Head-to-head · NAS Software
OpenNAS vs napp-it
OpenNAS leads on 0 checks, napp-it on 0, and 8 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 8 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreOpenNAS · 6.9/10
- Free planboth
OpenNAS scores higher on our rubric for nas software: 6.9 against 6.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #13 and #15.
OpenNAS is the better fit for free NAS with apps and VMs. napp-it is the better fit for ZFS NAS and virtualization.
- OpenNAS fits best
Free NAS with apps and VMs
- napp-it fits best
ZFS NAS and virtualization
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Side by side
| Feature | OpenNAS 6.9/10 Visit ↗ | napp-it 6.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 6.9 | 6.7 |
| Ranking | #13 in NAS Software | #15 in NAS Software |
| Best for | Free NAS with apps and VMs | ZFS NAS and virtualization |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Browser extension | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Linux | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community | Docs |
| Integrations | 14 integrations | 5 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features OpenNAS 6/7 · napp-it 6/7 | ||
| Storage pools | ✓ | ✓ |
| User management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Snapshots | ✓ | ✓ |
| App catalog | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Container support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Virtual machines | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud sync | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | OpenNAS is a free, open-source NAS operating system for self-hosters and homelabs running compatible x86_64 hardware. It combines storage management, file access, applications and virtualization in a browser-based desktop with windows, a… Read the review → |
napp-it is a self-hosted web interface for managing NAS and SAN storage built around ZFS, with support for Storage Spaces and related server platforms. It is aimed at home users, solo administrators, and organizations that want storage… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
OpenNAS — where it wins
- ZFS pools, software RAID, snapshots and scheduled S.M.A.R.T. monitoring
- Docker, Compose and KVM/QEMU virtual machines with browser consoles
- Permissions, passkeys, OIDC SSO and a signed-package app center
Where it doesn't
- Currently offered as a beta release for x86_64 hardware
- Requires compatible hardware and self-hosted administration
- Its scope may exceed the needs of users seeking basic file sharing
napp-it — where it wins
- ZFS pools, RAIDZ, snapshots, quotas, and reservations
- Replication, SMB/NFS sharing, S3 storage, and monitoring
- Central management for multiple servers through CS
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires your own infrastructure
- License choices vary between Home and commercial Pro editions
- Some features depend on the operating system and napp-it version
- OpenNAS6.9/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source NAS for storage, containers, virtual machines and self-hosted apps.
Visit OpenNASFull verdict → - napp-it6.7/10 · Free plan
A broad self-hosted NAS suite for ZFS storage, replication, sharing, and virtualization.
Visit napp-itFull verdict →
All NAS software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update