SoftNAS vs ZimaOS
SoftNAS
softnas.comZimaOS
zimaspace.comSide by side
| Figure | SoftNAS | ZimaOS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $0.13/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 2 |
| Spec score · NAS Software | 8.3 (#7) | 8.6 (#1) |
| API | The SoftNAS REST API exposes functions used by the StorageCenter administration GUI, and the maker documents a command-line utility for API access. | The OpenAPI exposes programmatic operations for files, users and system settings. |
| Integrations | SoftNAS integrates with Active Directory for centralized user authentication and access control. | The maker highlights Immich, Emby, Jellyfin, Plex, Home Assistant, Nextcloud, Paperless-ngx, n8n, and Pi-hole among supported apps. |
| Support | The support documentation lists helpdesk tickets, email support, and phone support, with premium support access for registered subscribers including during trials. | The maker directs users with driver or compatibility issues to the ZimaOS Discord community. |
Plans
SoftNAS
- OSN-1$0.13 a month
- 200$0.25 a month
- OSN-2$0.66 a month
- 400$1.32 a month
- OSN-4$1.58 a month
- OSN-8$2.78 a month
- 800$3.16 a month
- 1600$8.22 a month
- 3200$12.10 a month
- 6400$18.15 a month
In their own words
SoftNAS
SoftNAS is software-defined network attached storage for enterprise cloud workloads that need shared file storage across environments. It supports AWS, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and VMware, with NFS, SMB/CIFS, and iSCSI protocols. StorageCenter provides a browser-based interface for configuring, monitoring, and maintaining a NAS environment; a REST API and documented command-line utility provide another route to its functions. Active-passive configurations use automated failover, while DeltaSync replication can resume an interrupted session from the last known good snapshot. SoftNAS supports storage pools, snapshots, user management, and cloud sync, and integrates with Active Directory for authentication and access control. The maker says compression and deduplication can help reduce cloud storage costs. Security documentation describes AES-256 full-disk encryption at the storage-pool level. The product is paid, has no free plan, and offers a trial without a stated duration on the pricing page. Listed hourly plans include Oracle Cloud options from $0.13 a month and throughput-oriented options from $0.25 a month; AWS Marketplace lists free self-service support and paid Buurst Gold Support with 24x7x365 availability.
ZimaOS
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.