Introduction
Setting up a home server is a great way to control your data. It helps you automate tasks and create a private cloud. Many operating systems are available, but Linux is the best choice. It is stable, flexible, secure, and open-source.
Whether you’re setting up a media server, file storage, home automation, or self-hosted applications, choosing the right Linux home server software is crucial. In this guide, we explore the best Linux-based software to power your home server in 2025.
Best Software for Home Servers
1. Nextcloud (Self-Hosted Cloud Storage)
✅ Best for: Replacing Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive with your own cloud storage solution.
Nextcloud is a strong self-hosted cloud storage platform. It lets you sync files across devices while keeping your privacy safe. This makes it great for file sharing, home networks, and cloud storage needs.
🔹 Key Features:
- Secure file syncing and sharing.
- Integrated calendar, contacts, and video calls.
- Extendable with hundreds of add-ons.
🔗 Install Nextcloud
2. Plex / Jellyfin / Emby (Media Servers)
✅ Best for: Streaming movies, TV shows, and music across your home network.
- Plex – Best for ease of use with a premium option.
- Jellyfin – Completely open-source and free.
- Emby – Offers a mix of features from both Plex and Jellyfin.
🔹 Key Features:
- Stream to any device (TVs, phones, tablets, consoles).
- Auto-fetch metadata for movies and TV shows.
- Remote streaming support for smart home and home automation users.
🔗 Install Plex | Install Jellyfin | Install Emby
3. Home Assistant (Smart Home Automation)
✅ Best for: Running your smart home automation without relying on cloud providers. Home Assistant is the leading self-hosted smart home automation platform, designed for full home automation and device integration.
🔹 Key Features:
- Supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, and MQTT.
- Works with Google Assistant and Alexa.
- Advanced automation with YAML scripting.
4. WireGuard / OpenVPN (Secure Remote Access)
✅ Best for: Securely accessing your home network from anywhere. WireGuard and OpenVPN help you create a private VPN. This allows you to connect to your server from afar. They are important for remote access and secure networking.
🔹 Key Features:
- WireGuard: Faster and more efficient than traditional VPNs.
- OpenVPN: More configurable with enterprise-grade security.
- Access your NAS, home automation, and cloud storage remotely.
🔗 Install WireGuard | Install OpenVPN
5. Docker & Portainer (App Deployment)
✅ Best for: Running multiple self-hosted applications with ease. Docker lets you containerize applications. Portainer offers a user-friendly interface to manage them easily. This makes both tools great for server software and home network app deployment.
🔹 Key Features:
- Run apps like Bitwarden, n8n, and Immich in isolated containers.
- Easy management with Portainer’s web UI.
- Lightweight and efficient use of system resources.
🔗 Install Docker | Install Portainer
6. TrueNAS (Network-Attached Storage – NAS)
✅ Best for: Creating a secure, high-performance network-attached storage (NAS). TrueNAS is strong NAS software. It helps you create redundant, encrypted, and scalable storage solutions. This makes it great for cloud storage and file sharing.
🔹 Key Features:
- ZFS filesystem for superior data integrity.
- Snapshot and replication features for backups.
- Web-based interface for easy management.
🔗 Install TrueNAS
7. n8n (Self-Hosted Automation & Workflow Management)
✅ Best for: Automating tasks and home automation workflows without using third-party cloud services. n8n is an open-source alternative to Zapier that lets you create custom workflows.
🔹 Key Features:
- Self-hosted and privacy-focused automation.
- Supports API integrations with hundreds of apps.
- Web interface to create custom workflows easily.
🔗 Install n8n
8. Immich (Self-Hosted Photo & Video Backup)
✅ Best for: A privacy-focused alternative to Google Photos. Immich lets you host your own photo and video backups. It has advanced tagging and AI help for organizing. This is great for home servers and personal cloud storage.
🔹 Key Features:
- AI-powered facial recognition and search.
- Automatic backups for mobile devices.
- Web and mobile access to your personal media library.
🔗 Install Immich
9. Bitwarden (Self-Hosted Password Manager)
✅ Best for: Securely storing and managing passwords. Bitwarden can be self-hosted. This gives you full control over your password vault. It is a must-have for home security and server software.
🔹 Key Features:
- End-to-end encrypted password storage.
- Browser extensions and mobile apps for easy access.
- Multi-factor authentication support.
🔗 Install Bitwarden
10. Caddy (Automated HTTPS & Web Server)
✅ Best for: Hosting websites, reverse proxying, and securing self-hosted applications. Caddy is a lightweight, automated HTTPS web server that simplifies hosting cloud storage, smart home services, and automation tools.
🔹 Key Features:
- Automatic SSL certificate generation with Let’s Encrypt.
- Built-in reverse proxy with easy configuration.
- Supports PHP, Markdown, and static site hosting.
🔗 Install Caddy
Conclusion
Choosing the best Linux home server software depends on your needs. If you need private cloud storage, a secure VPN, or a media server, there are good open-source choices available.
- For private cloud storage, consider Nextcloud.
- For a secure VPN, try WireGuard.
- For a media server, you can use Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby.
A Linux home server can help you achieve privacy, security, and automation without relying on expensive cloud subscriptions. No matter what you need, there is a Linux solution available.
You can use it for:
- Self-hosting cloud storage
- Running a media server
- Setting up a home automation system
🚀 Ready to build your home server? Which software are you using? Let’s discuss in the comments!
