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.- Freemium • Proprietary
- Cloud Storage Service
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Blackberry
- Chrome OS
- Windows Phone
- iPad
- Kindle Fire
Nextcloud
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
- Cloud Storage Service
- Online Backup Tool
- File Sync Tool
134 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.
Nextcloud 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.
21PaourOpen-sourced, easy to install and maintain, close to feature parity with Dropbox (except Paper).
15TristisOrisit's a selfhosted service.
0LinuxDogeYou 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
0I 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.
1ownCloud
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Freemium • Open Source
- Cloud Storage Service
- File Sync Tool
- Online Backup Tool
216 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.
ownCloud Features
ownCloud vs Dropbox opinions
Nice alternative where you keep control over your data.
8Requires 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.
6OwnCloud is self hosted, not a ready to use solution for everyone.
0riveravaldezSame functionality with transparency and control.
2Self-hosted and high quality, you control your data.
4Syncthing
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
- File Sync Tool
118 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.
Syncthing Features
Syncthing vs Dropbox opinions
MasteLrugariusIt doesnt need any install on linux... thats cool!
3LinuxDogeWorks pretty well on all OSses
0jadethorntonSyncthing is a service for syncing files between devices, it does not host files like Dropbox. This is not an alternative.
-2Perfect alternative, and secure one.
0If 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
2Seafile
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- 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.
Seafile 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.)
5MurzFree opensource with great useful features!
1thickerfinNowhere to sign up for free account.
0beatruppOpen source, self-hosting capabilites
0JohnFastmanAccessing 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.
2IPFS
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
73 alternatives to IPFS- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- Self-Hosted
- Firefox
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.
IPFS 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.
0poppabeartenThis is peer to peer not cloud storage.
0IPFS is sort of P2P communication network, and Dropbox is a cloud provider.
0gslinIt's totally different concept between IPFS and Dropbox. IPFS focuses on distributed web system (protocol), and Dropbox is a sync and storage service.
9Cozy
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Freemium • Open Source
- Cloud Storage Service
- Photo Sharing App
88 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.
Cozy 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.
3I can install it on my computer and access it via android cell phone or pad.
1NO Mention of open source app.
0efficient background replication across computers and mobile devices. Also, hosted in Europe, good to avoid prying eyes of USA providers and national agencies
0Pydio
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Freemium • Proprietary
- Cloud Storage Service
- File Sync Tool
- Online Backup Tool
78 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.
Pydio Features
Pydio vs Dropbox opinions
Pydio is very similar to Owncloud, therefore if owncloud is deemed an alternative to Dropbox, so is Pydio
4Lufi
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
- Cloud Storage Service
- File Manager
102 alternatives to Lufi- Linux
- Self-Hosted
It stores files, encrypts them in the browser and allows you to download them.
Lufi Features
SparkleShare
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
- File Sync Tool
81 alternatives to SparkleShare- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Self-Hosted
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.
SparkleShare Features
SparkleShare vs Dropbox opinions
Filestash
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Freemium • Open Source
- Cloud Storage Service
- File Sync Tool
- File Manager
239 alternatives to Filestash- Online
- Self-Hosted
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
A Dropbox-like file manager that let you manage your data anywhere it is located: FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Git, S3, Minio, Dropbox, Google Drive.
Filestash Features