Top ReadyNAS Alternatives for Your Network Storage Needs

ReadyNAS has long been a popular choice for network-attached storage (NAS), offering robust features like unlimited snapshots, thin provisioning, cloud-managed replication, and real-time anti-virus. Whether you've been using ReadyNAS OS on their Desktop or Rackmount series, you might be exploring other options due to evolving needs, budget considerations, or simply a desire for different functionalities. This article dives into the best ReadyNAS alternatives available today.

Best ReadyNAS Alternatives

Looking for a replacement for your ReadyNAS setup? Here's a curated list of top-tier NAS solutions that offer similar, and in some cases, superior capabilities for both home and business users.

OpenMediaVault

OpenMediaVault is an excellent ReadyNAS alternative, offering a next-generation network-attached storage (NAS) solution based on Debian Linux. It's a free and open-source, self-hosted platform with services like SSH, (S)FTP, SMB/CIFS, and DAAP media server. Key features include support for SFTP, Docker, Google Drive integration, HTTP Web seeding, and S.M.A.R.T. data support, making it highly versatile.

FreeNAS

FreeNAS, now known as TrueNAS CORE, is a powerful open-source operating system based on BSD, ideal for sharing data over a network. It's a fantastic ReadyNAS alternative for those seeking a free and self-hosted solution. Renowned for its lightweight nature, security focus, and stability, FreeNAS also offers strong virtualization capabilities.

Unraid

Unraid is a commercial Linux-based operating system that provides enterprise-class features for personal and small business use. As a ReadyNAS alternative, it excels in maximizing performance and data protection with features like parity drives, comprehensive backup, data redundancy, encrypted backups, file-based storage, a hypervisor, remote management, and robust virtualization.

XigmaNAS

XigmaNAS, formerly NAS4Free, is an embedded Open Source Storage NAS distribution built on FreeBSD. It's a strong ReadyNAS alternative for those who prefer a free, open-source, and self-hosted BSD-based system. Key features include an FTP server and support for S.M.A.R.T. data, making it a reliable choice for data storage.

FuguHub

FuguHub is a user-friendly server that simplifies setting up and operating your own secure file-sharing site. It's a versatile ReadyNAS alternative, available for free personal use on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi, with self-hosting capabilities. It notably features support for WebDAV and functions as a full web server.

Rockstor

Rockstor is a free and open-source NAS operating system based on CentOS Linux. It's a compelling ReadyNAS alternative that can be installed on commodity hardware or a hypervisor. Its key features include support for SFTP, WebDAV, and its strong foundation on BTRFS, providing advanced data management capabilities.

Amahi Home Server

The Amahi Home Server is a free and open-source solution designed for home and small office environments, making it an accessible ReadyNAS alternative. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, iPad, Playstation, and Xbox, it offers features like Nextcloud integration, backup, dynamic DNS, file sharing, music streaming, networking, and VPN capabilities.

SnapRAID

SnapRAID is a free and open-source ReadyNAS alternative available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It focuses on disk array backup with snapshot RAID, offering robust data protection for your files.

PetaSAN

PetaSAN is an open-source, free Linux-based ReadyNAS alternative. It's a Scale-Out SAN solution designed for massive scalability and performance, utilizing modern cloud-based technologies for elasticity and efficiency.

FlexRaid T-Raid

FlexRAID T-Raid is a commercial ReadyNAS alternative available for Windows and Linux (including Ubuntu). It offers solutions for unifying and organizing your data, along with protection and recovery from disk failures, whether through Transparent RAID™ or RAID over File System.

Each of these ReadyNAS alternatives offers unique strengths, from open-source flexibility to enterprise-grade features. Carefully consider your specific requirements, such as budget, technical expertise, desired features, and preferred operating system, to choose the best fit for your network storage environment.