In the 21^st century, huge innovations have been made in various sectors, particularly the technological region, which has completely changed the world’s dimensions. The strides at which new technology has been developed and improved upon from its predecessors would surely be something that our ancestors would marvel at.

Humans have gone in a very short time from making stone arrows and straw huts to developing smartphones and automated robots, and these advancements are continuously growing without slowing down. However, this huge transition has also brought forward some adverse effects as our machines are now subjected to more cyber-attacks and security issues. Data is one of the most important factors in the world today, and it is exactly that which is the most vulnerable.

Therefore, it is necessary to implement procedures that would help in keeping your data secure. One excellent way is to use NAS software, which helps in keeping backups of your data. This shall also be the topic of our discussion in this article, where we will be looking at the top 5 free and open-source NAS software available on Linux.

FreeNAS

FreeNAS is considered to be one of the most popular NAS Softwares out there. It is free and open-source software that has been around since 2005 and has accumulated close to 10 million downloads. It has been based on the FreeBSD operating system and makes use of the ZFS file system, which is an open-source file system management software, offering various unique features that make it highly rated in the community. FreeNAS has some of the best features that you can find in NAS devices, such as data snapshots, a self-repair file system, encryption on their data volumes, and so on. It also has a large support system for file sharing methods, making use of protocols like SMB/CIFS, AFP, NFS, FTP, etc. It is extremely easy to use due to its catchy and user-friendly user interface, and its functionality can even further be extended by making use of its plugin system.

Open Media Vault

Open Media Vault is a Debian-based NAS software that, similar to FreeNAS, has been around for some time and has established a large community as seen by its close to four million downloads. It is free and open-source software and gets updates quite regularly, making it a very stable NAS software for Linux OS. It supports many network protocols like FTP, Samba, NFS, Rsync and can easily be set up as a media server for DAAP and Plex, as well as a BitTorrent client. It shares some features with FreeNAS like storage monitoring, file sharing, and disk management and supports multiple file systems like ext4, JFS, and XFS. It has a very clean and user-friendly web interface, which can further be enhanced by using its plugin directories.

Amahi

Another excellent choice is Amahi, a home-based Linux server that has been based around the stable Linux distribution, Fedora, and comes integrated with it. Unlike FreeNAS and Open Media Vault, Amahi is more of a simple media server that has been designed to be as simple as possible for its users. It is meant to be a headless server that is switched on 24/7 and be set up as backup servers, VPN servers, etc. Amahi offers some of the best features to its users, such as file sharing, reliable backup system, disk pooling, and even supports file system protocols like ext4 and XFS as well as file sharing protocols like Samba and NFS. It has an extremely user-friendly web interface and is an excellent choice for people wanting to set up simple home-based Linux servers.

Rockstor

Rockstor is another name that deserves a shout out in this list. It is designed for NAS on the Linux distro Cent OS and uses the BTRFS file system, which possesses several similarities to ZFS, the file system used by FreeNAS. Rockstor has a very simple and compact web interface, and unlike the other mentioned NAS software, it also has a monitoring system installed inside of it, which is one of its key features.

In addition to this, it provides support for numerous file systems such as Samba, NFS, etc., as well as protocols like NTP, SFTP NIS, and so on. One of the best things that Rocktor provides to its users is its plugin system, which has a variety of different plugins, more well-known by the name Rock-ons. You can even use Rocktor as your very own personal cloud server. For users that prefer the Cent OS and Redhat environment and want a robust NAS software, Rockstor is the way to go.

Openfiler

Openfiler is the last name in our NAS software list and is one of the best developed NAS software for Linux users. Similar to FreeNAS, it is another software widely used in large enterprises and is based upon the Linux distribution, CentOS. It supports a large collection of file system protocols like NFS, FTP, Rsync and is extremely scalable, having support for approximately sixty terabytes of memory. Its management is completely web-based, making the work of the administrators extremely easy. Having features like virtual machine storage, support for media servers, and heterogeneous file sharing makes it an excellent choice for professionals who want to have more control over their data.

Which are the Best Applications of NAS Software on Linux?

Since the amount of data that we use regularly keeps on increasing every day, NAS software is good alternatives for keeping your data secure and stored, and Linux is the abode for several of these amazing software. For companies and people who prefer storing their data on such servers, all the names mentioned above are excellent choices to consider.

