Best NAS Apps and Packages — Essential Software Guide

The apps and packages you install on a NAS are what separate a $500 network drive from a genuinely useful home or business server. Every major NAS operating system. Synology DSM, QNAP QTS/QuTS Hero, Asustor ADM, TrueNAS, and UGREEN UGOS. Ships with a built-in app store that extends your NAS well beyond basic file storage. The right combination of apps handles backup, media streaming, surveillance, Docker containers, office collaboration, and remote access. The wrong combination wastes your NAS hardware on features you never use.

How NAS App Stores Work

Every modern NAS ships with an operating system that includes a built-in app store. Similar to installing apps on a phone. Synology calls theirs the Package Center, QNAP has the App Center, and Asustor uses App Central. These stores contain first-party apps built by the NAS vendor, plus a selection of third-party apps maintained by the community or commercial developers.

The quality gap between first-party and third-party apps varies significantly by brand. Synology’s first-party apps (Synology Drive, Hyper Backup, Synology Photos, Surveillance Station) are generally polished and well-maintained. QNAP’s app ecosystem is broader but more uneven. Some third-party apps in QNAP’s App Center have not been updated in years. Asustor’s App Central is smaller but covers the essentials. For anything not available in the official store, Docker solves the problem on any NAS with an Intel or AMD CPU and sufficient RAM.

One important note: apps consume system resources. A NAS with 1-2 GB of RAM running an ARM processor (like the entry-level Synology DS124 or Asustor Drivestor 2) can handle basic file serving and a backup app, but it will struggle with Docker containers, media transcoding, or running multiple heavy apps simultaneously. If you plan to run more than a handful of apps, invest in a NAS with at least 4 GB of RAM and an Intel or AMD CPU. Models like the Synology DS225+ (from $585 at Mwave) or the QNAP TS-464 ($1,099 at PLE) are the starting point for a genuinely versatile app experience.

Backup and Data Protection Apps

Backup is the single most important category of NAS software. If you install nothing else, get your backup strategy right first. A NAS without a proper backup configuration is a single point of failure for your data. And that defeats the purpose of owning one. For a deeper look at backup strategy, see our 3-2-1 backup strategy guide.

Synology: Hyper Backup and Active Backup

Hyper Backup is Synology’s flagship backup tool and one of the best NAS backup apps on any platform. It backs up NAS data to external USB drives, remote NAS devices, and major cloud providers (AWS S3, Azure, Google Cloud, Backblaze B2, and more). Hyper Backup supports versioning, deduplication, encryption, and scheduled tasks. The companion Hyper Backup Vault runs on the destination NAS to manage incoming backups. This is the tool most Synology owners rely on for their offsite and cloud backup layer.

Active Backup for Business is Synology’s enterprise-grade addition. It backs up Windows PCs, Macs, Linux servers, file servers, VMware, and Hyper-V virtual machines. All to the Synology NAS as a central backup repository. For small businesses, this replaces expensive third-party backup software like Veeam or Acronis. It is free and included with every Synology NAS, which is a genuine competitive advantage. For more detail on NAS backup options, see our NAS backup software guide.

QNAP: Hybrid Backup Sync and QNAP Boxafe

Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS 3) is QNAP’s equivalent to Hyper Backup. It handles local, remote, and cloud backup plus sync jobs in a single app. HBS 3 supports RTRR (Real-Time Remote Replication), rsync, and cloud gateways to AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Backblaze, and others. It is feature-rich but the interface is more cluttered than Synology’s. Expect a steeper learning curve.

QNAP Boxafe backs up Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace accounts (email, calendars, contacts, OneDrive/Google Drive) directly to the NAS. This is valuable for small businesses paying for Microsoft 365 that want a local copy of their cloud data. Synology offers similar functionality through Active Backup for Microsoft 365, but QNAP’s Boxafe was first to market and is well-regarded.

