This price includes the pre-installed 8TB Synology HAT3310 hard drive, three months of complimentary BeeProtect cloud backup, and full access to the BeeFiles and BeePhotos applications out of the box. While significantly more expensive than the original BeeStation’s $199.95 launch price, the BeeStation Plus delivers a considerable leap in performance, storage, and application support. Synology is clearly aiming to attract users looking to escape rising cloud subscription fees, with the device’s total cost of ownership undercutting comparable iCloud or Google One plans over just a few years. With increasing emphasis on private cloud solutions that are easy to deploy, the BeeStation Plus marks Synology’s most consumer-friendly push yet into the mainstream storage market.

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Synology vient de déployer 2 nouvelles versions de son logiciel interne : DSM 7.2.1 Update 7 et DSM 7.1.1 Update 8. Ces mises à jour apportent quelques nouveautés, mais surtout corrigent une des failles de sécurité identifiées lors du concours PWN2OWN 2024. Si DSM 7.2.2 avait rapidement reçu les correctifs, les versions antérieures n’avaient pas encore été mises à jour jusqu’à présent…

DSM 7.2.1 update 7 et DSM 7.1.1 update 8

Si vous n’avez pas passé votre NAS sous DSM 7.2.2 ou si votre boitier n’est pas compatible, vous serez ravis de savoir que Synology vient de mettre à DSM 7.2.1 et DSM 7.1.1. En effet, le fabricant vient de mettre à disposition les mises à jour. Voici ce qu’indique le journal des modifications :

1. DSM 7.2.1 update 7

• Amélioration : Ajout de la prise en charge de la vérification des certificats des serveurs LDAP lors de la connexion à un annuaire :
  • La vérification des certificats pour C2 Identity Edge Server n’est pas prise en charge.
  • Cette configuration ne peut pas être sauvegardée dans la sauvegarde du système DSM ou dans Hyper Backup.

Ce que n’indique pas Synology (certainement un oubli), c’est que cette mise à jour ajoute également la correction de la faille sous la référence Synology-SA-25:01. Pour rappel, cette dernière permet à des attaquants de type « man-in-the-middle » de détourner l’authentification des administrateurs.

2. DSM 7.1.1 update 8

• Amélioration : Ajout de la prise en charge de la vérification des certificats des serveurs LDAP lors de la connexion à un annuaire :
  • La vérification des certificats pour C2 Identity Edge Server n’est pas prise en charge.
  • Cette configuration ne peut pas être sauvegardée dans la sauvegarde du système DSM ou dans Hyper Backup.
• Problèmes corrigés :
  • Le système pouvait afficher un statut incorrect dans les paramètres de notification par e-mail.
  • Certains paquets ne s’affichaient pas après l’installation.

Là encore, le fabricant a oublié de préciser que cette version corrigeait la faille Synology-SA-25:01.

Merci Guillaume

Synology ActiveProtect and the Future of DSM Powered Backup Solutions?

The introduction of Synology’s ActiveProtect platform signifies a major pivot in the company’s approach to data protection, targeting enterprise-grade backup requirements with purpose-built solutions. Available on the DP320, DP340, and flagship DP7400 models, ActiveProtect is designed to simplify and centralize backup processes for a wide range of systems, including local servers, virtual machines, and cloud-based platforms. By integrating advanced functionalities such as deduplication, air-gapped backups, and seamless virtual machine redeployment, Synology positions ActiveProtect as a solution that bridges operational efficiency with robust disaster recovery capabilities. However, this development prompts significant questions about how it aligns with the company’s existing DSM-integrated backup solutions like Active Backup for Business, which offers comparable features at no additional cost. This duality within Synology’s lineup could lead to internal competition, potentially fragmenting its customer base.

ActiveProtect distinguishes itself from DSM-based backup solutions by consolidating multiple functions into a single, cohesive platform. Traditional DSM deployments rely on separate applications—such as Active Backup for Business, Hyper Backup, and Snapshot Replication—to cover different aspects of data protection. While this modularity offers flexibility, it can introduce complexity for businesses seeking a straightforward backup strategy. ActiveProtect eliminates this complexity by providing a unified interface that simplifies backup management across physical devices, virtual environments, and cloud services. However, this streamlined approach comes at the expense of the broader versatility and multifunctionality inherent in DSM, which extends beyond data protection to include media management, collaboration tools, and virtualization capabilities. This narrowing of scope might alienate long-time Synology users accustomed to DSM’s extensive ecosystem.

