Comparisons
Unraid vs TrueNAS
Flexible parity array vs ZFS powerhouse — which NAS OS matches your homelab?
Unraid uses a proprietary parity model that lets you mix drive sizes and expand one disk at a time. TrueNAS centers on ZFS with excellent data integrity and snapshots.
Our pick
TrueNAS for integrity; Unraid for flexible expansion
Key differences
| Feature | Unraid | TrueNAS |
|---|---|---|
| Filesystem | XFS/ BTRFS cache | ZFS |
| Mixed drive sizes | Yes | Limited |
| Cost | Paid license | Free |
| Docker/VMs | Built in | SCALE: yes |
Verdict
Pick TrueNAS SCALE or CORE when ZFS, snapshots and enterprise storage features matter. Pick Unraid if you want mixed-size drives, easy expansion and a polished app marketplace on a paid license.