Other Platforms

Asustor includes DataSync Center and supports rsync-based backup. It covers the basics but lacks the depth of Synology or QNAP’s backup suites. TrueNAS relies on ZFS snapshots and replication for backup, which is powerful but requires more technical knowledge. UGREEN UGOS is still maturing and currently offers basic backup to USB and cloud. Adequate for simple setups but not yet competitive with Synology or QNAP for multi-destination backup workflows.

File Sync and Cloud Replacement Apps

One of the most compelling reasons to own a NAS is replacing paid cloud subscriptions with self-hosted alternatives. Instead of paying monthly for Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud, you can run equivalent sync services from your own hardware.

Synology Drive

Synology Drive is a full Dropbox/Google Drive replacement that runs on your NAS. It includes a server component on the NAS, desktop clients for Windows and Mac, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Files sync between all your devices and the NAS in real time. It supports file versioning, team folders, and selective sync. For households or small teams tired of paying $15-20 per month per user for cloud storage, Synology Drive pays for the cost of the NAS within a year or two. If you are looking to move off iCloud specifically, see our guide to replacing iCloud with a NAS.

QNAP Qsync and Qfile

Qsync Central is QNAP’s equivalent to Synology Drive. It syncs files across multiple devices and supports team folders and versioning. Qfile is the mobile companion for accessing NAS files from your phone. Both work well, though Synology Drive generally receives higher marks for its cleaner interface and more reliable sync performance across platforms.

Nextcloud via Docker

For users who want an open-source cloud platform with broader features (calendar, contacts, collaborative document editing, and more), Nextcloud runs well as a Docker container on any Intel/AMD NAS. It is platform-agnostic. It works on Synology, QNAP, Asustor, TrueNAS, and UGREEN equally. Nextcloud suits users who want a single self-hosted platform that goes beyond file sync into full collaboration. See our Docker and virtualisation guide for setup context.

Media Server and Streaming Apps

Media streaming is one of the most popular NAS use cases. Whether you have a library of movies, TV shows, music, or photos, a NAS can serve as a central media hub for your home. For a deeper look at Plex-specific NAS choices, see our best NAS for Plex guide.

Plex Media Server

Plex is the most popular media server for NAS and is available as a native package on Synology, QNAP, and Asustor. It organises your movie, TV, music, and photo libraries with rich metadata, posters, and subtitle support. Plex clients are available on virtually every platform: Smart TVs, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, phones, tablets, and web browsers.

The key hardware consideration for Plex is transcoding. If all your client devices support direct play of your media files, even a modest NAS CPU will work. If you need real-time transcoding (converting media formats on the fly), you need an Intel CPU with Quick Sync. ARM-based NAS devices cannot transcode. The Synology DS225+ ($585 at Mwave) handles one or two simultaneous transcoding streams comfortably. For heavier Plex use, the Synology DS925+ ($1,029 at Mwave) or QNAP TS-464 ($1,099 at PLE) provide significantly more headroom.

Jellyfin and Emby (Docker)

Jellyfin is the free, open-source alternative to Plex. It has no paid tier, no account requirement, and no phone-home to a central server. It runs as a Docker container on any Intel/AMD NAS. The interface and client support are not as polished as Plex, but it is improving rapidly and suits users who want a fully self-hosted media server with no dependencies on a third-party service.

Emby occupies the middle ground between Plex and Jellyfin. It offers a similar experience to Plex with a paid premium tier for additional features. Emby is available as a native package on some NAS platforms and as a Docker container on all of them.

Photo Management: Synology Photos, QuMagie, and Immich

Synology Photos is a genuine Google Photos replacement. It offers automatic phone backup, facial recognition, AI-powered search, timeline views, and album sharing. It runs entirely on the NAS with no cloud dependency. For many Synology owners, this single app justifies the cost of the hardware. If you are considering a NAS primarily for photo storage, see our best NAS for photography guide.

