Synology DSM vs Unitrends comparison

Synology and Kaseya are both solutions in the Backup and Recovery category. Synology is ranked #52, while Kaseya is ranked #25 with an average rating of 10.0. Synology holds a 1.4% mindshare in BRS, compared to Kaseya’s 0.7% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Synology users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 85% of Kaseya users who would recommend it.

Synology DSM

Read 10 Synology DSM reviews

3,050 Views
3,020 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Unitrends

Read 35 Unitrends reviews

1,681 Views
1,614 Comparison Views

85% willing to recommend

Synology DSM

Unitrends

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report

Executive SummaryUpdated on Sep 11, 2024

Unitrends and Synology DSM are both robust data management solutions competing in the data management and backup space. Based on user reviews, while Unitrends excels in support and cost-effectiveness, Synology DSM is preferred for its superior feature set despite the higher price point.

Features: Unitrends offers comprehensive backup and recovery capabilities, streamlined management, and integration with various cloud services. Synology DSM provides versatile NAS functionalities, an intuitive management interface, and an extensive array of integrations and applications.

Room for Improvement: Unitrends users often highlight the need for a more streamlined upgrade process, better user documentation, and enhanced interface design. Synology DSM users point out issues with resource consumption, the need for improved data deduplication, and the desire for more streamlined user permissions management.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Unitrends is noted for its straightforward deployment process and responsive support team, which is highly praised by users. Synology DSM users find the deployment slightly more complex but benefit from comprehensive documentation and active community support.

Pricing and ROI: Unitrends delivers significant value with its cost-effective pricing and solid ROI. Synology DSM's higher initial setup cost is balanced by its extensive feature set and long-term benefits, offering a compelling return on investment due to its advanced functionalities.

To learn more, read our detailed Synology DSM vs. Unitrends Report (Updated: March 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Synology DSM vs. Unitrends

March 2026

Download the complete report

Helped 885,667 peers since 2012

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

Synology DSM

Ranking in Backup and Recovery

52nd

Average Rating

9.0

Reviews Sentiment

8.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Unitrends

Ranking in Backup and Recovery

25th

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

6.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2026, in the Backup and Recovery category, the mindshare of Synology DSM is 1.4%, down from 1.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Unitrends is 0.7%, up from 0.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Backup and Recovery Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Unitrends	0.7%
Synology DSM	1.4%
Other	97.9%

Backup and Recovery

Featured Reviews

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.

Read full review

Derek Schneider

Manager, Information Technology at a hospitality company with 201-500 employees

Daily recovery tests have validated restore readiness and ensured consistent data protection

The best features of Unitrends include the daily reporting functionality. When backups fail, it is obvious in the logs what caused the issue. Most times it is a credential problem, which is relatively easy to resolve. Though I have experienced a few more challenging issues, nothing has affected critical backup restore functionality. Every time I have needed to restore something, it has worked successfully. The support team is readily available when I need assistance, and they help walk me through issues, solving them within a reasonable timeframe. The automated backup scheduling feature has helped our organization in managing backup timelines and consistency by handling all the work automatically. We set the schedule, breaking things into smaller chunks since our main common area for files is large. I have staggered the backups so some areas receive more attention than others, particularly for less active data. Adding, removing, excluding, and inputting elements is straightforward. The system makes it simple to schedule portions and generate reports on their functionality. The impact of Unitrends' instant recovery features on strengthening data security measures is significant. I generally use instant recovery when restoring specific files or instances where we need data that has changed. The process involves loading the backup, selecting the desired version, waiting for it to unpack, and retrieving the file. Every restore attempt has been successful. I run instant recovery daily in test mode on two virtual machines. I use it to test my domain controller and file server to ensure they communicate properly in the test environment. This ensures that in case of failure, I can activate the recovery and restore server functionality.

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

"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 aspect is its ability to handle multiple disks."

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

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

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

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

"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

"The nice thing with this appliance is you do not have to worry about server licencing, and it's separate from the SAN."

"For what it's designed for, I will rate this product a nine and a half out of ten."

"I like the fact that you can recover the VMs inside the appliance. For example, they're basically running this appliance on a Linux-based distribution, and they're spinning off KVM virtual machines inside."

"Customer Service: Awesome support. Technical Support: Awesome support."

"VM backup is much faster and more reliable, as I can test my backups with Data Copy Access jobs."

"If you are a large organization or corporation, with multiple sites, you can replicate the data from one Unitrends device to another Unitrends appliance, then this is definitely a solution for you."

"It's not easy to scale it."

"Unitrends changed my backup window to half the time spent before and the space used too, the de-duplication is very high"

More Unitrends pros

Cons

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

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

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

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

"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."

"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."

"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."

More Synology DSM cons

"There are a few quirks where the GUI, agent, and back-end are not precisely meshed."

"The console is pretty complex. It's not so easy to use."

"The ability to run just differentials without pulling the full on your archive."

"The solution’s support and onboarding process needs to be improved."

"If the interface could be less complex, it would be great. It's not the easiest to get around and to work with."

