The Terramaster F4-425 Value Intel 4-Bay – Does It Deserve your Data?

The TerraMaster F4-425 is positioned as a lower cost entry point into the company’s Intel based NAS lineup for the 2025 to 2026 generation, sitting below the Plus, Pro, and Max series models. It combines a 4 bay desktop chassis with the Intel Celeron N5095, 4GB of DDR4 memory with upgrade support up to 16GB, and a single 2.5GbE network interface. This places it squarely in the middle ground between basic ARM powered NAS systems and more fully featured x86 solutions with higher network bandwidth and NVMe expansion. The appeal of the F4-425 lies in its balance rather than specialization, offering enough CPU performance for multi user file access, media streaming, and general application use, while keeping cost, noise, and power consumption relatively controlled. It is clearly designed for users who want an Intel based NAS for everyday storage and media tasks, but who do not necessarily need the higher throughput, expansion options, or future scalability found in TerraMaster’s more expensive models.

Amazon in Your Region	Terramaster F4-425 on AliExpress	B&H NAS Shop

Competitive Intel-Based Value in a 4 Bay Format with the F4-425 vs other Intel Entry Systems

One of the key advantages of the F4-425 is how it positions itself within the x86 turnkey NAS market, particularly in the 4 bay segment. Systems that combine an Intel processor, upgradeable memory, and faster than gigabit networking are typically aimed at prosumer or small business buyers and often carry a noticeably higher price. The F4-425 offers a complete, ready to use solution that includes TerraMaster’s TOS 6 operating system, allowing users to deploy storage, backups, and shared services without needing to install or license additional software.

This lowers the overall barrier to entry for buyers who want an Intel based NAS primarily for general purpose storage, media streaming, or light application hosting. While it does not compete directly with higher end 4 bay systems that include multi LAN configurations or NVMe expansion, it delivers a core x86 experience at a price level that is more approachable, especially for users who do not plan to saturate network bandwidth or push heavy virtualization workloads.

Flexible Storage Management With TRAID and TRAID Plus in the F4-425

A notable strength of the F4-425 is its support for TerraMaster’s TRAID and TRAID Plus storage systems, which are particularly relevant in a 4 bay enclosure. Traditional RAID configurations often require matched drive sizes to avoid wasted capacity, and expanding an array later can involve rebuilding or replacing multiple disks at once. TRAID reduces this rigidity by allowing mixed capacity drives to be used more efficiently over time, automatically organizing available space while maintaining redundancy.

In a 4 bay system, this becomes more practical, as users are more likely to add drives gradually or replace older disks with higher capacity models as prices fall. The result is a storage setup that is easier to grow incrementally without complex planning. For users managing a family media library, backups from multiple devices, or shared data across several users, this flexibility can simplify long term storage expansion while reducing the need for disruptive migrations.

Balanced Performance for Media and Multi-User Access of the F4-425 system

The F4-425 offers a level of performance that is generally well suited to shared home or small office environments, particularly where multiple users are accessing data simultaneously. The Intel Celeron N5095 provides enough processing headroom to handle file transfers, background services, and media applications without the system feeling unresponsive under light to moderate load. In a 4 bay configuration, this performance profile pairs well with mixed workloads, such as ongoing backups, media indexing, and concurrent playback through applications like Plex, Emby, or Jellyfin using hardware assisted 4K decoding. While it is not intended for heavy virtualization or sustained high throughput tasks, the F4-425 can comfortably support several users accessing files or streaming content at the same time. This makes it suitable for households or teams where shared access and consistency are more important than peak benchmark performance.

Practical Software Feature Set With TOS 6 of the F4-425

The F4-425 benefits from TerraMaster’s TOS 6 operating system, which provides a broad and functional software environment without requiring additional licenses or complex setup. The platform includes native tools for file sharing, snapshots, cloud synchronization, and multi device backups, allowing the NAS to act as a central data hub for several users. In a 4 bay system, these features become more relevant as storage is often shared across multiple PCs, mobile devices, and services.

TOS 6 also supports container based applications and virtualization features that, while limited by the underlying hardware, can still be useful for light workloads such as small services or test environments. The software is not as polished as some higher profile NAS platforms, but it offers a level of depth that covers most common use cases and reduces the need to rely on third party tools for everyday management.

