For simple folder sharing, Raspberry Pi OS Lite with Samba is the lightest option. OpenMediaVault adds a web interface, software RAID and plugins. Nextcloud adds web and mobile apps plus calendar and contacts, at the cost of more maintenance. Jellyfin adds media streaming. TrueNAS needs x86_64 hardware and will not run on a Pi.
Start with the Job, Not the Software
People usually compare feature lists first. It is quicker to decide which of these four jobs you actually need, because each tool below does one of them well and the others only partly:
- Local file sharing: reach a shared drive from Windows, Mac, Linux and phones on your home network.
- Web and mobile access to files: browse, upload and share files through an app or browser.
- Media streaming: play movies, music and photos from the Pi on TVs and phones.
- Remote access: reach any of the above when you are away from home.
If you are still deciding whether to build a NAS at all, our Raspberry Pi cloud storage guide covers the end-to-end setup, and the beginner's guide to self-hosted cloud storage explains the concepts.
Raspberry Pi NAS Hardware: What Actually Matters
The software choice matters less than getting the hardware basics right. These points come from Raspberry Pi's documentation and product pages unless noted.
- Pi 4 or Pi 5. Both have Gigabit Ethernet and two USB 3.0 ports. The Pi 5 also has a single PCIe 2.0 lane, which the official M.2 HAT+ uses for an NVMe drive; Raspberry Pi certifies that connection at Gen 2 speeds and warns that forcing Gen 3 may be unstable. A Pi 4 has no such connector, so extra drives go over USB. See the Pi 5 and Pi 4 specifications and the M.2 HAT+ documentation.
- Skip older boards. The Pi 3B+ has 1 GB of RAM and its Gigabit port runs over USB 2.0 at a maximum of 300 Mbps (Raspberry Pi).
- The network is your speed limit. In Jeff Geerling's Pi 5 NAS build, Samba over the built-in Gigabit port reached about 96 MB/s writing from a Mac, 115 MB/s from Windows and 122 MB/s reading. That is one build with SSDs on a SATA HAT, not a guarantee for every setup.
- Power. The Pi 5 is specified for a 5 V / 5 A supply, such as the 27 W adapter, and on 5 V / 3 A it limits USB peripherals to 600 mA. The Pi 4 needs 5 V / 3 A (getting started docs, 27 W supply). Plan power for any bus-powered drive accordingly.
- Do not use an SD card for your data. Pi My Life Up and RaspberryTips both advise against it for storage, and Nextcloud's All-in-One documentation says SD cards cripple performance. A Pi 5 with no SD card boots automatically from an NVMe drive (M.2 HAT+ docs).
- Back up anyway. RAID is not a second copy. CISA's 3-2-1 guidance is 3 copies of important files, on 2 types of storage media, with 1 copy off-site.
1. Samba on Raspberry Pi OS Lite: The Simplest Pi NAS Software
Samba describes itself as the "most feature-rich Open Source implementation of the SMB and Active Directory protocols", released under the GPL. It is in Debian as the samba package, and Raspberry Pi's own NAS tutorial builds a Pi NAS from Raspberry Pi OS Lite and Samba alone, with no web interface.
You manage it with the command line and a configuration file. That suits people who are comfortable with Linux and want nothing else running; it is a poor fit if you want a dashboard, drive health pages or one-click RAID.
- Free, GPL-licensed and available as a standard Debian package
- Used in Raspberry Pi's own NAS tutorial
- No extra services to run or maintain
- No web interface: configuration is by file and terminal
- No built-in RAID, monitoring or plugins
- Local network only until you add a remote access method
2. OpenMediaVault: The Usual Pick for a Pi NAS with a Web Interface
OpenMediaVault (OMV) is a Debian-based NAS solution under the GPL-3.0. Its repository describes services including SSH, (S)FTP, SMB/CIFS and rsync, and its documentation covers NFS as well. Software RAID uses Linux mdadm, with Linear, 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10 available in the web interface.
