Top 5 Home Server OS distros for self-hosting

 Top home server os distros

Home servers and home server labs have exploded in popularity because users want to self-host and learn self-hosted services, keep control over their data, and just geek out overall. There is much interest in “home server OS” solutions that make installing and standing up self-hosted solutions easy. This guide discusses the top 5 home server operating systems you should check out.

What is a home server OS?

Contrary to what the name implies, most of these solutions, except one that we will look at, are not operating systems. They are “platform solutions” allowing you to manage home server services and self-hosted solutions easily. Most require you already have a Linux operating system installed, like Ubuntu Server.

Why do you need a dedicated home server OS?

There are many great Linux distributions. Vanilla Ubuntu Server with Ubuntu home server software is a great option. However, you may install other variants, like the Amahi home server. There are many to choose from, with different pros and cons.

Typically, a home server OS provides the following advantages and is usually based on a Linux home server OS variety:

  • User-friendly interface

  • File servers with the capability to store files

  • A very “cloud-like” look and feel

  • network attached storage with IP storage gateway, etc

  • Easy application deployment

  • Containerized infrastructure

 

Picking the right one

Whether you’re looking for something to power your media servers to stream videos or need a cloud server setup for file storage with network-attached storage, the best operating system may vary for different use cases.

It’s essential to consider your primary usage, the kind and how many storage devices you have, the RAID configurations you intend to use, and even how adept you are at using a command line.

Today’s server OS choices offer many features, from advanced file systems like the ZFS file system to remote desktop software capabilities.

Whether you’re setting this up for a small business, as a home lab enthusiast, or you want an organized space for all your media, the home server OS will most likely have value for you.

Top Home Server OS list

The list below is not all-encompassing; others may be a good fit for your home network. However, below are home server OS solutions I have worked with that provide excellent capabilities.

  1. TrueNAS
  2. CasaOS

  3. UmbrelOS

  4. DietPi

  5. Caprover

  6. Raspberry Pi OS

TrueNAS: Maybe the best?

TrueNAS, previously known as FreeNAS, is arguably one of the most popular home server operating systems. It provides solutions both for the home lab and business, emphasizing storage solutions and data protection.

  • ZFS File System: TrueNAS utilizes the ZFS file system. This file system is known for its data integrity checks, volume management, and snapshot capabilities, ensuring your data is safe and efficiently stored.
  • Expandable Plugin Architecture: TrueNAS has an incredible number of plugins. Whether you’re looking to set up a Plex Media Server, run virtual machines, or even use it as a cloud server, the plugins make it easy to add more functionality.
Truenas is an extremely powerful home server os
Truenas is an extremely powerful home server os

Pros:

  • ZFS File System: TrueNAS uses the well-trusted ZFS file system, ensuring data integrity and offering advanced volume management.
  • Flexible RAID Configurations: It supports various RAID configurations, allowing users to tailor their setup to balance performance and redundancy.
  • Plugins and Extensions: From Plex Media Server to virtual machines, TrueNAS’s plugins extend its capabilities, making it a versatile choice.

Cons:

  • Learning Curve: With its many features, newcomers might find TrueNAS’s web interface slightly overwhelming.
  • Hardware Demands: One might need a more powerful server setup to realize its full potential, especially when running multiple services.

Additional Note: While TrueNAS requires a deeper dive into server operating nuances, its advanced features make it an option you should seriously consider for self-hosting.

 

CasaOS: A Fresh Perspective on Home Servers

CasaOS has quickly become a favorite among many for a home server operating system. It offers simplicity and powerful apps that are easy to install and configure. Its design mimics cloud-like services.

Features:

  • Web Interface: CasaOS boasts a refined web interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate.

  • Storing and Streaming: Ideal for media lovers, CasaOS handles media streaming, making it a solid choice for a media server.

Casaos dashboard
Casaos dashboard

Looking at the list and catalog of Apps with CasaOS.

Casaos apps
Casaos apps

Pros:

  • Great-looking web interface: A modern, user-friendly interface provides easy navigation, even for those new to server management

  • Media Handling: Designed for media lovers, it stores and streams media very well

  • Cloud Server Capabilities: Acts as a home cloud server, granting users access to their media files and documents.

Cons:

  • It may be overkill, but that is probably not a good con since most platforms have more than most will want to use. Some may wish to deploy single containers if they need only one service.

Additional Notes: CasaOS is rapidly gaining traction thanks to its cloud-like approach to home servers and makes setting up self-hosted services extremely easy

Download CasaOS here: CasaOS

 

UmbrelOS: More Than Just Cryptocurrency

At first glance, you’d think UmbrelOS is all about cryptocurrencies. While it does excel in that domain, it offers so much more.

Features:

  • Extensive App Support: From Plex Media Server to BitTorrent services, the variety is commendable

  • Safety Protocols: With built-in features to protect your internet connection, your data is safe

Umbrelos dashboard
Umbrelos dashboard

Looking at the Umbrel app catalog.

Umbrelos apps
Umbrelos apps

Pros:

  • Diverse App Library: It offers many applications from Plex Media Server to BitTorrent services

  • Security: Built-in measures protect your Internet connection and data

Cons:

  • Niche Focus: Its primary association with cryptocurrencies might be different than what is needed for many users

  • Learning Curve: It has multiple features that may require a bit more effort

Additional Note: While it’s stellar for crypto enthusiasts, it’s essential to remember that UmbrelOS offers much more, acting as a competent server operating system for various tasks

Download UmbrelOS here: Umbrel

DietPi: Efficiency Meets Versatility

Based on Debian Linux, DietPi is known for being lightweight. This Linux server OS stands out for its ability to serve multiple purposes without exhausting your server’s processing power.

