ZimaOS
zimaspace.com
What it is
ZimaOS is a NAS operating system for x86-64 hardware that combines file management, storage, backups, and apps. Users can manage, preview, and share files from phones, cloud storage, and external drives. Supported configurations include JBOD and RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6, while the backup system manages backup and sync across cloud, local, and LAN storage using a 3-2-1 strategy. Its App Store advertises more than 800 apps, with one-click installation and third-party Docker support; examples include Immich, Emby, Jellyfin, Plex, Home Assistant, and Nextcloud. It connects over LAN or WAN from PC and Mac and can connect with Synology and QNAP NAS devices. The maker says remote access uses encrypted peer-to-peer connections without internet ports open by default, and that local accounts collect no telemetry or user data. The free plan allows up to 4 disks and 3 members. ZimaOS+ costs 29.00 USD once for a lifetime license and allows unlimited disks and users. The license is bound to one device and may be transferred after at least one year of activation.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- ZimaOS is a NAS and personal-cloud operating system for storage, backups, applications, media and virtual machines.Read 14 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
- Purpose
- ZimaOS is a NAS operating system that the maker says supports x86-64 hardware.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Audience
- The maker recommends the free plan for individuals, hobbyists, or casual users and ZimaOS+ for families, small teams, or creative studios.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Platforms
- The maker offers desktop clients for Mac and PC, mobile clients for iOS and Android, and a Chrome extension for managing ZimaOS.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- API
- The OpenAPI exposes programmatic operations for files, users and system settings.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Integrations
- The maker highlights Immich, Emby, Jellyfin, Plex, Home Assistant, Nextcloud, Paperless-ngx, n8n, and Pi-hole among supported apps.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Privacy
- The maker says ZimaOS uses offline local accounts and collects no telemetry or user data.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Support
- The maker directs users with driver or compatibility issues to the ZimaOS Discord community.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- License
- A ZimaOS+ license is bound to one device, and the maker says it can be transferred after being active for at least one year.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Headquarters
- Hong Kong, ChinaRead 28 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Founded
- 2020Read 28 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Accounts
- Local accounts use a device-generated identity and do not require email, phone number or external platform login.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- App catalog
- The official site advertises more than 800 one-click applications across media, productivity, AI and home categories, with Docker support.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Apps
- The App Store advertises more than 800 apps, with one-click installation and third-party Docker support.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Backup
- Its backup workflow is based on a 3-2-1 strategy and supports cloud, local and LAN destinations.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Backups
- Its backup system is based on the 3-2-1 strategy and can manage backup and sync across cloud, local, and LAN storage.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Cloud and USB storage
- ZimaOS can mount cloud drives directly and mount USB drives for migration or backup.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Company founder
- Crunchbase identifies Lauren Pan as founder and shows one employee profile.Read 14 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
- Company headquarters
- Crunchbase lists ZimaSpace headquarters in Shanghai, China.Read 14 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
- Company legal name
- Crunchbase lists the maker's legal name as IceWhale Technology Limited.Read 14 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
- Compatibility
- ZimaOS can connect over LAN or WAN from PC and Mac and connect with NAS devices such as Synology and QNAP.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Developer extensibility
- Documentation covers Docker app publishing, custom app stores, Compose metadata, CI/CD workflows and API exploration.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Distribution architecture
- The public repository says ZimaOS is built with Buildroot and provides OTA and offline updates, but the repository is for test-image releases.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Documentation depth
- The docs cover ZFS, RAID 6, encrypted folders, iSCSI, SSH, networking, backup, app development and version history through v1.7.1.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- File access
- Users can access files through web, desktop and mobile clients, including SMB shared folders and link sharing.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- File management
- It lets users manage, preview, and share files from phones, cloud storage, and external drives.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Home automation integration
- Home Assistant is presented as a local-control integration for Philips Hue, Apple HomeKit and Google Nest devices.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Installation requirements
- The documented installer requires UEFI boot, Secure Boot disabled, a USB image and confirmation that the target disk will be erased.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Languages
- The product page says ZimaOS supports 28 languages.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Limit: Apple feature depth
- Reviewers request more iOS folder and app-panel functions, and one reported substantial background battery drain.Read 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Limit: Apple offline files
- A reviewer said offline downloads display as completed but still attempt to load online and are not exposed cleanly in the iOS Files app.Read 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Limit: closed components