Flexible Platform for Turnkey or DIY NAS Use with the F4-425

An often overlooked advantage of the F4-425 is how accommodating it is for users who may want to move beyond the included operating system in the future. While it is sold and marketed as a complete turnkey NAS with TOS 6, the underlying x86 architecture allows relatively straightforward installation of alternative NAS operating systems such as TrueNAS, Unraid, or other Linux based platforms. TerraMaster does not restrict this process at the firmware level, and using third party software does not invalidate the hardware warranty. In a 4 bay system, this flexibility can extend the useful lifespan of the device, particularly for users whose storage needs or technical confidence evolve over time. The presence of HDMI output and KVM support simplifies local setup when experimenting with other operating systems, even if that HDMI port is not fully utilized by TOS itself. This dual role as both a turnkey appliance and a potential DIY platform adds practical long term value for more technically inclined users.

Single 2.5GbE Network Port Limits Throughput of the F4-425

A clear limitation of the F4-425 is its networking configuration, which consists of a single 2.5GbE port with no additional LAN interfaces or internal upgrade options. In a 4 bay NAS, this can quickly become a bottleneck once multiple drives are active, particularly in RAID configurations that are capable of delivering higher aggregate read and write performance than the network interface can carry. Even with mechanical hard drives, it is possible to saturate a 2.5GbE connection under sequential workloads, and this leaves little headroom for multiple users or concurrent tasks.

The lack of link aggregation, 5GbE, or 10GbE options also limits the system’s suitability for users with faster network infrastructure or plans to upgrade in the future. While USB based network adapters can be added, this introduces extra cost and complexity, and it does not fully compensate for the absence of native multi port or higher speed networking in a 4 bay chassis.

Lack of NVMe Expansion Limits Internal Performance in the F4-425

The absence of any M.2 NVMe slots on the F4-425 places a clear ceiling on its internal performance and storage flexibility. In a 4 bay Intel based NAS released into the 2025 to 2026 market, NVMe support is commonly expected, either for SSD caching or for high speed storage pools that can absorb bursts of activity and improve responsiveness under mixed workloads. Without NVMe, all storage activity is constrained to SATA drives, which limits the benefits of the x86 platform when running applications, containers, or multiple background services. This is particularly relevant in scenarios where the system is handling indexing, backups, and media access at the same time. While TerraMaster offers other models in its lineup with extensive NVMe support, the omission here means the F4-425 cannot be easily optimized for latency sensitive tasks, regardless of how much memory is added or how the drives are configured.

Aging CPU Platform for a New Generation NAS of the F4-425

The F4-425 relies on the Intel Celeron N5095, a processor that has been widely used across multiple NAS generations and is now showing its age in the context of newer Intel platforms. While it remains capable of handling file services, media transcoding, and light application workloads, it lacks the efficiency and performance improvements found in more recent Intel N series processors. In a 4 bay system, this matters because the hardware is more likely to be tasked with simultaneous operations such as multi user access, background maintenance, and application services. The N5095 can manage these workloads, but it does so with less headroom than newer alternatives, which can impact long term relevance. As software platforms continue to add features and increase baseline requirements, the CPU choice places a practical limit on how far the system can scale over time.

HDMI Output With No Practical Software Use on the F4-425

The inclusion of an HDMI port on the F4-425 may appear useful on paper, but in practice it offers limited functionality within TerraMaster’s software environment. The HDMI output is primarily used for basic system information and troubleshooting during boot, rather than providing a usable local interface or media output experience. There is no native desktop mode, multimedia interface, or direct playback environment available through TOS that would allow the NAS to function as a locally controlled media device. In a 4 bay system with an Intel CPU capable of hardware video decoding, this unused output can feel like missed potential, especially when other NAS vendors and newer platforms have begun to implement functional HDMI driven interfaces. While the port can be helpful when installing third party operating systems, its role within the default configuration remains minimal.

Overlap With Better Equipped Models in the Same Lineup of the F4-425

A practical concern with the F4-425 is how closely it sits to other TerraMaster models that offer substantially more capability for a relatively modest increase in cost. Within the same product family, there are options that add faster networking, NVMe expansion, additional LAN ports, or more modern Intel processors, sometimes at a price difference that may be difficult to justify ignoring. For buyers who already anticipate growing storage needs, higher throughput, or heavier application use, the F4-425 can feel constrained when compared directly against these alternatives. This internal competition weakens its long term value proposition, as users may find that spending slightly more upfront would avoid the limitations around bandwidth and expansion that cannot be addressed later through upgrades.

Conclusion and Verdict of the F4-425 Review – Should You Buy?

