NAS, VPN or RoomDisk Anywhere: reaching your files from away
Want your home files on your phone when you’re out, without paying for cloud storage? There are three common ways. They differ mostly in what you need to buy and how much you need to set up.
| NAS with its app | Home computer + VPN | RoomDisk Anywhere | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Buy a NAS and drives | A computer you own | A computer, tablet or phone you own |
| Setup | Install, create accounts, set up remote access | Install a VPN on each device, share folders | Open a web page, scan a code once |
| Runs when you’re not looking | Yes, always on | While the computer is on | While the disk is on with RoomDisk open |
| Extras | Many apps: photos, media, backups | Everything on the computer | Browse, stream, send and check files |
| Cost | Hardware, sometimes plans | Often free for personal use | $29 a year |
Which to choose
- A NAS if you want an always-on box for the whole household and don’t mind setting it up.
- A VPN to your home computer if you’re comfortable installing and managing it, and want to reach everything.
- RoomDisk Anywhere if you want your photos and files from a device you already own, set up in minutes in the browser.
The honest limits of RoomDisk Anywhere
- The disk has to be on. It must be online with RoomDisk open. A laptop that sleeps when the lid closes can’t be reached; set it to stay awake while plugged in.
- Your files live in one place. They’re on that device only, not copied to a cloud. Keep a second copy of anything you can’t lose.
- Speed follows your home internet’s upload. Photos and documents are quick; big 4K videos may need to load before they play smoothly.
- Some networks block direct links. Many mobile carriers and some strict office or hotel Wi-Fi don’t allow devices to connect directly. There you still see your folders and small previews; the rest waits for another Wi-Fi. Check your network.
Questions
Is RoomDisk a NAS?
No. It turns a device you already own into storage you can reach, through the browser.
Do I need to change router settings?
No. No port forwarding or VPN setup.
Can I use it together with a NAS?
Yes. Many people keep a NAS for the household and use RoomDisk to move and check photos from their phones.
Try it with the two devices you have
Pay once, keep it. Nothing to install, no account.