Free & open source alternatives to Google Drive, Dropbox

3 free cloud storage and file sync apps to use instead of Google Drive, Dropbox by Google, Dropbox

The best free alternative to Google Drive, Dropbox is Nextcloud. Your own Drive: sync, share links, calendar and online office editing.

Other great options: Seafile and Syncthing.

Quick pick: A private cloud for your company, limited only by your own disks: Nextcloud. Just syncing between your own devices: Syncthing.

Reviewed November 2026 against each vendor's official website.

Official ways to use Google Drive, Dropbox for free

Google Drive gives 15 GB free (shared with Gmail and Photos). Dropbox Basic gives 2 GB free.

Free plans and trial lengths are set by the vendor and can change. Check the official website before signing up.

3 best alternatives to Google Drive, Dropbox

Nextcloud

PC utilities HealthGood (85/100)37,441

Open sourceTechnical setup

Your own Drive: sync, share links, calendar and online office editing.

Self-hosted open-source cloud storage and an alternative to Google Drive and Dropbox. It covers file sync, share links, calendar, contacts and online document editing.

Data stays on your own server, no storage caps
Sync apps for desktop and mobile
Add-ons for online office, chat and video calls

Platforms: Self-hosted · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone

Nextcloud details Official website ↗

Seafile

PC utilities HealthGood (85/100)15,435

Open sourceTechnical setup

Fast syncing, even for large file libraries.

Self-hosted open-source file sync and sharing, known for being fast and light with large libraries.

Fast, stable sync with many files
Encrypted libraries

Platforms: Self-hosted · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone

Seafile details Official website ↗

Syncthing

PC utilities HealthGood (100/100)90,209

Open sourceSome learning curve

Syncs directly between your devices without going through any cloud.

Syncs folders directly between your own devices, with no cloud in between and encryption in transit.

No server and no storage limits
Files go straight from device to device

Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux · Android

Syncthing details Official website ↗

Quick comparison

App	Type	Platforms	Ease of use	GitHub stars
Nextcloud	Open source	Self-hosted, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone	Technical setup	37,441
Seafile	Open source	Self-hosted, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone	Technical setup	15,435
Syncthing	Open source	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android	Some learning curve	90,209

Open source: anyone can use, study and modify it, including businesses. Free: no cost, but the code is closed. Freemium: a lasting free plan with paid tiers for extra features. Source available: code is public but the license adds conditions.

FAQ

What is the best free alternative to Google Drive, Dropbox?

The most popular picks are Nextcloud, Seafile and Syncthing. A private cloud for your company, limited only by your own disks: Nextcloud. Just syncing between your own devices: Syncthing.