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 Cozy Cloud.
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 Self-Hosted + Open Source. 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.- Cloud Storage Service
- Freemium • Proprietary
- 149 Nextcloud alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- F-Droid
- Cloudron
- Snapcraft
- Docker Hub
- Raspberry Pi
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 CommentMost Recent CommentJamesWith 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
aronkvhIt runs well even on an old laptop or a large server, great for sharing files, collaborating on documents and managing my photo library.
- 222 ownCloud alternatives
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.
License model
- Freemium • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- Blackberry
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Raspberry Pi
- Cloudron
ownCloud Features
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 CommentNice alternative where you keep control over your data.
Top Negative CommentOwnCloud is self hosted, not a ready to use solution for everyone.
Most Recent CommentKariLHeggUse nextcloud, it's a fork with improvements.
- 130 Syncthing alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Sweden
EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- Self-Hosted
- Cloudron
- Termux
- Terminal
Comments about Syncthing as an Alternative to Dropbox
Top Positive CommentMansampard01Cool for syncing your machines.
Most Recent CommentaxcqhsbsadoukcioztOnly 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.
LinuxDogeWorks pretty well on all OSses
- 121 Seafile alternatives
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.
License model
- Freemium • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
Seafile Features
Comments about Seafile as an Alternative to Dropbox
Top Positive CommentAlexey KorepovFree opensource with great useful features!
Top Negative CommentthickerfinNowhere to sign up for free account.
Most Recent CommentbeatruppOpen source, self-hosting capabilites
- 80 Cozy Cloud alternatives
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.
License model
- Freemium • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
France
EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- Self-Hosted
- Go (Programming Language)
Comments about Cozy Cloud as an Alternative to Dropbox
Most Recent CommentFree 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.
- 68 IPFS alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- Self-Hosted
- Firefox
IPFS Features
Comments about IPFS as an Alternative to Dropbox
Most Recent CommentGea-Suan LinIt's totally different concept between IPFS and Dropbox. IPFS focuses on distributed web system (protocol), and Dropbox is a sync and storage service.
Benjamin LuptonIPFS 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.
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application type
Country of Origin
- International
Platforms
- Self-Hosted
- Docker
Open-sourced, easy to install and maintain, close to feature parity with Dropbox (except Paper).