# DS file vs DSPhoto Backup

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | DS file | DSPhoto Backup |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.8 (360 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ds-file/id416751772/reviews) | **[4.7 (385 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dsphoto-backup/id6448807884/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 360 | **385** |
| Positive reviews | 28.6% of reviews | **57.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 121 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Synology Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/321493109) | [Thomas Le gravier](https://appshunter.io/developer/1510628585) |

## 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


### DSPhoto Backup

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dsphoto-backup/id6448807884)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro version - Month | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro version - Month | $3.99 | per month |
| Pro version - Year | $12.99 | per year |
| Pro version - Year | $17.99 | per year |
| Pro version - Lifetime | $34.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DS file free?

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

### Is DSPhoto Backup free?

DSPhoto Backup is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, DS file or DSPhoto Backup?

DSPhoto Backup is rated higher. DS file averages 2.8 out of 5 from 360 ratings, while DSPhoto Backup averages 4.7 from 385 ratings.

### Do DS file or DSPhoto Backup have ads?

Neither DS file nor DSPhoto Backup shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DS file or DSPhoto Backup?

DS file ships an update every 4 months, and DSPhoto Backup every 2 weeks. Most recently, DS file was updated on November 5, 2026 and DSPhoto Backup on November 3, 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.*
