NetApp SnapCenter vs Synology DSM comparison

Why PeerSpot?

NetApp and Synology are both solutions in the Backup and Recovery category. NetApp is ranked #35 with an average rating of 8.0, while Synology is ranked #49. NetApp holds a 0.8% mindshare in BRS, compared to Synology’s 1.3% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of NetApp users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Synology users who would recommend it.

NetApp SnapCenter

Read 28 NetApp SnapCenter reviews

4,316 Views
4,187 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Synology DSM

Read 10 Synology DSM reviews

5,420 Views
5,366 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

NetApp SnapCenter

Synology DSM

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Sep 11, 2024

NetApp SnapCenter and Synology DSM compete in the data management category. Despite NetApp SnapCenter’s strength in support and initial setup, Synology DSM has the upper hand due to its comprehensive features and overall user satisfaction.

Features: NetApp SnapCenter offers centralized management, robust backup capabilities, and high support ratings. Synology DSM provides an extensive app ecosystem, user-friendly design, and a broader feature set.

Room for Improvement: NetApp SnapCenter needs greater scalability, reduced setup complexity, and better integration with third-party services. Synology DSM requires improved third-party service integration, enhanced mobile access, and more advanced scalability.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: NetApp SnapCenter has detailed and complex setup processes but is backed by highly rated customer support. Synology DSM is known for its straightforward installation process and responsive customer service.

Pricing and ROI: NetApp SnapCenter is considered a valuable investment with substantial ROI, although it can be pricey. Synology DSM offers competitive pricing with quicker ROI due to lower upfront costs.

To learn more, read our detailed NetApp SnapCenter vs. Synology DSM Report (Updated: November 2026).

Buyer's Guide

NetApp SnapCenter vs. Synology DSM

November 2026

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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

NetApp SnapCenter

Ranking in Backup and Recovery

35th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Synology DSM

Ranking in Backup and Recovery

49th

Average Rating

9.0

Reviews Sentiment

8.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of November 2026, in the Backup and Recovery category, the mindshare of NetApp SnapCenter is 0.8%, up from 0.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Synology DSM is 1.3%, down from 1.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Backup and Recovery Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
NetApp SnapCenter	0.8%
Synology DSM	1.3%
Other	97.9%

Backup and Recovery

Featured Reviews

SaneeshC

Sr. engineer at Sify Technologies

Has reduced backup time for large workloads and supports smooth workload migration

Role-based access control and multi-factor authentication are security features available in NetApp SnapCenter. The one-time password comes to our multi-factor authentication tool; we work with Cisco Duo, and that OTP is generated through that tool, which we use to access the device. There are different options through which we can migrate workloads without downtime. The user interface is very easy to handle and not complicated. There are multiple features that make NetApp SnapCenter valuable. In case of any job failure, we get an alert over email. For jobs replicating from site A to site B, we know how long it will take to complete that replication. All that information is available in the console, and there aren't any difficulties or objections that need to be improved.

Read full review

Manuel Schulte

Python Developer at BNP Paribas Asset Management

A reliable and user-friendly solution for effective backup, storage, and multimedia needs

In terms of scalability, I would currently rate it an eight out of ten due to its aging nature. While I don't have access to all the latest features available on more recent devices, at the time of purchase, considering its capabilities then, I would have given it a solid ten.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"A feature that stands out is cloning databases. If you have a SQL database and it's huge, like one terabyte, the classical SQL way would be to do a backup-restore to create a clone of your database for test purposes. With SnapCenter now, we can clone a database but through the Snapshot technology, which means if you right-click and you click Clone, the one terabyte database is there instantly."

"It allows us to easily take a Snapshot and use it with any backup tools."

"What is very handy for our clients is the consolidated view. They have a dashboard with everything, through a single pane of glass. This is what they really need because, within seconds, they can have a good overview and see if there are any errors or any issues."

"It's integrated with VMware vCenter. You can also see the backups there and you can do a restore completely out of vCenter."

"From the feedback I've heard from clients, they do experience time savings with this solution."

"The support from NetApp is very good, and I would rate it as ten points."

"Restoring and cloning are easy to do."

"Technical support has been very helpful when we have issues."

More NetApp SnapCenter pros

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

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

"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."

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

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

"The solution's most valuable feature stems from its ease of use, making it the tool's most interesting part."

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

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

More Synology DSM pros

Cons

"Since the solution's initial setup is complex, it should make training documents available in the public space."

"If it was possible to create backups on non-NetApp storage, that would be helpful."

"The Dashboard view needs to be more compressed with better ease of access and drill-down features. They should also reinstate Linux filesystem backups of storage volumes (which existed in the prior version)."

"The documentation could be a little bit better so that we could handle more of the troubleshooting ourselves, rather than having to go through support."

"NetApp technical support is struggling. I feel there is definitely room for improvement in tech support."

"If nothing changes it works fine, but we faced some issues twice after we upgraded to the next SnapCenter release."

"The UI, the User Interface, needs to be improved. It's not as clean or modern as it could be."

"Some of the minor functionalities from SnapManager did not transfer over to SnapCenter. These should be added in future releases."

More NetApp SnapCenter cons

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

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

"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."

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

"Even though Synology provides a backup solution, it does not recognize the VM movement across cluster hosts."

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

"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."

