Best NAS Server for Home Summary from Reddit Comments

NAS Server Recommendations:

• Synology: Synology NAS devices are recommended for their versatility and ease of use for various home server needs. Users have set up Plex, Jellyfin, and other services on Synology NAS.
• UnRAID: UnRAID is mentioned for its ability to run Docker containers and VMs, making it a dynamic option for multiple server applications at home.
• Proxmox VE: Proxmox VE is a hypervisor recommended by users, offering LXC containers that are lightweight and efficient for various server setups. It also allows for running virtual machines with ease.
• Ubuntu Server: Ubuntu Server is highlighted as a solid choice for building a home server due to its familiarity and flexibility.

Important Considerations:

• UPS: It is advisable to have a UPS for power backup to ensure the NAS remains running and data is not lost due to sudden power outages.
• Internet Speed: Internet speed is not crucial for streaming within a local network, but having a reliable network setup is beneficial for smooth media streaming and data access.
• RAID Configuration: Consider RAID configurations like RAID 5 for data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
• Backup Strategy: Implementing a backup strategy, including offsite backups, is recommended for safeguarding important data stored on the NAS.
• Hypervisor Usage: Using a hypervisor like Proxmox or XCP-NG allows for managing various virtual machines and containers efficiently on a home server setup.

Operating Systems & Software:

• OS Recommendations: Linux-based OS like Debian, Ubuntu, or specialized NAS OS like TrueNAS Scale, FreeNAS are popular choices for setting up a home server.
• Docker Usage: Leveraging Docker for managing applications and services on the NAS is a common practice for streamlined operations.
• File System Choices: Consider using file systems like ZFS, XFS for efficient storage management on the NAS.

Containerization & Virtualization:

• LXC Containers: Lightweight containers like LXC are preferred for applications that do not require full virtualization.
• VM Setup: Utilizing virtual machines for running various services, backups, or specialized tasks provides flexibility in server management.

Additional Tools and Systems:

• Jellyfin: A media server alternative to Plex, suitable for organizing and streaming media content.
• SnapRAID & MergerFS: Useful for storage management, data protection, and merging multiple drives on the NAS.
• Cloud Backup & Automation: Implementing cloud backups, home automation solutions, and media server configuration enrich the home server setup.

By following these recommendations and considering the factors mentioned, you can build an efficient and versatile NAS server for home use, catering to a wide range of applications and services.