- Synology’s new DSM update finally frees users from strict HDD control
- The 2025 DiskStation models now play well with almost any hard drive
- DSM 7.3 brings long-requested compatibility to WD and Seagate drives
Synology has embarked on a remarkable policy reversal that could reshape how users view their network attached storage (NAS).
The company’s 2025 DiskStation models now allow the use of third-party hard drives, ending a limitation that had frustrated many of its longtime customers.
With the DiskStation Manager (DSM) 7.3 update, owners can finally install drives like the Seagate Exos 30TB, one of the best HDD options currently available for large-scale storage.
A shift in storage flexibility
Previous DiskStation models, such as the DS925+, were launched with limitations that locked users into Synology-branded drives.
This policy made it impossible to use other leading storage products like WD Red or Seagate IronWolf, even though they were widely considered the best NAS drives in terms of reliability and performance.
The limitation did not sit well with professionals who rely on consistent and customizable storage solutions, especially in workstation setups where flexibility is key.
Synology’s decision to remove these limits under DSM 7.3 signals a change in direction, suggesting that user feedback has played an important role.
In addition to expanding compatibility, the DSM 7.3 update introduces security improvements, updates to Synology Drive, and a moderation system for MailPlus.
These additions aim to enhance the overall usability of Synology’s NAS ecosystem, however, not all limitations have been lifted.
The M.2 slot still requires Synology’s own SSDs to create storage pools, which can be seen as a partial concession rather than a full embrace of openness.
This limitation may continue to deter some power users who expect total hardware independence for their workstation or home lab environments.
The 2025 DiskStation series, including models like the DS225+, DS425+ and DS925+, now compete more evenly with alternatives from brands like QNAP and UGREEN.
Allowing drives like the 30TB Seagate Exos gives Synology a chance to regain credibility among power users previously turned away by restrictive compatibility rules.
While it’s commendable that Synology has backed away from its previous approach, it remains to be seen whether this change will be enough to fully restore trust.
Via Android Central
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