Open Source Dropbox Alternatives
The best open source alternative to Dropbox is Nextcloud. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Dropbox and loads of them is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Dropbox are ownCloud, Syncthing, Seafile and CryptPad.
Dropbox alternatives are mainly Cloud Storage Services but may also be File Sync Tools or Online Backup Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Dropbox.- Freemium • Proprietary
- Cloud Storage Service
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Blackberry
- Chrome OS
- Windows Phone
- iPad
- Kindle Fire
- Free • Open Source
- Cloud Storage Service
- File Sync Tool
- Online Backup Tool
135 alternatives to Nextcloud- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- F-Droid
- Cloudron
Nextcloud is an open source software that allows you to manage your files and sync them across all your devices - like Dropbox. There are, however, several differences: You can self-host a Nextcloud instance, allowing you to fully manage it, or you can use a Nextcloud provider to host your data for you. You have access to more security, privacy and administration options. You can add plugins for almost everything (emails, tasks, calendars, maps, news, video chats, notes, and more).
Of course, it’s a bit more complicated to set up since you have to self-host it or find a provider, but if what you’re looking for is an open source and extensible solution that you can fully manage yourself, Nextcloud might be the right pick for you.
Features
Nextcloud vs Dropbox opinions
JohnFastmanIf you don't mind setting up your own server, NextCloud is a great Dropbox alternative because: 1) it's open source, 2) you control your data, 3) the limit of your storage is determined only by the limit of your hard drive. Alternatively, you can get services to host a NextCloud install on their servers for you, but then you give that service access to your data. Unless you encrypt client side with something like Cryptomator first.
PaourOpen-sourced, easy to install and maintain, close to feature parity with Dropbox (except Paper).
Not remote storage, which is the point of dropbox.
LinuxDogeYou can use your own server or buy one. You can encrypt everything so its totally private. It has great functions, works on Linux and has FDroid apps
I have been using Nextcloud for years. I use it to share calendars, contacts and files among all my computers and devices, and with my family members. I use the Deck module (Trello alternative) to manage my work and children activities, Talk module (Zoom alternative) for video conferencing, and others. Nextcloud is simple and powerful, keep the data with myself, yet it is free. I really love it.
Much more features. Independent from Microsoft. Ability to selfhost.
free and opensource what else do you want
- Freemium • Open Source
- Cloud Storage Service
- File Sync Tool
- Online Backup Tool
223 alternatives to ownCloud- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- Blackberry
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Raspberry Pi
- Cloudron
Like Nextcloud, ownCloud is an open source solution that you can self-host on your own server, or you can pay a monthly fee to get an online instance with limited storage. It offers interesting features such as collaborative editing and version management of documents, image galleries, end-to-end encryption, email plugins to host attachments, and more… and you can also extend it by installing add-ons from their marketplace.
It’s no coincidence that ownCloud and Nextcloud share so many features, because Nextcloud is based on ownCloud. The key differences are the licenses (ownCloud’s enterprise edition comes under commercial license), the exclusive features ownCloud offers only to premium users while all features are free with Nextcloud, the app marketplaces (Nextcloud’s one has more apps), and of course, the pricing plans if you want a managed instance.
Features
ownCloud vs Dropbox opinions
Nice alternative where you keep control over your data.
Requires self-hosting, which can be a limit for many. Since a good knowledge of security related matters is mandatory, think twice before using it. However is the best alternative for those not looking for have their data hosted on a NSA server.
OwnCloud is self hosted, not a ready to use solution for everyone.
riveravaldezSame functionality with transparency and control.
Self-hosted and high quality, you control your data.
TristisOrisit's a selfhosted service.
Self hosted - YOU control your data.
- Free • Open Source
- File Sync Tool
113 alternatives to Syncthing- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- Android Tablet
- BSD
- Self-Hosted
- F-Droid
- Cloudron
Syncthing is an open source software that allows you to synchronize your files and folders from multiple devices across the Internet using a secure P2P connection. It's a kind of like ownCloud/Nextcloud, but working with the Peer-to-Peer protocol without a "central" server. All communications are encrypted by the TLS protocol and each device is clearly identified with a unique identifier. This allows you to create your own cloud, and share files between your devices (Windows, Linux, macOS, BSD and Android are supported so far) without using servers hosted by third parties. And since everything is hosted on your machines, there are no hosting plans with more storage or more features, Syncthing is completely free.