In this article, we review the top five best Linux friendly NAS servers for the home market has to offer today. These models are selected based on multiple drive bays, performance, software, backup support, media streaming capabilities, features, third party support, price, and warranty & customer support. So, grab a cup of coffee and read on!

Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS218+ (Diskless)

Over the years, Synology has assembled great NAS servers in a two-bay range for home users. However, a versatile OS, solid port selection, speed, and 4k video streaming support, make DS218+ best of the best.

The compact and sleek package houses two full-sized hard drives. There are multiple synchronizations and backup options, wrapped up nicely in a user-friendly interface. The setup process is a breeze. Hook everything up, turn it on and follow the wizard. After set up has completed, you can forget about everything. Synology’s DiskStation Manager will handle most of the tasks behind the scenes.

The DSM works as an OS within your browser and reasonably easy to handle. The QuickConnect feature allows users to connect with the server while away – without any need for messing with router settings. All the communication is very seamless and just the way you would expect. Plus, the AES-NI hardware encryption secures your data, and RAID prevents any loss.

With a 2 GHz Intel Celeron processor, 2GB DDRIII Ram (expandable up to 6GB), multiple ports, and a price less than 300 bucks, the DiskStation DS218+ is an affordable option with a solid value for the money.

Buy Now: Amazon

Synology DS418play

In case you want to increase the storage space of DiskStation DS218+ down the line, consider Synology’s DS418Play. Termed your own private cloud, it utilizes essentially the same CPU, RAM, hardware encryption and transcoding engine but adds two more bays for storage. Fantastic, right?

Now, it has one less USB port when compared with the parent model. However, it adds a Gigabit Ethernet port for easy link aggregation. All you need is a compatible router, and you can witness the exponential improvement in performance when multiple users access your NAS all at once. To get more specific, this NAS server allows you to store and share 4K videos, music, pictures, and documents with up to whooping 2048 user accounts and 200 simultaneous connections.

The Synology DS418Play offers you access to the same mobile apps as DS218+ for streaming, backup, and other uses. With two additional drive bays, you can use different storage configurations for better data handling and overall performance.

Overall, we believe this NAS server is ideal for professionals or people who need more storage space. Though the price may deter some users, it comes with Synology’s all-encompassing 2 years warranty, which should allay some of the fears.

Buy Now: Amazon

WD 8TB, My Cloud EX2 Ultra Network, Attached Storage

Western Digital is yet another popular NAS vendor, and the products like 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra are a reason why. It is easy to set up, fairly inexpensive when compared with Synology’s servers. It handles the backup and streaming functions quickly like a boss.

That is made possible because of a Marvell Armada 385 processor and 1GB of RAM coupled with two mirrored 4TB drives. The result is one of the best throughput scores we have seen for NAS servers in this price range. This fast throughput translates to a much smoother 4K streaming and quick backups when using it in the home environment.

Although My Cloud EX2 Ultra’s extended feature set is geared towards the business community, we included it in this list of Linux friendly NAS server for home because of its ultra-compact design, great performance with 4K streaming, low noise, and energy conservation ability.

The only downside is that it relies heavily on third-party apps to connect to the network, and the user interface feels rather hard to navigate. That said, the server arrives pre-populated therefore, the three years manufacturer’s warranty covers the NAS as well as drives. All in all, my Cloud EX2 is an excellent all-around server box.

Buy Now: Amazon

Asustor AS1002T v2

The AS1002T is a stylish two-bay entry-level NAS server for home users. There’s no LCD display, no removable trays, no HDMI, and just two USB 3.0 connectors. That is how it manages to keep the price below 200 bucks.

However, there are no compromises on speed. It can still manage to read/write over the network in up to 100 Mbps range. Due to its intelligent software caching, the OS remains fairly quick. To test its performance, we tried NZBGET, which resulted in the maximum download speed of 17 Mbps while the content unpacked and PARSed just as fast as a PC. This is surprising because it utilizes a 1GHz dual-core ARM (Marvell ARMADA 385) processor and only a 512 MB RAM.