Features:

  • Swiss army knife: DietPi has tons of apps integrated into the environment, making it super easy to install server applications

  • Very good for home labbers: For those looking to play around with many different services, containers, Kubernetes, etc, DietPi has a lot of really great built-in integrations

Dietpi sbc operating system
Dietpi sbc operating system

In the very console-driven interface, there are tons of solutions you can simply place a check by and watch them install, including Kubernetes. How cool is that?

Dietpi provides tons of apps for deployment
Dietpi provides tons of apps for deployment

Pros:

  • Lightweight: Based on Debian Linux, it ensures minimal strain on your server’s processing power

  • Versatility: Can be used for a wide range of different services and applications

Cons:

  • UI: While functional, its console-based interface is not as refined as other OS options

  • Hardware Compatibility: It might not support all major storage devices out of the box

Additional Note: DietPi is an ideal choice for those looking for efficiency, especially if working with limited server resources and want to work with more home lab type services

Download DietPi here: DietPi

 

Caprover: The Developer’s Dream

Tailored primarily for developers and small businesses, Caprover simplifies app deployment and introduces a minimal web-based interface.

Features:

  • Diverse Software Capabilities: PHP AJAX, MySQL, and others can be installed with a click, offering tools for developers

  • Efficiency: Caprover’s command line interfaces are streamlined, ensuring optimal use of resources

Caprover is an excellent solution for those delving into development
Caprover is an excellent solution for those delving into development

Viewing the monitoring menu option and the requests metrics for self-hosted applications.

Caprover monitoring
Caprover monitoring

Pros:

  • Developer-Friendly: Its command line interfaces and a variety of tools, including PHP AJAX, is meant to cater to developers

  • Efficiency: Streamlined interface and tools

Cons:

  • Target Audience: It might be overkill for the average home user or those not involved in development

  • Complexity: With advanced features tailored for developers, beginners might find it intimidating

Additional Note: Caprover, while developer-centric, provides a robust platform for small businesses and individual projects and home lab power users who want to delve into development

Download Caprover here: CapRover

Raspberry PI OS: The Staple for Raspberry Pi Enthusiasts

Raspberry PI OS, previously Raspbian, remains the de facto choice for “makers” and others who like to tinker around with things.

Features:

  • Broad Application Support: Be it running virtual machines or setting it up as a file server, Raspberry PI OS offers versatility

  • Community-Driven: Given its age and popularity, there’s a vast community to tap into for help or customization

Raspberry pi imager application
Raspberry pi imager application

Below is a screenshot of Raspberry Pi OS.

Raspberry pi os
Raspberry pi os

Pros:

  • Optimized for Raspberry Pi: Direct integration with Raspberry Pi computer hardware ensures peak useability on the platform

  • Community Support: Raspberry Pi devices and OS have arguably the broadest community support of any other platform

Cons:

  • Hardware Limitation: Primarily designed for Raspberry Pi, using it on other devices might be limited

  • Feature Set: While extensive, it might not have some features in other server OS options

Additional Note: This OS remains a staple for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts, balancing user-friendliness and functionality.

Download Raspberry Pi OS here: Raspberry Pi OS – Raspberry Pi

 

FAQs

How does a home server OS differ from typical operating systems?

A home server OS is specifically tailored to the demands of server tasks. While both a server OS and a regular OS can run on similar computer hardware, the former often includes tools and optimizations to manage network-attached storage and media servers and handle various RAID configurations for safeguarding data.

Is there an advantage to using Linux-based server operating systems?

Due to its versatility, many of the top home server operating systems are Linux-based. Linux distributions, especially Debian Linux and Fedora Linux, offer advanced file systems like ZFS and EXT, ensuring data integrity and efficient volume management. Moreover, Linux OS tends to be more lightweight, allowing optimized performance even on servers with limited resources.

Can I turn my old computer into a media server using one of these OS options?

Absolutely! If the computer hardware supports the chosen home server OS, turning an old computer into a media server is a cost-effective way to store files, stream videos, and ensure all your media files are readily available across your devices.

What’s the role of RAID configurations in a home server?

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations are essential for data protection and performance optimization in server environments. Different RAID levels offer various benefits, from mirroring data across multiple storage devices to striping data for increased read/write speeds. Knowing how many storage devices you have can help you decide the best RAID setup for your needs.

Why is there a growing interest in home servers?

The surge in remote work, the need for personal cloud storage, and the desire for centralized file storage and media access drive the demand for home servers. With user-friendly interfaces and platforms like the Plex Media Server, even those unfamiliar with command-line interfaces can easily set up and manage their servers.

How do cloud servers compare with home servers?

While cloud servers offer vast storage and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, they usually come with recurring fees. On the other hand, home servers provide a one-time investment, offering more control, privacy, and often a more personalized setup, especially if using the best server OS tailored to one’s needs.

Wrapping up

The home server OS is a great way to get up and running quickly with self-hosted services that allow you to run media servers, storage servers, web servers, remote access, and many other solutions. These “OS” solutions are platforms you install on your Linux server distribution of choice, except for Raspberry PI OS, an operating system you can install.

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