# Puter: Free Open Source Alternative to Dropbox, Mega, Microsoft OneDrive

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/puter
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Puter (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Dropbox, Mega, Microsoft OneDrive. Puter is a cloud-based desktop OS you run in the browser, with built-in apps, file storage, and support for hosting web apps and sites.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Puter
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://puter.com/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/heyputer/puter/
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 44.1k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/heyputer/puter/ or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Dropbox.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (3)
Replacing these paid tools with Puter saves up to $75/mo ($900/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Dropbox](https://caniforkit.com/dropbox) | [cloud storage](https://caniforkit.com/category/cloud-storage) | $25/mo | [Compare Dropbox vs Puter](https://caniforkit.com/vs/dropbox-vs-puter) |
| [Mega](https://caniforkit.com/mega) | [cloud storage](https://caniforkit.com/category/cloud-storage) | $25/mo | [Compare Mega vs Puter](https://caniforkit.com/vs/mega-vs-puter) |
| [Microsoft OneDrive](https://caniforkit.com/microsoft-onedrive) | [cloud storage](https://caniforkit.com/category/cloud-storage) | $25/mo | [Compare Microsoft OneDrive vs Puter](https://caniforkit.com/vs/microsoft-onedrive-vs-puter) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Puter free and open source?
Puter is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Puter is a cloud-based desktop OS you run in the browser, with built-in apps, file storage, and support for hosting web apps and sites.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Puter?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Dropbox.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)