Nextcloud
Open-source, self-hosted cloud storage platform giving you complete control over your data. Free software with optional enterprise support.
Best for self-hosted privacy and data sovereignty
Our Verdict
Open-source, self-hosted cloud storage platform giving you complete control over your data. Free software with optional enterprise support.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free and open source — no subscription fees ever
- Full data sovereignty — your data stays on your server
- Incredibly feature-rich with 300+ apps for every use case
- Regular security audits via HackerOne bounty program
Cons
- Requires server management skills or a managed hosting provider
- Performance depends entirely on your server hardware
- Desktop and mobile apps are less polished than commercial alternatives
- Self-hosting means you are responsible for backups and security updates
Full Review
Overview
Nextcloud is the leading open-source, self-hosted cloud storage platform. Unlike every other service on this list, Nextcloud runs on your own server, giving you complete control over your data, privacy, and features. It is the choice of privacy advocates, organizations with strict data sovereignty requirements, and tech-savvy users who want maximum control.
Storage and Pricing
Nextcloud itself is completely free and open source. Your storage is limited only by your server capacity. Managed hosting providers like Hetzner or DigitalOcean can run Nextcloud for as little as $5/month. Nextcloud Enterprise offers commercial support starting at around $36/user/year with SLA guarantees and professional services.
Key Features
Nextcloud Hub integrates file storage with a full productivity suite including Nextcloud Office (document editing), Talk (video conferencing), Groupware (calendar, contacts, email), and a growing app ecosystem with 300+ apps. End-to-end encryption is available as an optional app.
Security
Self-hosting means you control all aspects of security. Nextcloud supports server-side AES-256 encryption and optional client-side end-to-end encryption. Two-factor authentication, brute force protection, and CSP headers are built in. Security audits by HackerOne are conducted regularly. No third party ever touches your data.
Who Should Use Nextcloud
Nextcloud is ideal for tech-savvy users, IT departments, and organizations that need full data sovereignty. If you have the skills to manage a server (or use a managed host), Nextcloud offers unmatched privacy, flexibility, and value. It is not recommended for non-technical users who prefer a turnkey service.
Alternatives to Nextcloud
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Nextcloud requires a server to run on. You can use a home server, a VPS from providers like Hetzner or DigitalOcean (starting at $5/month), or a dedicated managed Nextcloud hosting provider. Some providers offer one-click Nextcloud installations that handle server management for you. A Raspberry Pi can even serve as a basic home server.
Nextcloud and Google Drive serve different needs. Google Drive excels in ease of use, mobile app polish, and seamless integration with Google services. Nextcloud offers superior privacy, data control, and flexibility. If privacy and data sovereignty are your priorities, Nextcloud wins. If you want the most polished experience with zero maintenance, Google Drive is better.