Unraid
Unraid is a Linux-based NAS operating system that focuses on storage capacity through its parity system instead of traditional RAID.
Unraid, the operating system made for home servers, is having abig salefor its 20-year anniversary. You can get the ‘Starter’ license for just $39.20, or the ‘Unleashed’ edition for $87.20, a 20% discount from the usual prices.
If you’re not familiar with it,Unraidis an operating system that can run on traditional PC or home server hardware, with many of the same features available on Synology or Terramaster NAS devices. You can set up groups of drives as network storage, install Docker containers, use Tailscale and VPN connections, and run full virtual machines. However, Unraid is not free software: you need one license for each server you set up.
The Starter license is on sale for $39.20, and gives you access to all Unraid OS features, up to six attached storage devices, and 1 year of free OS updates. The Unleashed license removes the limit on storage devices, so it’s only needed if you’re setting up larger drive arrays.
Unraid licenses have to be renewed each year, which is $36/year for both Starter and Unleashed licenses. If you don’t renew, you still own a copy of the Unraid software that was available at the expiration time, but you’ll only get minor patches until you renew again. The FAQ on thepricing pagehas more details.
Unraid is one of the better options for running a NAS or home server on your own hardware. If you’re annoyed bySynology’s drive changesand planning to switch hardware soon, or you’re setting up a home server for any other reason, it might be worth picking up a license now. Once you have it, it’s just $36/year to keep it renewed for access to all feature updates and security fixes.
The sale will last from August 7–26th, according to, so don’t wait too long to pick up a license.
