ownCloud vs Synology Photos
ownCloud
owncloud.com
Synology Photos
synology.comSide by side
| Figure | ownCloud | Synology Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 2 |
| Spec score · File Sync Software | 8.5 (#6) | 8.2 (#7) |
| Collaboration | Features include internal and external sharing, guest users, file drop folders, comments and real-time collaboration. | Shared Space allows selected users to collaborate, with access and editing rights set at folder level. |
| Founded | 2010 | 2000 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Regensburg, Germany | Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan |
| Integrations | The Microsoft integrations page describes support for Office Online Server, Office 365 and Microsoft Teams. | Synology Photos works with Synology Image Assistant, whose desktop app and browser extension generate previews for formats including HEIC and HEVC media. |
Plans
ownCloud
- CommunityFree
- EnterprisePriced on request
- ownCloud.online for single usersPriced on request
- ownCloud.online for teamsPriced on request
- StandardPriced on request
In their own words
ownCloud
ownCloud is open-source file sync, sharing, and content-collaboration software for teams working across devices and locations. Teams can share internally or externally, invite guests, create file drop folders, comment, and collaborate in real time. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web access, with file versioning, zero-knowledge encryption, and business administration controls. Deployment options include on-premises, a cloud of choice, or ownCloud.online, hosted on servers in Germany. External storage can bring services such as S3, Dropbox, and SharePoint into a single access point. Microsoft integrations include Office Online Server, Office 365, and Microsoft Teams; Collabora Online supports collaborative browser-based editing of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and diagrams, with live changes and revision history. The ownCloud.online plans list 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS encryption, multi-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and a File Firewall. The Community plan supports unlimited users; Standard and Enterprise start at 25 users. Hosted options cover one to four users with 500GB, or start at five users with 1,000GB and 200GB extra storage per additional user.
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.