DS file vs DSPhoto Backup
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DS file
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.
- File management on Synology NAS
- Upload and download files
- Basic file editing
- Secure HTTPS access
- Browse pictures and videos
- Access work documents
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**You must own a Synology NAS to run this app, and have upgraded to DSM 5.2 to get the complete set of features** DS file is ideal to manage files stored on your DiskStation, upload or download between the NAS and the iDevice itself, or do basic editing tasks. And always securely with HTTPS support. Besides file management, DS file is also a useful tool to do anything from browsing pictures, watching videos or checking work documents when you are on the go.
DSPhoto Backup
Securely back up your photos and videos to your Synology NAS with end-to-end encryption. Manage your NAS files, free up local storage by identifying large or duplicate media, and enjoy automatic background syncing. This app offers a private and efficient solution for your digital memories.
- Automatic photo and video backup
- End-to-end encryption
- Local storage cleaner
- Browse and manage NAS files
- Smart background sync
- Duplicate detection
- EXIF and GPS data preservation
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Automatically back up all your photos and videos to your Synology NAS. DSPhoto Backup is the complete solution to secure your memories on your DiskStation while managing and freeing up local storage. SECURE & PRIVATE BACKUP • End-to-end encryption for your credentials • Your data never leaves your device • No tracking, no ads, complete privacy guaranteed • Works on local network & remotely via QuickConnect • SSL/TLS encryption & 2FA authentication support AUTOMATIC PHOTO & VIDEO BACKUP • Smart background backup without user action • Compatible with DSM 6.0 & DSM 7.0+ • All formats supported: HEIC, RAW, JPEG, MP4, MOV • Preserves EXIF metadata & GPS location data • Keeps original file names and capture dates • Intelligent duplicate detection • Advanced filtering by date, size, and album • Detailed backup history with task tracking BROWSE & MANAGE NAS FILES • Navigate through your Synology DiskStation files • Preview photos, videos, and documents directly • Download files from your NAS to iPhone • Upload any files from your device • Multi-selection and batch operations • Search and organize your NAS content ON-DEVICE CLEANER • Identify large photos and videos consuming space • Detect and remove similar and duplicate photos • Find screenshots and optimize library • Clean contacts, events, and reminders • Battery optimization tips and guides • Free up iPhone storage after backup • "Already backed up" section to free up space safely EASY TO USE • Quick setup in minutes — no technical knowledge required • Monitor backups with iOS widgets & Live Activities • Dark mode support for comfortable viewing • Background notifications for status updates • Intuitive interface for all features FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY • QuickConnect: connect from anywhere • Direct IP/Host connection • Custom DDNS support • Automatic reconnection after network issues Perfect alternative to Google Photos or iCloud if you own a Synology NAS or DiskStation. Keep full control of your photo library and manage your device storage efficiently. Works seamlessly with DS File, DS Photo, and other Synology mobile apps. Made by the Synology community for Synology users. Need help? Any suggestion or feature request for the app? Email me at contact@dsphotobackup.app! --- Some features require DSPhoto Backup Pro: monthly or yearly subscription, or lifetime purchase. Free trial available. Family Sharing included. DSPhoto Backup is not affiliated with Synology Inc. Terms: https://dsphotobackup.app/resources/terms.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: DSPhoto Backup at 4.7 against DS file's 2.8. DSPhoto Backup also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months) and review sentiment (58% vs 29%). DS file's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. DSPhoto Backup sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. DS file asks for nothing beyond the download.
DSPhoto Backup holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 360 and 385 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 29% of DS file's written reviews are positive against 58% of DSPhoto Backup's.
DS file ships an update every 4 months, DSPhoto Backup every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DS file | DSPhoto Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.8 (360 ratings) | 4.7 (385 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 28.6% of reviews | 57.5% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 360 | 385 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 121 MB | 73 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Synology Inc. | Thomas Le gravier |
Customer experience
DS file
DSPhoto Backup
Bugs and requests
DS file
Reported bugs
4 issues- 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
5 requests- 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
DSPhoto Backup
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
DS file
No in-app purchases
DSPhoto Backup
- Pro version - Month$2.991 Month
- Pro version - Month$3.991 Month
- Pro version - Year7 Days trial$12.991 Year
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- Pro version - Year7 Days trial$17.991 Year
- Pro version - Lifetime$34.99