The TerraMaster F4-425 is best understood as a deliberately constrained Intel based NAS that prioritizes affordability and simplicity over expandability and peak performance. It delivers competent multi user storage, media streaming, and general NAS functionality in a 4 bay format, supported by a software platform that covers most common requirements without forcing reliance on third party tools. Its strengths lie in predictable behavior, flexible RAID options, and openness to alternative operating systems, rather than cutting edge hardware features. For users with clearly defined needs who value an x86 platform but do not expect to push high bandwidth workflows or advanced storage tiers, the F4-425 can meet expectations without unnecessary complexity. At the same time, its limitations are structural rather than temporary. The single 2.5GbE port, absence of NVMe expansion, and older CPU architecture set firm boundaries on future growth. These constraints become more apparent when viewed alongside other models in TerraMaster’s own lineup that address these gaps at a higher but not disproportionate cost. As a result, the F4-425 makes the most sense for buyers who want a straightforward Intel NAS for shared storage and media use today, and who are comfortable accepting that it is not designed to scale significantly beyond that role.

Amazon in Your Region	Terramaster F4-425 PLUS	B&H NAS Shop

 

---

 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
[contact-form-7]
Join Inner Circle

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

How Good is the Terramaster TOS 6 NAS Software?

TerraMaster’s TOS 6 represents the company’s most comprehensive evolution of its NAS operating system, delivering an interface and architecture that is redesigned both visually and structurally. Replacing the earlier TOS 5, it builds on user feedback from the last three hardware generations and now arrives preinstalled on systems such as the F4-425 Plus, F2-425, and F6-424, as well as the all-flash F8 SSD Plus. The system adopts the Linux Kernel 6.1 LTS, which improves memory handling, file system performance, and hardware compatibility across newer Intel and AMD processors. With over forty new functions and more than three hundred individual refinements, TOS 6 is positioned as a more capable and robust platform for modern data storage and multi-user environments. TerraMaster’s objective with this version is to combine an accessible setup process with enterprise-style administration tools, allowing users to deploy features such as ACL permissions, SMB multichannel, Hyper-Lock WORM protection, and advanced RAID management within a simplified interface. Although still developing its ecosystem when compared with long-established NAS vendors, TOS 6 signals a step toward bridging the gap between budget and professional-grade systems.

Interested in Buying a Terramaster NAS? Support the work we do here at NASCompares, by using the links below. The Terramaster F4-425 PLUS ($569) – Amazon HERE – AliExpress HERE – B&H HERE The Terramaster F8 PLUS ($599-699) – Amazon HERE – AliExpress HERE – B&H HERE The Terramaster F2-425 ($369) – Amazon HERE – AliExpress HERE – B&H HERE We receive a small commission on anything you purchase from Amazon, AliExpress or B&H when using these links, and it results in you being able to passively support your favourite websites and creator, completely for free!

Terramaster TOS 6 – Design, GUI and UX

TOS 6 introduces a significantly redesigned interface that emphasizes simplicity and consistency while retaining the technical depth expected from a NAS management platform. The desktop layout has been decluttered, removing excess icons in favor of a single navigation bar that centralizes access to applications, settings, and the new “Start” shortcut menu. This layout, combined with subtle animation effects and theme customization options such as Night Mode and accent color selection, is intended to make the environment less visually overwhelming than previous releases. While the interface feels smoother and more responsive, some users may still find it utilitarian compared to the polished design language of DSM or QTS. Nevertheless, the decision to reduce visual clutter and allow personalized dashboards marks a meaningful progression toward a more user-centric control experience.

The control panel, which is the backbone of the system’s configuration layer, has undergone extensive structural improvement. It now allows users to jump between related settings without closing the current menu, effectively halving the time required to perform complex administrative tasks. The inclusion of a keyword search bar further simplifies access to hundreds of configuration options ranging from network tuning to caching policies. Real-time monitoring panels, including the resource manager and storage manager, remain integrated into the main interface, but TOS 6 refines them with more accurate live updates and adjustable widgets.

This customization extends to the new system dashboard, where users can drag and rearrange data modules to match their monitoring preferences. Despite these improvements, the GUI still presents a text-heavy design, particularly in areas dealing with drive management, which could be challenging for newcomers.

The user experience, while substantially enhanced, continues to cater more toward technically proficient users than beginners. Nearly every system element is accessible from the web interface, with contextual right-click menus providing file and folder actions similar to desktop OS environments. This native browser-based functionality eliminates the need for third-party explorers for most operations and allows complete administrative control without client software. However, the interface’s dense arrangement of settings can still appear intimidating for users expecting guided wizards or visualized workflows.

