Alternatives · File Storage
Nextcloud alternatives
Nextcloud compared with 5 alternatives: Syncthing, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box and Proton Drive.
Nextcloud has a free plan. Paid plans start at 71.29€ per user / year, excl. VAT (from 100 users). All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 5, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| NextcloudThis tool | Free plan · from €71.29/yr | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Syncthing | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Google Drive | Free plan · from $1.99/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Dropbox | Free plan · from $9.99/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Box | Free plan · from $5/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Proton Drive | Free plan · from $3.99/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
How each one differs from Nextcloud
- Free
Syncthing
Free, open source file sync directly between your own devices
- Syncthing is free. Nextcloud starts at 71.29€ per user / year, excl. VAT (from 100 users).
- Only Nextcloud lists a web app.
- Only Nextcloud lists iOS and Android apps.
- Nextcloud is self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Nextcloud also covers video calls and file sharing.
Suits: Syncing folders between your own computers without a cloud provider
- Free plan · from $1.99/mo
Google Drive
Cloud storage tied to Google Docs, Gmail and Photos
- Google Drive starts at $1.99 per month for 100 GB (US App Store price). Nextcloud starts at 71.29€ per user / year, excl. VAT (from 100 users).
- Only Nextcloud lists a Linux app.
- Nextcloud is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Google Drive also covers AI search.
- Nextcloud also covers video calls.
Suits: People who already use Gmail, Google Docs and Google Photos
- Free plan · from $9.99/mo
Dropbox
Cloud storage and file sync with transfer and signing tools
- Dropbox starts at $9.99 per month, billed yearly. Nextcloud starts at 71.29€ per user / year, excl. VAT (from 100 users).
- Nextcloud is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Dropbox also covers documents.
- Nextcloud also covers video calls.
Suits: Individuals who want 2 TB synced across Windows, Mac and Linux
- Free plan · from $5/mo
Box
Business content storage with e-signatures, workflows and AI
- Box starts at $5 per user / month, billed annually (minimum 3 users). Nextcloud starts at 71.29€ per user / year, excl. VAT (from 100 users).
- Only Nextcloud lists a Linux app.
- Nextcloud is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Box also covers workflow automation.
- Nextcloud also covers video calls.
Suits: Companies that need unlimited storage priced per user
- Free plan · from $3.99/mo
Proton Drive
End-to-end encrypted cloud storage from the maker of Proton Mail
- Proton Drive starts at $3.99 per month, billed yearly. Nextcloud starts at 71.29€ per user / year, excl. VAT (from 100 users).
- Only Nextcloud lists a Linux app.
- Proton Drive is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- Nextcloud is self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Proton Drive also covers documents and spreadsheets.
Suits: People who want encrypted storage under Swiss jurisdiction
Limits worth knowing in Nextcloud
- Nextcloud does not host data itself: you self-host, sign up with a third-party provider, or use the partner-run Nextcloud One service.
- Enterprise subscriptions are available only from 100 users, with prices in euros per year excluding VAT.
- In Enterprise plans, Talk, Groupware and the office suites are optional components that cost extra.
- Running the free server means handling installation, updates and backups yourself.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Nextcloud?
The alternatives to Nextcloud in this directory are Syncthing, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box and Proton Drive. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Nextcloud.
Is there a free alternative to Nextcloud?
Yes. Syncthing is free to use. Google Drive, Dropbox, Box and Proton Drive have a free plan alongside paid ones.
When were these prices checked?
Every listing on this page was checked on Oct 5, 2026, against the pages it cites. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.