HPE Zerto Software vs Synology DSM comparison

Why PeerSpot?

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Synology are both solutions in the Backup and Recovery category. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is ranked #2 with an average rating of 9.1, while Synology is ranked #48. Hewlett Packard Enterprise holds a 1.9% mindshare in BRS, compared to Synology’s 1.3% mindshare. Additionally, 98% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Synology users who would recommend it.

HPE Zerto Software

Read 363 HPE Zerto Software reviews

26,822 Views
15,020 Comparison Views

98% willing to recommend

Synology DSM

Read 10 Synology DSM reviews

5,074 Views
5,023 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

HPE Zerto Software

Synology DSM

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 22, 2026

HPE Zerto Software and Synology DSM compete in data management solutions. HPE Zerto Software holds the upper hand in specialized features, while Synology DSM is stronger in comprehensive storage and system management.

Features: HPE Zerto Software includes near-synchronous replication, automated failover, and ransomware protection, making it suitable for enterprises needing specialized disaster recovery. Synology DSM offers robust storage management, easy file sharing, and high data integrity, appealing to users seeking an all-in-one data management solution.

Room for Improvement: HPE Zerto Software could enhance its cloud-based analytics, streamline Hyper-V services, and reduce initial setup complexity. Synology DSM can improve speed of storage access, enhance multi-device synchronization, and expand automated data backup options.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: HPE Zerto Software provides straightforward deployment with strong support infrastructure for easy enterprise integration. Synology DSM offers intuitive setup and comprehensive support, praised for its simplicity in system management.

Pricing and ROI: HPE Zerto Software typically has a higher setup cost, promising significant ROI in data protection. Synology DSM is more cost-effective with long-term value, delivering versatile functionality at lower initial costs.

To learn more, read our detailed HPE Zerto Software vs. Synology DSM Report (Updated: September 2026).

Buyer's Guide

HPE Zerto Software vs. Synology DSM

September 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

HPE Zerto Software

Ranking in Backup and Recovery

2nd

Average Rating

9.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.1

Number of Reviews

363

Ranking in other categories

Cloud Migration (1st), Cloud Backup (2nd), Disaster Recovery (DR) Software (1st), Autonomous Operational Resilience (1st)

Synology DSM

Ranking in Backup and Recovery

48th

Average Rating

9.0

Reviews Sentiment

8.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2026, in the Backup and Recovery category, the mindshare of HPE Zerto Software is 1.9%, down from 2.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Synology DSM is 1.3%, down from 1.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Backup and Recovery Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
HPE Zerto Software	1.9%
Synology DSM	1.3%
Other	96.8%

Backup and Recovery

Featured Reviews

Aslah Faseel K

DevOps Engineer at a media company with 201-500 employees

Near-zero downtime has protected critical workloads and now simplifies hybrid cloud recovery

The best features of HPE Zerto Software are mainly very sophisticated and relevant to the current market. The data protection CDP part has real-time replication, unlike other solutions that have snapshot backups. We can set it up hourly, making it ideal for use with workloads. Another attraction is the near-zero RTO, with automated failover within minutes and one-click failover and failback. Currently, we are using a hybrid cloud solution, and HPE Zerto Software supports multi-cloud environments, making it easy to migrate between on-premises and cloud. Regarding the impact of HPE Zerto Software on our RTOs, we have near-zero RTO, meaning the system must be back online within thirty minutes if we measure the time. It is very quick to recover services. With HPE Zerto Software's near-synchronous replication, we have some CDP protection, so we typically write interceptions along with some asynchronous replication. There is almost real-time replication available.

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Manuel Schulte

Python Developer at BNP Paribas Asset Management

A reliable and user-friendly solution for effective backup, storage, and multimedia needs

In terms of scalability, I would currently rate it an eight out of ten due to its aging nature. While I don't have access to all the latest features available on more recent devices, at the time of purchase, considering its capabilities then, I would have given it a solid ten.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"It has simplified our disaster recovery plan."

"The simplicity of replication and test failover make this a very easy-to-use solution."

"The replication feature and DR functionality are most valuable. Zerto has many options when a new server is being provisioned."

"Its ease of use and the ability to have a reliable solution for disaster recovery has become invaluable to us."

"Files can also be extracted from the VMDK at the remote site even when the VM is off."

