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Samba vs Zentyal: catalog facts
Samba	Zentyal
Free Free and open source under the GNU GPL.	Paid Yearly or lifetime licences covering unlimited users, with a free 15-day trial.
Linux, Self-hosted	Linux, Self-hosted
Serves files and printers to Windows, macOS and Linux clients Can run as an Active Directory domain controller	Active Directory compatible domain controller for Windows clients Mail, groupware and network services in one interface
Configuration can be complex, especially for AD roles Runs on Linux and Unix-like systems only	Paid licence after the trial Aimed at small and mid-sized office servers rather than home use
Downloadable app, Self-hosted	Self-hosted, Operating system
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.