QuMagie is QNAP’s photo management app with AI-based categorisation and facial recognition. It works well but is less polished than Synology Photos. On Asustor, Photo Gallery 3 covers the basics but lacks AI features. For a platform-agnostic option, Immich runs via Docker on any NAS and provides a Google Photos-like experience with phone auto-backup, facial recognition, and a modern interface. Immich is the standout choice for users on non-Synology platforms who want a premium photo management experience.

Docker and Container Apps

Docker is the single most important app category for a NAS. It lets you run virtually any Linux application in an isolated container, independent of the NAS operating system. If the official app store does not have what you need. Or the available version is outdated. Docker almost certainly does. Home automation (Home Assistant), ad blocking (Pi-hole, AdGuard Home), password management (Vaultwarden), download managers, dashboards, monitoring tools, and hundreds more all run as Docker containers on a NAS.

Docker requires an Intel or AMD (x86_64) CPU. ARM-based NAS devices. Including the Synology DS124, DS223, QNAP TS-133, and Asustor Drivestor 2. Cannot run Docker. This is the single biggest reason to choose an Intel/AMD NAS over an ARM model, even if you do not plan to use Docker immediately. Having the option later is worth the price difference. For a full breakdown, see our Docker and virtualisation on NAS guide.

Docker Support by Platform

Synology replaced Docker with Container Manager in DSM 7.2. It provides a clean GUI for managing containers and supports Docker Compose, which simplifies multi-container deployments. It works well but is intentionally simplified. Advanced Docker users may find it limiting compared to a full CLI experience.

QNAP offers Container Station, which supports both Docker and LXC containers. Container Station provides more flexibility than Synology’s implementation, including the ability to run lightweight Linux virtual machines alongside containers. This is one area where QNAP’s deeper technical approach genuinely benefits power users.

Asustor supports Docker through Portainer, a web-based Docker management tool available via App Central. It works but is less integrated into the NAS OS than Synology or QNAP’s offerings. TrueNAS uses its own sandboxed app system built on Kubernetes, which is powerful but has a steeper learning curve. UGREEN UGOS added basic Docker support in recent updates, but it is still early and less mature than the established platforms.

Essential Docker Containers for NAS

The following Docker containers are among the most popular and useful for NAS owners:

• Home Assistant. Home automation hub that integrates with thousands of smart home devices
• Pi-hole / AdGuard Home. Network-wide ad blocking for every device on your network
• Vaultwarden. Self-hosted Bitwarden-compatible password manager
• Nextcloud. Full cloud collaboration platform (files, calendar, contacts, documents)
• Paperless-ngx. Document management system that OCRs, tags, and organises scanned documents
• Uptime Kuma. Self-hosted uptime monitoring for websites and services
• Portainer. Web GUI for managing Docker containers (useful if your NAS does not have a native Docker GUI)
• Watchtower. Automatically updates running Docker containers to the latest version

Surveillance and Security Camera Apps

Using a NAS as an NVR (Network Video Recorder) for IP cameras is a cost-effective alternative to standalone surveillance systems. For a detailed look at NAS options for camera setups, see our best NAS for surveillance guide.

Synology Surveillance Station

Synology Surveillance Station is a professional-grade NVR application. It includes 2 free camera licences with every Synology NAS. Additional licences cost $99 per camera or $349 for a 4-camera pack at Mwave. Features include live view, motion detection recording, timeline search, mobile viewing, analytics, and action rules. Surveillance Station’s interface and reliability make it one of Synology’s strongest applications. It competes directly with dedicated NVR hardware costing significantly more.

QNAP QVR Pro / QVR Elite

QNAP offers QVR Pro with 8 free camera licences on supported models and QVR Elite as a subscription-based surveillance platform. QNAP’s camera licence model is more generous than Synology’s on paper. 8 free cameras versus 2 is a significant difference for users planning a multi-camera setup. However, QVR Pro’s interface and stability have historically lagged behind Surveillance Station.

