Can I Use My Synology NAS as Cloud Storage?

Yes, your Synology NAS is cloud storage that’s available on your home network. With the Drive Client, you can use other devices to access your data.

What Is the Difference Between Synology DS File and DS Cloud?

Synology DS File provides tools you can use to manage and access your files. DS Cloud is a mobile app that syncs data with your NAS.

What Is Synology Cloud Station & Alternatives to Sync & Back Up Your NAS in 2025

The Synology Cloud Station server allowed users to access their Synology NAS devices, even when away from their home network. However, it was recently discontinued, so users needed to find another option. Fortunately, there are several alternatives out there, including one from Synology.

Written by Jason Stagnitto (Writer, Script Writer)

Reviewed by Valentina Bravo (Editor)

Facts checked by Simona Ivanovski (Fact-Checker, Formatter)

Last Updated: 01 Mar'25

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Key Takeaways: Synology Cloud Station Alternatives

In April 2021, Synology discontinued its Cloud Station server, which was a free tool that turned your Synology NAS into a personal cloud server.
Synology Drive Client is a free replacement tool that has the same features as the Cloud Station server.
You aren’t restricted to only Synology products when backing up your NAS — you can use sync tools like Nextcloud or backup services like IDrive.

Facts & Expert Analysis: Synology Cloud Station Discontinued

Not all roses: While user reviews of the Cloud Station server were generally positive, some complained that it was poorly implemented and sometimes suffered syncing issues.
Break down the box: A great benefit of using a product like Cloud Station or Drive Client is that you effectively have your own cloud storage, reducing the need for a service like Dropbox.
No assembly required: While getting Synology running and connected to your network requires some setup, installing Drive Client is as simple as downloading the app from the package center and installing it on your desktop or mobile device.

Longtime users of Synology NAS devices are likely familiar with the Synology Cloud Station server. After installing this program on your devices, you were able to connect to your NAS without needing to be on your network. In other words, the Cloud Station turned your NAS into a personal cloud server.

The Cloud Station server was recently discontinued, taking away a simple, easy and seamless way to access your data from anywhere. However, Synology does have an upgrade. Read on to see what it is.

Meet the experts

Jason Stagnitto (Writer, Script Writer)

Jason Stagnitto is a seasoned writer with over a decade of experience, specializing in cloud storage and online backup, and contributing to Cloudwards for over a year. Holding a Masters in IT from SNHU and a Bachelors in English and Historical and Political Studies from Chaminade University, Jason’s extensive educational background is complemented by his professional writing stints for platforms like Dogtown Media and CBT Nuggets. Beyond his technical expertise, he harbors a love for fantasy and sci-fi literature, movies, and a keen focus on health and well-being.

More about Jason Stagnitto

Valentina Bravo (Editor)

Valentina Bravo is an editor at Cloudwards with a rich background in technology topics, particularly productivity tools and online security. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and a triple Master’s degree in Literary and Cultural Studies. Her prior role as an academic writing instructor and over a decade of freelance editing across various fields, including academic publishing and tech education, have honed her skills in nurturing writers and producing strategically resonant content. Outside of work, she is a travel enthusiast, music lover and avid learner interested in global cultures, spirituality, psychology and neuroscience.

More about Valentina Bravo

Learn more about our editorial team and our research process.

02/20/2025 Facts checked

We rewrote our article to provide alternatives to the now-discontinued Synology Cloud Station.
updates

What Is Synology Cloud Station?

The Synology Cloud Station server was a program you installed on your NAS that turned your device into something like your own Dropbox or Google Drive. You didn’t need to be technically savvy to use it, making it a great option for anyone. Best of all, it didn’t come at an additional cost.

Why Was Synology Cloud Station Discontinued?

The Cloud Station server was discontinued because Synology released the Drive Client. The Synology Drive Client directly replaces the Cloud Station server and turns your Synology NAS into a personal cloud server.

Synology Cloud Station Alternatives

If you relied on Synology Cloud Station for your personal cloud storage needs, then here’s some good news. You can take advantage of one of the following alternatives listed below. This list is brief as we quickly highlight a service. However, for more in-depth coverage, check out our best personal cloud storage article.

1. Synology Drive Client — Native Cloud Sync for Synology

The Synology Drive Client is the direct replacement to the Synology Cloud Station. You can download it from the Package Center after you log into your DiskStation NAS. Once you download and install it on the NAS and your devices, you can access your data on the go without needing to be connected to your home network.

2. Nextcloud — Best Third-Party Cloud Sync for Synology

Nextcloud is a great all-around alternative that’s easy to use and set up, depending on your needs. It works well for personal or business users, and if you just need simple syncing, you can sign up for free with a provider. Other options include self-hosting or installing Nextcloud on your NAS.