- A HomeServer discussion expressed concern that some ZimaOS components are closed and that permissive permissions can increase security risk.Read 14 Oct 2026 · reddit.com
- Limit: desktop and containers
- An IceWhale forum reviewer reported macOS client logouts, failed drive reconnection, app-install hangs and containers becoming inaccessible after network changes.Read 14 Oct 2026 · community.zimaspace.com
- Limit: Google Play reliability
- A reviewer reported that the app often shows usage statistics but cannot open the containers tab, requiring a mobile browser instead.Read 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Limit: hardware throughput
- TechRadar noted that 2.5GbE networking and a single PCIe slot constrain simultaneous storage and 10GbE expansion on ZimaBoard 2.Read 14 Oct 2026 · techradar.com
- Limit: migration stability
- A forum user reported migration consuming unexpected disk space, file-interface errors and inability to format or delete folders.Read 14 Oct 2026 · community.zimaspace.com
- Limit: paid tier
- TechRadar criticized the extra $29 lifetime fee and noted that the license is tied to one hardware device.Read 14 Oct 2026 · techradar.com
- Limit: security defaults
- ComputingForGeeks reported no firewall, HTTP-only web access by default, password-enabled SSH, NTLMv1 Samba support and no two-factor login.Read 14 Oct 2026 · computingforgeeks.com
- Limits
- The free plan includes up to 4 disks and 3 members; ZimaOS+ removes those limits with unlimited disks and users.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Media integrations
- Featured integrations include Immich, Emby, Jellyfin and Plex for photo and media libraries.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Monitoring
- The built-in Btop tool displays real-time CPU, memory, disk and network usage.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Other integrations
- The app catalog lists Paperless-ngx, Memos, Calibre, n8n, Pi-hole, Nextcloud, WordPress and Cloudflared.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Permissions
- The main account can assign folder-level access while personal folders remain private by default.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Praise: Apple usability
- Reviewers praise the clean interface, simple setup and remote access that makes homelab use approachable.Read 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Praise: TechRadar setup
- TechRadar found the browser dashboard and one-click app store make first-run NAS setup largely frictionless.Read 14 Oct 2026 · techradar.com
- Privacy claim
- The maker states that ZimaOS collects no telemetry or user data and can run offline with local accounts.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Rating on Apple App Store
- 4.8 out of 5 from 200 ratingsRead 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Rating on Google Play
- 3.1 out of 5 from 231 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Remote access
- The product describes encrypted peer-to-peer access that avoids opening internet ports by default.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- SDKs
- The developer guide documents an npm package for JavaScript or TypeScript and OpenAPI-generated Go clients; the guide is MIT licensed.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Sharing
- A main account can set folder-level access for family or small-team members, with personal folders private by default.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Storage
- Supported storage configurations include JBOD and RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6.Read 29 Sep 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Storage modes
- The interface supports JBOD and RAID 0, 1, 5 and 6 configurations.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Supported hardware
- The project lists ZimaBoard, ZimaBoard2, ZimaBlade, ZimaCube and generic x86-64 UEFI machines such as Intel NUCs.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
- UPS support
- UPS integration can shut the system down safely during power failures.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
- Virtual machines
- ZVM supports one-click Windows and Linux installation plus custom images.Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
Plans and prices
ZimaOS Free Core features · Zima Client for Mobile & PC · Thunderbolt support · Developer Mode · 4 disks · 3 members Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
ZimaOS+ $29, paid once Lifetime License Everything in Free · Unlimited disks · Unlimited users · Single-device license Read 14 Oct 2026 · zimaspace.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Supports JBOD and RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6
- Backup and sync across cloud, local, and LAN storage
- App Store advertises more than 800 apps
- Free plan supports up to 4 disks and 3 members
Limits
- Free plan limited to 4 disks and 3 members
- ZimaOS+ license is bound to one device
- Driver or compatibility issues are directed to the Discord community
Who it suits
The maker recommends the free plan for individuals, hobbyists, or casual users, and ZimaOS+ for families, small teams, or creative studios. It is intended for x86-64 hardware.
ZimaOS in depth
Read the full write-up
ZimaOS is a NAS operating system for x86-64 hardware, best suited to people building a home server or a small shared storage setup. Its free plan is a capable starting point; the one-time ZimaOS+ license removes the disk and user caps, but applies to one device.
Overview
ZimaOS brings file management, storage pools, backups and apps together on self-hosted hardware. Users can manage, preview and share files from phones, cloud storage and external drives, while JBOD and RAID 0, 1, 5 and 6 configurations cover a range of storage layouts. That breadth makes it useful beyond basic file serving, though it also means prospective users should be comfortable choosing and maintaining NAS hardware.
Backups and synchronization work across cloud, local and LAN storage under a 3-2-1 strategy. The App Store advertises more than 800 apps, with one-click installation and third-party Docker support. Remote access uses encrypted peer-to-peer connections, with internet ports closed by default. ZimaOS uses offline local accounts and says it collects no telemetry or user data.
