Created in Taiwan, Synology is a popular solution for Network Attached Storage (NAS) and it allows home and business users to store a large amount of data in a central location. This storage location can then be accessed via Local Area Network (LAN). Multiple users can access single copies of files and data can be accessed locally or via internet when you are on the go. Synology NAS devices can be used to store multimedia files, security systems, data from Smart TVs and more.
Since Sinology devices hold a large number of files, it is important to take steps to ensure that the data is not lost. The fact that there is a centralized storage location means that there is no duplicate, this is why it is crucial to use a back up solution for Synology. Although there are many cloud backup services available, only a few of them support Synology devices. Furthermore, looking for an affordable solution is essential since it is likely that you will need to back up a lot of data. Below you will find a list of the most convenient and secure cloud backup services for Sinology.
HiDrive
HiDrive aims to offer a backup solution that is very easy to use. The fact that it is recommended by Synology itself means that it is a reliable and efficient option for this purpose. Their file sharing feature is very practical and you can create links and send them to friends, family and colleagues, giving them read-only access or editing permission. With HiDrive, you can create online albums with your photos and share them. The paid plans allow you to set passwords to protect the file links. The downside is that it is not possible to schedule backups or set them as automatic, which can be inconvenient for those who need to back up a large amount of data.
Although HiDrive doesn’t keep different versions of a file, it captures snapshots of the full backup at determined time intervals. These intervals can be chosen by you in the settings. While HiDrive makes things simple when it comes to sharing files and it is ideal for Synology, it doesn’t offer private encryption and data is only encrypted during transfer using SSL. HiDrive is a free solution that offers up to 5GB.
CrashPlan
CrashPlan is one of the most popular options in the industry thanks to the advanced technology it offers and the affordability of its plans. Although backing up data from Synology is not as straightforward as backing up data from your computer, the option is supported and you will be able to find online guides to complete this task. Basically, after setting up CrashPlan, you can start Synology through its Web interface. The option should be available once you have downloaded and installed the backup service.
The backup process may take a while, but it is worth it since all the data that Synology devices store, will be secure. CrashPlan retains unlimited file version and you can easily restore files. CrashPlan may not be exactly an easy to use solution and new users may need some time to get familiar with the service. However, it offers high security to protect your data and unlimited storage for only $5 per month when you subscribe for one year.
ElephantDrive
ElephantDrive stands out for offering a great level of privacy and it is available by default on many Synology drives, which simplifies things. You can backup Synology on all the the plans that ElephantDrive offers. The installation process is simple and the wizard will take you through every step. The features supported include incremental backup, continuous backup and scheduling so you can adjust the backup to match your needs. File sharing is also available and ElephantDrive retains unlimited file versions that can be accessed whenever you need them.
Amazon S3 server is used to store data and 256-bit encryption is used to protect the data. You can also set up a personal key. There is a free plan that offers up to 2GB and their Personal plan starts at $9.95 per month for 100 GB of storage. While it ends up being more expensive than other options if you need to backup a lot of data, it is a practical option for Synology.
Symform
This is another practical solution for Synology, particularly since they give you 2GB of cloud space for every 1GB of Synology space given to Symform. Additionally, all Synology users get 10GB of free storage space without any conditions. If you volunteer extra Synology storage to Symform, you can even get additional storage space. Although the claims of “free unlimited storage” should be taken with a pinch of salt, Symform could be a practical option given that it is easy to install and of course, works very well with Synology. While they don’t offer private encryption, data is encrypted with 256-bit AES on the server side. Paid plans are also available, but they are high when compared to other services as they start at $10 per month for 100GB.
Glacier Backup
Although Glacier Backup doesn’t offer private encryption, when you sign up you get a User ID and a key to access the service. Data is encrypted on the server side with 256-bit AES, which keeps it secure. Additionally, they give you the option to move your data to servers in Asia or Europe if you are concerned about NSA’s surveillance and don’t want to store your data in the US. The service doesn’t offer many advanced features, but it can be complicated to use, particularly for new users.
It should be noted that the service can’t recover files or small folders that have been accidentally deleted. However, it offers file syncing, scheduling and other options. The price depends on the data center selected and the amount of data, bit in general, Glacier is quite affordable. It is a suitable option for Synology users who need to backup large files.
