Open Source Self-Hosted Dropbox Alternatives

Dropbox is not available as a self-hosted solution but there are plenty of alternatives for power users and business that want to host a solution on-premise. The best open source Self-Hosted alternative is Nextcloud. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Dropbox and many of them are open source and available as a self-hosted solution so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source Self-Hosted alternatives to Dropbox are ownCloud, Syncthing, Seafile and Koofr.

filter to find the best alternatives

Dropbox alternatives are mainly Cloud Storage Services, but if you're looking for File Sync Tools or File Managers you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Open Source, Self-Hosted, Linux, Cloud Storage, Self-Hosted + Open Source, Mac and Apple Watch. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Dropbox.
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Alternatives list

  1. Nextcloud icon

    Nextcloud

     1161 likes
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    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.

    153 Nextcloud alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • F-Droid
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Cloudron
    • Docker Hub
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • Flathub
    Simple and powerful file sync & share
     
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    517
    Comments about Nextcloud as an Alternative to Dropbox
    Comment summary: Nextcloud emerges as a strong alternative to Dropbox, praised for its self-hosting capability, open-source nature, and extensive feature set that includes apps for calendars, contacts, and video conferencing. It offers users control over their data while being private and customizable. Despite its compelling advantages, one comment highlights a drawback in lacking remote storage capabilities, which is a core feature of Dropbox.
    Top Positive Comment
    Paour
    15

    Open-sourced, easy to install and maintain, close to feature parity with Dropbox (except Paper).

    James
    Positive
    0

    With self-hosted sync, you maintain complete control over your data instead of trusting it to some third-party company. Plus, Nextcloud offers handy features like calendar integration and automatic photo uploads from your phone

    aronkvh
    Positive
    0

    It runs well even on an old laptop or a large server, great for sharing files, collaborating on documents and managing my photo library.

    Show more comments
    3 of 54 comments
    Dropbox Icon
    Nextcloud icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Nextcloud is a great Dropbox alternative.

    • Nextcloud is the most popular Web-based, Windows, Android & Mac alternative to Dropbox.

    • Nextcloud is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Dropbox.

    • Nextcloud is Free and Open SourceDropbox is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Nextcloud is Privacy focused, Security-focused and CustomizableDropbox is not according to our users
  2. ownCloud icon

    ownCloud

     863 likes
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    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.

    219 ownCloud alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Blackberry
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Cloudron
    ownCloud screenshot 1
     
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    220
    Comments about ownCloud as an Alternative to Dropbox
    Comment summary: ownCloud appeals to those seeking a self-hosted storage solution that offers data privacy and control, distinguishing itself from Dropbox by requiring users to manage their own servers. Many find this aspect empowering, as it avoids corporate surveillance. However, it comes with challenges, such as the need for technical expertise in security and server maintenance. While praised for giving ownership of data, ownCloud may not suit users seeking an easy, cloud-hosted solution like Dropbox.
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    8

    Nice alternative where you keep control over your data.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    -2

    OwnCloud is self hosted, not a ready to use solution for everyone.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    KariLHegg
    Positive
    0

    Use nextcloud, it's a fork with improvements.

    Show more comments
    3 of 11 comments
    Dropbox Icon
    ownCloud icon

    • Most users think ownCloud is a great Dropbox alternative.

    • ownCloud is Freemium and Open SourceDropbox is Freemium and Proprietary
  4. Syncthing icon

    Syncthing

     863 likes
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    Syncthing, an open-source alternative to Dropbox, uses peer-to-peer tech to keep your files private and decentralized. Unlike Dropbox's cloud sync and hosting, Syncthing offers self-hosted functionality with unlimited space, suiting those prioritizing data control and privacy.

    131 Syncthing alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    • Cloudron
    • Termux
    • Terminal
    Syncthing screenshot 1
     
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    95
    Comments about Syncthing as an Alternative to Dropbox
    Top Positive Comment
    Mansampard01
    5

    Cool for syncing your machines.

    axcqhsbsadoukciozt
    Positive
    0

    Only fools are still using Dropbox. Syncthing is perfect and provides as many GB as your disk has for free. Free yourself form Dropbox scams such as their "double accountability of GB" where shared folders take away your GB.

    LinuxDoge
    Positive
    0

    Works pretty well on all OSses

    Show more comments
    3 of 11 comments
    Dropbox Icon
    Syncthing icon

    • Most users think Syncthing is a great Dropbox alternative.

    • Syncthing is Free and Open SourceDropbox is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Syncthing is Lightweight and Privacy focusedDropbox is not according to our users
  5. Seafile icon

    Seafile

     193 likes
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    Open source cloud platform for organizations with self-hosting, device file synchronization, sharing, versioning, secure encrypted storage, admin controls, web access, audit logging, and support for desktop and mobile clients for secure collaboration.

