Open source drive
Choosing the right open source alternative to Google Drive depends on privacy needs, ease of use, self-hosting capabilities, and cross-platform support. This list includes top options, each offering unique features for different use cases
1. Nextcloud: All-in-one solution
🌟 Self-hosted, feature-rich, and highly customizable
Nextcloud ranks as the most popular open source alternative to Google Drive. It goes beyond file storage, offering a complete productivity suite with collaboration tools, calendar, contacts, and other essential features.
🔹 Key features
- Secure file storage and synchronization.
- End-to-end encryption for privacy.
- Integrated calendar, contacts, and task management.
- Real-time collaboration: docs, sheets, and video calls.
- Supports self-hosting or cloud hosting.
- Mobile and desktop apps for all major platforms.
Why choose Nextcloud
For a complete cloud workspace with seamless collaboration and advanced security, Nextcloud stands out as a strong option.
2. ownCloud: Lightweight and efficient
🚀 Focused on fast, secure file synchronization
ownCloud shares similarities with Nextcloud but emphasizes file syncing and sharing, making it ideal for users who don’t need extra productivity tools.
🔹 Key features
- Secure file storage and synchronization.
- End-to-end encryption via add-ons.
- Collaborative document editing.
- Self-hosting and cloud hosting options.
- Mobile and desktop apps for all major platforms.
Why choose ownCloud
Ideal for users who focus on secure file sharing over an expanded feature set.
3. Seafile: High-performance cloud storage
⚡ Fast, scalable, and optimized for teams
Seafile delivers a powerful open source file sync and share solution designed for performance, scalability, and enterprise use.
🔹 Key features
- Fast file synchronization and sharing.
- End-to-end encryption for secure storage.
- File versioning and recovery.
- Team collaboration tools: docs, wiki, and notes.
- Self-hosting or cloud hosting.
- Mobile and desktop apps for all major platforms.
Why choose Seafile
Ideal for businesses and teams needing a fast, reliable file-sharing solution with strong security.
4. Syncthing: Peer-to-peer sync
Decentralized, privacy-first file synchronization
Syncthing synchronizes files directly between devices, eliminating the need for a central server.
🔹 Key features
- Peer-to-peer file synchronization, no cloud required.
- End-to-end encryption for secure transfers.
- Cross-platform support: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
- Lightweight and straightforward setup.
Why choose Syncthing
For a private, decentralized solution without reliance on third-party servers, Syncthing provides a reliable and independent option.
5. Pydio Cells: Enterprise-grade collaboration
🏢 Designed for businesses and teams
Pydio Cells functions as a robust file-sharing and collaboration platform with built-in workflow automation and security controls.
🔹 Key features
- Secure file storage, synchronization, and sharing.
- End-to-end encryption for safe transfers.
- Workflow automation and task management.
- Enterprise-grade collaboration tools.
- Self-hosting and cloud hosting options.
Why choose Pydio Cells
Ideal for businesses requiring secure collaboration, automation, and workflow management.
6. FileRun: User-friendly and intuitive
🎨 Google Drive-like experience with self-hosting
FileRun provides a self-hosted file-sharing platform with a clean, intuitive interface resembling Google Drive.
🔹 Key features
- File storage, sharing, and synchronization.
- End-to-end encryption for secure access.
- Media playback and image previews.
- Quick setup and intuitive design.
Why choose FileRun
Ideal for personal use or small teams seeking a Google Drive-like interface with self-hosting flexibility.
Comparison table
| Feature | Nextcloud | ownCloud | Seafile | Syncthing | Pydio Cells | FileRun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| File sync | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| End-to-end encryption | ✅ Add-on | ✅ Add-on | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Collaboration tools | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Self-hosting | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mobile apps | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ease of use | Moderate | Straightforward | Moderate | Straightforward | Moderate | Straightforward |
Final recommendation
- 🏆 All-in-one productivity suite → Nextcloud
- 🚀 Lightweight and efficient syncing → ownCloud
- ⚡ High-performance and enterprise-ready → Seafile
- 🔗 Decentralized and privacy-focused → Syncthing
- 🏢 Business collaboration → Pydio Cells
- 🎨 Google Drive-like experience → FileRun