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.
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Put your files into your Dropbox on one computer, and they'll be instantly available on any of your other computers that also have Dropbox installed. Because copies of your files are stored on Dropbox's secure...

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Dropbox alternatives page was last updated Apr 7, 2025
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  1. Nextcloud icon
     1105 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.

    149 Nextcloud alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Snapcraft
    • Docker Hub
    • Raspberry Pi

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused
    3.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  File Sync
    2.  Calendar Integration
    3.  Sync Contacts
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Two-factor Authentication
    6.  Cloud Sync
    7.  Team Collaboration
    8.  Hostable
    9.  Video Calling
    10.  On-premises software
    11.  CalDAV Support
    12.  Calendar Sync

    Nextcloud VS Dropbox

     
    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
    Feb 1, 2017
    15

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

    Most Recent Comment
    James
    Positive Apr 7, 2025
    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 Apr 24, 2024
    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 and Security-focusedDropbox is not according to our users
  2. ownCloud icon
     861 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.

    222 ownCloud alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Blackberry
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Cloudron

    ownCloud Features

    1.  Calendar Integration
    2.  Self-hosted search
    3.  Autotagging
    4.  No installation required
    5.  Built-in Note Taker
    6.  SAML Single Sign-On
    7.  Virtual filesystem
    8.  WebDAV Support

    ownCloud VS Dropbox

     
    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
    Aug 12, 2016
    8

    Nice alternative where you keep control over your data.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    Jun 13, 2016
    -2

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

    Most Recent Comment
    KariLHegg
    Positive Mar 18, 2025
    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
  3. Syncthing icon
     816 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.

    130 Syncthing alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • SE flagSweden
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    • Cloudron
    • Termux
    • Terminal

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Peer-To-Peer
    2.  Decentralized
    3.  Folder Sync
    4.  File Sync
    5.  Real-time sync
    6.  End-to-End Encryption
    7.  Synchronization
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Large File Transfer
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  No registration required
    12.  Portable

    Syncthing VS Dropbox

     
    Comments about Syncthing as an Alternative to Dropbox
    Top Positive Comment
    Mansampard01
    Jan 2, 2019
    5

    Cool for syncing your machines.

    Most Recent Comment
    axcqhsbsadoukciozt
    Positive Mar 25, 2024
    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 Mar 9, 2022
    0

    Works pretty well on all OSses

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    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 Decentralized and LightweightDropbox is not according to our users
  4. Seafile icon
     186 likes
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    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.

    121 Seafile alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted

    Seafile Features

    1.  File Sync
    2.  File Versioning
    3.  Multi Platform
    4.  Isolated file libraries
    5.  Support for Amazon S3
    6.  Virtual hard drive
    7.  Install Syslinux
    8.  Sync Network Drive
    9.  Development API
    10.  Encrypted sync

    Seafile VS Dropbox

     
    Comments about Seafile as an Alternative to Dropbox
    Top Positive Comment
    Alexey Korepov
    May 11, 2018
    1

    Free opensource with great useful features!

    Top Negative Comment
    thickerfin
    Jun 30, 2015
    0

    Nowhere to sign up for free account.

    Most Recent Comment
    beatrupp
    Positive Mar 17, 2017
    0

    Open source, self-hosting capabilites

    Show more comments
    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
  5. Cozy Cloud icon
     135 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.

    80 Cozy Cloud alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Go (Programming Language)

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Cloud Sync
    2. Android icon  Android Sync
    3.  File Storage
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Selective Synchronization
    6.  No Tracking
    7.  Two-factor Authentication
    8.  Shared Folders
    9.  End-to-End Encryption
    10.  Personal Information Manager (PIM)
    11.  Accounting Integration
    12.  Information gathering

    Cozy Cloud VS Dropbox

     
    Comments about Cozy Cloud as an Alternative to Dropbox
    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Positive Dec 5, 2017
    3

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

    Guest
    Positive Feb 6, 2017
    1

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

    Guest
    Negative Aug 12, 2017
    1

    NO Mention of open source app.

    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
  6. IPFS icon
     169 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.

    68 IPFS alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    • Firefox

    IPFS Features

    1.  Distributed
    2.  Peer-To-Peer
    3.  Decentralized
    4.  Virtual filesystem
    5.  Based on Blockchain
    6.  Browser extension
    7.  Double Donut Chart

    IPFS VS Dropbox

     
    Comments about IPFS as an Alternative to Dropbox
    Most Recent Comment
    Gea-Suan Lin
    Negative May 9, 2019
    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 Jul 19, 2021
    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 Apr 16, 2021
    0

    This is peer to peer not cloud storage.

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    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
    • IPFS is DecentralizedDropbox is not according to our users
  7. Hoodik icon
     19 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.

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • International

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    • Docker

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  AES-256 Encryption

    Hoodik VS Dropbox

     
7 of 42 Dropbox alternatives