If you use a Synology Network Video Recorder (e.g., DVA3221) bundled with licenses, those are pre-paid. But for a standard NAS (DS220+, DS923+, etc.), every third-party ONVIF camera uses one license slot. Part 5: How to push the free tier to its absolute limit If you are determined to stay at zero cost , here is the advanced configuration to maximize your two free licenses. Step 1: Use Motion Detection + Recording Schedules Don’t record 24/7. Set cameras to record only on motion. With a 4TB drive, two cameras recording motion-only can store 6+ months of footage. Step 2: Install a second Synology NAS Run two cheap Synology units (e.g., used DS218j). Each gives you two free licenses. Total: 4 cameras for free. Manage them via a single Central Management System (CMS) in Surveillance Station. Step 3: Use “View-only” cameras via RTSP You can add an unlimited number of RTSP streams to a custom webpage or Home Assistant dashboard. Those streams won’t record, alert, or show in DS cam timeline—but they give you live viewing for free.
| Scenario | Recommended Path | Cost | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Use default 2 free licenses | $0 | | Home user with 3-4 cameras | Buy 1-2 licenses (total $50–$100) | Low cost | | Home user with 6+ cameras | Ditch Surveillance Station; use Frigate/Shinobi | $0 | | Small business (8 cameras, need alerts) | Buy licenses or upgrade to DVA series (includes 8) | Paid | | Testing / lab environment | Use 2 free licenses + external RTSP viewer | $0 | Part 7: Frequently Asked Questions (License-Free Edition) Q1: Can I move a license from an old Synology to a new one? 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. Q2: Will Synology ever offer unlimited free cameras? No. Their business model relies on license sales. The 2-free allowance is a loss leader to get you into the ecosystem. Q3: What about the “Synology LiveCam” app (phone as a camera)? The LiveCam app (turns your old phone into an IP camera) does count as a camera license . Using LiveCam consumes one of your two free slots. Q4: Is there a time bomb on the free trial? No. The two free licenses work forever. They do not expire after 30 days like a trial. Conclusion: The truth about “Synology Surveillance Station license free” 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. synology surveillance station license free
However, one question dominates every new user’s search history: “How can I use Synology Surveillance Station license free?” If you use a Synology Network Video Recorder (e