Option 1: Using Quick-Connect
Quick connect with nothing else is by far the easiest way to grab files off of your Synology NAS. It allows you to just login through the web portal, when you are sitting at any web browser in the world and download files are you need them.
Pros:
- Really easy to setup
- Does not require any port forwarding
- Does not require any software on computer accessing NAS
- Folder navigation / search is snappy
Cons:
- Cumbersome if you often need files
- No good way to edit files
- opens NAS to internet (small security implication)
Who is it for:
Great for people who just need occasional access to files on the NAS, and do not need to be tech savvy
Option 2: Using Synology Drive Desktop Client
The Synology Drive desktop client lets use use quick connect, but use either macOS finder or Windows File Explorer to edit files. Both Mac and Windows users can use either full sync (files are stored on the local hard drive) or on demand sync (files are only stored on hard drive when they are downloaded).
Note: macOS On Demand Sync has some flaws and currently has some bugs
Pros:
- Does not require port forwarding
- Can work offline for when you do not have internet
- Allows you to edit and save files natively
Cons:
- Has some bugs when dealing with millions of files
- Requires 3rd party software on each computer
- opens NAS to internet (small security implication)
Who is it for:
Users who generally are working with documents or photo files and want to be able to just always have them on their computer
Option 3: Using TailScale VPN
Tailscale is a third party site to site VPN based on WireGuard. It is free to use for up to 5 devices and allows you to connect to your devices securely. It allows you to get SMB access as if you were on the local network.
Pros:
- Highly Secure (no external access to NAS, plus 2x layers of security)
- Allows SMB access to NAS, which means your workflow stays the same no matter where you are
- Works without port forwarding (StarLink fans will love this)
Cons:
- Have to trust third party
- Must pay for larger deployments
- Increased latency due to routing through third party servers
- Requires client to be installed on each computer you want to connect
Who is it for:
HomeLab users and people who do not have a public IP, but want the highest possible security
Option 4: WebDAV
WebDAV is a way to access files on your NAS through http:// and https://. Both macOS and windows have built in clients for it so you do not need any custom software on your computer to connect. However its a bit clunky when it comes to performance.
Pros:
- Does not require any custom software on client computer
- Easy to setup
Cons:
- Requires port forwarding
- Has small security risk as you have to open your NAS to the internet
- Connecting can be laggy over a high latency connection
Who is it for:
WebDAV is for users who just need to be able to connect in and upload files, from whatever computer they are at. Because it does not require a client it’s a pretty great option to send out to people who need to upload files to you.
Option 5: Using an OpenVPN Server
OpenVPN is a highly secure way to connect back to your Synology NAS. It can allow you local access to everything on your network as well! This requires a client installed on every machine you want to connect back.
Pros:
- Highly Secure
- Allows local SMB access
- No license, scales to whatever size you need
- Customizable
Cons:
- Requires Port forwarding
- Requires every client to have a file, as well as their user and password + custom software
- Can be difficult to install and maintain
Who is it for:
OpenVPN is a great option for business who need flexibility and the ability for everyone to connect back to the NAS in the exact same way.
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