Self-hosted Google Drive alternatives
Nextcloud, Seafile, ownCloud Infinite Scale and Syncthing compared: which replaces the whole Drive experience, which is fastest at sync, and which needs no server at all.
Google Drive does several jobs at once: it syncs folders between devices, shares files by link, previews documents in a browser, and often hosts collaborative editing. Self-hosted alternatives tend to be strongest at one or two of these. Decide which jobs matter before you choose.
We checked each project’s license and recent releases on October 5, 2026.
Quick comparison
| Project | Strongest at | License | Needs a server |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nextcloud | The whole Drive-plus-apps experience | AGPL-3.0 | Yes |
| Seafile | Fast, reliable file sync | AGPL-3.0 (server) | Yes |
| ownCloud Infinite Scale | A modern, scalable file platform | Apache-2.0 | Yes |
| Syncthing | Syncing your own devices directly | MPL-2.0 | No |
Nextcloud: the full replacement
Nextcloud is the closest match to Google Workspace. Beyond file sync and sharing, its app ecosystem adds calendars, contacts, talk, and online office editing through integrations. That breadth is the reason to choose it, and also the cost: apps, updates, background jobs, and backups need regular attention.
Seafile: sync that stays fast
Seafile organizes files into libraries and syncs them with a block-based protocol, which keeps large folders fast and reliable. Libraries can be encrypted on the client, so the server never sees the contents. The server is AGPL-3.0; some features are in the Professional edition.
Choose it when sync speed and reliability matter more than an app ecosystem.
ownCloud Infinite Scale: a modern rewrite
ownCloud Infinite Scale (oCIS) is ownCloud’s newer platform, written in Go and licensed under Apache-2.0. It stores metadata alongside files rather than in a separate database, which simplifies operations and scaling. Version 8.2.1 shipped in October 2026.
It is a different product from the classic PHP ownCloud Server. If you are moving from either ownCloud or Nextcloud, plan the migration as a new deployment.
Syncthing: no server, no cloud
Syncthing syncs folders directly between your own devices, encrypted in transit. There is no central server that holds your files. It is perfect for keeping a laptop, a desktop, and a home server in step.
It does not give you a web interface for browsing files or public sharing links. Many people pair it with one of the servers above.
How to choose
- You want to replace Google Drive and the apps around it: Nextcloud.
- You mainly need fast, dependable folder sync for a team: Seafile.
- You want a modern file platform with simpler operations: ownCloud Infinite Scale.
- You only need your own devices to stay in sync: Syncthing.
Sync is not a backup. A deleted or encrypted file syncs everywhere just as fast as a good one, so keep a separate, versioned backup. Photos may deserve their own app: see our self-hosted photo galleries, or browse the directory.
In the directory
AGPL-3.0Nextcloud on GitHub (opens in a new tab)
Share and sync files on infrastructure you choose, with an ecosystem of collaboration apps.
Good to know +
Good for: Organizations that want control of shared files.
Apps, storage, updates, and backups need ongoing administration.
AGPL-3.0Seafile on GitHub (opens in a new tab)
Sync and share file libraries with fast delta sync, versioning, and optional client-side encryption.
Good to know +
Good for: Teams that care most about fast, reliable file sync.
Some features are in the Professional edition.
Apache-2.0ownCloud Infinite Scale on GitHub (opens in a new tab)
Run a file-sharing platform written in Go that stores files without a separate database.
Good to know +
Good for: Organizations wanting a modern, scalable file platform.
It is a different product from classic PHP ownCloud Server; plan migrations carefully.
MPL-2.0Syncthing on GitHub (opens in a new tab)
Sync folders directly between your own devices, with no central server holding your files.
Good to know +
Good for: Keeping folders in step across your own computers.
It syncs files; it is not a web drive with sharing links.