"It seems like Unitrends moved away from enterprise customer engagement and moved more towards the managed service provider market."

"Follow up for the DRaaS service setup. I'm still waiting to schedule a DRaaS test after upgrading several months ago."

"I would like to see more storage options for the free version."

More Unitrends cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"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."

"It is quite an affordable solution."

"Synology DSM is a free tool."

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

"The price of the solution is very good."

"Synology DSM is a cheap solution."

"Initial pricing is competitive. Renewal pricing is steep, so make sure to project costs for the lifetime of the appliance(s)."

"Unitrends is an expensive solution."

"With respect to cost, my advice is to get what you need."

"Pricing model constantly changes."

"Make sure you do the homework to size the solution properly. Buy the Enterprise Plus licensing if you can afford it."

"The cost of Unitrends definitely draws you in. The licensing is all included in the appliance, which is a great incentive."

"No comment."

"Their licensing depended on the number of CPUs you had."

More Unitrends pricing and cost advice

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Backup and Recovery solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

885,667 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

12%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Healthcare Company

Manufacturing Company

16%

Retailer

11%

Construction Company

10%

Marketing Services Firm

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

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

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	12
Midsize Enterprise	16
Large Enterprise	8

Questions from the Community

Ask a question

Earn 20 points

What needs improvement with Unitrends?

I would evaluate the impact of Unitrends' ransomware detection for strengthening our data security measures as somewhat misleading. The ransomware detection from the appliance incorrectly identifie...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Unitrends?

Our main use case for Unitrends is taking our on-premise virtual machines or bulk data store and backing it up on a daily basis, or more frequently depending on requirements, and testing the virtua...

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering Unitrends?

Regarding Unitrends' integration with leading cloud services, I utilize Spanning, which handles Microsoft 365 environment backup for a location without direct file server access. Their SharePoint d...

See all answers

Comparisons

Veeam Data Platform vs Synology DSM

Compared 6% of the time

UrBackup vs Synology DSM

Compared 5% of the time

GoodSync For Business vs Synology DSM

Compared 4% of the time

NetApp SnapCenter vs Synology DSM

Compared 3% of the time

NAKIVO Backup & Replication vs Synology DSM

Compared 3% of the time

More Synology DSM Competitors

Veeam Data Platform vs Unitrends

Compared 17% of the time

Rubrik vs Unitrends

Compared 17% of the time

Cohesity DataProtect vs Unitrends

Compared 12% of the time

Acronis Cyber Protect vs Unitrends

Compared 6% of the time

Veritas Backup Exec vs Unitrends

Compared 5% of the time

More Unitrends Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Synology DSM

March 2026

Download Synology DSM product report

Buyer's Guide

Unitrends

March 2026

Download Unitrends product report

Also Known As

Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)

No data available

Overview

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

Unitrends offers cloud replication, remote management, and instant recovery, making it highly versatile for backup needs across physical and virtual nodes. Its seamless functionality and robust support ensure enhanced operational efficiency.

Unitrends is known for its ability to integrate with physical and virtual environments, ideal for backing up Azure VMs, local systems, and diverse operating systems. Users employ Unitrends for daily backups, disaster recovery, and file recovery tasks, protecting servers, VMware, Hyper-V clusters, and legacy systems. Real-time synchronization and monitoring are key to its efficiency, although some areas like interface and support structure require refinement. Pricing and stability concerns, as well as SQL backup sensitivity, suggest room for improvement. Users often encounter issues with billing, renewals, and dual VPN support, seeking more scalable and affordable options.

What are the key features of Unitrends?

Cloud Replication: Enables seamless backup across cloud environments.
Instant Recovery: Provides immediate access to data during disruptions.
Remote Management: Facilitates easy management of backup tasks remotely.
Global Deduplication: Significantly reduces backup sizes.
Real-time Synchronization: Ensures up-to-date data storage.

What benefits should users expect from Unitrends?

Operational Efficiency: Enhanced through its seamless interface and powerful reporting.
Reliability: Offers robust protection against ransomware.
Versatility: Supports diverse operating systems and environments.
Technical Support: Provides consistent and reliable assistance.

In industries like healthcare, financial services, and education, Unitrends plays a critical role in maintaining data integrity and accessibility. It is implemented to simplify backup processes, minimize downtime, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations, offering a comprehensive security strategy.

Kaseya

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

NHL Players Association, Salvation Army, Sligro Food Group, Mason General Hospital, Tec Group, Saldab IT, Baker Tilly, Clinton Savings Bank, Ennit Magna Bank, Manukau Institute of Technology

Buyer's Guide

Synology DSM vs. Unitrends

March 2026

Free Report: Synology DSM vs. Unitrends

Find out what your peers are saying about Synology DSM vs. Unitrends and other solutions. Updated: March 2026.

DOWNLOAD NOW

885,667 professionals have used our research since 2012.

See our Synology DSM vs. Unitrends report.

See our list of best Backup and Recovery vendors.

We monitor all Backup and Recovery reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.