Synology NAS vs Cloud Storage: Which Is Better in 2025?

🧠 Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should store your data on a Synology NAS or rely on cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, you’re not alone.
Both solutions offer convenience and security—but they differ greatly in privacy, cost, and control.

Let’s break down how they compare in 2025, so you can decide what’s best for your personal or business setup.

⚙️ 1. Storage Control & Ownership

• Synology NAS: Your data lives on your own device. No third-party access. You decide who connects and how.

• Cloud Storage: Your data sits on external servers. You depend on the provider’s security and uptime.

💡 If privacy is your top concern, Synology NAS wins.

💰 2. Cost Over Time

YearSynology NASCloud StorageYear 1₹35,000–₹50,000 (NAS + Drives)₹1,200–₹3,000/month (Google One / Dropbox)Year 2–5₹0 recurring (minor maintenance)₹15,000–₹25,000/year subscription

💡 Synology is a one-time investment that pays off in 2–3 years.

⚡ 3. Performance & Access Speed

• NAS: Faster on local network (especially with 2.5GbE or 10GbE).

• Cloud: Slower upload/download speed, depends on your internet.
  💡 If you work with large media files, NAS is clearly superior.

🔒 4. Security & Privacy

• Synology: You can enable firewalls, encryption, VPN (Tailscale), and 2FA.

• Cloud: Relies on provider’s encryption but you can’t verify backend security.
  💡 NAS gives you total control, but you must maintain it properly.

🌍 5. Access Anywhere

• NAS: Use Synology Drive, QuickConnect, or VPN to access your files from anywhere.

• Cloud: Automatically available from any device with login.

💡 Cloud wins for simplicity, NAS wins for flexibility.

🔁 6. Backup & Sync

• Synology NAS: Offers Hyper Backup, Synology Drive, and even cloud sync with Google Drive or OneDrive.

• Cloud Storage: Limited to syncing within their own ecosystem.

💡 NAS offers both local and hybrid cloud backups.

✅ Final Verdict:

If you want long-term control, privacy, and flexibility, Synology NAS is your best bet in 2025.
If you prioritize plug-and-play convenience, cloud storage may still suit you.

🚀 MNR Support Recommendation

The best solution is a Hybrid Setup — use Synology NAS for your main storage and sync critical folders to Google Drive or Synology C2 for offsite backup.

Need help configuring it?
👉 Book a Synology NAS Hybrid Cloud Setup with MNR Support