TerraMaster’s focus on efficiency and configurability, rather than aesthetic guidance, reflects a deliberate design choice favoring control and transparency. For experienced users, this approach offers depth and predictability, but it remains less forgiving to casual or first-time NAS owners.

Terramaster TOS 6 – Storage Services and File Services

Storage management within TOS 6 has evolved into a far more granular and flexible system. The platform supports both traditional RAID configurations and TerraMaster’s adaptive TRAID and TRAID+ systems, which allow mixed-capacity drives to be combined while retaining redundancy across one or two disks. This feature makes expansion and migration easier, particularly for users gradually upgrading storage capacity. RAID rebuilding efficiency has also improved through “fast repair,” a mechanism that prioritizes only data-occupied sectors rather than empty disk space, substantially reducing recovery times after drive replacement. The system now separates the operating system from storage volumes entirely, allowing users to install the OS on one or two designated drives, typically SSDs, to improve response speed and cache access performance. This separation not only increases system responsiveness but also helps to protect data pools from corruption caused by OS-level failures.

The volume creation process is more flexible than in previous iterations, supporting both Btrfs and EXT4 file systems alongside iSCSI targets for raw block-level storage. Btrfs, in particular, benefits from the Linux 6.1 kernel’s improved memory handling and snapshot reliability. The inclusion of Hyper-Lock WORM (Write Once, Read Many) in both Compliance and Enterprise modes offers organizations the ability to lock data for specific periods or indefinitely, preventing modification or deletion to meet audit or regulatory requirements.

Volume-level encryption can be enabled during creation, giving administrators the option to protect sensitive data without affecting system-level performance. The management interface also displays real-time disk health data and S.M.A.R.T. metrics, alerting users to failing drives through the Message Center and email notifications, minimizing downtime and data loss risks.

TOS 6’s file service layer emphasizes both accessibility and speed. SMB multichannel support, combined with link aggregation, allows the operating system to utilize multiple Ethernet ports simultaneously to multiply throughput on supported models, improving large file transfer rates in multi-user environments. Shared folder management includes advanced ACL permissions, extending beyond traditional read/write rules to thirteen distinct access types, providing fine-grained control for business use.

Native support for protocols such as SMB, AFP, NFS, FTP, and WebDAV ensures compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, while local mounting enables users to attach external drives or even cloud-mapped directories that synchronize automatically. File management within the web interface now features a tab-based navigation system, a first among NAS platforms, enabling quick copy and move operations without opening multiple windows, reinforcing TerraMaster’s focus on operational efficiency.

Terramaster TOS 6 – Backups and Synchronisation

Backup management in TOS 6 consolidates all related tools into a single unified interface accessible from the desktop or the control panel. This centralized hub simplifies navigation between local, remote, and cloud-based backup options while maintaining compatibility with third-party systems. The platform supports Rsync for cross-NAS synchronization, Time Machine for macOS clients, and TerraMaster’s own Centralized Backup utility for deploying and scheduling protection across multiple TNAS and remote servers. Administrators can configure recurring snapshot tasks on individual volumes or shared folders, define retention policies, and even lock snapshots to prevent deletion within a specified period. While these snapshots are not substitutes for full backups, they provide a lightweight recovery mechanism that minimizes data loss in cases of user error or ransomware infection.

Local backup utilities have been expanded to support directory-level duplication, USB external drives, and iSCSI targets. This enables administrators to replicate data within the same device, between drives, or toward another NAS through the internal network. Although backing up within a single system cannot substitute true redundancy, it offers additional flexibility for temporary mirroring or fast internal restores. For users operating hybrid environments, TOS 6 integrates with major cloud providers using its CloudSync feature, which allows continuous bidirectional synchronization between TNAS and services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and WebDAV storage. Mounted cloud directories appear as native local folders, simplifying file interaction and ensuring that any modifications are reflected remotely. The mounting mechanism also allows automatic synchronization of remote data without external applications, further streamlining multi-location workflows.

In terms of automation and security, backup tasks in TOS 6 can be scheduled to run incrementally or in real time, minimizing bandwidth usage and system load. Each task includes verification and logging, with the ability to send alerts on failure through the Message Center or by email. The inclusion of Hyper-Lock WORM at the backup level ensures archived backups cannot be altered for a defined compliance period, an important feature for business environments managing regulated data. Despite the lack of the same polish found in Synology’s Active Backup or QNAP’s Hybrid Backup Sync, TerraMaster’s solution achieves a comparable range of features for small-scale and mid-tier operations. The combination of flexible snapshot scheduling, cloud integration, and data-integrity verification makes TOS 6 a notable step forward from earlier releases and closes much of the functionality gap that existed between TerraMaster and its larger competitors.