"Zerto's scalability has been good."

"In general, when we have done our recent testing using the Zerto portions, once we say, "Okay, we are doing this now," it is taking less than three minutes on average for the systems to be fully back online at the new location once we start."

"In terms of continuous data protection, it's the best product that we've found that does this. It's not snapshot-based. It's continuous, so there are no specific points in time we have to worry about recovering to or from. It's pretty much any time, as long as it's within our replication window."

More HPE Zerto Software pros

"Because of its simplicity and the wide array of features it offers, I would recommend DSM for both tech-savvy individuals and those who prefer a straightforward file-serving solution."

"Synology DSM is very easy to work and operate."

"The most valuable aspect is its ability to handle multiple disks."

"The product performs well. It is easy to use and implement."

"It offers a variety of software options through its package center, allowing users to customize their NAS device to serve multiple purposes."

"The solution's most valuable feature stems from its ease of use, making it the tool's most interesting part."

"The most valuable feature of the solution is that it serves as a backup for our company's virtual machine."

"The most valuable features of Synology DSM are its security and connectivity."

More Synology DSM pros

Cons

"The HPE Zerto Software could be improved by including the ability to use FIDO keys or some kind of hard token for local accounts, not just a straight password or an external MFA, but a physical token."

"Compared to other products, I would praise the intuitiveness of the product. But I think that can always be improved. The intuitiveness of the graphical user interface, while it is very solid and I don't have issues navigating it. I would say that it can always be improved."

"It is a little expensive."

"Customer service and technical support need improvement."

"HPE Zerto Software can be improved by allowing a system inside my makeshift vault to reach out to the other system and pull backups inside, which would let me punch fewer holes."

"There are quite a few elements in the long-term retention areas that I wish were better."

"Check your cloud providers. You don't have to host the DR side yourself. Also, look at folks other than Azure and AWS. The hidden/surprise costs will knock your socks off."

"I would like to request better reporting in Zerto. I can see the data that I need in the console, but if I need to put the data or the history into a report, it is difficult. It is something that auditors might require, so reporting is something that needs to be improved."

More HPE Zerto Software cons

"The only bothersome aspect is that the device is aging."

"Synology DSM's user interface is not quite intuitive."

"There's a surveillance application that allows you to connect IP cameras and stream footage to Synology and it is a great feature, but it's not always clear that adding more cameras may require purchasing additional licenses."

"The platform could be much more cost-effective and flexible for integrating third-party products."

"Even though Synology provides a backup solution, it does not recognize the VM movement across cluster hosts."

"One area where Synology DSM could improve is in enhancing its ability to detect and respond to security threats during backups and replication."

"Synology DSM is a good enough solution for small and medium companies, but I have not seen a big configuration of the solution for a big organization."

"The product's only shortcoming is pricing, as it is an expensive solution."

More Synology DSM cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It is very expensive. It is overpriced. No doubt. What held us up for many years from committing to buying it was always the cost. That's also why we only have 10 licenses."

"It's fair. My biggest gripe with Zerto is the initial scoping. What we were promised didn't work with what we ended up with."

"It is not cheap, but it is reasonable for what it is offering. It gives me the peace of mind that my data is protected. It is worth the cost."

"Zerto previously had a perplexing licensing structure, but they have since resolved it by implementing a unified license."

"When we purchased Zerto, we felt it was worth the cost as it would protect us from any potential problems and give us peace of mind knowing that any critical items could be recovered quickly."

"It's expensive, for sure, but for us, it comes down to the fact that we do not replicate our entire environment using Zerto. We replicate the mission-critical servers and services, so the yearly cost of Zerto is heavily outweighed by the potential cost of an outage."

"There is a lot of confusion with Zerto licensing. They have a migration license and a replication license. They should simplify the licensing process. The migration license costs a lot of money, and it is only on a one-time basis. If you use that license, it ties to that VM. I might re-migrate that VM in the next five to ten years. It is another environment, but my license is stuck there. The replication license is fine, and I have no issue with its pricing model, but they should simplify the migration license."

"The licensing is a little bit steep, but there is some value that you do get for it as well."

More HPE Zerto Software pricing and cost advice

"The solution’s pricing is neither cheap nor expensive."

