What are the best open source alternatives to Synology DSM?

The top open source alternatives to Synology DSM include Olares. These tools offer similar functionality while being free and open source.

Why choose an open source alternative to Synology DSM?

Open source alternatives provide transparency, community support, no vendor lock-in, and often cost savings. You can customize the software to your needs and have full control over your data.

Are these Synology DSM alternatives really free?

Yes, all listed alternatives are open source and free to use. You may need to pay for hosting if you self-host, but the software itself is free.

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Open Source Synology DSM Alternatives

A curated collection of the 1 best open source alternatives to Synology DSM.

The best open source alternative to Synology DSM is Olares. If that doesn't suit you, we've compiled a ranked list of other open source Synology DSM alternatives to help you find a suitable replacement.

Synology DSM alternatives are mainly Home Server Platforms. Browse these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Synology DSM.

Written by Piotr Kulpinski

Last updated: November 11, 2026

Synology DSM

Web-based OS for Synology NAS devices that turns network-attached storage into a home or business server with apps for files, media, backups, and containers.

Visit Synology DSM

Olares is a self-hosted personal cloud operating system built around data ownership and privacy. It runs on Kubernetes and turns hardware you own into a personal cloud for apps, files, and local AI.

Desktop experience: A browser-based desktop with a built-in launcher, file management, and a customizable workspace
App ecosystem: Install community apps from Olares Market, each running in an isolated environment under one unified account
AI tools integration: Run AI applications locally, including ComfyUI, Dify, and Open WebUI
Data consolidation: Bring local files, synced data, and connected cloud storage together in one place
Built-in security suite: A self-hosted password manager with end-to-end encryption and 2FA support

Deployment options:

Install on your own hardware for complete control
Use pre-configured hardware such as Olares One for a plug-and-play setup
Access everything remotely through permanent web addresses

Olares suits developers, privacy-conscious users, and teams that want to avoid vendor lock-in. Its Market also includes productivity tools like n8n for automation, NocoDB for data management, and Mattermost for team collaboration, all running on your own infrastructure.