It houses two HDDs, has RAID, Gigabit Ethernet, which comes loaded with apps and media functionality. USB (2.0/3.0) support, a MySQL server, an FTP server, a WEB server, built-in Usenet software like NZBGET and Sickbeard, downloaders, and even an iTunes Server for your music appetite – all combined into a single user or group-based management.

If you are looking for something basic without all the fancy bells and whistles that get the job done for your home needs, AS1002T is for you. However, advanced users should stay away from this purchase.

Buy Now: Amazon

QNAP TS-251B-2G-US 2 Bay Home

The QNAP TS-251B-2G-US 2 Bay Home gives Synology’s DS218+ a run for the money. It includes an HDMI output which comes in quite handy if you want to stream videos directly from your server connected to the TV. Nevertheless, it lacks the SHR and BTRFS support of Synology.

It uses an Intel Celeron J3355 CPU and 2 GB of RAM, which offers a fantastic performance of around 110 Mbps transfer speeds for large data and 90 to 100 Mbps for multiple folders with music files.

Thanks to a PCIe card extension slot, the TS-251B is easy to upgrade. Its user interface, called QTS, is quite similar to the DSM by Synology and offers similar media streaming features, video surveillance, audio-video apps, and backup support.

Lastly, QNAP’s hardware comes with a 2 years warranty. It provides excellent customer support both through an online forum and over the phone. Plus, there’s a vast collection of tutorials available online that makes troubleshooting whole lot easier.

Buy Now: Amazon

Buyer’s Guide

Like any other computer accessory, the features offered by NAS differ based on these demands. Therefore you will need to understand the features and terms before you step into the market. Worry not, dear reader, we have your back. Here’s everything you need to know:

Multiple drive bays

For most home users, two drive NAS is just right even though some models come with four or eight drive bays. Such models require complex RAID configurations such as RAID 6 or RAID 10, which is unnecessary for a home user. Multiple driveways protect your data by mirroring the contents on each drive. Therefore, even if one drive fails, your data remains safe and accessible.

CPU and RAM

As with any other computer, more CPU, and RAM, the better its performance will be. But the cost escalates accordingly, so settle on a model that suits your budget. This article contains both powerful dual-core Intel Celeron processors and less powerful ARM-based configurations.

Hardware Encryption Acceleration

A NAS server that provides hardware encryption acceleration allows much faster read/write speeds. Even for home users, data encryption provides an extra layer of protection if someone sneaks into your home and tries to steal your data. Besides, some devices encrypt data before backing it up.

Media Streaming

A NAS box for the home should be able to stream HD videos and music to multiple devices at the same time. Some top of the line models even allows 4K streaming. Usually, media streaming is done through the manufacturer’s software or third-party apps like Plex. Similarly, music enthusiasts use iTunes to stream their favorite music.

Third-party app support

Third-party apps allow you to add multiple services or features to your NAS. Therefore settle on a piece with third party support. These include analytics, media software, web server software, and much more.

Multiple USB ports

Go for a model that has at least two USB ports so that you can have two copies of backup. USB ports come in handy when you don’t want to use cloud backup services. Simply plug an external drive and back everything up. Additionally, it’s better to have a USB port on the front with quick copy functionality to copy everything without messing with software and settings.

Cost

While looking for a Linux friendly NAS server for home, don’t go for two-bay servers that cost more than $350. This is because those servers are geared more towards the business community and come with features you don’t really need in a home environment. Conversely, if you opt for a cheaper model, you risk compromising on RW speed or get a less polished OS.

Final Thoughts

That is all about our Linux friendly NAS servers for home. Thanks to advancements in technology, most of the NAS servers today are compatible with every Operating system. Nevertheless, for this article, we selected only the top NAS servers compatible with Linux distros. Depending on your budget, you can choose any of these devices without second thoughts. We hope you enjoyed this article. If you think we missed something, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Good luck!

Well unRAID, from Lime Technology  is one of the proposed alternatives that has been gaining momentum in the last couple of years or so. Let’s look at some of the key differences between FreeNAS and unRAID which would help you take an informed decision when choosing between the two.

Licensing and Costs

In terms of monetary costs, FreeNAS, the software, is completely free and open source, shipped under BSD license. While unRAID is closed source and starts at $59 and can go upto $129 depending upon the number of storage devices you want to attach to it.