"It is quite an affordable solution."

"The licensing part of the solution is free. The hardware is more expensive than the other solutions in the market, but it's okay in the long run."

"The price of the solution is very good."

"Synology DSM is a free tool."

"The pricing varies widely, catering to a broad range of needs."

"Synology DSM is a cheap solution."

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Comparison Review

it_user159711

Architect at a tech services company with 51-200 employees

Nov 9, 2014

VMware SRM vs. Veeam vs. Zerto

Disaster recovery planning is something that seems challenging for all businesses. Virtualization in addition to its operational flexibility, and cost reduction benefits, has helped companies improve their DR posture. Virtualization has made it easier to move machines from production to…

Read full review

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Outsourcing Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Construction Company

Comms Service Provider

12%

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	97
Midsize Enterprise	94
Large Enterprise	208

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	8
Midsize Enterprise	4
Large Enterprise	1

Questions from the Community

What advice do you have for others considering Oracle Data Guard?

Ik fluister:VM Host Oracle en DataGuard hebben we per toeval vervangen door Zerto :-) tijdens de Zerto implementatie en VPG werden de Host Data in write-ack Block-Level gerepliceerd. Qua licentie 1...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Zerto?

My experience with the price, implementation costs, and licensing of HPE Zerto Software is that, as I mentioned before, the licensing is somewhat complicated and the prices are a bit high.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Zerto?

I believe HPE Zerto Software could improve in certain aspects that emerged after HPE acquired this software. Following the acquisition of this product by HPE, I think there are certain aspects that...

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AWS Elastic Disaster Recovery vs HPE Zerto Software

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Compared 5% of the time

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Compared 3% of the time

HPE StoreEver Tape vs Synology DSM

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Datto Endpoint Backup vs Synology DSM

Compared 3% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

HPE Zerto Software

October 2026

Download HPE Zerto Software product report

Buyer's Guide

Synology DSM

September 2026

Download Synology DSM product report

Also Known As

Zerto Virtual Replication

Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)

Overview

Zerto is used for disaster recovery, business continuity, data migration, and ransomware recovery, providing continuous data protection and near real-time replication. Valued for ease of use, efficient failover processes, and versatile integration, it enhances organizational efficiency, reduces errors, and boosts productivity.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Synology DSM offers a comprehensive disk management and virtualization backup solution, known for its seamless connectivity across Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, enabling both novice and expert users to efficiently organize and secure their digital data.

Synology DSM integrates intuitive features like the Btrfs file system, built-in backups, and Active Backup for Business, streamlining application installations such as Plex Media Server and Docker. It provides robust security and versatility, supporting VPNs, web servers, and virtualization. Synology DSM is utilized for data backup in virtual machines, local user management, file-sharing networks, and remote file accessibility. It assists organizations in centralized data replication and protection, managing multiple terabytes across locations while serving as a firewall and file management system.

What features does Synology DSM offer?

Disk Management: Efficiently manages storage across multiple platforms.
Seamless Connectivity: Supports Mac, Windows, and Linux for a unified experience.
Btrfs File System: Offers advanced data protection and recovery options.
Active Backup for Business: Provides comprehensive backup solutions for critical data.
Versatility: Supports VPN, web servers, and virtualization for expanded utility.

What benefits should users consider?

Security: Maintains data integrity and protection across networks.
Stability: Ensures consistent operation for essential applications.
Ease of Use: Facilitates straightforward installation and management of applications.
Scalability: Handles large-scale data replication and protection efficiently.

In industries like IT and media, Synology DSM is an effective tool for centralized data management and security. Businesses rely on its extensive backup capabilities to manage and protect large datasets, enabling effective collaboration and remote access solutions across locations. Users incorporate its add-ons to enhance network deployment and connectivity, optimizing data flow and operational efficiency.

Synology

Sample Customers

United Airlines, HCA, XPO Logistics, TaxSlayer, McKesson, Insight Global, American Airlines, Tencate, Aaron’s, Grey’s County, Kingston Technologies

Information Not Available

Buyer's Guide

HPE Zerto Software vs. Synology DSM

September 2026

Free Report: HPE Zerto Software vs. Synology DSM

Find out what your peers are saying about HPE Zerto Software vs. Synology DSM and other solutions. Updated: September 2026.

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