Key features
Storage, backup and apps
Storage pools and RAID options make ZimaOS suitable for users who want to organize a multi-disk NAS rather than rely on a single shared drive. Its backup approach can coordinate copies across cloud, local and LAN storage, which is useful for users who want those destinations managed together.
The broad app catalog and Docker support let a NAS host more than files. Featured integrations include Immich, Emby, Jellyfin, Plex, Home Assistant, Nextcloud, Paperless-ngx, n8n and Pi-hole; container and virtual-machine support add further flexibility. Users with driver or compatibility problems are directed to the ZimaOS Discord community, so that community is the stated route for resolving hardware snags.
Sharing and connectivity
A main account can set folder-level access for family or small-team members, with personal folders private by default. ZimaOS connects over LAN or WAN from PC and Mac and can connect with NAS devices such as Synology and QNAP. The combination suits a shared household or small group, although the free plan's three-member ceiling makes it less suitable for a larger team.
Pricing
PlanPriceWhat it includesZimaOSfreeCore features, Zima Client for Mobile & PC, Thunderbolt support, Developer Mode, up to 4 disks and 3 members.ZimaOS+$29, paid onceEverything in Free, with unlimited disks and users.The free plan gives individuals and hobbyists a no-cost way to use the core system, but its four-disk and three-member limits are meaningful constraints for growing storage pools or shared access. ZimaOS+ is a one-time payment rather than a recurring subscription, and removes both caps. Its lifetime license is bound to one device; it can be transferred after being active for at least one year, so it is a less flexible purchase for anyone likely to change hardware sooner.
Platforms
ZimaOS supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, web, API and extension platforms, as well as self-hosted deployment. The operating system is described as supporting x86-64 hardware. Connections over LAN or WAN from PC and Mac and compatibility with Synology and QNAP make it relevant to mixed-device environments, but the device-bound license should be considered when planning a hardware change.
Who it's for
The free plan is the natural fit for individuals, hobbyists and casual users who can stay within four disks and three members. Families, small teams and creative studios are better candidates for ZimaOS+, especially if they need more disks or shared accounts. People who want a NAS without managing self-hosted hardware, or who need a license that moves freely between devices, should look elsewhere.
Pros and cons
Pros
Flexible storage and recovery: JBOD, four RAID levels and a 3-2-1 backup approach spanning cloud, local and LAN storage suit users managing more than a basic file share.
Broad app options: More than 800 advertised apps, Docker support and named integrations give a NAS room to host a wider set of services.
Low entry cost: The free plan includes core features, mobile and PC clients, Thunderbolt support and Developer Mode.
Privacy-conscious remote access: Encrypted peer-to-peer connections, closed internet ports by default and offline local accounts align with users who prioritize local control.
Cons
Free-plan ceilings: A four-disk and three-member limit can force an upgrade as a household or storage pool grows.
Device-bound paid license: ZimaOS+ transfers only after at least one year of activation, which limits flexibility for early hardware changes.
Community route for compatibility issues: Users with driver problems are directed to Discord, a consideration for anyone who expects a different support channel.
Alternatives
NAS Software is the broader category to browse if ZimaOS's device-bound license or free-plan caps do not fit.
napp-it may suit noncommercial home users who need up to three servers without a capacity limit; its free CS Home plan comes with no support.
TrueNAS is a free-software option for any x86 hardware, with community support.
OSNEXUS QuantaStor may fit educational, testing or non-commercial use within its Community Edition's 80TB raw-capacity and four-server-per-grid limits.
DPlaneOS is a free AGPLv3 community edition for users who want to use, modify and distribute the software on hardware they own.
Rockstor is another free NAS option.
NovaNAS is a free open-source option for users prepared to meet its Debian 13 requirement and minimum hardware specifications.
OpenNAS is a free, open-source x86_64 beta installer for self-hosting on your own hardware.
SoftNAS is a paid alternative with a free trial and hourly-priced plans.
Verdict
ZimaOS is a strong fit for individuals, families and small teams who want file management, backups and a broad app catalog on their own NAS. Start with the free plan if four disks and three members are enough; choose ZimaOS+ for unlimited disks and users. Look elsewhere if you need a license that readily moves between devices or prefer a different support route for hardware compatibility issues.
Verdict
ZimaOS combines NAS file, storage, backup, and app management, with a free tier and a one-time paid license. Consider the device-bound license and the free plan's disk and member limits.
Where Specifiction places it
- NAS Software#1 of 218.6
