Nextcloud Files
Files, expiring links, desktop sync, mobile apps, and a server you now have to babysit.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-08-10
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- AGPL-3.0+
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- desktopmobilewebself-hostedself-host, real ops
- Installation
- Deploy Nextcloud All-in-One with Docker, or perform a manual web-server, PHP and database installation
- Operational Setup
- A server plus Docker or a full web stack, DNS and TLS, and a plan for upgrades, backups and storage failures
- Where Your Data Lives
- Files live in the configured local data directory or object storage; metadata, shares, versions and application state live in a supported SQL database
- The Catch / Trade-off
- External collaboration and administration are less polished than Box, and the user becomes responsible for uptime, upgrades and backups.
Replaces 4 paid apps
up to $43.97/mo ($528/yr) in subscriptions
Nextcloud Files FAQ
Common questions
Is Nextcloud Files free and open source?+
Nextcloud Files is an open-source tool licensed under AGPL-3.0+ that runs on self-host. Files, expiring links, desktop sync, mobile apps, and a server you now have to babysit.
What paid software does Nextcloud Files replace?+
Nextcloud Files serves as a free replacement for 4 paid SaaS applications: Box Personal Pro, Google One, iCloud Plus, Microsoft 365 Personal, saving up to $43.97/month ($528/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Nextcloud Files?+
Installation: Deploy Nextcloud All-in-One with Docker, or perform a manual web-server, PHP and database installation. Setup notes: A server plus Docker or a full web stack, DNS and TLS, and a plan for upgrades, backups and storage failures
What is the catch or trade-off with Nextcloud Files?+
External collaboration and administration are less polished than Box, and the user becomes responsible for uptime, upgrades and backups.