FolderSync vs Synology Photos
FolderSync
foldersync.io
Synology Photos
synology.comSide by side
| Figure | FolderSync | Synology Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Spec score · File Sync Software | 9.3 (#1) | 8.2 (#7) |
| Headquarters | Aarhus, Denmark | Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan |
| Integrations | Supported services include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, Nextcloud, and many others; supported protocols include FTP, SFTP, SMB, S3-compatible storage, and WebDAV. | Synology Photos works with Synology Image Assistant, whose desktop app and browser extension generate previews for formats including HEIC and HEVC media. |
| Purpose | FolderSync syncs folders between a device and cloud providers or file servers, and can also sync two folders on the same device. | Synology Photos provides photo and video browsing, management, sharing, search, album grouping, upload, and preview workflows in DSM. |
Plans
In their own words
FolderSync
FolderSync moves files between folders on a device and cloud services or file servers, and it can also sync folders stored on the same device. One-way sync mirrors a source to a destination; two-way sync is also supported. It can transfer files between two remote locations through an Android device or desktop computer, which temporarily holds the files. Connections include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box and Nextcloud, along with FTP, SFTP, SMB, S3-compatible storage and WebDAV. Its V2 engine adds encryption, pre-sync change analysis, parallel transfers and Cron-based scheduling. FolderSync also supports Tasker integration and configurable events such as schedules and syncs. Encryption protects file names and contents before upload, but works only with one-way sync; a lost encryption password cannot be recovered. FolderSync says account, folder-pair and sync-log data stays on the device, while files go directly to the configured service or server. A free plan is available. Android requires version 8.0 or newer; desktop support covers Windows 10 or newer, macOS 10.15 or newer, and qualifying 64-bit x86 Linux systems.
Synology Photos
Synology Photos is a photo and video management service in DSM for browsing, organizing, searching, sharing, uploading, and previewing media. It requires a Synology NAS for private photo storage, and its mobile app can back up photos and videos to that NAS automatically. Users can share individual items or albums through links with passwords or expiration dates. Shared Space lets selected users collaborate, with access and editing rights assigned by folder. Organization tools include custom and conditional albums, automatic grouping, and facial and object recognition on supported NAS models. RAW files are supported; previews for HEIC/HEVC files and compressed videos require Synology Image Assistant. Mobile apps require iOS 16 or later or Android 11 or later; TV apps support Apple TV and Android TV. Chrome and Safari are recommended for web use. Synology Photos is free, with no paid premium tiers listed.