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

More Synology DSM cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The licensing is well-designed because it's already included in some packages with NetApp storage. Therefore, for most customers, it's okay as the SnapCenter license is already included in some NetApp bundles."

"We see a financial value with SnapCenter because we don't have to license Commvault, which is pretty expensive."

"It's free. The license is included with other NetApp products."

"We have a site license, so it comes with the product."

"Pricing is very good because if you already have NepApp controllers, then it's included."

"The product is inexpensive."

"It comes free with the amount of equipment we purchase from NetApp. In terms of pricing, zero is my favorite number."

"The license for SnapCenter was included with the storage array."

"Synology DSM is a cheap solution."

"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."

"The price of the solution is very good."

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

"Synology DSM is a free tool."

"It is quite an affordable solution."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Construction Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Comms Service Provider

11%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

12%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Computer Software Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	8
Midsize Enterprise	9
Large Enterprise	12

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

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for NetApp SnapCenter?

The product team handles the commercial aspects of pricing.

See all answers

What needs improvement with NetApp SnapCenter?

We have not started much with the automation capability in NetApp SnapCenter. Regarding the integration aspect, I am not certain about its complexity, as this was built by the OEM NetApp team.

See all answers

What is your primary use case for NetApp SnapCenter?

The major use case for NetApp SnapCenter is that our customer previously used Commvault. For huge VMs with sizes of five TB or 10 TB, taking the file level backup in Commvault took a long time, oft...

See all answers

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Comparisons

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Compared 6% of the time

Commvault Cloud vs NetApp SnapCenter

Compared 3% of the time

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Compared 5% of the time

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Compared 4% of the time

HPE StoreEver Tape vs Synology DSM

Compared 3% of the time

SyncBack Pro vs Synology DSM

Compared 3% of the time

GoodSync For Business vs Synology DSM

Compared 2% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

NetApp SnapCenter

October 2026

Download NetApp SnapCenter product report

Buyer's Guide

Synology DSM

October 2026

Download Synology DSM product report

Also Known As

SnapCenter

Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)

Overview

NetApp SnapCenter offers centralized management for backup and recovery, enhancing data protection and operation efficiency by integrating with storage systems and simplifying application management.

NetApp SnapCenter improves data protection with its centralized management, supporting essential enterprise functions with backup, restore processes, and fast recovery. Its ease of deployment, simplistic operational management, instant cloning, and role-based control contribute to its value. Integration with VMware streamlines virtualization tasks and promotes rapid restoration. While serving diverse environments like VMware, SQL, Oracle, and HANA databases, SnapCenter integrates well with existing systems but can enhance cloud integration and replication capabilities. Many enterprises leverage SnapCenter's centralized capabilities to maximize data management efficiency, managing extensive data seamlessly.

What are the key features of NetApp SnapCenter?

Centralized Management: Simplifies backup and management across environments.
Integrated Storage and Backup: Allows seamless data handling and recovery.
Instant Cloning: Promotes rapid data replication and testing.
Role-Based Access Control: Enhances security with customized user access.
VMware Integration: Streamlines virtualization tasks while ensuring quick restoration.

What benefits and ROI should users look for?

Efficient Data Recovery: Faster restoration minimizes downtime.
Simplified Deployment: Quick implementation with comprehensive reporting.
Enhanced Performance: Application-aware backups improve system efficiency.
Reduced Operational Costs: Effective data management maximizes ROI.

Enterprises in sectors such as technology, finance, and healthcare implement NetApp SnapCenter for reliable data recovery and protection. The tool supports databases like Oracle for efficient application-aware operations, enhancing business continuity and reducing data-related risks.

NetApp

Synology DSM offers a comprehensive disk management and virtualization backup solution, known for its seamless connectivity across Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, enabling both novice and expert users to efficiently organize and secure their digital data.

Synology DSM integrates intuitive features like the Btrfs file system, built-in backups, and Active Backup for Business, streamlining application installations such as Plex Media Server and Docker. It provides robust security and versatility, supporting VPNs, web servers, and virtualization. Synology DSM is utilized for data backup in virtual machines, local user management, file-sharing networks, and remote file accessibility. It assists organizations in centralized data replication and protection, managing multiple terabytes across locations while serving as a firewall and file management system.

What features does Synology DSM offer?

Disk Management: Efficiently manages storage across multiple platforms.
Seamless Connectivity: Supports Mac, Windows, and Linux for a unified experience.
Btrfs File System: Offers advanced data protection and recovery options.
Active Backup for Business: Provides comprehensive backup solutions for critical data.
Versatility: Supports VPN, web servers, and virtualization for expanded utility.

What benefits should users consider?

Security: Maintains data integrity and protection across networks.
Stability: Ensures consistent operation for essential applications.
Ease of Use: Facilitates straightforward installation and management of applications.
Scalability: Handles large-scale data replication and protection efficiently.

In industries like IT and media, Synology DSM is an effective tool for centralized data management and security. Businesses rely on its extensive backup capabilities to manage and protect large datasets, enabling effective collaboration and remote access solutions across locations. Users incorporate its add-ons to enhance network deployment and connectivity, optimizing data flow and operational efficiency.

Synology

Sample Customers

All for One Steeb AG, Accenture

Information Not Available

Buyer's Guide

NetApp SnapCenter vs. Synology DSM

November 2026

Free Report: NetApp SnapCenter vs. Synology DSM

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