Free, open-source alternatives to Dropbox
Cloud storage and file sync. 7 apps you can run yourself instead of Dropbox, sorted by how well they replace it. Each one is open source, so your data stays with you.
NextcloudBest match
Access and share your files, calendars, contacts, mail and more from any device, on your terms.
Seafile
File hosting and sharing solution primary for teams and organizations.
ownCloud
All-in-one solution for saving, synchronizing, viewing, editing and sharing files, calendars, address books and more.
Cloudreve
File management and sharing system, supports multiple storage providers.
Pydio
Turn any web server into a powerful file management system and an alternative to mainstream cloud storage providers.
Side by side
| App | Stars | License | Activity | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nextcloud | 37,081 | AGPL-3.0 | PHP, Debian packages | |
| Seafile | 15,322 | GPL-2.0, GPL-3.0, AGPL-3.0, Apache-2.0 | C | |
| Syncthing | 89,344 | MPL-2.0 | Go, Docker, Debian packages | |
| OpenCloud | 6,147 | Apache-2.0 | Docker, Go, Node.js | |
| ownCloud | 8,833 | AGPL-3.0 | PHP, Docker, Debian packages | |
| Cloudreve | 28,829 | GPL-3.0 | Docker, Go | |
| Pydio | 2,253 | AGPL-3.0 | Go |
Why replace Dropbox?
Dropbox works, but your data lives in someone else's account, the price can change at any time, and features can disappear. An open-source app you run yourself is yours: you choose where it runs, who can see the data, and when to update.
Guides
Self-hosted Dropbox alternatives: 6 open-source options
Nextcloud, Seafile, OpenCloud, Syncthing, Pydio Cells and FileBrowser Quantum compared: sync clients, office editing and how much server each one needs.
Nextcloud vs OpenCloud vs Seafile: which file cloud to host?
Nextcloud, OpenCloud and Seafile side by side: architecture, how files are stored, office editing, mobile apps, server needs and licenses, with a clear pick.
Questions
What is the best free alternative to Dropbox?
Nextcloud is the closest open-source replacement for Dropbox in our list. Seafile and Syncthing are worth a look too, depending on what you need.
Can I self-host an alternative to Dropbox?
Yes. All 7 apps on this page are open source and can run on your own server, usually with Docker, or on a managed host that installs them for you.