openmediavault
openmediavault is a modular network attached storage solution based on Debian Linux that provides you with an easy-to-use web interface for managing home and small office data storage.
Synology DiskStation Manager
Synology DiskStation Manager is an intuitive web-based operating system designed to help you manage your digital assets across home and office environments with powerful storage and backup solutions.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | openmediavault | Synology DiskStation Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Website | openmediavault.org | synology.com |
| Pricing Model | Free | One_time |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2009 | 2000 |
| Headquarters | null | Taipei, Taiwan |
Overview
openmediavault
openmediavault gives you a powerful, open-source platform to transform any computer into a dedicated network attached storage (NAS) system. Built on the stable Debian Linux foundation, it provides you with a clean, web-based interface to manage your hard drives, user permissions, and shared folders without needing deep command-line knowledge. You can easily set up RAID arrays to protect your data and share files across your local network using standard protocols like SMB, NFS, and FTP.
The software is designed for home users and small offices who want full control over their hardware and data privacy. Because it uses a modular plugin system, you can expand your server's capabilities to include media streaming, BitTorrent clients, and automated cloud backups. It is completely free to use, allowing you to repurpose old hardware into a professional-grade storage appliance that keeps your digital life organized and secure.
Synology DiskStation Manager
Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) is the intuitive operating system that powers every Synology NAS, turning a simple storage device into a private cloud for your home or business. You can easily centralize your data, manage file sharing across different platforms, and set up automated backup routines to protect your most important digital assets. It provides a familiar, desktop-like interface in your web browser, making complex network configurations accessible even if you aren't a technical expert.
Beyond simple storage, you can transform your hardware into a versatile hub for multimedia streaming, surveillance management, and team collaboration. Whether you are a creative professional handling massive 4K video files or a business owner needing a secure mail server, DSM offers the flexibility to scale. It solves the problem of fragmented data by bringing your photos, documents, and system backups into one secure, self-hosted environment that you fully control.
Overview
openmediavault Features
- Web-Based Administration Manage your entire storage server through a clean, browser-based interface that simplifies complex system configuration and monitoring tasks.
- Storage Management Configure your hard drives with ease, including support for GPT partitions, RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, and JBOD.
- User Permissions Control exactly who can access your files by creating specific user accounts and managing access rights for shared folders.
- Network Protocols Share your files across Windows, Mac, and Linux devices using built-in support for SMB/CIFS, NFS, FTP, and SSH.
- Modular Plugin System Extend your server's functionality by installing official and third-party plugins for media streaming, antivirus, and automated backups.
- System Monitoring Keep an eye on your server's health with integrated tools for CPU usage, memory consumption, and disk temperature alerts.
Synology DiskStation Manager Features
- Synology Drive. Access and sync your files across Windows, Mac, and mobile devices while maintaining full ownership of your data.
- Active Backup Suite. Protect your entire business infrastructure by backing up PCs, virtual machines, and Microsoft 365 accounts to one central location.
- Snapshot Replication. Schedule near-instantaneous data protection for shared folders and LUNs to ensure you can recover quickly from accidental deletions.
- Surveillance Station. Turn your NAS into a powerful video management system to monitor your home or office with intelligent video analysis.
- Synology Photos. Organize your entire photo library automatically with AI-powered facial recognition and share albums securely with friends or clients.
- Hyper Backup. Back up your NAS data to external drives, another Synology NAS, or public cloud services for a reliable off-site strategy.
Pricing Comparison
openmediavault Pricing
- Full web-based administration
- RAID and volume management
- SMB, NFS, and FTP support
- Access to official plugins
- Regular security updates
- Community forum support
- Everything in Community, plus:
- Optional financial support
- Help sustain project development
- Contribute to hosting costs
- Support open-source software
Synology DiskStation Manager Pricing
- Included with hardware purchase
- Unlimited user accounts
- Access to Package Center
- Synology Drive & Office
- Free security updates
- Mobile app ecosystem
- Everything in DSM, plus:
- Off-site cloud backup
- Military-grade encryption
- Version retention policies
- Data deduplication
- Cross-region redundancy
Pros & Cons
openmediavault
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no hidden costs
- Low hardware requirements allow use of older computers
- Extremely stable foundation based on Debian Linux
- Highly customizable through a wide range of plugins
- Active community provides extensive documentation and help
Cons
- Initial installation requires some basic technical knowledge
- Web interface can feel slightly dated compared to commercial NAS
- Plugin compatibility can vary between major version updates
Synology DiskStation Manager
Pros
- Intuitive desktop-like interface is very easy to navigate
- No recurring monthly fees for core software features
- Massive library of free apps in the Package Center
- Excellent mobile apps for remote file and photo access
Cons
- Initial hardware investment can be quite expensive
- Some advanced features require specific high-end hardware models
- Technical support response times can be slow occasionally