Looking for a self-hosted, open-source cloud storage solution that prioritizes security and control? We understand the concern. With increasing reports of cloud storage providers using customer data to train AI models, privacy-conscious professionals and organizations are turning to self-hosted options for greater peace of mind.
Nextcloud and ownCloud are two of the leading platforms for cloud file sharing, offering extensive feature sets that cater to businesses and individuals alike. However, with so many similarities, choosing between them can be a challenge.
To simplify your decision, this in-depth comparison breaks down the key differences between Nextcloud and ownCloud, helping you determine the best fit for your needs. The article also explores TitanFile as an alternative, highlighting why it may be the superior choice for secure file management.
Key Takeaways:
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ownCloud and Nextcloud both are top choices for self-hosted open-source cloud storage that offer robust privacy and control.
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Their key differences lie in licensing, security features, functionality, and pricing
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TitanFile is a better alternative to both of these platforms as it offers superior file management for specific use cases.
What is ownCloud: Platform Overview
ownCloud is an open-source and proprietary solution that lets users create a fully customizable environment for organizing their files.
Users can either run a distributed enterprise or manage their personal files. ownCloud also serves federated enterprise environments.
The platform also offers self-hosting meaning you can host files on your own servers, desktops, or mobile devices.
For online document editing, the platform integrates with tools like Collabora, OnlyOffice, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Online Office. This means you can work on documents directly within the platform without having to download and upload them for editing.
ownCloud hosting supports web browsers and desktop clients on Windows, macOS, FreeBSD, and Linux, as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android.
What is Nextcloud: Platform Overview
Nextcloud is an open-source Enterprise File Sync and Share platform that emerged from ownCloud in 2016. It was born from a significant split, with Frank Karlitschek (ownCloud founder) and most of its developers leaving ownCloud due to disagreements over management and licensing issues.
The newly-formed team quickly released Nextcloud, an ownCloud alternative but with a more community-driven approach and a heavy focus on collaboration tools and accessibility.
Unlike ownCloud, which employs an open-core model restricting certain features to its Enterprise edition, Nextcloud is entirely open-source, licensed under the AGPLv3.
This difference in licensing gives users complete access to all features without requiring a commercial license, a key point in the ongoing discussion of ownCloud vs Nextcloud.
From its initial release, Nextcloud has evolved far beyond its origins as a spin-off. It has undergone major redesigns to create a user-friendly and feature-rich platform that’s become a favorite for self-hosted collaboration.
The split was not just technical but also ideological, as Karlitschek highlighted concerns about ownCloud’s focus on growth and financial priorities over sustainability and community engagement.
This ethos shaped Nextcloud into a platform embraced by users across Europe, particularly European governments.
ownCloud vs Nextcloud: 4 Key Differences
Before discussing what sets ownCloud and Nextcloud apart, we should recognize how much they have in common.
After all, Nextcloud started as a fork of ownCloud, and that shared origin means they share a lot of foundational features and functionality.
The user interface, for instance, feels strikingly similar on both platforms. While you might notice subtle differences in design or under-the-hood tweaks, the overall look and experience remain familiar.
Both platforms let you manage tasks, upload files, maintain calendars, and engage in essential collaboration activities. If you’re using either for personal or professional purposes, you’ll find the core experience nearly identical.
Deployment is another area of overlap. You can easily host either on your own server without requiring enterprise services. Both also support desktop clients and mobile apps for iOS and Android.
All in all, both platforms serve the same broad purpose. However, their differences can significantly impact your choice.
So let’s start our comprehensive ownCloud vs Nextcloud comparison
1. Licensing
The licensing models of Nextcloud vs ownCloud can be a deciding factor based on what you want.
Nextcloud is entirely open-source, with both its community and enterprise offerings falling under the AGPLv3 license. So all of Nextcloud’s features are freely available. Users get complete access to the platform without any functionality locked behind a commercial license.
ownCloud, on the other hand, has hybrid licensing.
Its Standard Edition is open-source and licensed under AGPLv3, but the Enterprise Edition operates under a commercial license.
While the core code of the Enterprise Edition is not obfuscated and can be downloaded, it’s not considered open-source.
This distinction creates a split within ownCloud’s offerings. Community users have access to the open-source version, while enterprise users pay for enhanced features and support.
2. Security
ownCloud security is built on an impressive suite of features, particularly in its Enterprise edition.
Multi-factor authentication, file firewalls, secure view, ransomware protection, and antivirus app are some of the features that make ownCloud secure.
Additionally, ownCloud includes logging and auditing tools to maintain compliance, alongside options for file lifecycle management and retention policies.
However, some advanced capabilities, such as second-generation end-to-end encryption, are exclusive to the Enterprise edition. So unless community users upgrade, this feature is inaccessible to them.
On the other hand, Nextcloud security stays true to its open-source philosophy. The security measures are available to all no matter the subscription.
Its security suite includes Brute force protection, machine learning-based suspicious login detection, and auditing logs.
It has also innovative features like secure view and video verification for high-security scenarios.
The platform also enforces strict password policies and offers the Nextcloud Guard to monitor system health and identify user-related issues.
One aspect where Nextcloud pioneer is in making its entire codebase available for review.
The collective expertise of the open-source community helps it identify and fix vulnerabilities quickly.
