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 Self-Hosted alternative is Nextcloud, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Dropbox and many of them are available as a self-hosted solution so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Self-Hosted alternatives to Dropbox are ownCloud, Syncthing, Seafile and IPFS.

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.

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Dropbox

5510

Freemium • Proprietary
Cloud Storage Service

Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Blackberry
Chrome OS
Windows Phone
iPad
Kindle Fire

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Nextcloud
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Cloud Storage Service
Online Backup Tool
File Sync Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
Cloudron
134 alternatives to Nextcloud
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Nextcloud Features
1. Privacy focusedNextcloud is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
2. Calendar IntegrationNextcloud lets you sync your tasks and events with your calendar application.
3. Ad-freeNextcloud doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Two-factor AuthenticationNextcloud supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
5. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
6. End-to-End EncryptionNextcloud has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
7. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsNextcloud can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
8. Dark ModeNextcloud supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. FIDO U2F (2FA) supportNextcloud supports FIDO U2F / passwordless / multi-factor authentication.
Sync Contacts
Security focused
On-premises software
Customizable
Hostable
Cross-Platform
CalDAV Support
Mobile friendly
Secure File Sharing
Calendar Sync
Nextcloud vs Dropbox opinions
Almost everyone thinks Nextcloud is a great alternative to Dropbox.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
JohnFastman
If 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.
Top positive comment•
21

Paour
Open-sourced, easy to install and maintain, close to feature parity with Dropbox (except Paper).
Top positive comment•
15

TristisOris
it's a selfhosted service.
Top negative comment•
0

LinuxDoge
You 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
Positive comment•
0

Guest
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.
Positive comment•
1

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5 of 53 comments
ownCloud
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Cloud Storage Service
File Sync Tool
Online Backup Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Blackberry
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Raspberry Pi
Cloudron
216 alternatives to ownCloud
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.
Suggest and vote on features
ownCloud Features
1. Calendar IntegrationownCloud lets you sync your tasks and events with your calendar application.
Self-hosted search
Autotagging
Virtual filesystem
WebDAV Support
Image Preview
Built-in RSS reader
Delta Update
No installation required
Built-in Note Taker
SAML Single Sign-On
ownCloud vs Dropbox opinions
Most users think ownCloud is a great alternative to Dropbox.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Nice alternative where you keep control over your data.
Top positive comment•
8

Guest
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.
Top positive comment•
6

Guest
OwnCloud is self hosted, not a ready to use solution for everyone.
Top negative comment•
0

riveravaldez
Same functionality with transparency and control.
Positive comment•
2

Guest
Self-hosted and high quality, you control your data.
Positive comment•
4

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5 of 10 comments
Syncthing
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
File Sync Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
BSD
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
Cloudron
118 alternatives to Syncthing
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Syncthing Features
1. DecentralizedSyncthing is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionSyncthing has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Ad-freeSyncthing doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Dark ModeSyncthing supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. LightweightSyncthing consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
6. Privacy focusedSyncthing is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
7. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Syncthing without registration.
8. Command line interfaceSyncthing either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
9. PortableSyncthing can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Peer-To-Peer
Folder Sync
Real-time sync
Synchronization
Mesh network
Syncthing vs Dropbox opinions
Most users think Syncthing is a great alternative to Dropbox.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
MasteLrugarius
It doesnt need any install on linux... thats cool!
Top positive comment•
3

LinuxDoge
Works pretty well on all OSses
Top positive comment•
0

jadethornton
Syncthing is a service for syncing files between devices, it does not host files like Dropbox. This is not an alternative.
Top negative comment•
-2

Guest
Perfect alternative, and secure one.
Positive comment•
0

Guest
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
Positive comment•
2

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5 of 10 comments
Seafile
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Cloud Storage Service
File Sync Tool
Online Backup Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
120 alternatives to Seafile
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Seafile Features
1. File VersioningSeafile has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Isolated file libraries
Multi Platform
Development API
Encrypted sync
Virtual hard drive
Install Syslinux
Sync Network Drive
Support for Amazon S3
Seafile vs Dropbox opinions
Most users think Seafile is a great alternative to Dropbox.
Guest
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.)
Top positive comment•
5

