Side by side
Nix vs OmniOS
Both stand on server operating system. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
Nix offers package management, system configuration, and a broad set of reproducible-build and deployment capabilities at no listed cost. Its command-line orientation and Windows WSL2 requirements are important considerations before adopting it.
Visit Nix Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
OmniOS combines illumos-based server operation with ZFS, containers, virtualization, networking, and tracing tools. The free edition is limited to x86-64, while longer support and developer access require the paid support package.
Visit OmniOSThe facts
| Nix | OmniOS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | OmniOS Support Package: $500 per server a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Nix | Not published |
| Website | nixos.org | omnios.org |
| On server operating system | #6 of 29 | #10 of 29 |
Nix: what it does well
- Builds packages in isolation to avoid undeclared dependencies.
- Supports lockfiles, workspaces, and offline installation.
- Package collection offers over 140,000 packages.
- Supports atomic upgrades and rollbacks.
- Free, with no paid plan listed.
What to know first
- Windows support is through WSL2.
- Windows multi-user installation requires WSL systemd support.
- Documentation targets command-line and plain-text editor users.
OmniOS: what it does well
- Free open-source server operating system
- ZFS includes integrity protection and storage sharing
- Supports bhyve and KVM guest virtualization
- DTrace provides software-stack troubleshooting traces
- Digitally signed package updates
What to know first
- Releases support x86-64 only
- Stable releases receive one year of support
- Support package costs $500 a year
- Support reaction time is best-effort, not guaranteed