On hardware: the prerequisites page lists ARMv7 and ARMv8 as supported architectures and says OMV "can run in with as low as 1GiB of RAM", while recommending at least 4 GiB for novice administrators. On a Pi you install it with the community install script on a command-line Debian-based image; the manual Debian steps "only partially work" on Raspberry Pi OS, so follow the current installation guide for the supported image. The omv-extras project adds plugins, including a Docker Compose plugin. For how OMV compares with remote-first tools, see our OpenMediaVault alternative guide.
- Web interface for shares, users, drives and services
- Software RAID, SMB, NFS, rsync and SSH built in
- Plugins and Docker Compose via omv-extras
- GPL-3.0 open source
- It expects full control of the operating system and cannot run in a container
- Docs advise against production RAID arrays on USB-connected drives
- No remote access of its own: you add a VPN, tunnel or similar
- Installing on a Pi is a script on a Debian-based image, not a ready-made Pi image
3. CasaOS and Cockpit: Lighter Web Interfaces
Two other options show up for people who want a web interface without OMV's NAS-focused design.
CasaOS is an Apache-2.0 personal cloud system with an app store. Its README says it "fully supports ZimaBoard, Intel NUC, and Raspberry Pi" and lists Raspberry Pi OS as tested. The latest stable core release listed on GitHub is v0.4.15 from December 2024, and a hardware retailer's status page says the project has been slow-moving as attention moved to its successor ZimaOS. ZimaOS targets Zima hardware and generic x86-64 and does not list Raspberry Pi, so treat CasaOS as a working but slow-moving choice on a Pi and check the repository's recent activity before you commit.
Cockpit is an LGPL web interface for administering Linux servers and has been in Debian since version 10. 45Drives' cockpit-file-sharing add-on (GPL-3.0) manages Samba, NFS, iSCSI and S3 services from it. Neither project's documentation states Raspberry Pi support explicitly, so we cannot confirm it; check compatibility for your OS image before relying on it.
4. Nextcloud on a Raspberry Pi: Heavier, But More Than Files
Nextcloud is an open-source file sync and collaboration platform with desktop clients for Windows, macOS and Linux and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Nextcloud says its app store has about 600 apps (July 2026 press release).
On a Pi, Nextcloud's All-in-One installer supports aarch64/arm64 and recommends SSD storage, and the community NextcloudPi project provides ready-made Raspberry Pi images. The system requirements recommend a minimum of 512 MB RAM per process and a 64-bit CPU, OS and PHP. A manual install means a web server, PHP and a database; our Nextcloud setup problems guide and Nextcloud alternatives comparison go into the details.
- Web, desktop and mobile clients
- Calendar, contacts and about 600 apps
- Arm64 installer and community Pi images
- Open source
- More services to run than Samba or OMV: web server, PHP and a database
- Needs a reachable address for remote access, which CGNAT blocks
- SD cards are discouraged for performance
5. Jellyfin: Media Streaming on Top of Your NAS
Jellyfin is a free media server under the GPL-2.0 that sits on top of your storage rather than replacing a NAS operating system. Its official clients cover Android, Android TV, iOS, Roku, LG webOS, Samsung Tizen, Xbox and desktop (client list).
The caveat on a Pi is transcoding. Jellyfin's hardware acceleration docs say the Raspberry Pi 5 lacks hardware encoders entirely and that Raspberry Pi V4L2 support is being deprecated, and its hardware selection guide says most single-board computers, "especially the Raspberry Pi 5", are too slow for an acceptable experience. Plan on media your devices can play directly, and expect heavy transcoding to struggle. For remote use, the networking docs say you must expose the server yourself, that opening a port directly to the internet is "insecure and not recommended", and that a reverse proxy for HTTPS is strongly recommended.
- Free and open source (GPL-2.0)
- Official apps for phones, TVs and consoles
- Works alongside Samba or OMV
- Not a file manager or NAS OS
- Weak transcoding on Raspberry Pi hardware
- Remote access needs a reverse proxy, VPN or similar
TrueNAS: Why It Is Not on This List
TrueNAS often appears in NAS roundups, but its own FAQ says "TrueNAS needs to be run on a x86_64 CPU", which rules out a Raspberry Pi, and recommends at least 8 GB of RAM. TrueNAS SCALE was also renamed TrueNAS Community Edition from version 25.04 (TrueNAS). If you have an old x86 PC or mini PC rather than a Pi, it is worth a look; on a Pi, use one of the options above.
