List of the Top 12 Network Attached Storage (NAS) Software for Linux in 2025

TrueNAS stands out as the most widely used storage software globally. It serves as a comprehensive data platform that enables users to seamlessly embrace a contemporary, open-source method for both storing and safeguarding their expanding data needs. Leveraging the formidable ZFS file system, TrueNAS is open source and delivers unified storage solutions across various formats (File, Block, Object, and Apps), ensuring the reliability and performance essential for virtualization, backup operations, and numerous other data-intensive applications. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for organizations looking to enhance their data management capabilities.

Morro Data CloudNAS Global File Services provides a seamless solution for companies with multiple locations to share files instantly, eliminating the need for VPNs or synchronization software. This innovative Cloud NAS merges the advantages of traditional NAS with cloud-centric features such as enhanced reliability, scalability, and accessibility. It facilitates efficient storage of an unlimited number of files, enabling collaboration across various offices through file synchronization and locking mechanisms while ensuring rapid disaster recovery. With Morro Data CloudNAS, remote users can work together on the same project, regardless of their location, leveraging advanced file syncing capabilities. The system is compatible with popular software like AutoCAD, Civil3D, Bluebeam, Microstation, Adobe, and Microsoft Office for file locking. By securely storing project files in the cloud and utilizing cached files sent to the local CacheDrive gateway, performance is significantly improved, making it an ideal solution for today's collaborative work environment. In addition, this versatility enhances productivity and streamlines workflows across distributed teams.

Unraid OS offers exceptional capabilities for managing data, media, applications, and desktops, allowing users to utilize almost any hardware setup. It's especially advantageous for video creators, streamers with extensive video libraries, media editors, photographers, musicians, and music lovers aiming to reduce initial costs. With the ability to start with just two drives, users can gradually expand their storage as their needs grow. Gamers who also run media servers and prefer to tailor their systems depend on Unraid to ensure top-tier performance without sacrificing efficiency. Additionally, professionals such as designers, 3D animators, developers, and photographers use Unraid to store substantial amounts of assets locally, providing swift and effective access. You can also utilize backup services like Apple Time Machine and Windows Backup to securely preserve large datasets that are not accessed regularly. Moreover, software engineers, game development studios, AR/VR designers, and educational facilities benefit from Unraid by testing across multiple platforms and operating systems, which streamlines their workflows and boosts productivity. This adaptability and comprehensive functionality make Unraid an indispensable resource for anyone eager to enhance their data management strategies, regardless of their field or requirements. Ultimately, Unraid’s unique features empower users to tailor their storage solutions to their specific needs.

Without a file system, all data stored on a medium would be indistinguishable from one another, resulting in a chaotic amalgamation of information where identifying the boundaries of individual data points is unfeasible. By structuring the data into separate units and giving each a distinct identifier, it becomes straightforward to retrieve and recognize the information. This approach to organization is similar to traditional systems that use paper, where each group of information is called a "file." The structure and regulations that dictate how these data collections are arranged and named are referred to as a "file system." Network-attached storage (NAS) functions as a solution for file-level data storage that is integrated into a network, enabling multiple users to access data effortlessly. Designed specifically to provide file services, NAS typically operates through dedicated hardware, software, or configurations, often manifesting as a specialized computer appliance for this purpose. As a result, NAS systems significantly improve the management of files across various devices and platforms, streamlining access and collaboration among users. In this digital age, the reliance on NAS continues to grow, underscoring its vital role in efficient data handling.

XigmaNAS is an adaptable operating system that can be utilized on a wide range of hardware setups to enable the sharing of data storage within a computer network. The acronym ‘NAS’ refers to “Network-Attached Storage.” This platform offers a simple yet effective means of creating a centralized server that allows easy access to various data types through multiple network protocols. XigmaNAS supports compatibility with Windows, Apple, and UNIX-like environments, which broadens its application across different settings. It is packed with features, including ZFS v5000, Software RAID (0,1,5), disk encryption, and S.M.A.R.T/email notifications, while also supporting a variety of protocols such as CIFS/SMB (Samba), FTP, and NFS. Users benefit from a highly customizable setup process through its intuitive web interface, making it suitable for individuals with varying levels of technical expertise. Additionally, XigmaNAS can be installed on Compact Flash, USB keys, SSDs, or conventional hard drives, and it can even operate from a LiveCD/LiveUSB, offering numerous installation options. This level of adaptability and ease of use positions XigmaNAS as a top-notch solution for anyone interested in enhancing their data storage and sharing functionalities. Moreover, its comprehensive feature set ensures that users can tailor the system to meet their specific needs, thereby maximizing efficiency and performance.

TurnKey File Server presents an accessible solution that seamlessly combines Windows-compatible network file sharing with a user-friendly web-based interface for managing files. It accommodates multiple file transfer protocols such as SMB, SFTP, NFS, WebDAV, and rsync, which makes it adaptable for various networking scenarios. Users can efficiently categorize and oversee their files in specifically allocated private or public storage spaces. Constructed on the solid principles of Samba and WebDAV CGI, this file server not only provides essential features but also ensures that file management is a smooth process for all users involved. Furthermore, its extensive support for a range of protocols bolsters its ability to meet a wide array of file-sharing needs across different systems, thereby making it an invaluable tool in any network environment. This combination of versatility and user-friendliness positions TurnKey File Server as an excellent choice for both individual and organizational use.

