Asustor ADM
Asustor Data Master is a dedicated operating system for NAS devices that provides you with a tablet-like interface to manage storage, backups, and multimedia applications effortlessly.
Unraid
Unraid is a flexible server operating system that allows you to manage your storage, run applications in Docker containers, and host virtual machines on almost any hardware.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Asustor ADM | Unraid |
|---|---|---|
| Website | asustor.com | unraid.net |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $4.08/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2011 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Taipei, Taiwan | Escondido, USA |
Overview
Asustor ADM
Asustor Data Master (ADM) is the intuitive operating system that powers your Asustor NAS, designed to make complex network storage feel as simple as using a smartphone. You can manage your data through a familiar, windowed interface that supports multitasking and customization. Whether you are a home user looking to build a personal media hub or a business owner needing secure file sharing, ADM provides the tools to organize your digital life.
You can expand your system's capabilities by installing apps from the App Central library, which offers everything from surveillance tools to web servers. The platform focuses on keeping your data safe with multi-layered security features, including firewalls and ransomware protection. It simplifies remote access, allowing you to reach your files from any web browser or mobile device without complicated network configurations.
Unraid
Unraid gives you ultimate control over your home server or media lab by breaking the rules of traditional RAID. Instead of requiring identical hard drives, you can mix and match drives of different sizes, brands, and speeds to create a massive, protected storage pool. You can easily add new drives at any time to expand your capacity without rebuilding the entire array or losing data.
Beyond storage, you can transform your hardware into a multi-purpose powerhouse. Use the built-in Docker support to run hundreds of apps like Plex or Nextcloud, or set up virtual machines to run Windows and Linux simultaneously. It is designed for enthusiasts who want a professional-grade NAS and application server that remains simple to manage through a clean web interface.
Overview
Asustor ADM Features
- App Central Browse and install over 200 free apps to transform your NAS into a media server, web host, or surveillance station.
- Dr. ASUSTOR Run comprehensive system checks to receive instant recommendations for keeping your data secure and your hardware healthy.
- Snapshot Center Create point-in-time copies of your data so you can instantly restore files if they are accidentally deleted or corrupted.
- EZ-Connect Access your NAS from anywhere in the world using a unique Cloud ID without needing to configure complex router settings.
- MyArchive Storage Use your hard drives as removable storage archives to simplify data offloading and physical transport between different locations.
- Multi-Layered Security Protect your information from hackers and ransomware with built-in firewalls, AES-256 encryption, and automated account blocking.
Unraid Features
- Mix-and-Match Storage. Use any combination of drive sizes and brands in your array to maximize your existing hardware investments.
- Easy Scalability. Expand your storage capacity instantly by plugging in new drives without the need for complex data migrations.
- Docker Integration. Run popular applications in isolated containers to keep your server organized and your services running smoothly.
- Virtual Machine Hosting. Create virtual instances of Windows or Linux with dedicated hardware passthrough for near-native performance levels.
- Parity Data Protection. Protect your data against drive failure using one or two parity disks while keeping other disks independent.
- User-Friendly Web Interface. Manage your entire server, monitor disk health, and configure network settings through your favorite web browser.
Pricing Comparison
Asustor ADM Pricing
- Included with hardware purchase
- Full OS access
- App Central library access
- Mobile app integration
- Regular security updates
- EZ-Connect remote access
- 4 free camera channels
- One-time license for extra cams
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Advanced video management
- Mobile monitoring alerts
- Expandable camera support
Unraid Pricing
- Supports up to 6 attached devices
- Full NAS functionality
- Docker and VM support
- 1 year of software updates
- Discounted renewal for updates
- Community forum support
- Everything in Starter, plus:
- Supports up to 12 attached devices
- Ideal for growing media collections
- 1 year of software updates
- Extension of update period available
- Standard technical support
Pros & Cons
Asustor ADM
Pros
- Intuitive interface feels familiar like a tablet
- No recurring subscription fees for core features
- Extensive library of free third-party applications
- Fast and responsive performance on modern hardware
Cons
- Requires Asustor hardware to run
- Smaller app ecosystem than some larger competitors
- Advanced networking features have a learning curve
Unraid
Pros
- Unmatched flexibility for mixing different hard drive sizes
- Massive library of community-supported Docker applications
- Simple setup process compared to traditional Linux distributions
- Booting from USB keeps your SATA ports free
- Active and helpful community for troubleshooting
Cons
- Write speeds are slower than traditional RAID setups
- Requires a high-quality USB flash drive to boot
- No forever-free tier available for long-term use