Side by side
Damselfly vs Synology Photos
Both stand on photo storage services. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2
Choose Damselfly for a large, carefully tagged photo library when self-hosted management and detailed search are priorities. Look elsewhere if you need supported non-Docker installation for a less technical setup, or video backup.
Visit Damselfly
Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+3
Synology Photos brings browsing, organization, backup, and sharing workflows together for users with a Synology NAS. Check NAS model support and the separate preview requirement if you rely on recognition or HEIC/HEVC media.
Visit Synology PhotosThe facts
| Damselfly | Synology Photos | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Android, Extension, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Synology Photos |
| Website | damselfly.info | synology.com |
| On photo storage services | #7 of 71 | #49 of 71 |
Damselfly: what it does well
- Searches partial-word phrases and filters across image details.
- Supports common image formats and several RAW formats.
- Writes keyword metadata without re-encoding JPEGs.
- Offers role-based accounts, including a tag-blocking ReadOnly role.
- Exports basket selections with watermarking or WordPress upload.
What to know first
- Initial thumbnail generation and AI processing can be CPU-intensive.
- Non-Docker installations are intended for experts and unsupported by the maker.
Synology Photos: what it does well
- Free, with no paid premium tiers listed
- Mobile app can back up photos and videos automatically
- Share links can use passwords or expiration dates
- Supports RAW files and automatic album grouping
What to know first
- Requires a Synology NAS for private storage
- Face and object recognition is limited to certain NAS models
- HEIC/HEVC previews require Synology Image Assistant
- Drag-and-drop uploads are limited to 5,000 files per upload
Alternatives to Damselfly Alternatives to Synology Photos The whole list