Windows Server Essentials vs Windows Home Server

Struggling to choose between Windows Server Essentials and Windows Home Server? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Windows Server Essentials is a Network & Admin solution with tags like windows, microsoft, small-business, file-sharing, print-sharing, backup, remote-access, centralized-management.

It boasts features such as File and printer sharing, Remote desktop access, PC backup, Shared folders, Email server, VPN access, Centralized device management and pros including Easy to set up and manage, Good for small businesses, Integrates with Office 365, Remote access capabilities, Automatic PC backup.

On the other hand, Windows Home Server is a Os & Utilities product tagged with home-server, file-sharing, media-streaming, backup.

Its standout features include Centralized file storage and backup, Media streaming, Remote file access, Automated file duplication, Home network connectivity and sharing, Web server capabilities, Add-on applications and services, and it shines with pros like Easy to set up and use, Good for centralizing storage, Built-in backup capabilities, Integrates well with Windows PCs, Low cost compared to business server software.

Feature	Windows Server Essentials	Windows Home Server
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Os & Utilities

Product Overview

Windows Server Essentials

Description: Windows Server Essentials is a simplified server operating system from Microsoft aimed at small businesses. It provides core server features like file and printer sharing, backup, remote access, and centralized management.

Windows Home Server

Description: Windows Home Server is a home server operating system developed by Microsoft. It is designed to be easy to use and allow home users to store, share, and back up files, stream media, host websites, and more from a central home server.

Key Features Comparison

Windows Server Essentials Features

• File and printer sharing
• Remote desktop access
• PC backup
• Shared folders
• Email server
• VPN access
• Centralized device management

Windows Home Server Features

• Centralized file storage and backup
• Media streaming
• Remote file access
• Automated file duplication
• Home network connectivity and sharing
• Web server capabilities
• Add-on applications and services

Pros & Cons Analysis

Windows Server Essentials

Pros

• Easy to set up and manage
• Good for small businesses
• Integrates with Office 365
• Remote access capabilities
• Automatic PC backup

Cons

• Limited to 25 users and 50 devices
• Less features than full Windows Server
• Requires separate CALs for remote access
• No hypervisors included
• Limited expandability

Windows Home Server

Pros

• Easy to set up and use
• Good for centralizing storage
• Built-in backup capabilities
• Integrates well with Windows PCs
• Low cost compared to business server software

Cons

• Limited to Windows-based devices
• No longer supported by Microsoft
• Less flexible than business server software
• Requires technical know-how for advanced features
• Limited scalability

Pricing Comparison

Windows Server Essentials

• Subscription-Based

Windows Home Server

• One-time Purchase
• Subscription-Based (for add-ons)