NAKIVO Backup & Replication vs Synology DSM comparison

Nakivo and Synology are both solutions in the Backup and Recovery category. Nakivo is ranked #6 with an average rating of 9.1, while Synology is ranked #22 with an average rating of 10.0. Nakivo holds a 1.1% mindshare in BRS, compared to Synology’s 1.4% mindshare. Additionally, 99% of Nakivo users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Synology users who would recommend it.

NAKIVO Backup & Replication

Read 92 NAKIVO Backup & Replication reviews

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3,372 Comparison Views

99% willing to recommend

Synology DSM

Read 10 Synology DSM reviews

2,683 Views
2,656 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

NAKIVO Backup & Replication

Synology DSM

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 3, 2025

NAKIVO Backup & Replication and Synology DSM compete in the backup and storage solutions category. NAKIVO appears to have the upper hand due to its flexibility, cloud integration, and competitive pricing.

Features: NAKIVO Backup & Replication offers VM-level backups, efficient deduplication, and VM replica creation. It supports multiple platforms like Windows, Linux, and NAS devices, enhancing its versatility. Synology DSM provides basic storage solutions, a Btrfs file system, and built-in backups via "Active Backup for Business." It is also known for its software customization capabilities and adaptability for diverse tasks.

Room for Improvement: NAKIVO could enhance application restore capabilities and integration with common storage arrays. Users also desire expanded support for other virtual technologies and better real-time support. Synology DSM users suggest simplifying the user interface navigation and improving backup capabilities across virtual clusters. Additionally, enhancing security threat detection during replication processes would be beneficial.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: NAKIVO is recognized for its easy deployment across on-premises and hybrid cloud setups and generally responsive customer service, despite some delays. Synology DSM is appreciated for its on-premises simplicity and knowledgeable support. Both systems are praised for ease of setup, though NAKIVO offers more deployment flexibility.

Pricing and ROI: NAKIVO's competitive pricing, flexible licensing, and rapid deployment lead to substantial cost savings and strong ROI, particularly for small to medium environments. While Synology DSM is perceived as more costly due to hardware requirements, it provides long-term value that justifies the expense. NAKIVO's lower initial costs and flexible pricing are often favored by users seeking immediate financial savings.

To learn more, read our detailed NAKIVO Backup & Replication vs. Synology DSM Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

NAKIVO Backup & Replication vs. Synology DSM

December 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

NAKIVO Backup & Replication

Ranking in Backup and Recovery

6th

Average Rating

9.4

Reviews Sentiment

7.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Disaster Recovery (DR) Software (6th)

Synology DSM

Ranking in Backup and Recovery

22nd

Average Rating

9.0

Reviews Sentiment

8.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Backup and Recovery category, the mindshare of NAKIVO Backup & Replication is 1.1%, down from 1.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Synology DSM is 1.4%, down from 1.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Backup and Recovery Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
NAKIVO Backup & Replication	1.1%
Synology DSM	1.4%
Other	97.5%

Backup and Recovery

Featured Reviews

Wisdom Selom Quarshie

System Engineer at NetSolutions Ghana Ltd

Has improved disaster recovery with seamless server replication and reduced operational costs

NAKIVO Backup & Replication has been useful; in terms of licensing, it is way cheaper than other solutions, and setting it up in terms of implementation was easier and not difficult to do. The user interface is friendly and straightforward to use. The best features NAKIVO Backup & Replication offers in my experience include the VMware replication jobs, which allow us to schedule the replication of servers at specific times and move them as quickly as possible. The Change Block Technology (CBT) aspect helps us check if data has really moved without even turning on the server, by just looking at the reports that have been sent, making it a beneficial feature. NAKIVO Backup & Replication has positively impacted our organization by providing much cheaper pricing compared to other solutions, which means we have saved more money, and integrating it with our solution, the VMware vSphere, is not challenging.

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Michael Adejoh

Solutions Manager at Excel Connect Ventures

Reliable and cost-effective

One area where Synology DSM could improve is in enhancing its ability to detect and respond to security threats during backups and replication. Currently, it lacks the capability to automatically stop backups if it detects a virus or suspicious network activity, as some third-party solutions can. Having AI-driven analytics to identify anomalies and halt backups during potential attacks, along with notifications to administrators, would be valuable. Additionally, providing a dashboard for monitoring the backup environment's security would be a beneficial feature. These improvements would help address security concerns and make Synology more competitive in this aspect.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"We are able to take backups on a regular interval and restore data/VMs as we choose making the process work as advertised."