Murz
Free opensource with great useful features!
Top positive comment•
1

thickerfin
Nowhere to sign up for free account.
Top negative comment•
0

beatrupp
Open source, self-hosting capabilites
Positive comment•
0

JohnFastman
Accessing 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.
Positive comment•
2
IPFS
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Self-Hosted
Firefox
73 alternatives to IPFS
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.
Suggest and vote on features
IPFS Features
1. DecentralizedIPFS is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
Distributed
Peer-To-Peer
Double Donut Chart
Based on Blockchain
Virtual filesystem
Browser extension
IPFS vs Dropbox opinions
This alternative is disputed. IPFS is still a legitimate alternative to Dropbox, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
balupton
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.
Negative comment•
0

poppabearten
This is peer to peer not cloud storage.
Negative comment•
0

Guest
IPFS is sort of P2P communication network, and Dropbox is a cloud provider.
Negative comment•
0

gslin
It's totally different concept between IPFS and Dropbox. IPFS focuses on distributed web system (protocol), and Dropbox is a sync and storage service.
Negative comment•
9
Cozy
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Cloud Storage Service
Photo Sharing App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Self-Hosted
CouchDB
Go (Programming Language)
88 alternatives to Cozy
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Cozy Features
1. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
2. End-to-End EncryptionCozy has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedCozy is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
File Storage
Android Sync
Information gathering
Accounting Integration
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
Cozy vs Dropbox opinions
Most users think Cozy is a great alternative to Dropbox.
Guest
Free and open source software, great UX, can be self-hosted if you want. Can add apps on top to leverage personal data.
Positive comment•
3

Guest
I can install it on my computer and access it via android cell phone or pad.
Positive comment•
1

Guest
NO Mention of open source app.
Negative comment•
0

Guest
efficient background replication across computers and mobile devices. Also, hosted in Europe, good to avoid prying eyes of USA providers and national agencies
Positive comment•
0
Pydio
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Cloud Storage Service
File Sync Tool
Online Backup Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
Self-Hosted
78 alternatives to Pydio
Pydio is the mature alternative to Dropbox and Box.com, to build your own box, on your own servers.
Suggest and vote on features
Pydio Features
1. Dark ModePydio supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
Folder Sync
Folders
File Hosting
Sync with Onedrive
Web file manager
Separated workspaces
Web-Based
Federated Cloud
Pydio vs Dropbox opinions
Most users think Pydio is a great alternative to Dropbox.
Guest
Pydio is very similar to Owncloud, therefore if owncloud is deemed an alternative to Dropbox, so is Pydio
Positive comment•
4
Lufi
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Cloud Storage Service
File Manager
Linux
Self-Hosted
102 alternatives to Lufi
It stores files, encrypts them in the browser and allows you to download them.
Suggest and vote on features
Lufi Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionLufi has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
Secure File Sharing
File Storage
SparkleShare
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
File Sync Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Self-Hosted
81 alternatives to SparkleShare
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.
Suggest and vote on features
SparkleShare Features
1. Git SupportSparkleShare supports Git, a free and open source distributed version control system.
2. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in SparkleShare simultaneously.
Folder Sync
Client side encryption
Synchronization
SparkleShare vs Dropbox opinions
Most users think SparkleShare is a great alternative to Dropbox.
Filestash
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Cloud Storage Service
File Sync Tool
File Manager
Online
Self-Hosted
Software as a Service (SaaS)
239 alternatives to Filestash
A Dropbox-like file manager that let you manage your data anywhere it is located: FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Git, S3, Minio, Dropbox, Google Drive.
Suggest and vote on features
Filestash Features
1. LightweightFilestash consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Git SupportFilestash supports Git, a free and open source distributed version control system.
WebDAV Support
Document sharing
Web file manager
Support for SFTP
S3 integration
Support for FTP
Secure File Sharing
Org-mode
Integrated FTP client
Image Sharing