Frigate (Docker)

For users who want AI-powered surveillance without licence fees, Frigate is a free, open-source NVR that runs as a Docker container. Frigate uses AI object detection (person, car, animal) to reduce false alerts from motion-only recording. It integrates natively with Home Assistant and supports hardware acceleration via Intel Quick Sync or a Coral TPU. Frigate is the preferred choice for Home Assistant users who want their cameras integrated into their broader smart home system.

Productivity and Office Apps

NAS platforms include built-in productivity tools that can replace or supplement cloud-based office suites for small teams.

Synology Office and Synology Chat

Synology Office provides collaborative document editing (spreadsheets, documents, slides) hosted on the NAS. It is not as feature-rich as Google Docs or Microsoft 365, but for basic internal collaboration it works without any subscription fees. Synology Chat is a Slack-like messaging platform that runs entirely on the NAS. Both tools suit small teams of 5-15 people who want basic collaboration without paying per-user cloud fees, though they should not be considered replacements for full-featured cloud platforms in larger or more complex environments.

Synology MailPlus

Synology MailPlus lets you run your own email server on the NAS. While technically capable, self-hosting email in 2026 is generally not recommended for most users. Email deliverability is complex, and major providers like Google and Microsoft aggressively filter email from unknown servers. Unless you have a specific technical requirement for self-hosted email, stick with a hosted email provider.

QNAP Notes Station and QmailAgent

QNAP’s productivity suite includes Notes Station 3 (a note-taking and collaboration app) and QmailAgent (a centralised email client that aggregates multiple email accounts in one interface on the NAS). Notes Station is functional for personal note-taking but not a serious team collaboration platform. QmailAgent is genuinely useful for users who manage multiple email accounts and want a single browser-based interface.

Remote Access and VPN Apps

Accessing your NAS remotely is essential for file sync, backup monitoring, and surveillance. But exposing a NAS directly to the internet is a security risk. Every NAS vendor offers a relay service or VPN solution to handle this safely. For a detailed breakdown, see our NAS remote access and VPN guide.

Vendor Relay Services

Synology QuickConnect routes traffic through Synology’s relay servers, allowing remote access without opening ports on your router. It works out of the box and is the simplest way to access a Synology NAS remotely. QNAP myQNAPcloud provides a similar service. Both are free for basic use. These relay services are convenient but route traffic through the vendor’s servers. For privacy-conscious users or faster performance, a direct VPN connection to your home network is preferred.

VPN Server Apps

Both Synology and QNAP include built-in VPN Server apps that support OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and WireGuard (or QNAP’s QVPN with WireGuard support). Running a VPN server on your NAS gives you encrypted remote access to your entire home network. Not just the NAS. This is significantly more secure than exposing NAS services directly to the internet. Tailscale, available as a native package on Synology and as a Docker container on other platforms, provides a zero-configuration mesh VPN that works even behind CGNAT and is increasingly the go-to solution for home NAS remote access.

Security and Antivirus Apps

NAS security is often overlooked until it is too late. QNAP in particular has experienced high-profile ransomware incidents targeting NAS devices exposed to the internet. While those incidents were not as catastrophic as initial reporting suggested. Most affected users recovered their data, and QNAP’s helpdesk eventually unlocked affected devices free of charge. The lesson is clear: any NAS accessible from the internet is a potential target, regardless of brand. For a comprehensive security overview, see our NAS security and ransomware protection guide.

Synology Security Advisor scans your NAS configuration and flags weak passwords, outdated software, unnecessary open ports, and other vulnerabilities. QNAP Security Counselor does the same on QNAP’s platform. Both are worth running at least once after initial setup. For antivirus, Synology offers Antivirus Essential (ClamAV-based) and QNAP includes QNAP Malware Remover. These are basic but adequate for scanning files stored on the NAS.

The more important security measures are not app-based: disable UPnP on your router, keep your NAS firmware updated, use strong unique passwords with 2FA, and avoid exposing NAS management ports directly to the internet. These practices matter more than any antivirus app.