Terramaster TOS 6 – Applications, Client Tools and Services

The application ecosystem in TOS 6 has expanded both in variety and integration depth, blending TerraMaster’s own utilities with third-party and open-source solutions. The App Center serves as the central hub for installing, updating, and managing applications, ranging from productivity tools and cloud clients to virtualization and multimedia services. Many of these applications are developed in-house, such as the Centralized Backup, File Manager, and Photo Gallery utilities, while others leverage established third-party frameworks like VirtualBox for virtualization and Portainer for container management. Users can deploy Docker containers directly from the interface or access the full registry for advanced workloads, making it possible to host additional media servers, AI indexing tools, or web applications. Although the ecosystem remains smaller than Synology’s Package Center or QNAP’s App Center, the available selection covers nearly all core NAS functions that general users and small business environments would require.

Client connectivity is also a strong component of the system’s service design. The TerraMaster desktop client for Windows and macOS allows users to discover NAS systems on the network, manage synchronized folders, and create automated transfer tasks. This complements the browser-based interface by offering a faster method for initiating replication jobs or file transfers between devices. Mobile applications are available for remote access, providing basic file management and media browsing functionality, though they remain limited compared to the desktop experience. One notable improvement in TOS 6 is the ability to download client tools directly from within the App Center rather than navigating to external links, streamlining deployment and maintaining version consistency across environments.#

In the area of multimedia and AI-driven services, TerraMaster has continued to refine its photo and video indexing utilities. The AI Photo Recognition tool, embedded within the Photo Gallery application, performs facial and object detection to organize content by identity or category. It uses metadata and machine learning libraries to recognize patterns across uploaded images, enabling faster search and auto-tagging capabilities. Video and photo thumbnails can be displayed directly within File Manager, which now supports large or small thumbnail scaling depending on user preference. For users requiring broader streaming capabilities, the system includes native support for Plex and Jellyfin through the App Center, allowing local or remote playback using widely adopted external platforms rather than proprietary ones. HDMI output remains inactive on TerraMaster NAS units, so these integrations rely solely on network streaming protocols.

System maintenance and troubleshooting services have also received attention in TOS 6. The platform’s security advisor can perform automated vulnerability checks, flagging weak passwords, exposed ports, or outdated configurations. Isolation Mode remains one of its more practical safety features, instantly disconnecting all non-administrative users and disabling PHP-based third-party apps to prevent intrusion. When users encounter system errors, they can utilize the integrated issue reporting tool, which generates diagnostic logs and can enable temporary remote support for TerraMaster engineers through an authentication key.

Although this feature should be used sparingly, it represents a more direct support pathway than previous versions. Taken together, these improvements show a gradual shift in TOS 6 toward professionalization, improving reliability and ease of management while still allowing extensive customization for experienced administrators.

Conclusion and Verdict

TOS 6 demonstrates that TerraMaster’s NAS platform has matured into a far more capable and structured ecosystem. The software now integrates a wide range of features that were once missing or underdeveloped, from advanced storage management and ACL permissions to cloud synchronization and AI-driven media tools. The interface redesign brings a measurable improvement in usability, and the decision to rebuild the system on the Linux Kernel 6.1 LTS ensures better hardware compatibility and long-term stability. However, it remains evident that the user experience still leans toward a more technical audience, with complex menus and limited guidance compared to the automated workflows found on Synology DSM or QNAP QTS. The system performs reliably, but its presentation and documentation could still benefit from refinement to fully appeal to non-specialist users.

Overall, TOS 6 is TerraMaster’s most complete and confident release to date, delivering a noticeable leap in speed, data protection, and operational consistency across the company’s NAS lineup. It now offers enough depth for small businesses, IT enthusiasts, and hybrid work setups while remaining open to third-party operating systems for those seeking additional flexibility. The platform still trails behind the larger ecosystems in app diversity and cloud integration polish, yet the progress made in this generation positions TerraMaster as one of the more serious alternatives in the mid-range NAS market. For users who value functionality and system control over visual refinement, TOS 6 provides a stable and expandable foundation that indicates TerraMaster is steadily closing the gap with its more established competitors.