That is not to say that FreeNAS can’t come with premium (and expensive) customer service. If you desire you can buy hardware supplied by iXsystems that comes with their famous white-glove support. Even the base configuration of FreeNAS Mini (a NAS device) starts at $999 which is powerful enough to support a small to medium sized business. They also offer server blades that can run large websites and regardless of the size of the business, the hardware is reliable and well tested.

However, FreeNAS, the software, doesn’t come with price tags or caveats of any kind. No limitations are put in terms of  number of storage devices or CPU cores available. You can install it on ordinary hardware too, just like unRAID.

The converse is not true. unRAID doesn’t come with certified hardware making reliability and driver support a much more pressing concern. So a point goes to FreeNAS for having better technology, and flexible licensing, at essentially zero cost.

Storage Stack

FreeNAS is based upon FreeBSD. With close ties to OpenZFS project, FreeNAS offers a time-tested and reliable storage solution. Everything from crazy 20 drive arrays to SSDs and NVMe, to the latest and greatest Intel Optane, the OpenZFS community works constantly on supporting a wide range of storage devices with absurdly high levels of scalability.

You can set up storage disks in RAID 0, as mirrors, RAID-Z1, RAID-Z2 and RAID-Z3 using FreeNAS while unRAID offers just RAID 0, parity (RAID-1) and dual parity. With questionable design decisions when it comes to spreading data across various disks.

unRAID uses XFS as its default file system, which is yet another questionable choice given that ZFS is supported quite well on Linux. Speaking of which unRAID is indeed based upon Linux.

SSDs have important applications in terms of read and write cache in any kind of storage server. unRAID wiki still suggests that its support for SSD arrays is “experimental”. All in all, the underlying storage stack is quite poor in case of unRAID.

File Sharing and Directory Services and other Features

Both the OSes offer NFS shares, SMB for Windows and AFP for Mac OSX and iOS. Additionally, FreeNAS offers iSCSI services whereas unRAID doesn’t. Along the same line FreeNAS offers LDAP, Active Directory, Kerberos while unRAID offers none of it.

FreeNAS comes with snapshots, built-in compression, encryption, deduplication and remote replication while unRAID offers just disk encryption. Similarly, FreeNAS comes with integration for cloud backup, including support for services like AWS, Google Cloud, Backblaze and Azure, while unRAID is lagging behind significantly.

Another important feature is monitoring. FreeNAS gives you real time graphs of system resources utilizations in its WebUI along with alerts on PagerDuty, Slack and a bunch of other clients. unRAID just offers alerts on its GUI and to your registered emails.

Secondary Use Cases

Setting aside the use case that we are considering (thatis, of a NAS) let’s consider other use cases like running third party applications such asTorrent clients, Plex, other virtual machines etc.

unRAID can use Docker containers to run various applications like Plex media server, NextCloud, Torrent clients, etc. At the same time, it also has support for KVM and you can install arbitrary operating systems from Windows 10 to Linux if you are familiar with KVM. The Linux heritage gives unRAID an advantage in this area.

FreeNAS comes with its own containerization technology called as Jails (inherited from FreeBSD) and its own virtualization option as well called Bhyve (pronounced “Bee-Hive”). These technologies themselves are quite mature and easy use.

Additionally, FreeNAS, can also run Docker by running Rancher OS inside of a VM. Rancher offers a very sleek UI for running and managing your Docker containers.

Documentation

If you know nothing about storage and servers, you can go through a specific section FreeBSD handbook and get started in no time. FreeNAS, the project, is quite verbose and optiniate about what it recommends and why it does things a certain way. User guides and video tutorials encourages IT professionals to learn whats happening under the hood. There are no secretes and the overall ethos encourages learning.

unRAID on the other hand has an unappealing website, relatively fragmented community and a very basic wiki. Being closed source, they also avoid giving out helpful details about essential parts of their software.

Conclusion

As worrisome as it is, FreeNAS is still probably the only solution you can consider if you value your data. Monopolies are never good, and FreeBSD/FreeNAS with OpenZFS have quite a monopoly when it comes to reliable storage solution.

unRAID may develop into a strong competitor in the future but for now, sticking to FreeNAS seems like the wisest option.