NovaNAS
NovaNAS: A free, capable Linux NAS for storage, file sharing, Docker, and community apps. Ranked #17 of 21 in NAS Software by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free Linux ZFS or EXT4 NAS.
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree Linux ZFS or EXT4 NAS
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Storage poolsYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on NovaNAS
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, permissions, containers, and applications. Its filesystem support covers ZFS and EXT4, while RAID and storage-pool management address core NAS administration needs. The product is best suited to buyers who want to assemble and manage their own storage server rather than adopt a managed appliance platform.
The pricing model is straightforward: NovaNAS is free to use under an open-source license, with no paid tiers described. Its feature set covers the main functions expected from a self-hosted NAS, including file upload, download, and preview; SMB/CIFS and NFS sharing; user accounts; granular file permissions; firewall, DynDNS, and SSL/TLS management; and system and resource monitoring. Docker container management and a community application store extend it beyond basic file storage. For buyers prioritizing control over recurring software costs, that combination is a clear strength.
NovaNAS also fits a self-hosted application stack through Docker, Plex, Nextcloud, Pi-hole, Let's Encrypt, UFW, SMB/CIFS, and NFS. The trade-off is feature depth in areas that may matter to more advanced deployments: virtualization is coming soon, role-based user management remains in progress and is currently limited to admins, and snapshot and cloud-sync support are not established in the available feature set. Choose NovaNAS for a free Linux NAS centered on ZFS or EXT4, storage pools, file sharing, and containers. Choose an alternative if virtual machines, mature role administration, snapshots, or cloud synchronization are essential.
Your product? Our editors can test NovaNAS in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
NovaNAS pricing
NovaNAS fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Storage pools | Yes |
| User management | Yes |
| Snapshots | Not verified |
| App catalog | Yes |
| Container support | Yes |
| Virtual machines | No |
| Cloud sync | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 8 integrations: Docker, Plex, Nextcloud, Pi-hole, SMB/CIFS, NFS … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | novanas.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
NovaNAS integrations
NovaNAS lists 8 integrations on its own site.
- Docker
- Plex
- Nextcloud
- Pi-hole
- SMB/CIFS
- NFS
- Let's Encrypt
- UFW
Alternatives to NovaNAS
- TrueNASA free, full-featured ZFS NAS for labs, businesses, and enterprise environments.9.2
- openmediavaultA capable, extensible Linux NAS for self-hosters who want control over services and storage.8.8
- XigmaNASA free ZFS NAS operating system with virtualization and extensive file services.8.6
See all NovaNAS alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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