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Open source Google Drive alternatives

Top Cloud Storage & File Sharing like Google Drive

The most popular alternative to Google Drive is Nextcloud, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Google Drive are Proton Drive and Syncthing.

Most alternatives to Google Drive are in the Cloud Storage & File Sharing category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Google Drive alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
3 apps

All Google Drive alternatives

  1. Nextcloud is an open source platform you install on your own server to sync and share files, keeping data under your control instead of with a third-party cloud. Beyond file storage with desktop and mobile clients, its app store adds calendars, contacts, video calls (Talk), online office editing and many other extensions. Self-hosting is free, and Nextcloud GmbH sells enterprise support.

    12 Nextcloud alternatives

    Pros

    • Keeps files on your own server instead of a third-party cloud
    • App store adds calendars, contacts, Talk calls and office editing
    • Desktop and mobile clients for every major platform

    Cons

    • Installing, securing and updating the server is your responsibility
    • Performance can be sluggish without careful server tuning
    • Quality varies across third-party apps
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
  2. Proton Drive is the encrypted cloud storage service of Proton, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail. Files and file names are end-to-end encrypted, the apps are open source and files can be shared through password-protected links. It offers desktop sync on Windows and macOS, mobile photo backup and a free plan, with more space in Proton's paid bundles.

    12 Proton Drive alternatives

    Pros

    • Files and file names are end-to-end encrypted
    • Open source apps from a Swiss privacy-focused company
    • Password-protected share links and mobile photo backup

    Cons

    • No desktop app for Linux
    • Fewer third-party app integrations than mainstream clouds
    • The free plan offers limited storage
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
  3. Syncthing continuously synchronizes folders directly between your computers and servers, without storing anything on a third-party cloud. Connections are encrypted and authenticated, devices find each other on the local network or through relays, and per-folder versioning keeps old copies of changed files. It is free, open source and configured through a local web interface.

    8 Syncthing alternatives

    Pros

    • Syncs directly between your devices with no third-party cloud
    • Free and open source, with encrypted connections
    • Per-folder versioning keeps copies of changed files

    Cons

    • Configuration through a web interface is less approachable for non-technical users
    • Devices must be online at the same time to sync
    • No official mobile apps
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source

Google Drive vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Google Drive, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Google Drive vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsFile syncFile versioningLink sharingOffline modeReal-time collaboration
Google DriveFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
NextcloudFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted
Proton DriveFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
SyncthingFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, Self-hosted

Google Drive alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Google Drive?

The most popular alternative to Google Drive is Nextcloud: Self-hosted file sync and collaboration platform. Other great alternatives are Proton Drive and Syncthing.

Is there a free alternative to Google Drive?

Yes, 3 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Nextcloud, Proton Drive, and Syncthing.

Is there an open source alternative to Google Drive?

Yes, 3 open source alternatives are listed, including Nextcloud, Proton Drive, and Syncthing.

Is Google Drive free?

Google Drive has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Google Drive with its alternatives

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