ZimaOS

ZimaOS is a NAS operating system for x86-64 hardware, bringing file management, storage, backups, and apps together. It lets users manage, preview, and share files from phones, cloud storage, and external drives. Supported storage configurations include JBOD and RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6. Its backup system manages backup and sync across cloud, local, and LAN storage using a 3-2-1 strategy. The 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. ZimaOS can connect 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 supports up to four disks and three members. ZimaOS+ costs $29 once for a lifetime license and removes those limits, allowing unlimited disks and users.

ZimaOS combines NAS storage, backup, file sharing, and an app catalog. The free plan has disk and member limits; ZimaOS+ removes them for a one-time fee.

ZimaOS may suit individuals or hobbyists who want a NAS operating system with a free plan, or families, small teams, and creative studios that need the listed higher disk and user limits. It supports x86-64 hardware and connects with Synology and QNAP NAS devices.

ZimaOS is a NAS operating system for x86-64 hardware, best suited to people building a home server or a small shared storage setup. Its broad storage and app capabilities make the free plan a capable starting point, but its four-disk and three-member caps shape who can stay on it.

Overview

ZimaOS brings file management, storage pools, backups, sharing and an app catalog together on hardware you manage yourself. Users can manage, preview and share files from phones, cloud storage and external drives, and connect from PC or Mac over LAN or WAN. It can also connect with NAS devices such as Synology and QNAP, which makes it useful for households or small teams working across existing storage and a new ZimaOS system.

Storage configurations include JBOD and RAID 0, 1, 5 and 6. That range supports different approaches to combining drives, but the choice of configuration still requires users to decide how they want to balance capacity and redundancy. Backups and sync span cloud, local and LAN storage and follow a 3-2-1 strategy, giving users a way to coordinate copies across different destinations.

Remote access uses encrypted peer-to-peer connections, with internet ports closed by default. ZimaOS uses offline local accounts and says it collects no telemetry or user data, a sensible fit for people who want their NAS accounts and files kept under their control.

Key features

Apps and self-hosted services

The App Store advertises more than 800 apps, with one-click installation and support for third-party Docker apps. Featured integrations include Immich, Emby, Jellyfin, Plex, Home Assistant, Nextcloud, Paperless-ngx, n8n and Pi-hole. Container and virtual-machine support broaden what users can run alongside storage services. The catalog and familiar integrations are a strong reason to consider ZimaOS as more than a file server; users who want a simple NAS without additional services may not need that breadth.

Accounts and sharing

A main account can set folder-level access for family or small-team members, while personal folders stay private by default. This gives a shared device room for collaborative folders without making every user’s files public to everyone on it. The free plan’s three-member ceiling, however, is restrictive for larger households or teams.

Pricing

The free plan is the right place for individuals, hobbyists and casual users with no more than four disks and three members. It includes core features, mobile and PC clients, Thunderbolt support and Developer Mode, so the caps—not a missing core feature set—are the key reason to upgrade. ZimaOS+ costs $29, paid once as a lifetime license and removes both limits, making it the more practical choice for families, small teams or creative studios likely to grow beyond them.

A ZimaOS+ license applies to one device. It can be transferred only after it has been active for at least one year, so buyers should factor that device-specific term into plans to move the system.

Platforms

ZimaOS supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, alongside web access, API, extension and self-hosted use. Its stated x86-64 hardware support and PC and Mac connectivity make it a fit for mixed-device environments, though users facing driver or compatibility issues are directed to the ZimaOS Discord community.

Who it's for

ZimaOS suits people who want to manage their own NAS, keep files accessible across devices, coordinate backups across local and cloud storage, or run self-hosted apps on the same system. Its sharing controls and service catalog make it especially relevant to families and small teams that can use the extra users and disks in ZimaOS+. Individuals and hobbyists with a small setup can start free. It is less compelling for users who do not need self-hosting or who want a free setup without the four-disk and three-member limits.

Pros and cons

• Broad storage choices: JBOD and RAID 0, 1, 5 and 6 configurations give users several ways to organize a multi-drive NAS.
• Backup across destinations: The 3-2-1-based system handles backup and sync across cloud, local and LAN storage.
• Large app catalog: More than 800 advertised apps, Docker support, containers and virtual machines give users room to extend the NAS beyond file storage.
• Privacy-conscious access: Encrypted peer-to-peer remote connections, ports closed by default and offline local accounts suit users who prioritize control over access and accounts.
• Free-plan ceilings: Four disks and three members can be enough for an individual but constrain a growing household or team.
• Device-bound paid license: ZimaOS+ is tied to one device, and transfer requires at least one year of activation.

Alternatives

NAS Software is a useful starting point for comparing this category. Consider TrueNAS instead if a free software download for any x86 hardware and community support better suit your setup. KitchenAsty is another free NAS option.

napp-it may suit noncommercial home use: its CS Home plan is free for up to three servers, with no capacity limit and no support. For a free open-source NAS operating system that requires Debian 13 and modest minimum hardware, consider NovaNAS. OpenNAS is a free, open-source x86_64 beta installer for self-hosting on your own hardware.

OSNEXUS QuantaStor may fit educational or testing use, or non-commercial storage grids of up to four servers and 80TB raw capacity. ZetaNAS offers a free-forever self-hosted community plan with core storage features and no capacity or node limits. DPlaneOS is a free AGPLv3 option for people who want software they can use, modify and distribute on hardware they own.

Verdict

ZimaOS is a strong fit for people who want a self-hosted NAS that can combine storage, backups, file sharing and a wide range of apps. Start with the free plan for a small personal setup; choose ZimaOS+ if you need more than four disks or three members and are comfortable tying the one-time license to a single device. Look elsewhere if those free-plan caps are a dealbreaker or a simpler storage system better matches your needs.