Head-to-head · NAS Software
OpenNAS vs NovaNAS
OpenNAS leads on 1 check, NovaNAS on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 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
- Most featuresOpenNAS · 6 of 7
OpenNAS scores higher on our rubric for nas software: 6.9 against 6.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #13 and #17.
OpenNAS offers virtual machines; NovaNAS doesn't.
OpenNAS is the better fit for free NAS with apps and VMs. NovaNAS is the better fit for free Linux ZFS or EXT4 NAS.
- OpenNAS fits best
Free NAS with apps and VMs
- NovaNAS fits best
Free Linux ZFS or EXT4 NAS
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Side by side
| Feature | OpenNAS 6.9/10 Visit ↗ | NovaNAS 6.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 6.9 | 6.4 |
| Ranking | #13 in NAS Software | #17 in NAS Software |
| Best for | Free NAS with apps and VMs | Free Linux ZFS or EXT4 NAS |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Browser extension | Self-hosted, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Linux | Web, Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community | Docs, Community |
| Integrations | 14 integrations | 8 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features OpenNAS 6/7 · NovaNAS 4/7 | ||
| Storage pools | ✓ | ✓ |
| User management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Snapshots | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| App catalog | ✓ | ✓ |
| Container support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Virtual machines | ✓ (best) | — |
| Cloud sync | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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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 → |
NovaNAS is a free, open-source NAS operating system for DIY hardware, home users, and small businesses. It runs on self-hosted Linux systems and provides a browser-based desktop interface for managing storage, files, networking, users,… 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
NovaNAS — where it wins
- Free and open source with ZFS and EXT4 support
- Combines storage pools, file sharing, permissions, and monitoring
- Docker management and a community application store are included
Where it doesn't
- Virtualization is listed as coming soon
- Role-based user management is still in progress
- No verified snapshot or cloud-sync support
- OpenNAS6.9/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source NAS for storage, containers, virtual machines and self-hosted apps.
Visit OpenNASFull verdict → - NovaNAS6.4/10 · Free plan
A free, capable Linux NAS for storage, file sharing, Docker, and community apps.
Visit NovaNASFull verdict →
All NAS software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update