Download and Content Management Apps

NAS devices excel as always-on download stations. Rather than leaving a PC running to manage downloads, the NAS handles them silently in the background with minimal power consumption. See our NAS power consumption guide for more on running costs.

Synology Download Station and QNAP Download Station handle HTTP, FTP, BitTorrent, and NZB downloads natively. Both support RSS feed subscriptions for automated downloading and scheduling. For more advanced management, Docker containers like qBittorrent, SABnzbd, and Sonarr/Radarr (media automation tools) provide a significantly more powerful and configurable download workflow than the built-in apps.

Comparing App Ecosystems by Brand

Not all NAS platforms are equal when it comes to software. The app ecosystem is one of the most important factors when choosing a NAS. Arguably more important than the hardware specs for many use cases. Here is how the major brands compare across key app categories.

The pattern is clear: Synology leads in first-party app quality and polish, QNAP leads in breadth and technical depth, and everyone else is catching up. For most home and small business users, Synology’s app ecosystem is the strongest reason to choose the brand. And why paying the Synology premium makes sense. If your requirements are basic storage and backup without the software ecosystem, brands like Asustor deliver the same core functionality at a lower price. For brand-specific guides, see our Synology NAS Australia and QNAP NAS Australia pages.

Choosing the Right NAS Hardware for Apps

The apps you want to run directly dictate the hardware you need. There is no point buying a cheap ARM-based NAS if you plan to run Docker, Plex transcoding, or surveillance with multiple cameras. Equally, there is no reason to buy a $1,000+ NAS if you only need basic file storage and backup.

Hardware Tiers by App Workload

RAM is a critical factor for app performance. Synology’s entry Plus models ship with 2 GB, which is tight for running more than a couple of apps simultaneously. Upgrading to 4-8 GB makes a noticeable difference in responsiveness, especially with Docker containers and Synology Photos facial recognition. QNAP’s QuTS Hero (ZFS) demands even more. 16 GB is the recommended minimum for deduplication, and 32 GB or more for heavy workloads. Do not install QuTS Hero on a 4 GB NAS and expect acceptable performance. For more on NAS hardware choices, see our best NAS Australia guide.

Apps to Avoid or Approach with Caution

Not every app in a NAS store is worth installing. A few categories deserve caution:

• Self-hosted email servers (Synology MailPlus, QNAP QmailAgent Server). Email deliverability is a minefield in 2026. Unless you have specific technical requirements, use a hosted provider.
• Outdated third-party apps. QNAP’s App Center in particular contains apps that have not been updated in years. Check the last-updated date before installing anything. An abandoned app is a potential security risk.
• Resource-heavy apps on underpowered hardware. Running Plex transcoding, multiple Docker containers, and Surveillance Station simultaneously on a 2 GB RAM NAS will result in poor performance across all of them. Match your app ambitions to your hardware.
• UPnP-based remote access. Some apps offer to automatically configure your router via UPnP for remote access. Disable UPnP entirely. Use QuickConnect, myQNAPcloud, a VPN, or Tailscale instead.

Getting Started: Recommended App Setup for New NAS Owners

If you have just set up a new NAS and are wondering where to start, here is a practical sequence. This applies to any brand, though the specific app names differ. For step-by-step setup instructions, see our Synology NAS setup guide.

Step 1: Update the firmware. Before installing anything, update your NAS operating system to the latest version. This closes security vulnerabilities and ensures app compatibility.

Step 2: Set up shared folders and user accounts. Create the folder structure and user permissions your household or business needs. Do this before installing apps so everything is organised from the start.

Step 3: Install a backup app and configure your first backup job. Hyper Backup (Synology), HBS 3 (QNAP), or DataSync Center (Asustor). Back up to an external USB drive at minimum. Add a cloud destination if possible.

Step 4: Set up file sync. Install Synology Drive, Qsync, or Nextcloud and sync your important folders across your devices. This replaces or supplements cloud storage.

Step 5: Add media and photo apps if needed. Install Plex or Synology Photos. Point them at your media and photo folders.

