You can keep a Synology NAS for storage while replacing selected apps with open-source services: Immich for photo libraries, Jellyfin for media streaming, Nextcloud for file management and sharing, or Syncthing for device and folder synchronization. They solve different jobs; none is established here as a complete replacement for every DSM app. The practical choice depends on your NAS model, DSM version, client needs, migration requirements, and willingness to administer containerized services.
Choose an alternative by the job you need it to do
“Synology apps alternatives” is a common way people describe this search, but the useful question is which task you want to move off DSM. These options are plausible matches, not a tested ranking or proof of feature-for-feature parity.
| Synology task | Open-source option | What it covers | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo and phone-video library | Immich | Self-hosted photo and video library with mobile backup. Immich project | The Synology deployment instructions are community-contributed and explicitly not official Immich support. The available sources do not establish that albums or metadata migrate intact. Immich Synology guide |
| Video library and streaming | Jellyfin | Media-server deployment on Synology through Container Manager. Jellyfin Synology installation guide | The official guide requires DSM 7.0 or newer and Container Manager. Hardware suitability, especially for transcoding, depends on the model and configuration. |
| General file management, browser access and sharing | Nextcloud | File operations, version history, trash and optional external storage are covered in its administration documentation. Nextcloud administration manual | The cited documentation does not establish drop-in parity with Synology Drive; Nextcloud also brings its own administration needs. |
| Folder synchronization between devices | Syncthing | Device-to-device folder synchronization and file versioning. Syncthing documentation | Its documented focus is synchronization; these sources do not establish Nextcloud-style web sharing or full Drive feature coverage. |
Before choosing, check six things: the exact job being replaced, DSM and hardware compatibility, whether you need phone, desktop or browser clients, the setup and maintenance burden, what data or metadata can move, and how you will back up and restore it independently.
What each alternative is—and is not—a fit for
Immich for a self-hosted photo library
Immich is a candidate when the goal is a self-hosted photo and video library with mobile backup. Its project provides server installation information and mobile apps. Its Synology guide describes deploying it with Container Manager, but labels the guide a community contribution rather than official support. Treat that distinction as important when planning installation or troubleshooting.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Jellyfin for a media library
Jellyfin is a candidate for serving a video library. Its official Synology guide covers Container Manager on DSM 7.0 or newer and uses the jellyfin/jellyfin image. Hardware capacity matters: the Jellyfin project documentation warns, “Many pre-built NAS devices are underpowered. We generally do not recommend running Jellyfin on those devices.” Whether a particular NAS can handle your library or transcoding needs is not established by the installation guide.
Nextcloud for broader file workflows
Nextcloud is worth considering when you need more than folder replication, such as browser-based file operations, version history, a trash area or optional external storage. Those documented capabilities make it a different kind of option from a focused synchronization tool. They do not, by themselves, show that it replaces every Synology Drive workflow or client feature.
Rank #2
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Syncthing for synchronized folders
Syncthing is a narrower fit when the central requirement is keeping folders synchronized across devices. Its documentation covers devices, folders, synchronization and versioning. Choose it for that task rather than assuming it supplies a general file portal, web-sharing workflow or all the functions of a broader cloud-file service.
Expect container administration, not a one-click DSM package
Immich’s Synology guide describes creating persistent directories for the Postgres database and library, supplying compose and environment files, and creating a project in Container Manager. Those details illustrate the responsibility that comes with self-hosted applications: data locations, mounts, permissions and persistent storage need deliberate configuration.
Rank #3
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Keep application data in locations you understand and can include in backups.
- Know which directories contain originals, library data and databases before changing a deployment.
- Plan for upgrades and verify that your backup and restore approach covers the service’s persistent data.
- Check the current project guide and your NAS model’s compatibility before installing; requirements can change by release and device.
Jellyfin’s documented Synology path has its own prerequisites: a configured NAS, DSM 7.0 or newer, and Container Manager installed from Package Center. Do not infer that a successful package installation means the NAS has enough processing power for every playback or transcoding scenario.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Protect data before replacing an app or moving NAS hardware
Replacing an application on the same NAS is not the same operation as migrating to another Synology NAS. In either case, make a separate copy of important data and verify that you can restore it before removing or reinstalling anything.
Rank #4
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Replacing or reinstalling an application
Synology’s HDD migration and reinstallation guidance identifies application state that can be lost or reset, including Download Station tasks and temporary storage. A copy of shared files does not necessarily preserve app configuration, task queues, databases, albums or other service-specific information. Check what the relevant app stores and export or preserve what you need before making changes. Synology migration guidance
Moving data to a different Synology NAS
Migration Assistant can transfer data, packages, settings and system configuration when the devices are supported, subject to DSM version requirements. HDD migration and other migration paths have their own compatibility constraints. Consult Synology’s current migration tables for the source and destination models and DSM versions rather than assuming a procedure applies to every NAS. Synology Migration Assistant · Synology DSM 7 migration options
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Keep backups independent of the services you choose
RAID helps with availability when a drive fails, but it is not a backup. Synology recommends a 3-2-1 strategy: three copies of data, on two storage media, with one copy offsite. Synology also notes that drive failure or a RAID crash can still result in data loss. An external hard drive can be one local backup destination, but a single drive alone is not a complete 3-2-1 plan. Synology data backup guidance
Synchronization is not a substitute for an independent backup: a deletion or corruption can be replicated to other devices. Keep a separate backup and test restoring important files and service data before relying on a new setup.
Quick Recap
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