For Beginners & Tinkerers Alike
Why Docker on a NAS?
If you’re running a NAS like the UGREEN NASync DXP2800, Synology, or any other x86-based box, Docker is where things start to get fun. Containers let you run lightweight, modular apps that give your NAS way more functionality — without needing a full-blown VM or extra hardware.
Docker makes it easy to deploy apps in isolated environments, meaning you can try things out without worrying about breaking your whole system. They’re fast to spin up, easy to update, and work consistently across different systems. And the best part? You don’t need to be a hardcore Linux user to make the most of them.
Below are ten of the best Docker containers you can run on your NAS — a handpicked mix of essential utilities, media servers, privacy tools, and smart home apps that turn your box into a true home server. that will make your NAS feel more like a full home server.
1. Home Assistant
Smart home control on your terms
If you’ve dipped your toe into smart home automation, you’ve probably already heard of Home Assistant. It’s a powerful, open-source platform that lets you integrate and automate just about every smart device imaginable — lights, sensors, switches, thermostats, and even your TV.
Running Home Assistant in Docker is a great way to keep it separate from your main system while still enjoying all its features. It supports local control, so you’re not reliant on cloud services (great for privacy), and it’s constantly being improved by a huge community. Whether you’re just starting with a few SwitchBot devices or building a full-blown smart home, Home Assistant is a game-changer.
Pair it with MQTT and Zigbee2MQTT for even more flexibility — both of which you can also run in Docker.
Start here with my Smart Home Network Setup Guide.
2. Mosquitto (MQTT Broker)
Behind-the-scenes magic for smart homes
Mosquitto is a lightweight message broker that uses the MQTT protocol — a key part of many smart home setups. If you’re running Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, or any device with Tasmota firmware, you’ll likely need an MQTT broker to allow devices to communicate reliably.
Mosquitto doesn’t have a fancy interface, but that’s by design. It’s incredibly efficient, fast, and stable. Once set up, it just runs in the background passing messages between your devices and services. You won’t interact with it much, but it’s a critical cog in the machine for those looking to build a local-first automation system.
3. Plex or Jellyfin
Your own personal Netflix (and more)
If you’ve got a library of media — movies, TV shows, home videos — Plex and Jellyfin turn your NAS into a full-fledged streaming platform. Plex offers a polished UI and optional remote streaming features, while Jellyfin is the go-to for open-source purists who want everything self-hosted.
These containers are easy to get up and running, especially if your media is already well-organised. Plex can pull in metadata, posters, subtitles, and more, and supports nearly every device under the sun. Jellyfin is a bit more hands-on but avoids subscriptions or locked features.
4. Navidrome
Spotify vibes, minus the monthly fee
Have a huge collection of MP3s or FLAC files from back in the day? Navidrome breathes new life into local music libraries by turning your NAS into a private music streaming service. Think of it as Spotify for your own collection.
The interface is clean and responsive, and it integrates with apps like Substreamer or Symfonium. It supports smart playlists, scrobbling to Last.fm, album art, and more. Plus, it’s extremely lightweight and can run on almost any system — making it a great fit for your NAS.
5. Pi-hole
Block ads for your whole network
If you’ve never used Pi-hole before, prepare to be amazed at how much cleaner the internet can be. It acts as a DNS server that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains before they ever reach your devices. Set it once, and every device on your network benefits — phones, tablets, smart TVs, even IoT devices.
Running Pi-hole in Docker is simple, and the dashboard gives you a detailed look at what’s being blocked. You can also manually whitelist or blacklist domains and pair it with Unbound for encrypted DNS.
6. WireGuard
Access your home network from anywhere
WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol designed to be fast, simple, and secure. When run on your NAS, it allows you to create a secure tunnel into your home network — perfect for accessing files, media servers, or smart home dashboards while away.
It’s incredibly lightweight, quick to set up, and performs well even on modest hardware. Once configured, you can connect from your phone, laptop, or tablet and use your home network as if you were physically there. Whether you’re self-hosting your VPN server or connecting to a cloud-hosted instance, WireGuard offers a great balance between ease of use and strong encryption.
7. Frigate (Advanced)
Smart surveillance, powered by AI
Frigate is an AI-based NVR (Network Video Recorder) that detects people, cars, and more in real time using your cameras — all without relying on the cloud. Unlike most camera apps that flood you with motion alerts for every leaf or shadow, Frigate focuses on what matters.
It’s designed to work best with Coral AI accelerators for fast detection, but it can also run on CPUs or GPUs. It integrates well with Home Assistant and supports real-time notifications, event clips, and camera dashboards.
I’m currently researching Reolink’s PoE cameras as part of my own upgrade, so expect a deeper dive soon.
8. Portainer
Manage Docker without the command line
Not everyone enjoys messing with the terminal, and that’s where Portainer shines. It gives you a web-based GUI for managing your Docker containers, volumes, networks, and images. You can see logs, update images, stop/start containers, and even deploy new ones — all from your browser.
It’s great for beginners and pros alike. Even if you’re comfortable with Docker CLI, Portainer makes managing a growing stack of services way more convenient.
9. FileBrowser
A better way to access your NAS files
Most NAS units have some sort of file management tool, but they’re often basic or clunky. FileBrowser is a slick web app that lets you browse, upload, rename, and share files via your browser. It even works well on mobile.
You can create user accounts with specific permissions, set up public file shares, and preview images or documents right in the UI. It’s fast, lightweight, and a big improvement over standard Samba or FTP setups for everyday file access.
10. Uptime Kuma
Know when things break (before someone else does)
Whether you’re self-hosting multiple services or just want to make sure your NAS is always online, Uptime Kuma is a must. It’s a beautiful, self-hosted status monitor that pings your apps, websites, or IPs and lets you know if they go down.
You can customise alerts, set up dashboards, and even monitor services hosted outside your home network. It’s surprisingly feature-rich, and the UI is clean and easy to navigate. Once it’s up and running, it becomes one of those “how did I live without this?” tools.
Where Should You Start?
If you’re new to Docker and NAS apps in general, start with Pi-hole, Portainer, and Plex or Jellyfin. They’re easy to install, give immediate results, and don’t require much maintenance.
When you’re ready to level up, move on to Home Assistant and WireGuard. They’ll open the door to deeper control of your smart home and remote access setup.
And if you’re serious about home security and privacy, keep an eye on Frigate — especially if you’re considering upgrading to PoE cameras like Reolink.
💡 New to Docker?
Start by installing Portainer — it gives you a simple dashboard to deploy and manage containers without the command line.
Got a favourite container I didn’t mention?
Whether you’re deep into automation or just starting out, I’d love to hear what you’re running on your NAS. Drop it in the comments — I’m always on the lookout for new setups to try.
Want to Dive Deeper?
Here are a few more posts that expand on ideas in this article:
- 🧠 Smart Home Network Setup – Covers the basics of smart home wiring, network planning, and why local control matters.
- 🧰 Automated NAS Backups to Azure – Secure, offsite backups using rclone and cron on a UGREEN NAS.
More tutorials, setup guides, and automation tips are on the way!
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