Interested in Buying a Terramaster NAS? Support the work we do here at NASCompares, by using the links below. The Terramaster F4-425 PLUS ($569) – Amazon HERE – AliExpress HERE – B&H HERE The Terramaster F8 PLUS ($599-699) – Amazon HERE – AliExpress HERE – B&H HERE The Terramaster F2-425 ($369) – Amazon HERE – AliExpress HERE – B&H HERE We receive a small commission on anything you purchase from Amazon, AliExpress or B&H when using these links, and it results in you being able to passively support your favourite websites and creator, completely for free!

---

 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
[contact-form-7]
Join Inner Circle

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

 

Terramaster new TOS 7 NAS Software Beta Ready to Test

December 15, 2025 | TerraMaster, a professional storage brand dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for home users, businesses, and developers, today officially launches the public beta of TOS 7. This highly anticipated release, developed over nearly two years by a team of more than 100 engineers, not only celebrates the 15th anniversary of the TOS operating system but also marks its stunning transformation from a simple storage tool into a full-featured private cloud platform. Looking back to 2011, TOS 1.0 debuted alongside TerraMaster’s very first NAS product. Back then, the interface was bare-bones—you could create shared folders, enable SMB, and add a handful of user accounts. It was simple, almost primitive, but it laid a rock-solid foundation.

Fifteen years later, TOS has evolved into its 7th generation. A single TerraMaster NAS can now effortlessly serve as a file server, virtual machine host, developer workstation, online collaboration platform, or even an enterprise-grade permissions fortress. Throughout this journey, we’ve kept asking ourselves one core question: How should a device that people interact with dozens of times a day actually be designed to truly fit the way you work?

With TOS 7, the answer is finally here—and it’s within reach. Built on a brand-new kernel (upgraded to Linux 6.12) and a completely refreshed design language, TOS 7 features 90% newly drawn icons and over 1,000 refined interaction details, making every operation more intuitive, smoother, and faster than ever before.

Transform into an All-Powerful Host and Unleash Unlimited Possibilities

TOS 7 marks the first time we’ve opened full root access while seamlessly integrating official Ubuntu repositories. Developers can now instantly install Nginx, Node.js, Python environments, databases, or compilers using apt—turning your NAS into a fully SSH-accessible Linux server with zero jailbreaking and zero third-party plugins. It’s all native.

The built-in Virtual Machines (VMs) module lets you deploy Windows, Linux, macOS (on supported hardware), or any distro with a single click. Whether you’re building test environments, migrating legacy systems, isolating applications, or creating a compact private cloud, TOS 7 squeezes every last drop of performance from your hardware and turns your NAS into a true flexible computing hub.

Collaboration with Zero Barriers – Your Data Stays Local Forever

Say goodbye to the old “download-edit-upload” hassle. TOS 7 natively integrates online Office tools that support real-time viewing and multi-user collaborative editing of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. Documents are saved directly on your NAS—no third-party cloud, no extra subscription fees. Changes sync in seconds, boosting team productivity by 100%. Your data, always under your control.

Search as Smooth as Thought – Instant Response for Millions of Files

Our in-house global search engine combines inverted indexing, kernel-level real-time file monitoring, and asynchronous I/O caching to deliver second-level full-disk scans for millions of files — 10× faster than TOS 6, with 120% higher search accuracy. No need for exact filenames; just type a keyword and get precise hits instantly. File management efficiency jumps by 60%.

Granular Permissions Down to the Thread – Rock-Solid Security

The permission system has been expanded from 3 basic types to 13 combinable domain-based ACL policies, with fully customizable rules (e.g., “department can only read/write specific folders and is prohibited from deleting”). Setup time is 99.6% shorter than TOS 6 — complex authorizations are done in seconds — striking the perfect balance between ironclad data security and flexible access control.

How to Access the Terramaster TOS 7 Beta?

After over 300 days of meticulous development and the collaborative efforts of hundreds of engineers, we have developed the all-new TOS 7 for you—more user-friendly and visually refined. With over 50 new features and more than 1,000 detailed optimizations, TOS 7 delivers a faster response, smoother interactions, and a more elegant interface. Designed with forward-looking interaction concepts, it achieves a comprehensive transformation from the inside out, ushering you into a refreshing new era of operation.

