Side by side
NovaNAS vs TrueNAS
Both stand on nas software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1
NovaNAS brings storage management, app deployment, backups, and monitoring into a web interface. Its current Debian 13 and fresh-install requirements are important constraints to check before setup.
Visit NovaNAS
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5
TrueNAS Community Edition combines several storage types with ZFS protection features and a broad set of services. Review the support model and one-way upgrade warning before moving from TrueNAS CORE.
Visit TrueNASThe facts
| NovaNAS | TrueNAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | novanas.org | truenas.com |
| On nas software | #4 of 21 | #1 of 21 |
NovaNAS: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Supports ZFS, EXT4, and RAID management.
- One-click Docker app deployment from a community store.
- Automated backups include external, cloud, and NovaNAS destinations.
- Provides real-time system resource monitoring.
What to know first
- Debian 13 is the only supported operating system.
- Installation is intended for a fresh system.
- Requires at least 2 GB RAM and a 20 GB system drive.
- Virtualization and scheduled tasks are not yet available.
TrueNAS: what it does well
- Free software download for x86 hardware.
- Supports file, block, and object storage.
- ZFS features include snapshots and replication.
- Includes apps, Docker containers, and virtual machines.
- Offers web UI, CLI, and a TrueNAS API.
What to know first
- Upgrading from TrueNAS CORE is a one-way operation.
- Community support is through forums and documentation.
- The stated platform requirement is x86 hardware.
Alternatives to NovaNAS Alternatives to TrueNAS The whole list