FreeNAS and QNAP NAS are network attached storage (NAS) solutions designed to compartmentalize file storage for access by multiple clients. FreeNAS is a free, open-source operating system for NAS systems. QNAP NAS is sold as a complete hardware and software NAS solution. FreeNAS is used primarily by mid-sized companies and large enterprises, probably because it allows customers to completely own and customize an enterprise-ready NAS solution without paying for licensing fees.
Features
Both FreeNAS and QNAP NAS help individuals and businesses store and access large amounts of data, they have significant differences.
First of all, FreeNAS is, as its name implies, free. The software is open-source and distributed for no cost, meaning your software cost for a FreeNAS system will be zero. For a free solution, FreeNAS has plenty of enterprise-level features. It covers most data sharing protocols, making it compatible with a majority of client systems. The software also integrates with cloud storage providers like Amazon S3 and Google Cloud out-of-the-box, and you can further customize its capabilities with a library of third-party plugins. The web-based UI is easy to understand and has a clean, modern feel.
QNAP NAS is sold as ready-to-use hardware and software systems, making it easy to set up. Customers report that it’s relatively inexpensive for an all-in-one NAS product, and scaling up is easy to do. System health monitoring and alerting features help administrators keep track of their data, and QNAP’s security and redundancy features help keep data safe. When QNAP releases software updates, users report that the upgrade process is smooth and results in minimal downtime.
Limitations
It’s also important, however, to consider where each product might fall short. FreeNAS and QNAP NAS won’t be the right solutions for everyone.
FreeNAS’s primary drawback is that you’re responsible for building your system. You’ll have to acquire compatible hardware, assemble the storage system, and set up the software environment. The do-it-yourself approach can lead to other imperfections: all-in-one solutions are tested and tweaked for minimal noise, lowest possible power use, and optimal cooling. By contrast, a self-assembled system may suffer from annoying noise levels, high power consumption, and inefficient cooling, depending on how well the hardware fits together and your own level of expertise. Finally, you’ll be largely reliant on community support if you run into problems.
QNAP NAS can be slow to start back up after unexpected failures. Some users have complained that the hardware platform they purchased doesn’t support the form factors of storage devices they want to use, such as 2.5” HDD or M.2 SSD hardware. And although QNAP offers professional support, some users have had a sour experience when they submitted a ticket, with slow response times and ineffective answers. Finally, QNAP NAS may be inexpensive compared to other pre-built systems, but the software license still has a price tag, making it more expensive than a FreeNAS system.
Pricing
QNAP NAS offers a multitude of NAS systems available for purchase. A single system can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on its hardware capabilities. For a list of vendors, refer to QNAP’s Where to Buy page.
FreeNAS is open-source and free to download.