Download the TOS 7 Software Here (Read the notesr below first)

Compatible Models:
• F2-424, F4-424, F6-424, F4-424 Pro, F4-424 Max, F6-424 Max
• T9-450, T12-450, U8-450
• T9-500 Pro, T12-500 Pro, U8-500 Plus, U12-500 Plus
• F2-425, F4-425, F2-425 Plus, F4-425 Plus
• F4 SSD

Conditional Compatible Models(Read the following Special Notes):
• F2-221,F2-422, F4-221, F4-421, F4-422, F5-221, F5-421, and F5-422
• F8 SSD and F8 SSD Plus
• F2-223, F2-423, F4-223, F4-423, T6-423, T9-423, T12-423, U4-423, U8-423, and U12-423

Special Notes:
• For users of F2-221,F2-422, F4-221, F4-421, F4-422, F5-221, F5-421, and F5-422: Please first verify that your BIOS version falls within the range of MAPL0304V16 to V22 or MAPL0303V16 to V22. Otherwise, you will not be able to update to TOS 7.
How to check: Go to TOS Control Panel > System > Update to view your BIOS version.
• For F8 SSD and F8 SSD Plus users: Before updating, you must first update the system to version 6.0.794 (the firmware will be updated during the system update). If you directly installed TOS 6.0.794 via an installation package, please manually update TOS 6.0.794 once again, and then update to TOS 7.
• For users of F2-223, F2-423, F4-223, F4-423, T6-423, T9-423, T12-423, U4-423, U8-423, and U12-423: If your TOS system is currently installed or planned to be installed on an M.2 NVMe SSD, please adjust the BIOS boot order according to the guide before proceeding with the update.

Warning:
1. This update is only applicable to version 6.0.794 or higher.
2. TOS 7 adopts a completely new permission management method. After the update, permission conversion is required. It is recommended to choose automatic conversion. This process is time-consuming, please wait patiently (for example, approximately 400,000 folders may take about 3 hours).
3. After the update, besides the storage pools and volumes in normal use, the Storage Manager interface may display several corrupted storage pools and volumes caused by abnormal operations (such as directly pulling out disks) in TOS 6. If you confirm they are no longer in use, you can delete them directly.

Important Notes:
1. The Beta version is an early testing release and may contain defects. It is not suitable for production environments or storing critical data. Do not use it for official business operations.
2. The update is designed to preserve data on hard drives. However, as a precaution, it is essential to back up all important data before proceeding.
3. If your shared folders were generated by Snapshot, their permissions will need to be reconfigured after the update.
4. After updating, all existing share links, desktop notifications, recent access history, application logs, system logs, and scheduled SMART test plans will be cleared.
5. Following the update, the Resource Dashboard, navigation bar icons, and Debug mode will revert to their default states.
6. The newly added cloud drive mounting features for Alibaba Cloud Drive and S3 protocol in File Manage are not yet complete and are temporarily unavailable.
7. Due to security protocol changes, some applications will require updates or reconfiguration after the update. Community applications may need to be re-downloaded and reinstalled.
8. If you have previously modified the BIOS boot order, please adjust it before updating to ensure the TOS system drive has priority over other boot devices (such as USB drives). Failure to do so may cause the system to boot into the installation interface after the update.
9. System configurations from TOS 6 cannot be directly restored to TOS 7. A new configuration backup will need to be created after the update.
10. Before updating, please ensure your main volume (typically volume1) has at least 3 GB of free space. Insufficient space may cause the update to fail.
11. After updating, the device’s IP address may change. Please use the TNAS PC client to search for and reconnect to your device.

How to Update to TOS 7?
Manual Update:
1. Download the update package: TOS 7 (md5: 3287e60464d2e1dd0fceb04b570fe1cf)
2. Go to TOS > Control Panel > General Settings > System.
3. Under “Manual Update”, upload the update package.
4. Click “Apply”.
5. Once the system update is complete, you will need to refresh your browser.
6. After the update, your TNAS IP address may change. If you cannot connect to your TNAS using the previous IP address, please use the TNAS PC client to search for the new IP address.

Client Downloads:
1. Download TNAS PC 5.2.506 for Windows OS.
2. Download TNAS PC 5.2.506 for macOS (x86 and ARM architectures).
3. Download TNAS PC 5.2.506 for macOS (ARM architecture).
4. Download TNAS PC for Linux.
5. Download TNAS Mobile 3.X for Android.
6. For iOS, experience TNAS Mobile 3.X via: https://testflight.apple.com/join/wFWYABJS.

Bug Report
We sincerely thank you for taking the time to help us with testing! Every bug discovered is an important step toward the official release.
As the Beta version is an early-stage build of the program and may contain defects, please refrain from sharing Beta-related bugs publicly to avoid unnecessary confusion for others.
If you need to report a bug, please send a description of the issue, steps to reproduce it, and screenshots to the designated email address: [email protected].