To incentivize bug-hunting, Nextcloud also has a bug bounty program with rewards reaching up to $10,000.
In contrast, ownCloud’s bug bounty program, which came later, offers a maximum reward of $5,000.
3. Functionality
When Nextcloud was new, it shared similar features with ownCloud. However, over time, Nextcloud worked hard and developed features which set it way apart from ownCloud.
For example, it has features like real-time document editing, audio and video calling, and the Nextcloud Talk app for web conferencing.
The Talk app came about during the remote work boom of 2020 (COVID-19 times). It allows self-hosted video conferences with more than ten participants when paired with an optional high-performance backend.
Nextcloud also prides itself on features like keyboard navigation, screen reader support, and dyslexia-friendly fonts.
On the other hand, ownCloud’s simpler structure is advantageous in its own way.
For example, its synchronization performance often outpaces Nextcloud, particularly for large-scale file transfers, though much of this depends on server configuration.
ownCloud has also worked on boosting its stability and speed in the Infinite Scale release.
It’s important to note here that ownCloud has a divide in feature accessibility.
Unlike Nextcloud, which offers its full range of features to both community and enterprise users, ownCloud restricts certain functionalities to its premium Enterprise edition.
So when choosing ownCloud vs Nextcloud, make sure to select the right plan as per your requirements.
4. Pricing
Both platforms provide free, community versions suitable for personal use. The free versions are self-hosted, meaning you get to choose where to store your data.
In addition to these, both also offer paid plans for teams.
ownCloud offers two primary plans.
The Standard subscription starts at approximately $5 per user per month for a minimum of 25 users. This plan provides email support during business hours from Monday to Friday.
Next is the Enterprise plan which starts at about $12 per user per month, also with a 25-user minimum. This tier offers exclusive features and global support in the form of both email and telephone.
Nextcloud takes a slightly different route by separating enterprise services and support from its open-source platform.
The Nextcloud cost structure includes four enterprise plans: Basic, Standard, Premium, and Ultimate.
Pricing begins at €37.49 per user annually for the Basic plan, scaling up to €195 per user annually for the Ultimate plan.
Each plan requires at least 100 users, with varying levels of support and benefits.
As the number of users increases, both platforms offer discounted rates, which can influence decisions for large organizations.
Note: ownCloud lists its pricing in terms of months whereas Nextcloud prices are listed for yearly billing.
ownCloud vs Nextcloud: Which Platform Is Right For You?
Given how much both platforms bring to the table, choosing between ownCloud and Nextcloud can be tough.
But with our ownCloud vs Nextcloud comparison, deciding between the two might have become easier.
Here are the basic criteria for choosing between the two.
Choose Nextcloud if –
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You need an open-source solution with unrestricted access to all features in every edition.
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Advanced collaboration tools like integrated video conferencing and chat applications are essential to your workflow.
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Accessibility is a priority, thanks to features like screen reader support and dyslexia-friendly fonts.
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Streamlined setup and detailed documentation matter, particularly if you’re new to self-hosted platforms.
Choose ownCloud if –
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You prefer a dual-licensing model that separates community and enterprise features.
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Reliable performance and stability, particularly for syncing, are crucial to your operations.
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You’re interested in enterprise-grade tools with the option of premium support plans tailored to business environments.
The decision ultimately comes down to your technical requirements and budget. Before you make the move, it’d be a good idea to check the documentation for each platform for the latest information about features.
A Better ownCloud and Nextcloud Alternative
While both ownCloud and Nextcloud are robust self-hosted platforms, their file management capabilities are not up to the mark.
Nextcloud, for instance, can be difficult to set up and maintain. Uploading large files may slow you down, and regular maintenance demands technical know-how.
So businesses and individuals deciding between ownCloud vs Nextcloud and seeking an efficient file sharing and management platform might consider an alternative solution.
No need to leave the article as the alternate solution is right here, TitanFile.
It’s a secure, user-friendly platform that eliminates the complexity associated with the solutions we discussed.
It allows you to upload entire folders effortlessly while preserving their structure. The drag-and-drop feature saves time and simplifies workflows.
TitanFile’s security is also second to none. It features both advanced security and compliance with the highest standards of data protection. It’s perfect for teams wanting to host and access all their files from anywhere.
Get started with TitanFile today and discover how effortless and secure collaboration can be!
FAQs
Which is Better Nextcloud or ownCloud?
ownCloud is an open-source file-sharing solution for businesses and institutions. It offers reliability, high-quality software, and enterprise-grade features, including managed hosting on-premises.
Nextcloud, however, is also open-source and focuses on adding new features regularly, providing a more dynamic collaboration platform.
The choice depends on whether you prioritize stability and integration (ownCloud) or feature-rich flexibility (Nextcloud).
Is ownCloud still free?
Yes, ownCloud offers a free, self-hosted Community version for unlimited users.
Is Nextcloud completely free?
Yes, Nextcloud provides a free self-hosted version called Nextcloud at Home, which lets users securely store and manage their documents, calendars, contacts, and photos on their server or preferred cloud.
Is Nextcloud based on ownCloud?
Yes and No. Nextcloud started as a fork of ownCloud’s 2016 code base. Since then, they have developed separately. Nextcloud emphasizes rapid feature development, while ownCloud focuses on delivering an enterprise-grade platform with strong adherence to open standards.