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Head-to-head · Cloud Storage Services

Box vs ownCloud

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Box #2 in Cloud Storage Services 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Box
ownCloud #6 in Cloud Storage Services 8.8/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit ownCloud

Box leads on 0 checks, ownCloud on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreBox · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly ownCloud
  • Most featuresownCloud · 3 of 3

Box scores higher on our rubric for cloud storage services: 9.1 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.

Box is the better fit for businesses needing storage plus workflow controls. ownCloud is the better fit for self-hosted teams needing mature administration.

  • Box fits best

    Businesses needing storage plus workflow controls

  • ownCloud fits best

    Self-hosted teams needing mature administration

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Box 9.1/10 Visit ↗ ownCloud 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.8
Ranking #2 in Cloud Storage Services #6 in Cloud Storage Services
Best for Businesses needing storage plus workflow controls Self-hosted teams needing mature administration
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs Email, Phone, Community, Docs
Compliance SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, SSO/SAML, 2FA GDPR, SSO/SAML, 2FA
Integrations 1,500+ integrations 12 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Box 2/3 · ownCloud 3/3
File versioning ✓ ✓
Zero-knowledge encryption Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Business admin controls ✓ ✓
Specs
Storage limit 100 GB Not checked yet
File size limit 2 GB Not checked yet
Device platforms windows, macos, ios, android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Our review
Pros
  • Storage, sharing, version history, and offline access across major platforms
  • Workflow automation, Box Sign, Box AI, and 1,500+ integrations
  • Administrative controls including SSO, MFA, permissions, and audit logs
  • Self-hosting plus web, desktop, and mobile access
  • Versioning, retention, locking, search, and ransomware protection
  • Integrations with S3, SharePoint, Microsoft 365, and collaboration tools
Cons
  • Individual limits uploads to 250 MB and includes one file version
  • Business Starter requires a minimum of three users
  • Advanced security, compliance, workflows, and controls require higher tiers
  • Commercial use requires the €15 per user monthly Commercial plan
  • Hosted storage and user limits vary across online plans
  • Administration and policy controls may exceed simple storage needs
Our verdict

Box is a cloud content management and storage platform for individuals, teams, and enterprises. It combines cloud file organization with sharing, shared links, collaboration, version history, restore options, desktop access through Box…

Read the review →

ownCloud is open-source file synchronization, sharing, and content collaboration software for teams, companies, schools, institutions, and government organizations. It provides browser, desktop, and mobile access; internal and external…

Read the review →
  1. BoxCloud Storage Services 9.1Free plan
  2. ownCloudCloud Storage Services 8.8Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Box — where it wins

    • Storage, sharing, version history, and offline access across major platforms
    • Workflow automation, Box Sign, Box AI, and 1,500+ integrations
    • Administrative controls including SSO, MFA, permissions, and audit logs

    Where it doesn't

    • Individual limits uploads to 250 MB and includes one file version
    • Business Starter requires a minimum of three users
    • Advanced security, compliance, workflows, and controls require higher tiers

  • ownCloud — where it wins

    • Self-hosting plus web, desktop, and mobile access
    • Versioning, retention, locking, search, and ransomware protection
    • Integrations with S3, SharePoint, Microsoft 365, and collaboration tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial use requires the €15 per user monthly Commercial plan
    • Hosted storage and user limits vary across online plans
    • Administration and policy controls may exceed simple storage needs
  • Box9.1/10 · Free plan

    A broad cloud storage platform for businesses that need content controls and workflow tools.

    Visit BoxFull verdict →
  • ownCloud8.8/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A flexible cloud storage platform for teams that need control over data and administration.

    Visit ownCloudFull verdict →

More comparisons

All cloud storage services comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update