"This product provides cost-efficient and reliable backups."

"The interface is basic and very easy to use which is what we are looking for."

"We have been able to set up a failover site that has replicas of our critical VMs."

"The ability to restore in a catastrophic event is priceless, since every company must use a backup solution of some sort."

"NAKIVO gives us the security to retain valuable data backups and recover them in case of emergency."

"The ability to create a replica of all virtual machines is a great feature."

"The user interface is good, and it's user-friendly. I also like its usability with hyper-convergence products like Nutanix and others in the data infrastructure."

More NAKIVO Backup & Replication pros

"It offers a variety of software options through its package center, allowing users to customize their NAS device to serve multiple purposes."

"The most valuable features are the basic storage, file management, Btrfs file system, and built-in backups that come with the solution."

"The most valuable features of Synology DSM are its security and connectivity."

"The product performs well. It is easy to use and implement."

"The most valuable feature of the solution is that it serves as a backup for our company's virtual machine."

"Synology DSM is very easy to work and operate."

"The most valuable aspect is its ability to handle multiple disks."

"Because of its simplicity and the wide array of features it offers, I would recommend DSM for both tech-savvy individuals and those who prefer a straightforward file-serving solution."

More Synology DSM pros

Cons

"It would be a good thing to have some use case and architecture examples online to understand integration in complex infrastructure."

"While the solution provides mostly what we need, it would be ideal if there were some additional feature capabilities for the API."

"It would be helpful to be able to have a custom footprint so that only the required features are installed."

"Updating VM Tools on a replicated VM could be better."

"Their product is good and it meets our requirements, however, new features are also most welcome and we never hesitated to try new features."

"It'll help if they offered some automation and more usability for partners."

"The only thing we have encountered that we would like to see improved in the future are error messages. They could be more detailed and helpful, without the need to send logs to support. Failing that, the part of the log related to the error could be displayed alongside the error message, so I can investigate the error without looking through all of those logs that I'm able to download."

"Recently, I found out about one disadvantage of the NAKIVO agent that works on physical servers; they certified that they do not have a block tracking mechanism for physical Windows servers, so if a server is huge, say several terabytes, it cannot perform incremental backups and reads all the drives each time, which has left several of my customers suffering from this issue."

More NAKIVO Backup & Replication cons

"The only bothersome aspect is that the device is aging."

"The platform could be much more cost-effective and flexible for integrating third-party products."

"Synology DSM's user interface is not quite intuitive."

"Users may lose their data if they don't configure the solution properly."

"The product's only shortcoming is pricing, as it is an expensive solution."

"There's a surveillance application that allows you to connect IP cameras and stream footage to Synology and it is a great feature, but it's not always clear that adding more cameras may require purchasing additional licenses."

"One area where Synology DSM could improve is in enhancing its ability to detect and respond to security threats during backups and replication."

"Synology DSM is a good enough solution for small and medium companies, but I have not seen a big configuration of the solution for a big organization."

More Synology DSM cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Nakivo is cheaper per machine and per backup."

"I think the price is competitive. However, for some projects, it can be a bit much for price-sensitive small businesses."

"The price is not a problem in NAKIVO, as it is the most competitive in the market."

"Regarding the licensing, I would advise speaking to the Nakivo representatives and you can get the best option for your environment."

"The licensing model is crystal clear on the website."

"This product provides good value for the price."

"Talk to the sales department about all of the possibilities, as they will help you to find the best solution for your setup."

"Nakivo Backup & Replication also have another great value, which is that it is one of the lowest prices on the market."

More NAKIVO Backup & Replication pricing and cost advice

"Synology DSM is a cheap solution."

"The solution’s pricing is neither cheap nor expensive."

"The licensing part of the solution is free. The hardware is more expensive than the other solutions in the market, but it's okay in the long run."

"The pricing varies widely, catering to a broad range of needs."

"It is quite an affordable solution."

"Synology DSM is a free tool."

"The price of the solution is very good."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

14%

Manufacturing Company

12%

Comms Service Provider

Computer Software Company

14%

Government

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	80
Midsize Enterprise	16
Large Enterprise	9

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	8
Midsize Enterprise	4
Large Enterprise	1

Questions from the Community

How does Nakivo compare with Veeam Backup & Replication?

Nakivo is my favorite backup software. Below are the main benefits of Nakivo compared to Veeam 1. Low cost. 2. Backup storage with global deduplication (this is the main requirement of a backup sol...

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What do you like most about Nakivo?

NAKIVO Backup & Replication is very easy to use.

