Synology NAS
Intermediate RecommendedThe best Google Drive alternative is Synology NAS. The most popular NAS for home users. Intuitive interface, built-in apps, extensive documentation.
Information verified on July 7, 2026
This topic is chapter 6 of the book
Replacing Google Drive
Here, the big picture. In the book: the full method and the detailed walkthrough.
Description
Synology is the reference for consumer NAS. The DSM interface looks like a complete operating system: file manager, office suite, video surveillance, backup. The app catalog is the richest on the market. Docker is supported for advanced users. Documentation and community are massive. The price is higher than competitors, but the experience justifies the investment.
My take
It's the NAS I've been using for years: it has become the family's hard drive. The long part isn't the migration, it's the secure setup. I devote part of chapter 6 to it.
Key features
- Intuitive DSM interface
- Integrated Photos, Drive, Calendar
- Automatic PC/Mac backups
- Secure remote access
- Expandable (up to 100+ TB)
- Excellent support
Strengths
- + Very clear user interface
- + Rich app catalog (photos, files, backups)
- + Perfect for family or personal use
Weaknesses
- − Higher price than competitors like Asustor
- − Proprietary system (not fully open source)
Recommended for
- Creating a family cloud at home
- Centralizing files and photos
- Hosting services like Nextcloud, Immich or Jellyfin
Synology NAS vs Google Drive: the comparison
| Criterion | Synology NAS | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Price | One-time hardware purchase, drives to add as needed. | Free up to 15 GB, then Google One subscription |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Yes (Google ad profile) |
| Source code | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Migration difficulty | Moderate (3/5) | — |
Comparison
Synology is the simplest brand to start with a NAS: clear interface, ready-to-use apps. Asustor is more affordable. Both support Docker if you want to go further.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Synology NAS cost?
One-time hardware purchase, drives to add as needed.
How do you switch from Google Drive to Synology NAS?
Estimated difficulty: Moderate (3/5). Guided initial setup but requires basic network understanding. Google Photos migration via dedicated tool. Hardware investment.
Who is Synology NAS for?
You want your files and photos to live at home rather than on Google's servers. A two-bay mirrored unit covers most needs.
Similar alternatives
Asustor NAS
IntermediateVersatile and affordable NAS. Good Synology alternative for tighter budgets.
Immich
IntermediateGoogle Photos, but on your server. Face recognition, smart search, mobile app. All self-hosted.
Jellyfin
IntermediateYour personal Netflix. Stream your movies, series and music from your own server.