Seafile
Open-source file sync and share software you can self-host
- #8 of 12 in best cloud storage services
- Free and open source
- Free to use
- Open source
- WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidSelf-hosted
Ranked 8 of 12 in best cloud storage services
Open-source file sync you can run on your own server, with clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. The server core is AGPL-3.0, and the company offers SeafilePlus Cloud as a paid hosted option.
Best for Teams that want self-hosted file sync
About Seafile
Seafile is file sync and share software, and its server core is licensed under AGPL-3.0 on GitHub. The project publishes desktop clients for Windows, macOS and Linux, and mobile clients for iOS and Android, and its GitHub page gives GPLv2 for the desktop syncing client and GPLv3 for the Android client.
The company offers SeafilePlus Cloud as a hosted option, while the on-premise server runs on a server you control. Because you run the server yourself, you handle its updates and backups. Seafile suits teams that want file sync on their own hardware with clear open-source licensing.
Key features
- Self-hosted file sync
- Desktop clients for three systems
- iOS and Android apps
- AGPL-3.0 server core
- SeafilePlus Cloud hosting
Strengths
- Server core under AGPL-3.0, clients under GPL
- Desktop clients for Windows, macOS and Linux
Limits
- You run and update the server yourself
- The hosted option is a separate paid product
Where Seafile ranks
How Seafile compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Free storage | Self-hosted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#6 iCloud Drive | 85.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | iOS, iPadOSmacOSWindowsWeb | 5 GB | No |
#7 Nextcloud | 84.0 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSWebSelf-hosted | Set by your server | Yes |
| #8Seafile | 83.0 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidSelf-hosted | Depends on your own server | Yes |
#9 Internxt | 82.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebiOSAndroid | 1 GB | No |
#10 Filen | 81.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line | Free plan; size not stated on homepage | No |
The full comparison table for best cloud storage services has all 12 products.
Questions about Seafile
- Is Seafile free?
- Seafile can be used without paying: Free open-source server; paid SeafilePlus Cloud hosting. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Seafile open source?
- Yes. Seafile publishes its source code under the AGPL-3.0 license.
- Which platforms does Seafile support?
- Seafile is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Self-hosted.
- What is Seafile best for?
- Teams that want self-hosted file sync. In our ranking of cloud storage services it is number 8 of 12 with a score of 83.0.
- What are the best alternatives to Seafile?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Google Drive, Dropbox, Proton Drive, Microsoft OneDrive.
Show this ranking on your site
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