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0aabftiG7Q

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
[contact-form-7]
Join Inner Circle

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

TerraMaster est un fabricant de solutions de stockage qui propose notamment des NAS. Ce dernier vient d’annoncer l’arrivée de TOS 7, son nouveau système maison. Le constructeur promet une refonte majeure avec de nouvelles fonctionnalités, une interface revue et plus fluide. Regardons ensemble les évolutions de ce dernier…

TOS 7, le nouveau TerraMaster

TerraMaster vient d’annoncer une mise à jour importante de son système (TerraMaster Operating System) : TOS 7. Actuellement, c’est TOS 6 qui anime les NAS du fabricant et il faut avouer que cette précédente version avait apporté un vent de fraicheur. Un an après, la nouvelle version est annoncée…

Quelles nouveautés attendre dans TOS 7 ?

TOS 7 devrait marquer une véritable évolution pour les utilisateurs de NAS TerraMaster. Le fabricant annonce plus de 50 nouvelles fonctionnalités et plus de 1 000 optimisations. L’interface utilisateur a été entièrement revue : design modernisé, navigation simplifiée et expérience plus cohérente.

L’objectif : rendre l’utilisation des NAS TerraMaster plus intuitive et agréable, tant pour les particuliers que pour les professionnels. Cette refonte place désormais la marque dans la course face aux acteurs historiques du secteur.

TerraMaster a mis en ligne une page dédiée sur TOS 7 et une vidéo… et le moins que l’on puisse dire, c’est que le fabricant a mis la barre très haute.

Interface et ergonomie

Avec TOS 7, TerraMaster revoit l’expérience utilisateur. On passe rapidement sur les icônes qui ont été redessinées… on appréciera d’apprendre que plus de 50 nouvelles fonctionnalités ont été ajoutées et 1 000 optimisations destinées à améliorer la fluidité et la réactivité du système. L’interface propose une navigation totalement personnalisable. Le fabricant annonce une hausse de 60 % de l’efficacité globale.

Productivité et collaboration

Le gestionnaire de fichiers évolue en profondeur avec l’apparition des modules My Files et Desktop, permettant notamment le montage à distance simplifié et une navigation plus rapide via des vues par onglets ou fractionnées. TerraMaster annonce la prise en charge native des fichiers ISO (sans passer par Dossier partagé), ainsi qu’une corbeille unifiée.

TOS 7 intègre aussi de nouveaux outils de collaboration en ligne : il est désormais possible d’éditer en temps réel des documents Word, Excel et PowerPoint sans téléchargement préalable.

Administration et sécurité

Sur le plan de la gestion au quotidien, TOS 7 introduit une refonte complète du gestionnaire de stockage. L’utilisateur bénéficie de vues visuelles claires des volumes, d’outils de migration et de suppression de disques améliorés, ainsi que d’une optimisation adaptative des grappes RAID.

La gestion des permissions devient plus fine, avec jusqu’à 13 types de droits personnalisables, répondants aux exigences des utilisateurs dans les environnements de plus en plus complexes. Autre nouveauté importante, TOS 7 propose un contrôle réseau précis, en offrant la possibilité de limiter la vitesse des ports et d’allouer la bande passante par service ou par appareil. Ce système évite qu’un seul service ne monopolise les ressources et garantit une utilisation équilibrée du réseau.

Développement et personnalisation

Le Centre d’applications s’enrichit de 10 nouvelles catégories, d’un déploiement Docker en un clic et d’un suivi détaillé des journaux pour une meilleure supervision. Pour les utilisateurs avancés, TerraMaster introduit un mode développeur complet : accès root, compatibilité avec Ubuntu et prise en charge des machines virtuelles (VM), sans passer par un logiciel tiers.

Cette ouverture à la virtualisation permet d’isoler des applications ou de tester des environnements distincts.

En synthèse

Avec TOS 7, TerraMaster franchit un cap en combinant refonte graphique, performance accrue et nouvelles fonctionnalités. Les outils de collaboration, la gestion réseau avancée et la virtualisation rapprochent les NAS TerraMaster des solutions professionnelles les plus complètes.

Pour l’instant, TOS 7 n’est disponible qu’en version Preview, réservée aux volontaires et pouvant contenir des bugs. Aucune date de sortie officielle n’a été annoncée… et il pourrait s’écouler plusieurs mois avant la version finale, comme ce fut le cas pour TOS 6.

source