Reaching Your Pi NAS From Outside: Remote Access and CGNAT
Every option above works on your home network. Reaching it from elsewhere is a separate problem, and the common solution, port forwarding, fails if your ISP uses carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT). Under CGNAT you share a public address with other customers, so inbound connections cannot reach your router. To check, compare the WAN IP in your router with the public IP a "what is my IP" site shows; if they differ, or if the router's address is in 100.64.0.0/10, the range RFC 6598 reserves for carrier-grade NAT, you are behind CGNAT. Some Indian ISPs including Airtel, Jio and BSNL are reported to use it (a VPN vendor's list, so treat it as indicative).
These are the main ways around it. Our self-hosting without port forwarding guide goes deeper.
- Port forwarding (with a public IP). Free, but impossible under CGNAT. Jellyfin's docs call a directly opened port insecure and not recommended.
- Tailscale. A WireGuard-based private network. Its free plan covers up to 6 users with unlimited user devices, for non-commercial use (pricing). It tries a direct UDP connection and falls back to relay servers when that is not possible, and it cannot connect directly if both devices are behind a hard NAT (connection types). Your devices must run Tailscale to reach the NAS.
- Cloudflare Tunnel. The cloudflared connector makes outbound-only connections, so it needs no public IP. Be aware of the limits: the Free plan caps uploads at 100 MB, and Cloudflare's service-specific terms restrict using the CDN to serve video or a disproportionate share of large files on its Free, Pro and Business plans. Read them before streaming media through it.
- Gavety (our product). A proprietary agent that connects outward using a peer-to-peer connection or Gavety's relay, so you can browse and share files from a browser without port forwarding. It runs on a Raspberry Pi 4 with at least 4 GB of RAM, or another Linux machine with at least 4 GB. It covers file browsing, sharing links, multi-user access and media streaming; it does not do calendar, contacts, video calls or office editing, and it has no file sync feature yet. The consumer licence is $100 per device (one-time). Remote access is $20 per user per year for peer-to-peer connections, and relay pricing depends on usage; there is also a free LAN-only tier. See the pricing page. These are first-party details from Gavety, not independently verified.
Note that Gavety is an access layer for your files, not a replacement for Samba or OMV on your home network. Many people will pair a local sharing tool with a remote access method.
Raspberry Pi NAS Software Comparison Table
| Option | Licence | Runs on a Pi? | Web interface | Main job | Remote access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samba | GPL | ✓ Used in Raspberry Pi's tutorial | ✗ Command line | Local SMB sharing | ✗ Add VPN or tunnel |
| OpenMediaVault | GPL-3.0 | ✓ ARMv7/ARMv8 listed | ✓ | Full NAS: SMB, NFS, RAID | ✗ Add VPN or tunnel |
| CasaOS | Apache-2.0 | ✓ Listed in README | ✓ | Apps and personal cloud | ✗ Add VPN or tunnel |
| Nextcloud | Open source (AIO: AGPL-3.0) | ✓ AIO arm64, NextcloudPi | ✓ | Files, calendar, contacts | ✗ Add VPN or tunnel |
| Jellyfin | GPL-2.0 | ⚠ Yes, weak transcoding | ✓ | Media streaming | ✗ Reverse proxy or VPN |
| TrueNAS | Free edition available | ✗ x86_64 only | ✓ | Advanced storage | n/a on Pi |
| Gavety (ours) | Proprietary | ✓ Pi 4, 4 GB or more | ✓ Browser access | Remote file access | ✓ P2P or relay |
Checked October 2026 against the sources listed below. "Add VPN or tunnel" means the software has no remote access of its own. Gavety details are first-party.
Which Raspberry Pi NAS Software Should You Choose?
