Ranked 7 of 9 in best cloud storage services
The only open-source service here, under AGPL, and it runs on a server you control. It asks more of you than the hosted services, because updates, backups and security fall to you unless you pay a provider.
Best for Self-hosted file sync for teams and privacy-minded users
About Nextcloud
Nextcloud is a self-hosted file sync and share platform. You install the server on your own hardware or with a hosting provider, and users get web access plus Nextcloud-branded desktop and mobile apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. The site says the apps are free.
Enterprise subscriptions add features such as SAML authentication, Windows network drive support, password policies and audit-ready logging. The pricing page lists them per user per year, starting at 100 users. The project is open source under the AGPL, which the site presents as legal certainty for customers and users. Running the server means you handle updates, backups and security yourself, unless you pay a provider or a subscription.
Key features
- Self-hosted server
- Apps for five platforms
- Enterprise SAML and audit logging
- Open source, AGPL-3.0
Strengths
- Self-hosted, so files stay on your server
- Open source under AGPL-3.0
Limits
- You run and maintain the server unless you pay a provider
- Enterprise features need a paid subscription
Where Nextcloud ranks
| List | Rank | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Cloud storage services | 7 of 9 | 84.0 | Self-hosted file sync for teams and privacy-minded users |
Alternatives to Nextcloud
All 8 alternatives
Google DriveGoogle's cloud storage for files, with apps for desktop and mobile
DropboxCloud file sync, sharing and version history for individuals and teams
Proton DriveEnd-to-end encrypted cloud storage with apps and a free 5 GB plan
Microsoft OneDriveMicrosoft's cloud storage and file sync for Windows and beyond
MEGAEnd-to-end encrypted cloud storage with a 20 GB free plan
iCloud DriveApple's cloud file storage built into iPhone, iPad and Mac
Questions about Nextcloud
- Is Nextcloud free?
- Nextcloud can be used without paying: Free open-source server; paid Enterprise subscriptions. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Nextcloud open source?
- Yes. Nextcloud publishes its source code under the AGPL-3.0 license.
- Which platforms does Nextcloud support?
- Nextcloud is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web, Self-hosted.
- What is Nextcloud best for?
- Self-hosted file sync for teams and privacy-minded users. In our ranking of cloud storage services it is number 7 of 9 with a score of 84.0.
- What are the best alternatives to Nextcloud?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Google Drive, Dropbox, Proton Drive, Microsoft OneDrive.
