# DS file vs Backblaze B2 Explorer

The clearest difference is monetization model: DS file at free against Backblaze B2 Explorer's paid. DS file also leads on ratings volume (357 vs 3) and review sentiment (29% vs 20%). Backblaze B2 Explorer's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 2.8 for DS file against 2.7 for Backblaze B2 Explorer. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DS file has 357 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 29% of DS file's written reviews are positive against 20% of Backblaze B2 Explorer's.

DS file ships an update every 4 months, Backblaze B2 Explorer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DS file | Backblaze B2 Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.8 (357 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ds-file/id416751772/reviews)** | [2.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backblaze-b2-explorer/id1447255895/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **357** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **28.6% of reviews** | 20.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 121 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.6** | 27.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Synology Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/321493109) | [Jose Leal](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441468562) |

## What reviewers say

### DS file

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ds-file/id416751772)

Access, manage, and edit files stored on your Synology NAS from your mobile device. Upload, download, and securely browse documents, pictures, and videos on the go.

**Highlights:** File management on Synology NAS, Upload and download files, Basic file editing, Secure HTTPS access, Browse pictures and videos, Access work documents

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and efficient file management
- 🚀 Fast file access and transfer
- 💡 Useful photo backup feature
- 🔒 Secure remote access to NAS

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes, especially after updates
- 🔍 Inconsistent file format support (e.g. .MOV, .HEIC)
- 🔍 Lack of advanced features like multi-select and sorting
- 🔍 Slow performance, especially on older devices

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues, unable to connect to NAS
- Video playback not working, especially on iOS 12+
- Excessive storage usage and cache issues
- Inconsistent behavior after iOS updates

**Requested features**

- Integrate with iOS Files app
- Add support for more file formats
- Improve photo/video backup functionality
- Implement dark mode
- Allow multi-file selection and batch operations


### Backblaze B2 Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backblaze-b2-explorer/id1447255895)

Browse and manage your Backblaze B2 cloud storage. Stream compatible media files directly from the cloud and access S3 compatible buckets. Share files and preview them with Apple-certified security.

**Highlights:** Browse Backblaze B2 cloud storage, Stream compatible media files, Access S3 compatible buckets, Share and preview files, Apple certified security

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DS file free?

DS file is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Backblaze B2 Explorer free?

Backblaze B2 Explorer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, DS file or Backblaze B2 Explorer?

DS file is rated higher. DS file averages 2.8 out of 5 from 357 ratings, while Backblaze B2 Explorer averages 2.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do DS file or Backblaze B2 Explorer have ads?

Neither DS file nor Backblaze B2 Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DS file or Backblaze B2 Explorer?

DS file ships an update every 4 months, and Backblaze B2 Explorer every 2 months. Most recently, DS file was updated on October 15, 2026 and Backblaze B2 Explorer on October 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*