Choose Samba if…
- You are comfortable with the Linux command line
- You only need shared folders on your home network
- You want the fewest moving parts
Choose OpenMediaVault if…
- You want a web interface for shares, users and drives
- You want software RAID or NFS as well as SMB
- You can dedicate the Pi to NAS duty
Choose Nextcloud if…
- You want web and mobile apps, calendar and contacts
- You can maintain a web server stack or use the AIO installer
- You will add a VPN or tunnel for remote use
Add Jellyfin if…
- You want to stream your own media to TVs and phones
- Your media plays directly on your devices
- You already have file storage sorted
Consider Gavety if…
- You want browser access to your Pi's files from anywhere
- You are behind CGNAT and do not want to run a VPN or tunnel
- You accept proprietary software and a remote-access subscription
Look at x86 hardware if…
- You want TrueNAS and ZFS-first storage
- You need more than one network port or many drive bays
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Raspberry Pi good for a NAS?
For a home NAS with a few users, yes. The Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 5 both have Gigabit Ethernet and two USB 3.0 ports, and Jeff Geerling measured about 96 to 122 MB/s of Samba throughput on a Pi 5, which is close to what Gigabit Ethernet allows. The limits are the single network port, the lack of drive bays and the fact that you must supply your own power, storage and backups.
What is the best NAS software for a Raspberry Pi?
For plain network file sharing, Raspberry Pi OS Lite with Samba is the simplest option, and Raspberry Pi's own NAS tutorial uses it. OpenMediaVault adds a web interface, software RAID and plugins. Nextcloud adds a web interface, mobile apps and calendar and contacts but is heavier to run. Jellyfin handles media streaming on top of any of them.
Can I run TrueNAS on a Raspberry Pi?
No. TrueNAS's FAQ says it needs an x86_64 CPU, and the Raspberry Pi uses an Arm processor. TrueNAS also recommends at least 8 GB of RAM. On a Pi, OpenMediaVault or plain Samba are the usual choices instead.
Does OpenMediaVault run on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes. OpenMediaVault's documentation lists ARMv7 and ARMv8 as supported architectures and says it can run with as little as 1 GiB of RAM, though it recommends at least 4 GiB for novice administrators. On a Pi you install it with the community install script on top of a command-line Debian-based image; check the current OpenMediaVault installation guide for the supported image.
How do I reach my Raspberry Pi NAS from outside my home?
Options include port forwarding, a VPN such as Tailscale, Cloudflare Tunnel, or a product that connects outward, such as Gavety (our product). Port forwarding does not work behind CGNAT because inbound connections cannot reach your router. Tailscale and Cloudflare Tunnel connect outward and so avoid that problem, with their own limits described in the remote access section.
Is RAID a replacement for backups?
No. RAID keeps a single drive failure from stopping access, but the copies sit in the same device and location. CISA's 3-2-1 guidance is 3 copies of important files on 2 types of storage media, with 1 copy stored off-site. OpenMediaVault's documentation also advises against production RAID arrays on drives connected over USB.
Sources
- Raspberry Pi hardware: Pi 5, Pi 4, Pi 3B+, M.2 HAT+, getting started, NAS tutorial.
- Throughput: Jeff Geerling, Pi 5 NAS with a SATA HAT. Backups: CISA.
- OpenMediaVault: openmediavault.org, prerequisites, RAID, GitHub.
- Samba: samba.org. CasaOS: GitHub. Cockpit: cockpit-project.org.
- Nextcloud: system requirements, All-in-One, NextcloudPi.
- Jellyfin: hardware acceleration, hardware selection, networking.
- TrueNAS: FAQ. Tailscale: connection types. Cloudflare: Tunnel.
- CGNAT: RFC 6598, PureVPN overview.
- Gavety details (licensing, supported hardware, features) are first-party facts from Gavety, not independently verified.
How this guide was put together. Third-party facts come from the sources listed above, checked in October 2026. We did not benchmark every option ourselves, so we quote published figures and name where they come from. If a source was unclear we say so rather than guess. Gavety is our product and is labelled as such. If you spot an error, please tell us and we will correct it.
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