MayaNAS Cloud presents a robust software-defined storage solution tailored for enterprises, offering outstanding performance and throughput for file storage by leveraging standard object storage (S3) without the need for additional resources. This fully software-driven system ensures compatibility for file storage through NFS and SMB-AD, while also delivering powerful block services utilizing NVMeoF, iSCSI, and FC connections. Among its notable features are a dual-node high-availability configuration, options for compression and thin provisioning, unlimited policy-driven snapshots, and continuous replication capabilities. Furthermore, MayaNAS can be accessed as a marketplace offering across major public cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, and Azure, and it is also available for on-premises installation via an ISO image suitable for bare metal environments. The adaptable nature of MayaNAS makes it an excellent option for organizations aiming to enhance their storage infrastructure across diverse settings, ensuring they meet evolving data management needs effectively. In addition, its seamless integration across various platforms allows businesses to maintain consistency and reliability in their storage solutions.

Openmediavault is a sophisticated network attached storage (NAS) solution that operates on Debian Linux, providing a range of services such as SSH, (S)FTP, SMB/CIFS, and RSync, all of which are easily accessible. Its modular design supports customization via plugins, allowing users to tailor the system to their specific requirements. While it is primarily intended for small offices and home office applications, its flexibility makes it suitable for a wider array of environments. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, openmediavault empowers individuals to effortlessly set up and oversee a Network Attached Storage system, even without in-depth technical knowledge. Additionally, the platform's ease of use and robust features contribute to its popularity among those in search of effective storage solutions, making it a go-to choice for many. Users appreciate the continuous updates and community support that enhance its functionality over time.

Rockstor acts as a multifunctional cloud and storage platform, enabling hackers, creators, resellers, and DIY aficionados to build personalized systems with ease. The importance of storage cannot be overstated in various endeavors involving software and hardware, whether in embedded systems or web applications; however, finding a dependable storage layer that allows for complete control is often challenging. For individuals in search of a simple yet efficient NAS server that eliminates unnecessary complexities, the Rockstor Traditional NAS Server is a top choice, providing centralized storage access through a network. While Linux has proven to be an excellent environment for a variety of applications and features robust filesystems, it has typically lacked alternatives similar to NetApp's WAFL and Sun's ZFS. Fortunately, BTRFS is rapidly filling this void by offering numerous advantageous features. Furthermore, the Rockstor Small and Midsize Business (SMB) Cloud Server stands out as the perfect solution for businesses needing storage solutions that can accommodate several hundred Terabytes, addressing their extensive data storage requirements. With its diverse capabilities, Rockstor’s offerings enable a customized approach to data management, making it an indispensable asset for contemporary developers and enterprises. In an era where data is paramount, having such adaptable storage solutions is essential for fostering innovation and efficiency.

PetaSAN is a sophisticated scale-out storage solution that functions in an active/active configuration, offering remarkable scalability and performance. By utilizing modern cloud technologies, PetaSAN allows for the effortless expansion of the storage cluster by adding nodes at any point without interrupting existing operations. While it operates on complex technologies, PetaSAN presents a unified solution that is easy to install and manage. Its intuitive graphical interfaces are designed to be user-friendly for those who may not have Linux administration experience, yet still provide comprehensive control for advanced Linux users. PetaSAN effectively integrates established technologies that support some of the most significant cloud infrastructures available, employing simple point-and-click interfaces for ease of use. At its foundation, PetaSAN utilizes the Ceph storage engine, a cutting-edge open-source software-defined storage solution that underpins many private and public cloud environments. This combination of usability and high performance positions PetaSAN as an attractive option for organizations aiming to improve their data storage capabilities. Additionally, the flexibility and scalability of PetaSAN make it suitable for a wide range of applications, ensuring that it can adapt to the evolving needs of businesses.

Openfiler turns a regular x86_64 system into a powerful NAS/SAN appliance or IP storage gateway, providing storage administrators with a reliable means to effectively manage the increasing demands for storage. By fine-tuning both performance and storage distribution within a varied network setup, Openfiler enables administrators to optimize their handling of storage resources. Its key features, including iSCSI targets for virtualization, compatibility with Fibre Channel targets, block-level replication, and High Availability, are vital for any storage solution that must operate under mission-critical conditions. As the first open-source NAS/SAN solution to gain commercial traction, Openfiler boasts a wide array of functionalities tailored to overcome common challenges in storage management. Importantly, it can be utilized on standard server hardware, which eliminates dependency on expensive proprietary storage solutions, thereby substantially lowering costs for enterprises. This combination of flexibility and cost-effectiveness makes Openfiler an attractive option for organizations aiming to improve their storage systems while still maintaining budgetary constraints. Ultimately, its innovative approach provides both scalability and efficiency, ensuring organizations can adapt to their evolving storage needs.

Amahi functions as an innovative software solution that converts a PC into the central hub for all home computing requirements. It adeptly oversees entertainment, storage, and various computing tasks, allowing users to save, organize, and stream their recorded TV shows, videos, and music to multiple devices within their network. Users can choose to share content either locally or securely over the internet. Additionally, Amahi provides a selection of one-click install applications to enhance its functionalities. A key feature, Amahi Sync™, allows for smooth synchronization, sharing, and automatic online backup of files, delivering a personal cloud experience without requiring any extra software installations. This application operates directly on your Home Digital Appliance (HDA), constantly monitoring designated file shares for updates or changes. Whenever new files are added, deleted, or altered, they are promptly synchronized with Amahi's cloud services, enabling users to effortlessly browse or share their files from anywhere. This makes managing digital media and data not only simple but also highly efficient, ensuring that users can focus on enjoying their content rather than worrying about the logistics of file management. Overall, Amahi is an essential tool for anyone looking to streamline their home computing experience.