Step 6: Enable security features. Run Security Advisor (Synology) or Security Counselor (QNAP). Enable 2FA, disable UPnP, and set up remote access via QuickConnect, VPN, or Tailscale.

Step 7: Explore Docker (if supported). Once the essentials are running, experiment with Docker containers. Start with something simple like Pi-hole or Uptime Kuma before moving to more complex setups.

Our Backup Storage Calculator helps size the storage needed for backup apps and archival packages, and our NAS Sizing Wizard helps match the right NAS for your software workload requirements.

Do I need to pay for NAS apps?

Most first-party NAS apps are free and included with the NAS operating system. Synology’s Hyper Backup, Active Backup for Business, Synology Drive, and Synology Photos are all free. QNAP’s core apps are also free. The main exception is surveillance camera licences. Synology charges $99 per additional camera licence at Mwave, while QNAP includes 8 free licences on supported models. Third-party apps like Plex are free for basic use, with optional paid tiers for premium features (Plex Pass costs around $8/month or $180 lifetime).

Can I run Docker on an ARM-based NAS?

No. Docker requires an x86_64 (Intel or AMD) processor. ARM-based NAS models like the Synology DS124, DS223, QNAP TS-133, TS-233, and Asustor Drivestor series cannot run Docker. If you think you might want Docker in the future, choose an Intel or AMD-based NAS from the start. The price difference between an ARM and an Intel NAS (for example, the Synology DS223 at $489 versus the DS225+ at $585 at Mwave) is small compared to the flexibility Docker provides.

Which NAS brand has the best app ecosystem?

Synology has the most polished and reliable first-party app ecosystem. Synology Drive, Synology Photos, Hyper Backup, and Active Backup for Business are consistently high-quality and well-maintained. QNAP has a broader app ecosystem with more third-party options, but the quality is more variable. Some apps in QNAP’s App Center are outdated or poorly maintained. For users who rely heavily on Docker, all Intel/AMD NAS platforms are roughly equal since Docker containers are platform-independent.

How many apps can I run on a NAS at the same time?

It depends on RAM and CPU power. A NAS with 2 GB of RAM can run 3-5 lightweight apps comfortably (file sharing, backup, a basic media server). A NAS with 4-8 GB of RAM and an Intel CPU can handle 10+ apps including Docker containers, Plex, and photo management. If you plan to run many apps simultaneously, prioritise RAM. Upgrading from 2 GB to 8 GB has a bigger impact on app performance than almost any other hardware change.

Is it safe to install third-party apps from the NAS app store?

First-party apps from the NAS vendor (Synology, QNAP, Asustor) are generally safe and regularly updated. Third-party apps vary in quality and maintenance. Before installing any third-party app, check when it was last updated. If it has not been updated in over a year, treat it with caution as it may contain unpatched security vulnerabilities. Prefer Docker containers over outdated third-party apps, as Docker images from reputable sources (official Docker Hub repositories) are more actively maintained.

Can I use NAS apps to replace Google Photos or iCloud?

Yes. Synology Photos is the closest direct replacement for Google Photos. It supports automatic phone backup, facial recognition, AI-based search, and album sharing, all running on the NAS with no subscription fees. For non-Synology NAS users, Immich (via Docker) provides a similar Google Photos-like experience. QNAP’s QuMagie is also capable but less polished. The trade-off is that your NAS must be online and accessible for remote viewing, and initial photo uploads can be slow over Australian NBN connections depending on your upload speed.

Do NAS apps still work if my internet goes down?

Yes, with some limitations. All apps that run locally on the NAS. File sharing, Plex (for local streaming), backup to USB drives, Docker containers. Work without an internet connection. Apps that depend on external services stop working: cloud backups pause, remote access via QuickConnect or myQNAPcloud is unavailable, and any Docker containers that pull data from the internet (like Pi-hole updating its block lists) will function with cached data only. Your NAS is fundamentally a local server, and most core functionality works on your local network regardless of internet status.