Synology DSM, AP, BSM, SRM…

The growing breadth of Synology’s software ecosystem raises concerns about the company’s ability to maintain development momentum across all its platforms. Over the years, Synology has strategically streamlined its product lineup, as evidenced by the gradual phasing out of its J-series NAS devices in favor of the more versatile Value and Plus series. Similarly, the introduction of the BeeStation and its dedicated BSM operating system reflects a shift toward application-specific appliances.

With ActiveProtect now joining Synology’s expanding roster of platforms, including DSM, BSM, and router management software, there is a tangible risk that development resources may become overstretched. This could potentially slow the evolution of DSM, a cornerstone of Synology’s product lineup, or lead to reduced feature updates, diminishing its appeal for users seeking an all-encompassing solution.

Feature	DP7400	SA6400
Form Factor	Rackmount 2U / 12 bays	Rackmount 2U / 12 bays
CPU	AMD EPYC 7272 (12 cores, 24 threads)	AMD EPYC 7272 (12 cores, 24 threads)
Base/Boost Frequency	2.9 GHz / 3.2 GHz	2.9 GHz / 3.2 GHz
Memory	64 GB DDR4 ECC	32 GB DDR4 ECC (expandable to 512 GB)
Storage Configuration	RAID 6 + 1 spare (10 x 20 TB HDDs) + 2 x 3.84 TB SSDs	User-configurable (no drives included)
Network Interface	1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management)	2 x 10GbE RJ-45
	2 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer)	Expandable with PCIe cards
Expandability	TBC	Up to 108 drives with expansion units
Storage	10x 10TB	Unpopulated (Buy Your Own)
Drive Caching	2 x 3.84 TB SATA SSDs	User-configurable caching
Power Consumption	150W (Access) / 60W (Hibernation)	155W (Access) / 62W (Hibernation)
Warranty	5 years	5 years

Hardware choices further highlight the divergence between ActiveProtect appliances and DSM-powered NAS devices. The DP320 and DP340 are tailored for backup-specific workloads, featuring pre-configured RAID setups and hardware optimized for reliability over versatility. The DP320, for example, is equipped with RAID 1 storage, 8GB of ECC memory, and a dual-core R1600 processor, while the DP340 offers RAID 5 storage, 16GB of memory, and 10GbE connectivity for improved performance. In contrast, DSM-powered devices such as the DS923+ and DS723+ cater to a broader audience with features like m.2 NVMe caching, 10GbE upgradeability, and extensive app ecosystems.

Feature	DP320	DS723+
Form Factor	Desktop / 2 bays	Desktop / 2 bays
CPU	AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores, 4 threads)	AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores, 4 threads)
Base/Boost Frequency	2.6 GHz / 3.1 GHz	2.6 GHz / 3.1 GHz
Memory	8 GB DDR4 ECC	2 GB DDR4 (expandable to 32 GB ECC)
Storage Configuration	RAID 1 (2 x 8 TB Synology HDDs)	User-configurable (no drives included)
Network Interface	1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management)	2 x 1GbE RJ-45
	1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer)	Optional 10GbE upgrade
Expandability	No expandability	Expandable with 1 x DX517
Storage	2x 8TB HDD	Unpopulated (Buy Your Own)
Drive Caching	Not available	2 x M.2 NVMe for caching
Power Consumption	21.07W (Access) / 8.62W (Hibernation)	19.7W (Access) / 4.68W (Hibernation)
Warranty	3 years	3 years

This differentiation reflects Synology’s attempt to segment its product lines, but it also raises questions about whether ActiveProtect’s hardware limitations might restrict its long-term scalability for growing businesses.

