PetaSAN vs ZimaOS

PetaSAN is an open-source, software-defined storage platform for Linux and self-hosted web-managed deployments, licensed under AGPL 3. It uses Ceph and Consul, delivering storage through iSCSI, CIFS/SMB, NFS, and S3. Capacity can grow by adding nodes without interrupting service, and the system is described as multi-node active/active and highly available. Graphical interfaces are intended to help non-Linux administrators install and operate it. Listed use cases include VMware vSphere, Hyper-V, scale-out file systems, big-data analytics, database servers, and large-capacity backups. Capabilities include storage pools, user management, and snapshots. The self-support plan costs nothing; professional support and engineering consultation are also offered. Version 4.1.0 is dated February 18, 2026, and release 3.3.0 added dm-crypt OSD encryption and an HTTPS deployment wizard.

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.