3. ownCloud — Best Cloud Sync for Beginners

ownCloud’s best feature is its ease of use and installation, making it a great option for those not familiar with combining a NAS and a cloud service. It has a free edition, and its paid plans come with a free trial, letting you test the service. ownCloud also has client-side encryption that keeps your data safe and private.

4. Syncthing — Best Free Cloud Sync

Syncthing is a completely free cloud sync program with high marks for reliability and functionality. It’s not the easiest software to set up, which may turn away the less-than-technical among us. However, once Syncthing is up and running, it syncs your data seamlessly without you needing to do anything else.

Synology Cloud Backup Alternatives

Synology does have cloud backup options with its C2 services. However, it is not the only game in town. You can also check out the following alternatives.

1. IDrive — Best Cloud Backup for Synology

IDrive is an excellent choice to back up your Synology NAS. If you have the storage space, there’s no limit to the number of devices you can use with one account. Each account also comes with cloud storage features like file sharing and sync. You even have the option to make your account private, but only when you first create it. Check out our IDrive review for all the details.

Basic

No credit card required.
10GB

FREE

Mini

One user.
100GB

1-year plan

$2.95/month

$35.40 billed every year

Personal

One user, multiple computers. Plans starting from 5TB up to 100TB. Big discount for first-time signup.
5TB

1-month plan, 1-year plan

$69.66 billed every year

Save 41%

2-year plan

$6.22/month

$149.25 billed every 2 years

Save 37%

More plans

Team

5 computers, 5 users. Starting at 5TB up to 500TB. Big discount for first-time signup.
5TB

1-month plan, 1-year plan

$69.65 billed every year

Save 41%

2-year plan

$6.22/month

$149.25 billed every 2 years

Save 37%

Business

Monthly Plan storage starts at 1.25TB up to 50TB Unlimited users, multiple computers and servers. NAS devices. 250GB storage. Starting at 250GB up to 50TB. Large discount for first-time signup.
250GB

1-month plan, 1-year plan

$69.65 billed every year

Save 88%

2-year plan

$6.22/month

$149.25 billed every 2 years

Save 87%

IDrive for Nonprofits

1-year plan

$3.31/month

$39.75 billed every year

2. MSP360 — Best Cloud Backup for Power Users

MSP360 — formerly called CloudBerry Backup — is a nice option, especially for those who like having lots of features and enjoy getting deep into the weeds with settings and configurations. MSP360 shines when managing multiple backups. The interface may look dated, but it gives you almost full control over your backups. Our MSP360 review will tell you all you need to know about the provider.

Desktop Backup Free

200GB

FREE

Desktop Backup (Windows)

1-year plan

$2.50/month

$29.99 billed every year

Desktop Backup (Linux)

$6 annual maintenance fee
5TB

1-year plan

$1.67/month

$19.99 billed every year

More plans

Desktop Backup (macOS)

$6 annual maintenance fee
Unlimited GB

1-year plan

$1.67/month

$19.99 billed every year

Windows Server

1-year plan

$9.17/month

$109.99 billed every year

Linux Server

$16 annual maintenance fee
5TB

MS SQL Server

$124.99 billed every year

Ultimate

Unlimited GB

1-year plan

$15/month

$179.99 billed every year

Linux Ultimate

$30 annual maintenance fee
Unlimited GB

1-year plan

$9.17/month

$109.99 billed every year

Backup VM Edition

2 sockets included ($89.99 per socket)
Unlimited GB

1-year plan

$23.33/month

$279.99 billed every year

3. Backblaze B2 — Best IaaS Backup for Synology

backblazeb2 account — Backblaze B2 object storage lets you sync your Synology NAS data,
and you pay only for the storage you use.

Backblaze B2 is an affordable option if you want a service like Microsoft Azure or Amazon S3 but don’t want to pay a high price. The tradeoff is that you get fewer features, but Backblaze more than makes up for it with its ease of use and performance. It uses buckets to store your data, and each bucket includes file versioning, giving you better control over your data. Our Backblaze B2 review breaks down all the pros and cons of the service.

Unlimited Personal

Unlimited GB

1-month plan, 1-year plan

$99 billed every year

Save 8%

2-year plan

$7.88/month

$189 billed every 2 years

Save 12%

Final Thoughts

Longtime Cloud Station users can switch to the Drive Client and continue to get the same benefits and features. The Drive Client replaced Cloud Station, but you can still access your data, even when you’re not at home. Although Cloud Station is no longer available, there are plenty of other options, such as ownCloud for data syncing or IDrive for backups.

Did you use Synology Cloud Station? Have you tried Synology Drive Client? Are there other options out there that we missed? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading our article.

FAQ: Synology Cloud Station

Yes, Synology Cloud Station has been discontinued and replaced by Synology Drive Client.
Yes, your Synology NAS is cloud storage that’s available on your home network. With the Drive Client, you can use other devices to access your data.
Synology DS File provides tools you can use to manage and access your files. DS Cloud is a mobile app that syncs data with your NAS.