Features
Syncthing vs Dropbox opinions
MasteLrugariusIt doesnt need any install on linux... thats cool!
LinuxDogeWorks pretty well on all OSses
jadethorntonSyncthing is a service for syncing files between devices, it does not host files like Dropbox. This is not an alternative.
Perfect alternative, and secure one.
If you use Dropbox to sync files across devices Syncthing is probably more secure and you don't have to trust a central authority. Still you do not need to set up a server
Syncthing is free, open-source, being developed actively. It allows 100%secure synchronization of files between without quota. It does not host files on an external server, which is a good or a bad thing depending on your preference.
Mansampard01Cool for syncing your machines.
- Freemium • Open Source
- Cloud Storage Service
- File Sync Tool
- Online Backup Tool
120 alternatives to Seafile- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
Seafile is a professional open source cloud storage platform for organizations. It has complete file syncing and sharing features, reliable file storage and advanced privacy protection feature.
Features
Seafile vs Dropbox opinions
Although Seafile.de works with a slightly more complex client than does Dropbox, it also has more options. Importantly, it's open source, unlike Dropbox. Also, storing files using Seafile.de 's services mean your data is stored in Germany, which has stricter privacy laws. Note: Whilst Seafile does offer client-side encryption, at the time of writing this encrypts only file contents, not names or metadata. (Dropbox doesn't offer this at all, however.)
MurzFree opensource with great useful features!
thickerfinNowhere to sign up for free account.
beatruppOpen source, self-hosting capabilites
JohnFastmanAccessing your files via the website is very similar to Dropbox. Low prices, European privacy laws and open source clients compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux. Within Europe, upload speeds of the order of 1-2MB/s, download speeds 1-6MB/s depending on number of files. I got similar speeds with Dropbox in UK. Use together with Cryptomator for max privacy.
- Freemium • Open Source
- Office Suite
- Word Processor
- Spreadsheet App
58 alternatives to CryptPad- Self-Hosted
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
CryptPad is a private-by-design alternative to popular office tools and cloud services. All the content stored on CryptPad is encrypted before being sent, which means nobody can access your data unless you give them the keys.
Features
IPFS is a global, versioned, peer-to-peer filesystem. It combines ideas from Git, BitTorrent, Kademlia, SFS, and the web. It is like a single bittorrent swarm, exchanging git objects. IPFS provides an interface as simple as the HTTP web, but with permanence built in.
Features
IPFS vs Dropbox opinions
baluptonIPFS is all VC-backed marketing hype that doesn't deliver. Also, it is not an alternative to Dropbox. IPFS is a protocol, Dropbox is a service and app. Apps use protocols, protocols don't use apps.
poppabeartenThis is peer to peer not cloud storage.
IPFS is sort of P2P communication network, and Dropbox is a cloud provider.
gslinIt's totally different concept between IPFS and Dropbox. IPFS focuses on distributed web system (protocol), and Dropbox is a sync and storage service.
- Freemium • Open Source
- Cloud Storage Service
76 alternatives to Cozy- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- Self-Hosted
- CouchDB
- Go (Programming Language)
Choose simplicity, get Cozy. We all have a life and a digital life. Cozy gathers them. In your Cozy, you have all your personal data: pictures, health, bank, holidays, accessible only by you. Welcome to your new digital home.
Features
Cozy vs Dropbox opinions
Free and open source software, great UX, can be self-hosted if you want. Can add apps on top to leverage personal data.
I can install it on my computer and access it via android cell phone or pad.
NO Mention of open source app.
efficient background replication across computers and mobile devices. Also, hosted in Europe, good to avoid prying eyes of USA providers and national agencies
- Freemium • Open Source
- Cloud Storage Service
- Online Backup Tool
- File Sync Tool
42 alternatives to Filen- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
Everybody can claim to be the most secure cloud storage service. We at Filen like to be transparent. So how does everything really work under the hood? Well, it's quite simple. When you upload a file to Filen's cloud storage, you actually don't upload a file, you...
Features
- Freemium • Open Source
- Cloud Storage Service
- File Sync Tool
- Online Backup Tool
76 alternatives to Pydio- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- Self-Hosted
Pydio is the mature alternative to Dropbox and Box.com, to build your own box, on your own servers.
Features
Pydio vs Dropbox opinions
Pydio is very similar to Owncloud, therefore if owncloud is deemed an alternative to Dropbox, so is Pydio
It stores files, encrypts them in the browser and allows you to download them.