Overview of popular dashboards for home server management

Dashboards are convenient and functional web interfaces that help to unite all applications on your home server in one place. This article presents the best home server solutions that will suit both beginners and advanced users.

Homer

Homer is a static homepage configurable through a simple YAML file.

Pros:
✅ Easy configuration via YAML, ideal for beginners.
✅ Easy and fast performance with offline validation of services.
✅ Support for theme customization and hotkeys.

Cons:
❌ You won't find dynamic widgets here - Homer only uses static links.

Dashy

Dashy is a godsend for those who like to customize everything in detail. The interface makes it easy to tidy up your entire zoo of services, as well as seamlessly monitor their status and even add widgets for additional functionality.

Pros:
✅ Highly customizable: themes, layouts, interface elements.
✅ Easy installation via Docker or customization via GUI/YAML.

Minuses:
❌ Abundance of features may seem overwhelming for beginners.
❌ Requires more resources than simple dashboards.

Heimdall

Heimdall offers a simple and clean interface with the ability to integrate via API to display real-time data such as server stats.

Pros:
✅ Intuitive interface with API widget support.
✅ Easy to install via Docker or manually.
✅ Ability to add links to services without apps.

Minuses:
❌ Relatively few customization options.
❌ No built-in user authentication.

Organizr

Organizr is a real Swiss knife for home server enthusiasts. It can't be called just a dashboard - it's already a full-fledged service organizer.

Pros:
✅ Convenient tabbed interface.
✅ Multiuser mode support and integration with Plex/Emby.
✅ Advanced access control capabilities.

Cons:
❌ Difficult installation for beginners.
❌ Interface can be too busy with a large number of tabs.

Umbrel

A big plus for customization enthusiasts is that there is a separate app store like AppStore or Google Play. So it will be very easy to extend the functionality of the dashboard.

Pros:
✅ One-click app installation.
✅ Optimized for Raspberry Pi and other low-power devices.
✅ Lightweight and minimalistic UI with minimal need to customize anything.

Cons:
❌ Limited to apps exclusively from its own ecosystem.

Each of these dashboards is suitable for different scenarios and experience levels. Choose the one that fits your needs and customize your home lab to the best of your ability!