Side by side
FamilyAlbum 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 AndroidiPhoneWeb
FamilyAlbum focuses on private family sharing, with monthly organization, comments, viewing indicators, and print options. The free plan offers unlimited photo and video storage; paid plans add features that vary by tier.
Visit FamilyAlbum
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
| FamilyAlbum | Synology Photos | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Android, Extension, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Premium One: $2.99 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Synology Photos |
| Website | family-album.com | synology.com |
| On photo storage services | #17 of 71 | #49 of 71 |
FamilyAlbum: what it does well
- Uploads are organized into albums by month
- Album access is limited to invited family members
- Owners can see whether family viewed photos
- Free plan includes unlimited photo and video storage
- 11 free prints per family member each month
What to know first
- No desktop app is listed
- Computer uploads require a Premium subscription
- Bulk downloads are app-only and limited by download permission
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
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