# DS file vs Project Pilot by Skynet

The clearest difference is update cadence: Project Pilot by Skynet at every 3 weeks against DS file's every 4 months. DS file's advantage is iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

DS file ships an update every 4 months, Project Pilot by Skynet every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DS file | Project Pilot by Skynet |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.8 (358 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ds-file/id416751772/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **358** | — |
| Positive reviews | 28.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 121 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.6** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Synology Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/321493109) | [Raghul S](https://appshunter.io/developer/1344469407) |

## 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


### Project Pilot by Skynet

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/project-pilot-by-skynet/id6763674130)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DS file free?

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

### Is Project Pilot by Skynet free?

Project Pilot by Skynet is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do DS file or Project Pilot by Skynet have ads?

Neither DS file nor Project Pilot by Skynet shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DS file or Project Pilot by Skynet?

DS file ships an update every 4 months, and Project Pilot by Skynet every 3 weeks. Most recently, DS file was updated on October 20, 2026 and Project Pilot by Skynet on October 16, 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.*