SnapRAID
What SnapRAID is
SnapRAID is free GPLv3 software that stores parity information for disk arrays, helping recover data after failures. It is aimed at home media centers and large arrays containing files that change infrequently. With enough parity disks, it can recover from up to six simultaneous disk failures. File hashing detects silent corruption, and parity can repair affected files. Disks may differ in size, and additional disks can be added without reformatting existing data disks. Each disk remains a separate filesystem, so files stay accessible without SnapRAID running. Its daemon can schedule status checks, difference reports, syncs, and scrubs, monitor SMART data, and send alerts through ntfy.sh webhooks, email, or system logs. A REST API supports Home Assistant, scripts, and mobile apps. Windows and Linux packages are available, with source compatible with macOS and a web UI; the daemon is unavailable on macOS. SnapRAID provides no encryption, and unsynced recent changes may be unrecoverable after failure.
Who it suits
It suits home media centers and large storage arrays with relatively stable files. Users needing encryption or macOS daemon operation must use separate tools or arrangements.
What it does well
- Recovers up to six failures
- Supports mixed disk sizes
- Files remain separately accessible
- Corruption detection and repair
- REST API integrations
What to know first
- No encryption
- Daemon unavailable on macOS
- Unsynced changes may be lost
- Community-based support
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SnapRAID | GPLv3 free software · no licensing fees or subscriptions | Free |
As snapraid.it lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
SnapRAID offers flexible parity protection while keeping disks independently readable. Its protection depends on synchronization, and encryption is outside the project.
Facts from SnapRAID's own pages
- Backup scope
- mixed · snapraid.it, 21 Sept 2026
- Daemon automation
- The daemon can schedule array status checks, differences, syncs, and scrubs in the background. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
- Data access
- Each disk remains a separate filesystem, and files remain accessible without SnapRAID running. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- SnapRAID does not provide encryption; its FAQ suggests using separate tools for encryption. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
- Failure recovery
- With enough parity disks, SnapRAID can recover from up to six simultaneous disk failures. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
- Flexible disks
- The array can use disks of different sizes, and users can add disks without reformatting existing data disks. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · snapraid.it, 21 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The daemon provides a REST API for third-party integrations, including Home Assistant, custom scripts, and mobile apps. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
- Integrity checks
- SnapRAID hashes files to detect silent corruption and can repair affected files using parity information. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- It is primarily intended for home media centers and large storage arrays containing files that do not change frequently. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
- Monitoring and alerts
- The daemon provides SMART monitoring and alerts through ntfy.sh webhooks, email, or system logs. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
- Notable limitation
- If a disk fails before recent changes have been synced, some changed or deleted files may not be recoverable. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
- Platform availability
- The CLI has Windows and Linux packages plus source code compatible with macOS; the daemon is not currently available for macOS. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows,Linux,macOS,web UI · snapraid.it, 21 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- SnapRAID stores parity information for disk arrays so data can be recovered after disk failures. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
- Restore modes
- mixed · snapraid.it, 21 Sept 2026
- Support
- Project support is community-based through GitHub issues, Reddit, and forums including SourceForge, OpenMediaVault, and Unraid. · snapraid.it, 12 Oct 2026
Where SnapRAID stands on Freedom251
- Backup software#49 of 151