    124 Seafile alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Seafile screenshot 1
     
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    5
    42
    Comments about Seafile as an Alternative to Dropbox
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    5

    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.)

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    thickerfin
    0

    Nowhere to sign up for free account.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Alexey Korepov
    Positive
    1

    Free opensource with great useful features!

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    3 of 5 comments
    Dropbox Icon
    Seafile icon

    • Most users think Seafile is a great Dropbox alternative.

    • Seafile is Freemium and Open SourceDropbox is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Seafile is Privacy focusedDropbox is not according to our users
  6. Koofr icon

    Koofr

     136 likes
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    Koofr is a safe, secure and simple way to store, backup and share your documents, photos, videos and more. It offers up to 10 GB of free safe storage for your files with affordable upgrades and options to connect multiple cloud accounts.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Linux Mobile
    • Google Chrome
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Self-Hosted
    • Docker
    • Rust
    • Chromium
    Koofr web app
     
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    6
    Comments about Koofr as an Alternative to Dropbox
    Ola Johansson
    Positive
    0

    They had me at .syncignore, i.e you can use a .gitignore file to just ignore files in a synced folder, useful for node_modules and stuff.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    It is a cloud storage service, which is not only an alternative to Dropbox, but also extends it, by enabling connection with Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive inside one application.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Dropbox Icon
    Koofr icon

    • Most users think Koofr is a great Dropbox alternative.

    • Koofr is Freemium and Open SourceDropbox is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Koofr is Privacy focused and LightweightDropbox is not according to our users
  7. Cozy Cloud icon

    Cozy Cloud

     137 likes
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    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.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Go (Programming Language)
    Automate the synchronisation of your files on your PC with your Cozy.
     
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    21
    Comments about Cozy Cloud as an Alternative to Dropbox
    Guest
    Positive
    3

    Free and open source software, great UX, can be self-hosted if you want. Can add apps on top to leverage personal data.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    I can install it on my computer and access it via android cell phone or pad.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    1

    NO Mention of open source app.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Dropbox Icon
    Cozy Cloud icon

    • Most users think Cozy Cloud is a great Dropbox alternative.

    • Cozy Cloud is Freemium and Open SourceDropbox is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Cozy Cloud is Privacy focusedDropbox is not according to our users
  9. IPFS icon

    IPFS

     175 likes
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    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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    • Firefox
    IPFS screenshot 1
     
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    11
    Comments about IPFS as an Alternative to Dropbox
    Gea-Suan Lin
    Negative
    9

    It's totally different concept between IPFS and Dropbox. IPFS focuses on distributed web system (protocol), and Dropbox is a sync and storage service.

    Benjamin Lupton
    Negative
    0

    IPFS 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.

    poppabearten
    Negative
    0

    This is peer to peer not cloud storage.

    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Dropbox Icon
    IPFS icon

    • Some users think IPFS is a great Dropbox alternative, some don't.

    • IPFS is Free and Open SourceDropbox is Freemium and Proprietary
  10. Hoodik icon

    Hoodik

     23 likes
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    Hoodik is a lightweight, secure, and self-hosted cloud storage solution. It's designed and built with Rust and Vue, focusing on end-to-end encryption that shields your data from prying eyes and hackers.

    91 Hoodik alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    • Docker
    Hoodik screenshot 1
     
  11. Pydio icon

    Pydio

     130 likes
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    Pydio is the mature alternative to Dropbox and Box.com, to build your own box, on your own servers.

    75 Pydio alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • Self-Hosted
    Secure login
     
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    16
    Comments about Pydio as an Alternative to Dropbox
    Guest
    Positive
    4

    Pydio is very similar to Owncloud, therefore if owncloud is deemed an alternative to Dropbox, so is Pydio

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Dropbox Icon
    Pydio icon

    • Most users think Pydio is a great Dropbox alternative.

    • Pydio is Freemium and Open SourceDropbox is Freemium and Proprietary
  12. Puter icon

    Puter

     64 likes
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    Puter is a privacy-first personal cloud that houses all your files, apps, and games in one private and secure place, accessible from anywhere at any time.

    47 Puter alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Docker
    • Self-Hosted
    Puter screenshot 1
     
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    17
  14. SparkleShare icon

    SparkleShare

     110 likes
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    SparkleShare is a Free Open Source syncing tool. Its light, secure and easy to use. SparkleShare allows you to setup your own servers so you always keep control on your data.

    82 SparkleShare alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    SparkleShare screenshot 1
     
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12 of 31 Dropbox alternatives