Samba

Open-source SMB file and print server that can also run as an Active Directory domain controller.

FreeOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hosted
Official websitesamba.orgDownload pagesamba.orgDocumentationsamba.org

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About Samba

Samba is an open-source implementation of the SMB and Active Directory protocols for Linux and other Unix-like systems. It provides file and print services to any SMB client, including Windows, and supports related protocols such as LDAP and Kerberos.

It can act as an Active Directory domain controller or join an existing domain as a member, which makes it a common way to integrate Linux servers and desktops into Windows networks. It also underpins many NAS devices and storage products. Stable releases are published regularly.

Strengths

  • Serves files and printers to Windows, macOS and Linux clients
  • Can run as an Active Directory domain controller
  • Joins Linux machines to existing AD domains
  • Regular stable releases

Limitations

  • Configuration can be complex, especially for AD roles
  • Runs on Linux and Unix-like systems only

Details

Pricing
FreeFree and open source under the GNU GPL.
License
GPL-3.0
Developer
The Samba Team
Platforms
Linux, Self-hosted
How it runs
Downloadable app, Self-hosted
Account
Not required
Best suited for
Linux servers sharing files with Windows clients or running a domain
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to Samba

Compare all

Software that can replace Samba for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • Zentyal

    An Ubuntu-based Linux server with Active Directory compatibility, mail and network services for small offices.

    PaidProprietaryLinuxSelf-hosted

    Zentyal is a paid Ubuntu-based server with an Active Directory compatible domain controller plus mail and network services in one interface.

  • Univention Corporate Server

    A Linux-based server system providing open-source identity and access management for on-premises networks.

    FreemiumOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hosted

    Univention Corporate Server is a full Linux server OS for on-premises identity management, needing a dedicated machine or VM.

  • FreeIPA

    Open-source identity management for Linux users and hosts, combining LDAP, Kerberos, DNS and certificates.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxWebSelf-hostedCommand line

    FreeIPA provides Linux-centric identity management with LDAP, Kerberos, DNS and certificates and can trust Active Directory, but does not serve files and printers.

  • OpenLDAP

    Open-source implementation of LDAP, with a directory server, a load balancer, client libraries and tools.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hostedCommand line

    OpenLDAP is a standards-based LDAP directory with command-line tools and no graphical interface, and it does not provide Active Directory or file sharing.

  • Microsoft Entra ID

    Microsoft's cloud identity and access management service, formerly Azure Active Directory, with single sign-on support.

    PaidProprietaryWeb

    Microsoft Entra ID is Microsoft's paid cloud directory with single sign-on, replacing an on-premises domain controller with a hosted identity service.

Samba as an alternative

Listings that name Samba as an alternative.

  • 389 Directory Server

    An open-source LDAP directory server for Linux with multi-supplier replication.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hosted

    Samba replaces a plain LDAP directory with an Active Directory domain controller on Linux, which suits Windows clients but can be complex to configure.

  • JumpCloud

    A cloud directory platform for managing user identities, access and devices across several operating systems.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidWeb

    Samba runs a self-hosted Active Directory domain controller on Linux, free and open source, without JumpCloud's cloud SSO and MFA.

  • LLDAP

    A lightweight LDAP server for managing users and groups through a simple web interface.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hosted

    Samba can run as an Active Directory domain controller that also serves files and printers, though configuring its AD roles can be complex.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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