Self-Hosted Dropbox & Google Drive Alternatives
"File sync" covers three quite different things: syncing folders between your devices, sharing files by link, and a full office suite. Pick by which one you actually use. Last checked: .
The short version
- Syncthing: syncs folders directly between your devices. No server needed at all, so no VPS needed either.
- Seafile: focused on fast file sync and libraries, lighter than Nextcloud.
- Nextcloud: files plus calendar, contacts, notes, office documents and many add-ons. The most capable, and the heaviest.
Side by side
| Syncthing | Seafile | Nextcloud | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Needs a server | No, devices talk to each other | Yes | Yes |
| Share a link with someone | No | Yes | Yes |
| Web interface | Only for settings | Yes | Yes, with apps |
| Calendar, contacts, office | No | Limited | Yes |
| Memory use | Very low | Moderate | Highest of the three |
| Best for | Keeping your own devices in sync | Fast sync for teams and big libraries | Replacing Drive plus calendar and contacts |
Do you even need a server?
If the goal is "my laptop, phone and desktop have the same folder", Syncthing does it for free with nothing to host. The one catch: devices must be online at the same time to sync, unless you add an always-on device. A small VPS running Syncthing is a handy always-on peer.
If you do want a server
Nextcloud is the usual answer, and it needs more RAM than most apps on this site: about 1 GB with its database, more with previews and several users. The Compose generator writes a working Nextcloud and Postgres setup behind Caddy, and the size calculator tells you whether your box has room for it with everything else.
Seafile is worth a look if you only care about files and want something snappier.
Storage is the real limit
Cloud storage plans are cheap per terabyte. VPS disks are not. Before moving a big library, check the disk size on the plan you'd buy (VPS plans), or use a VPS for the app and cheap object storage for the files. Back up whatever you host with restic.