Start9 supports local access via https and like Umbrel has remote access via TOR. It is possible to do custom networking to get your Start9 visible remotely w/out TOR, but it is not trivial, and it isn't supported by the Start9 team. The next major release is planned to have additional networking abilities to make it easier to access remotely w/out TOR.
My experience is that Start9 is easier for folks to install and manage, but if you are willing to do more work, Umbrel currently has more services. Start9 has automated backups and service monitoring, and a GUI that I like. It does have some limitations - it only supports one hard drive (it can be very large, but only one is supported). It wasn't part of my decision process, but I did find that after buying Start9 - the customer support was amazing. I haven't worked w/Umbrel support so I can't comment there.
Start9 also offers packages with prebuilt hardware and their StartOS already preloaded -as close to plug and play as you can get. Their pricing was better than I could buy the underlying hardware for, so I was happy to buy through them. I think Umbrel also offers a hardware preloaded version, so don't get hung up on hardware specs. Both allow you to just download the software and install on your own hardware.
Start9 did compare themselves vs. Umbrel - that's worth reading too:
quoting nevent1q…p9x0By popular demand, Start9 has provided a brief compare/contrast between StartOS and Umbrel.
HOW ARE THEY ALIKE?
Both Umbrel and StartOS dramatically simplify the process of discovering, downloading, and installing services onto a private server, and that is where the similarities end.
HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?
**Appearance**
Umbrel uses MacOS's aethetic. The user interface is clean, colorful, and customizable. StartOS offers a functional design with little color or customization.
**Services**
As of May 30, 2023, there are approximately 100 services available for Umbrel, and 40 services available for StartOS. Both offer developer docs that permit anyone anywhere to package anything, and neither is capable of gatekeeping.
**Architecture**
Umbrel itself is an *app* that can be *installed* onto most Debian or Ubuntu computers and virtual machines. StartOS is an *operating system* (Linux distro) that can be *flashed* onto most computers and virtual machines.
**Config**
Services often provide config files, such as Bitcoin's bitcoin.conf. On Umbrel, updating config files requires using SSH and the command line. With StartOS, config files are presented as rich forms, including descriptions, downdowns, toggles, validated inputs, etc.
**Backups**
When it comes to self-hosting, nothing is more important than making backups. With the exception of LND, Umbrel does not provide a means of backing up services. With StartOS, encrypted backups can be made by pushing a button.
**Encryption**
On Umbrel, communications over the LAN are done over plain http. This means that anyone connected to your home WiFi network can trivially steal your passwords and money. With StartOS, communications over the LAN are done over encrypted https.
**Monitoring**
Umbrel does not provide tools for monitoring the health or performance of services. SSH and the command line are needed to view service logs. StartOS offers custom health checks that display service health, and a live screen for viewing service logs.
**DIY Options**
Both Umbrel and StartOS can be installed for free. As an app, Umbrel can be installed on the Raspberry Pi and devices running Debian or Ubuntu. As an operating system, StartOS can be flashed on just about any computer or virtual machine.
**Price**
Both companies offer plug and play devices. Umbrel offers a single device for $700. It has a 2.9GHz processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 2TB NVMe SSD. Start9 offers the same device for $563.
Start9 also has other options ranging from $199 to $1546
#start9 #umbrel #homeserver