List of the Top 4 On-Prem Network Attached Storage (NAS) Software 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.

Windows Server 2022 introduces advanced security measures, hybrid capabilities with Azure, and a flexible platform for applications. It is essential to strengthen your organization's security protocols at the operating system level. By integrating your data center with Azure, you can enhance IT operational efficiency significantly. Developers and IT teams benefit from a comprehensive application platform that supports the creation and deployment of diverse applications. Utilizing Azure can lead to considerable savings, thanks to advantages such as the Azure hybrid benefit and extended security updates. Azure is celebrated as a dependable cloud solution for Windows Server, enabling you to transform your workloads seamlessly. Connecting your on-premises Windows Servers to Azure is effortless through Azure Arc. Transitioning to this latest operating system allows you to experience improved security, performance, and overall value. With Azure, you can fully leverage the extensive benefits of cloud computing. Initiating this process is free, making it easier to manage servers, clusters, hyper-converged infrastructure, and Windows 10 PCs effectively. This approach ensures that your shift to cloud services is not only smoother but also remarkably efficient in today's digital landscape. Additionally, you can take advantage of ongoing support and updates to stay ahead in technology advancements.

SoftNAS represents a cloud-native, software-defined product line designed specifically for enterprise cloud NAS filers. Its versatility allows it to serve as a primary or secondary data storage solution while also facilitating hybrid cloud data integration, enabling existing applications to connect to the cloud securely without the need for extensive modifications. Equipped with enterprise-grade NAS functionalities, SoftNAS ensures high availability alongside features like deduplication, compression, and thin-provisioning. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with LDAP and Active Directory, thereby safeguarding mission-critical data and optimizing the management of primary, hot, and backup/archive data, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and reliability of cloud data migration. With a diverse array of storage options that balance cost and performance, SoftNAS is available on-demand and can scale to petabytes across both AWS and Azure Marketplaces, as well as on-premises setups using VMware, making it an attractive choice for businesses seeking flexible storage solutions. Furthermore, its robust architecture is designed to adapt easily to the evolving needs of modern enterprises.

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.