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Nakivo?

My experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing is very positive. The pricing is very low, and the licensing process makes it easy to obtain any quote.

See all answers

What do you like most about Synology DSM?

The most valuable features of Synology DSM are its security and connectivity.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Synology DSM?

The solution’s pricing is neither cheap nor expensive.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Synology DSM?

Users may lose their data if they don't configure the solution properly.

See all answers

Comparisons

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Compared 8% of the time

Hornetsecurity Altaro VM Backup vs NAKIVO Backup & Replication

Compared 7% of the time

HPE Zerto Software vs NAKIVO Backup & Replication

Compared 5% of the time

BDRShield vs NAKIVO Backup & Replication

Compared 4% of the time

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Veeam Data Platform vs Synology DSM

Compared 7% of the time

UrBackup vs Synology DSM

Compared 6% of the time

NetApp SnapCenter vs Synology DSM

Compared 6% of the time

GoodSync For Business vs Synology DSM

Compared 6% of the time

SyncBack Pro vs Synology DSM

Compared 3% of the time

More Synology DSM Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

NAKIVO Backup & Replication

January 2026

Download NAKIVO Backup & Replication product report

Buyer's Guide

Synology DSM

January 2026

Download Synology DSM product report

Also Known As

No data available

Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)

Overview

NAKIVO Backup & Replication delivers rapid deployment and intuitive management across environments like Windows, Linux, and NAS. It is known for fast VM recovery, robust data protection, and cloud integration with competitive pricing.

NAKIVO Backup & Replication supports diverse IT landscapes, offering efficient deduplication, offsite backups, and policy-based replication. Its granular file restores, effective compression, and seamless cloud integration make it a preferred choice for minimizing downtime and enhancing business resilience. Users highlight its security measures, flexible deployment options, and automatic backups as core strengths. However, further enhancements in interface refinement, storage array integrations, and broadened support for virtual technologies and physical machine backups could enhance user satisfaction. Users seek improved control over alerts, better reporting capabilities, and optimized deduplication and compression.

What are the key features of NAKIVO Backup & Replication?

Fast VM Recovery: Minimal downtime with quick restore options for virtual machines.
Deduplication & Compression: Efficient data storage through advanced deduplication techniques and compression.
Cloud Integration: Seamless operations with cloud platforms like AWS for flexible backup solutions.
Policy-Based Replication: Automated replication policies ensuring consistent and reliable data backup.
Granular File Restores: Restore specific files without needing full system recovery, saving time and resources.

What benefits should users look for when evaluating NAKIVO Backup & Replication?

Competitive Pricing: Cost-effective solution with robust features.
Ease of Use: Intuitive management for a hassle-free experience.
Reliable Performance: Consistent results in protecting and recovering data.
Strong Support: Responsive customer service catering to user needs.

In industries like technology and finance, NAKIVO Backup & Replication is essential for securing virtual environments such as VMware and Hyper-V. Its deployment on NAS devices and capability for offsite backups to cloud platforms like AWS are appreciated. Organizations utilize it for backup, replication, and recovery of virtual machines using daily and incremental methods, ensuring efficient data protection and disaster recovery processes.

Nakivo

Synology DSM (DiskStation Manager) is a comprehensive software platform designed for Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices. It serves as the operating system for these devices, providing a wide range of features and functionalities.

The primary use case of Synology DSM is to centralize and manage data storage for organizations. It allows businesses to store, access, and share files securely across multiple devices and platforms. With its intuitive user interface, DSM simplifies the management of data, making it easy to create shared folders, set access permissions, and monitor storage usage.

One of the most valuable functionalities of Synology DSM is its robust data protection capabilities. It offers various RAID configurations, including SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID), which ensures data redundancy and safeguards against drive failures. DSM also supports advanced backup and disaster recovery solutions, such as Snapshot Replication and Hyper Backup, enabling organizations to protect their critical data effectively.

Furthermore, Synology DSM provides a wide range of productivity and collaboration tools. It offers applications like Synology Drive, which allows seamless file synchronization across devices, and Synology Office, a web-based suite for document editing and collaboration. DSM also supports various third-party applications, including popular cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, enabling organizations to integrate their existing workflows seamlessly.

Synology

Sample Customers

Coca Cola, Honda, 3M, University of Arizona, University of Maryland, University of Arkansas, Johns Hopkins University, Marriott, Radisson Hotels and Resorts, Fujifilm, Eiffage

Information Not Available

Buyer's Guide

NAKIVO Backup & Replication vs. Synology DSM

December 2025

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