Best Network Attached Storage (NAS) Software for Linux of 2025

TrueNAS is the world's most deployed storage software. TrueNAS is a universal data platform that allows users to easily adopt a modern, open source approach to storing and protecting their growing data. TrueNAS is open source and harnesses the power of the legendary ZFS file system to provide unified storage (File, Block Object, and Apps) with the reliability and performance demanded by virtualization, backup, and many other data-heavy workloads.

Morro Data CloudNAS Global File Services allows companies with multiple offices to share files in real time. No VPN or sync software is required. Cloud NAS combines the performance of a NAS with cloud-first features such as reliability, scalability and accessibility. It allows businesses to store unlimited files quickly and efficiently, collaborate with multiple offices file sync and lock, and receive instant disaster recovery. Remote users can collaborate on the same project using Morro Data CloudNAS. Remote users can collaborate on projects across multiple sites using file syncing. Cloud NAS supports file locking in AutoCAD, Civil3D and Bluebeam. Microstation, Adobe, Microsoft Office, and Adobe. The project files are securely stored in the cloud, and the cached files are sent to the local CacheDrive gateway to improve performance.

Unraid OS provides unparalleled management of your data, media, applications, and desktops, enabling users to leverage nearly any hardware configuration. It is particularly beneficial for video producers, streamers with large video collections, media editors, photographers, musicians, and music enthusiasts who want to minimize their upfront expenses. You can begin with just two drives and expand your storage incrementally as needed. Gamers who also operate media servers and prefer customizing their systems rely on Unraid to maintain their performance without compromise. Furthermore, designers, 3D animators, developers, and photographers utilize Unraid for storing large amounts of assets locally, ensuring quick and efficient access. You can also employ services like Apple Time Machine and Windows Backup to securely archive large volumes of data that aren’t frequently used. Beyond this, software engineers, game development studios, AR/VR designers, and educational institutions take advantage of Unraid to conduct tests across various platforms, operating systems, and devices, enhancing their workflow and productivity. This versatility makes Unraid a valuable tool for anyone looking to optimize their data management solutions.

In the absence of a file system, all information stored in a medium would appear as a single, unbroken mass of data, making it impossible to discern where one piece of information ends and another begins. By organizing the data into discrete units and assigning each a unique identifier, the information can be easily accessed and recognized. This method of categorization mirrors traditional paper-based systems, where each collection of data is referred to as a "file." The framework and set of rules that govern the organization and naming of these data groups is known as a "file system." Network-attached storage (NAS) serves as a file-level data storage solution connected to a network, allowing diverse clients to access data seamlessly. NAS is specifically engineered to deliver file services through its hardware, software, or configuration, often taking the form of a dedicated computer appliance designed for this singular purpose. Consequently, NAS systems enhance the efficiency of file management across various devices and platforms.

XigmaNAS is a versatile operating system that can be deployed on nearly any hardware configuration to facilitate the sharing of data storage across a computer network. The term ‘NAS’ stands for “Network-Attached Storage.” This platform provides a straightforward and efficient solution for establishing a centralized server that is easily accessible for various types of data via multiple network protocols. XigmaNAS is compatible with Windows, Apple, and UNIX-like systems, enhancing its utility for diverse environments. It comes equipped with features such as ZFS v5000, Software RAID (0,1,5), disk encryption, and S.M.A.R.T / email notifications, supporting protocols like CIFS/SMB (Samba), FTP, NFS, and many others. Configuration is highly customizable through its user-friendly web interface, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. Furthermore, users have the option to install XigmaNAS on Compact Flash, USB keys, SSDs, or traditional hard drives, or even run it from a LiveCD/LiveUSB setup, providing flexibility in installation methods. This adaptability makes XigmaNAS an excellent choice for anyone looking to optimize their data storage and sharing capabilities.

TurnKey File Server is a user-friendly solution that integrates Windows-compatible network file sharing with an intuitive web-based file management system. It supports a variety of file transfer protocols including SMB, SFTP, NFS, WebDAV, and rsync, making it versatile for different networking needs. Users of the server can effectively organize and manage their files within designated private or public storage areas. Built on the robust foundations of Samba and WebDAV CGI, this file server offers both functionality and ease of use, ensuring that managing files is a seamless experience for everyone involved. Additionally, its comprehensive support for various protocols enhances its capability to serve diverse file-sharing requirements across different platforms.

