What Nextcloud alternatives are there? 5 options compared

There are plenty of powerful open-source alternatives to Nextcloud, but they vary in their features and levels of data security. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at ownCloud, Seafile, Syncthing, SparkleShare and FileCloud and see how they stack up.

What is Nextcloud?

Nextcloud is a free cloud solution that includes cloud storage and collaboration tools for teams. The open-source software is well-suited for both personal and business use. Its key strengths include simple migration, expandable collaboration tools, role management, a high level of data security and a wide range of Nextcloud apps.

With an active community and the flexibility to choose between self-hosting and managed hosting on secure servers, Nextcloud is a strong, free alternative to commercial providers like Amazon AWS, Apple iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive, and Google Drive.

Nextcloud alternatives at a glance

There are many open-source solutions for cloud storage and collaboration. Below, we take a look at five Nextcloud alternatives that offer similar features to the popular platform. Since most of these are open-source, you can host them yourself or go with managed hosting on servers located in Europe. This ensures GDPR compliance and reliable cloud security.

(Last updated: March 2025)

ownCloud

ownCloud is an open-source Nextcloud alternative that enables seamless file synchronization and collaboration, regardless of device or location. ownCloud is a classic private cloud software solution with powerful features for real-time cross-device teamwork, file sharing, and centralized data storage. While similar to Microsoft 365 or iCloud in functionality, it stands out by allowing easy self-hosting. It’s suitable for both individual users and businesses with around 25 or more employees. In addition to the free version, ownCloud offers paid plans that include customer support and extra features.

Key features:

• Centralized file storage, editing and sharing across devices, regardless of time, location or device type
• Comprehensive management features for creating groups, file sharing and access rights
• Chunked uploads for handling large files
• Available for self-hosting and managed hosting
• Activity stream to track file changes and access logs
• Collaboration on office documents with Collabora Online (with support for Microsoft Office and LibreOffice)
• File versioning and optional file locking
• Comprehensive admin access control
• Intuitive web interface
• Strong data security and compliance
• Great compatibility with Linux-based systems

Seafile

Seafile is an open-source software solution whose practical file sharing and transfer features are reminiscent of the popular cloud storage solution Dropbox. However, unlike Dropbox, Seafile offers a fully open, license-free codebase on both the server and client sides.

With its intuitive commenting, clear file versioning, built-in messaging and end-to-end client-side encryption, Seafile stands out as a powerful tool for collaborative file and content management. The software has both a free version and a Professional version.

Key features:

• Centralized storage, editing and sharing of files and content (accessible anytime, anywhere and from any device)
• Easy file sharing and transfer with a central cloud-based storage system
• Secure file sharing with selected users via shareable links
• File synchronization and version control
• Helpful collaboration tools for teams and projects (e.g., comments, messaging)

Syncthing

Syncthing is an open-source solution for peer-to-peer file synchronization. With Syncthing, there’s no need to rely on self-hosted or third-party cloud services to synchronize files over the internet in real time. Files are stored locally on users’ devices and can be updated or shared using a unique client ID.

By eliminating the need for cloud servers, Syncthing reduces the attack surface for cyber threats. Its intuitive web interface also provides helpful tools for customizable permissions, access management, folder integration, and statistics. Using the client ID, you can connect additional devices to synchronize and share files with.

Key features:

• Convenient collaboration and real-time data synchronization between computers over the internet via client ID (peer-to-peer)
• Permissions and access rights for shared files and folders for selected users
• User-friendly web interface for role configuration, file sharing and connecting additional devices

SparkleShare

The open-source solution SparkleShare is a Nextcloud alternative that is primarily designed for Linux distributions. As a result, the software is mainly used for administrative management in Linux systems. SparkleShare allows files to be synced and centrally stored on local or hosted servers, using a file hosting service.

Additionally, Git version control ensures that files can be restored and changes can be tracked. This is especially useful for large-scale projects with multiple access permissions as it helps to keep the status of files organized and transparent. Since SparkleShare is built on Git, it can also be thought of as a graphical frontend for Git.

In September 2024, Hylke Bons, the developer of SparkleShare, announced in a GitHub post that the project would no longer be actively developed due to time constraints. While the application remains functional for now, the future of SparkleShare is uncertain.

Key features:

• Centralized file storage and encrypted synchronization across devices
• Easy file recovery, access history and traceable changes thanks to Git version control
• Seamless desktop integration with a dedicated folder for files and directories

FileCloud

FileCloud is an open-source software solution for file sharing that is primarily designed for businesses. As a result, FileCloud focuses on security, administrative management and compatibility. The highly flexible software integrates with many popular programs and cloud services, such as Microsoft Office, AWS and Google Workspace. You can customize the graphical user interface (for example, with your company logo), and adjust data formats based on the location of end users. FileCloud servers can be self-hosted, or users can opt for managed hosting with FileCloud as well.

Administrators can manage access rights for each device and remotely wipe data if needed. With FileCloud, you can also automate the deletion of private user data. If you choose to have FileCloud host your server, you can select the country where your data is stored, ensuring that personal data is handled in compliance with GDPR regulations if needed.

Key features:

• Cross-device compatibility and synchronization
• Security: AES-256 encryption, SSL/TLS protocols and login via SSO and/or two-factor authentication
• Flexible customization of the user interface based on preferences or location, with the option to self-host the server
• Extensive integration with popular software packages and cloud services
• Easy and comprehensive management of devices and files, including automation features
• Unlimited versioning