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Head-to-head · Cloud Storage Services

ownCloud vs Nextcloud Files

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score ownCloud #6 in Cloud Storage Services 8.8/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit ownCloud
Nextcloud Files #7 in Cloud Storage Services 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Nextcloud

ownCloud leads on 0 checks, Nextcloud Files 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 scoreownCloud · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly ownCloud

ownCloud scores higher on our rubric for cloud storage services: 8.8 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.

ownCloud is the better fit for self-hosted teams needing mature administration. Nextcloud Files is the better fit for open-source teams with self-hosting needs.

  • ownCloud fits best

    Self-hosted teams needing mature administration

  • Nextcloud Files fits best

    Open-source teams with self-hosting needs

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 ownCloud 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Nextcloud Files 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.7
Ranking #6 in Cloud Storage Services #7 in Cloud Storage Services
Best for Self-hosted teams needing mature administration Open-source teams with self-hosting needs
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — €53.17/user/yr
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Community, Docs Email, Phone, Community, Docs
Compliance GDPR, SSO/SAML, 2FA GDPR, SSO/SAML, 2FA
Integrations 12 integrations 7 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ownCloud 3/3 · Nextcloud Files 3/3
File versioning ✓ ✓
Zero-knowledge encryption ✓ ✓
Business admin controls ✓ ✓
Specs
Storage limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
File size limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Device platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android windows, macos, linux, android, ios
Our review
Pros
  • Self-hosting plus web, desktop, and mobile access
  • Versioning, retention, locking, search, and ransomware protection
  • Integrations with S3, SharePoint, Microsoft 365, and collaboration tools
  • Self-hosting with desktop, mobile and browser access
  • Versioning, permissions, file locking and protected sharing
  • Broad external storage and collaboration integrations
Cons
  • 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
  • Requires a self-hosted or hosted-provider deployment
  • Default web upload limit is 512 MB
  • Storage capacity depends on the configured backend
Our verdict

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 →

Nextcloud Files is an open-source file synchronization and sharing platform for individuals, teams and enterprises. Organizations can deploy it on-premises, in private clouds or through hosted providers, while retaining control of storage…

Read the review →
  1. ownCloudCloud Storage Services 8.8Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. Nextcloud FilesCloud Storage Services 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • Nextcloud Files — where it wins

    • Self-hosting with desktop, mobile and browser access
    • Versioning, permissions, file locking and protected sharing
    • Broad external storage and collaboration integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires a self-hosted or hosted-provider deployment
    • Default web upload limit is 512 MB
    • Storage capacity depends on the configured backend
  • 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 →
  • Nextcloud Files8.7/10 · Free plan

    A flexible open-source choice for teams that want control over storage and data.

    Visit NextcloudFull 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