MayaNAS Cloud offers a comprehensive enterprise-level software-defined storage solution that delivers exceptional performance and throughput for file storage utilizing standard object storage (S3) without requiring extra resources. This solution is entirely software-based, enabling file storage compatibility via NFS, SMB-AD, and providing robust block services through NVMeoF, iSCSI, and FC connections. Key features include a two-node high-availability setup, compression, thin provisioning, an unlimited number of policy-driven snapshots, and continuous replication capabilities. Moreover, MayaNAS is accessible as a marketplace solution across prominent public clouds like AWS, GCP, and Azure, and it can also be installed on-premises via an ISO image for bare metal setups. Additionally, the versatility of MayaNAS makes it an ideal choice for organizations looking to optimize their storage infrastructure in various environments.

openmediavault serves as an advanced network attached storage (NAS) platform built on Debian Linux, offering various services such as SSH, (S)FTP, SMB/CIFS, and RSync, among others, all readily available for use. Its modular architecture allows for customization through plugins, making it adaptable to different needs. Although it is mainly tailored for small offices and home office environments, its versatility extends beyond these settings. This solution is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward, enabling anyone to set up and manage a Network Attached Storage system without requiring extensive technical expertise. Furthermore, openmediavault's accessibility and functionality make it a popular choice for users seeking efficient storage solutions.

Rockstor serves as a versatile cloud and storage solution, empowering hackers, makers, redistributors, and DIY enthusiasts to create fully customized systems. Storage plays a critical role in various software and hardware undertakings, including both embedded projects and web applications, yet the availability of a reliable storage layer that provides complete control is often scarce. For those seeking a straightforward yet effective NAS server without unnecessary features, the Rockstor Traditional NAS Server is highly recommended, enabling centralized storage access via a network. Although Linux has established itself as a premier platform for numerous applications and boasts impressive filesystems, it has historically been devoid of options akin to NetApp's WAFL or Sun's ZFS. However, BTRFS is swiftly addressing this gap by introducing a plethora of beneficial features. Additionally, the Rockstor Small and Midsize Business (SMB) Cloud Server is the ideal choice for organizations requiring storage capacities in the range of several hundred Terabytes, catering to their extensive data needs. Ultimately, Rockstor's offerings facilitate a tailored approach to storage solutions, making it an essential tool for modern developers and businesses alike.

PetaSAN is an advanced scale-out storage solution that operates in an active/active manner, delivering impressive scalability and performance. By leveraging contemporary cloud technologies, PetaSAN enables the seamless expansion of the storage cluster simply by integrating additional nodes at any time without causing disruptions to ongoing operations. Despite the complex underlying technologies it employs, PetaSAN offers a cohesive solution that is straightforward to install and manage. Its user-friendly graphical interfaces make it accessible for individuals who are not Linux administrators while still granting full control to experienced Linux users if desired. PetaSAN effectively incorporates proven technologies that support some of the largest cloud infrastructures today, utilizing intuitive point-and-click interfaces. At its core, PetaSAN is powered by the Ceph storage engine, an innovative open-source software-defined storage solution that serves as the backbone for numerous private and public cloud platforms. This combination of ease of use and robust performance makes PetaSAN a compelling choice for organizations looking to enhance their data storage capabilities.

Openfiler transforms a standard x86_64 architecture system into a comprehensive NAS/SAN appliance or IP storage gateway, offering storage administrators a robust solution to manage growing storage demands effectively. By optimizing system performance and storage capacity allocation in a diverse network environment, Openfiler empowers administrators to handle storage resources efficiently. Key functionalities, such as iSCSI targets for virtualization, Fibre Channel target compatibility, block-level replication, and High Availability, are essential for any mission-critical storage setup. As the pioneering commercially viable open-source NAS/SAN solution, Openfiler includes an extensive range of features designed to alleviate common storage management challenges. Notably, it can be deployed on standard server hardware, eliminating the reliance on costly proprietary storage systems and significantly reducing overall costs for businesses. This flexibility and affordability make Openfiler a compelling choice for organizations looking to enhance their storage infrastructure.

Amahi serves as a dedicated software solution that transforms a PC into the primary hub for home computing needs. It efficiently manages entertainment, storage, and various computing functions, enabling users to save, categorize, and stream their recorded television shows, videos, and music to different media devices on their network. Users have the flexibility to share content locally or securely across the globe. Furthermore, Amahi offers a range of one-click install applications for additional functionalities. A standout feature, Amahi Sync™, provides a seamless way to synchronize, share, and back up files online automatically, creating a personal cloud experience without the need for additional software installations. This application operates directly on your Home Digital Appliance (HDA), continuously monitoring specified file shares for any changes. As soon as new files are introduced, removed, or modified, they are instantly synchronized with Amahi's cloud services, allowing users to conveniently browse or share their files from anywhere. With Amahi, managing digital media and data becomes an effortless task.