Rockstor vs ZimaOS

Rockstor is an open-source network attached storage and private cloud storage system based on Linux and BTRFS, managed through a web interface. It supports storage pools, user management, on-demand and scheduled copy-on-write snapshots, and online capacity scaling. File sharing is available over NFS, Samba, SFTP, and AFP for Linux, Mac, Windows, and mobile devices. Listed BTRFS features include checksums, compression, and bitrot protection; Rockstor also supports asynchronous replication. Backup options include Rsync, Apple Time Machine, and Windows Backup. A customizable resource dashboard and SNMP provide monitoring, while Docker-based Rock-ons add apps for VPN, cloud storage, syncing, and media streaming. Installer profiles include openSUSE Leap 16.0, Tumbleweed, and Slowroll targets; Tumbleweed and Slowroll are described as experimental during the 5.5 testing phase. The Stable Updates subscription is requested but not required. The Raspberry Pi 5 profile is experimental, and setup cannot proceed on its jeOS base image through zypper because that image uses ext4 rather than BTRFS. Support is community based through the Rockstor forum.

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.