Feature	DP340	DS923+
Form Factor	Desktop / 4 bays	Desktop / 4 bays
CPU	AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores, 4 threads)	AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores, 4 threads)
Base/Boost Frequency	2.6 GHz / 3.1 GHz	2.6 GHz / 3.1 GHz
Memory	16 GB DDR4 ECC	4 GB DDR4 (expandable to 32 GB ECC)
Storage Configuration	RAID 5 (4 x 8 TB Synology HDDs)	User-configurable (no drives included)
Network Interface	1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management)	2 x 1GbE RJ-45
	1 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer)	Optional 10GbE upgrade
Expandability	No expandability	Expandable with 1 x DX517
Storage	4x 8TB HDD	Unpopulated (Buy Your Own)
Drive Caching	2x 400GB m.2 NVMe	2 x M.2 NVMe Slots for caching/pools
Power Consumption	31W (Access) / 10W (Hibernation)	35.2W (Access) / 7.96W (Hibernation)
Warranty	3 years	3 years

One of ActiveProtect’s key selling points is its integration of enterprise-grade backup capabilities, including immutable storage, deduplication, and compatibility with VMware and Hyper-V environments. These features make it an attractive solution for organizations prioritizing data protection and regulatory compliance. Additionally, ActiveProtect provides centralized management for multisite deployments, a crucial feature for enterprises managing distributed IT infrastructures. However, the reliance on dedicated hardware and licensing introduces an ongoing cost structure that diverges from DSM-powered solutions, where Active Backup for Business and related tools are included without additional fees. This fundamental difference raises concerns about the overall cost-effectiveness of ActiveProtect, particularly for smaller organizations operating on tighter budgets.

Flexibility in Hardware and Software?

Another significant trend is Synology’s increasing focus on restricting compatibility to its own hard drives, SSDs, and pre-populated solutions. Both the DP320 and DP340 come pre-configured with Synology-branded drives, limiting users’ ability to select third-party alternatives. While this ensures consistent performance and simplifies deployment, it significantly raises the entry cost compared to traditional NAS setups. For example, the DP320 includes 16TB of storage configured in RAID 1, while the DP340 offers 32TB in RAID 5, but the lack of user-defined storage options may deter cost-conscious buyers. Furthermore, this move toward proprietary hardware could alienate existing customers accustomed to the flexibility of Synology’s traditional NAS devices.

Pre-populated and proprietary solutions such as the DP320, DP340, and the BeeStation reflect Synology’s strategic pivot toward end-to-end control over its ecosystem. This approach aligns with the company’s emphasis on seamless integration but risks diminishing the value proposition of its products for users who value customization. The reliance on Synology-branded drives also impacts the perceived cost-benefit ratio, as these solutions are often priced higher than third-party alternatives.

While this strategy simplifies support and ensures reliability, it may not appeal to users seeking the budget-friendly versatility that has traditionally been a hallmark of Synology’s offerings.

The long-term value of ActiveProtect also warrants scrutiny when compared to DSM-powered NAS devices. With ActiveProtect, users are tied to a dedicated platform that incurs additional licensing costs and lacks the multifunctionality of DSM. In contrast, DSM devices provide a more comprehensive solution, offering everything from media streaming to virtualization alongside robust backup capabilities.

Over time, the broader utility of DSM-powered devices may offer better value for businesses that require more than just backup functionality. This disparity underscores the need for potential buyers to carefully evaluate their specific requirements and future scalability needs.

Synology NAS and Value (TCO and ROI)?

ActiveProtect’s pricing and licensing structure remain key variables in determining its market appeal. While the platform’s simplicity and advanced features are appealing, the lack of clarity surrounding costs introduces uncertainty. For smaller organizations, the total cost of ownership could outweigh the benefits, especially when DSM-powered NAS devices already provide a cost-effective and robust alternative. Without clear pricing strategies that demonstrate the value benefits of ActiveProtect vs DSM solutions, Synology may struggle to position ActiveProtect as a compelling upgrade for existing customers or as a viable entry point for new ones.

Finally, Synology’s dual-platform strategy risks creating confusion within its user base. ActiveProtect’s focus on dedicated backup appliances contrasts sharply with DSM’s multifunctional approach, making it challenging for users to discern which solution best meets their needs. For long-time users of DSM, the potential scaling back of its backup features in favour of promoting ActiveProtect could be perceived as a drawback. Synology’s ability to clearly communicate the distinct advantages and limitations of these platforms will be critical to ensuring both their coexistence and success in an increasingly competitive market.

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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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