Alternatives to ownCloud

Self-hosted file sync and share platform for teams. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as ownCloud.

  • Nextcloud

    A file sync and collaboration server you run yourself, with desktop and mobile clients that behave like Dropbox.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSSelf-hostedWeb

    Nextcloud is a GPL-2.0 self-hosted server with similar desktop and mobile clients plus calendar, contacts and an app store, though its major upgrades need careful reading.

  • ownCloud Infinite Scale

    Go rewrite of ownCloud built as microservices with no database.

    FreemiumOpen sourceLinuxWebSelf-hosted

    ownCloud Infinite Scale is the Apache-2.0 Go rewrite that needs no database and uses the existing clients, though feature parity with the classic server still differs.

  • Seafile

    Self-hosted file sync and share with optional client-side encryption.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSSelf-hosted

    Seafile offers block-level sync, deduplication and per-library client-side encryption, but it still needs a database and some features are in the paid Professional edition.

  • Pydio Cells

    Self-hosted document sharing and management platform.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxWebSelf-hosted

    Pydio Cells is an AGPL-3.0 single Go binary with granular permissions, workflows and audit trails, though it is heavier to operate than a simple sync server.

  • FileRun

    Self-hosted file manager and sync server that uses your existing folders.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsLinuxWebSelf-hosted

    FileRun uses your existing folder structure with previews and WebDAV, but it is closed source and needs a paid licence beyond a small free tier.

  • Peergos

    Self-hostable encrypted storage that hides sharing metadata as well as content.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    Peergos is AGPL-3.0 self-hostable storage that encrypts content and sharing metadata, but it has a smaller ecosystem, less client polish and modest performance.

  • OpenCloud

    An open-source, self-hosted platform for file management, sharing and collaboration from the Heinlein Group.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    OpenCloud is an Apache-2.0 self-hosted platform built for large data volumes and many users, aimed mainly at organisations.

  • Cloudreve

    A self-hosted cloud storage and file sharing system that works with multiple storage backends.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    Cloudreve provides a GPL-3.0 web cloud drive with multiple storage backends, but its project website is in Chinese and no desktop clients are listed.

Also worth comparing

These listings name ownCloud as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • Box

    Enterprise content platform with governance and compliance controls.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWeb

    ownCloud is an open-source self-hosted sync and share platform for teams with clients on every major platform, and its enterprise features and support cost extra.

  • ProjectSend

    An open-source self-hosted client portal for sharing files privately with clients, partners and teams.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    ownCloud is a self-hosted sync and share platform for teams with clients on every major platform, with enterprise features and support paid.

  • Synology Drive

    A file sync and sharing package for Synology NAS devices, with desktop and mobile clients.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWebSelf-hosted

    ownCloud is an open-source self-hosted sync and share platform with clients for every major platform, including Linux, with enterprise features and support paid.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.