Free, open-source alternatives to Google Drive
Cloud storage from Google. 7 apps you can run yourself instead of Google Drive, 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.
Sync-in
File storage, syncing, sharing, and collaboration with real-time editing, permission management, and desktop/CLI clients.
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 | |
| 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 | |
| Sync-in | 1,897 | AGPL-3.0 | Node.js, Docker |
Why replace Google Drive?
Google Drive 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
Questions
What is the best free alternative to Google Drive?
Nextcloud is the closest open-source replacement for Google Drive in our list. Seafile and OpenCloud are worth a look too, depending on what you need.
Can I self-host an alternative to Google Drive?
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.