Expert Verdict
Synology is a Taiwanese company best known for network-attached storage (NAS) devices, and its entry into the router market leverages decades of software expertise to create networking equipment that appeals to storage enthusiasts and privacy advocates. The RT series routers run Synology's SRM (Synology Router Manager) operating system, which brings the company's acclaimed DiskStation Manager interface to networking with impressive results.
The RT6600ax is the flagship, offering WiFi 6, tri-band connectivity, and a comprehensive feature set that rivals ASUS in depth. The SRM interface is beautiful and powerful, providing traffic monitoring, parental controls, and security features that are more polished than most competitors. The integration with Synology NAS devices is seamless, allowing the router to function as the hub of a home server ecosystem.
Synology's strength is software. The company provides regular updates, a package ecosystem that extends functionality, and an interface that is genuinely enjoyable to use. The Safe Access suite provides parental controls, traffic analysis, and security monitoring. The VPN Plus server offers secure remote access without subscription fees. The router can function as a lightweight NAS when paired with USB storage.
The hardware is adequate but not exceptional. Synology routers lack the raw processing power and wireless performance of ASUS or Netgear flagships. The price is premium for the wireless performance offered, and the brand is less familiar to mainstream consumers. For existing Synology NAS owners and users who prioritize software quality over absolute wireless speed, the RT series offers a cohesive ecosystem that no other brand can match.
What stands out
- SRM software excellence
- NAS ecosystem integration
- VPN Plus without subscription
- Beautiful interface design