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Head-to-head · File Sync Software

ownCloud vs PowerFolder

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score ownCloud #2 in File Sync Software 8.2/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit ownCloud
PowerFolder #5 in File Sync Software 7.3/10 Free plan · paid from €4/user/mo · 30-day trial Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit PowerFolder

ownCloud leads on 0 checks, PowerFolder on 2, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreownCloud · 8.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresPowerFolder · 2 of 2

ownCloud scores higher on our rubric for file sync software: 8.2 against 7.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

PowerFolder offers selective sync; ownCloud doesn't publish it. PowerFolder offers encryption at rest; ownCloud doesn't publish it.

ownCloud is the better fit for organizations choosing between self-hosted and cloud sync. PowerFolder is the better fit for teams choosing between cloud and self-hosted sync.

  • ownCloud fits best

    Organizations choosing between self-hosted and cloud sync

  • PowerFolder fits best

    Teams choosing between cloud and self-hosted sync

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. It never changes our verdict. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature ownCloud 8.2/10 Visit ↗ PowerFolder 7.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.2 7.3
Ranking #2 in File Sync Software #5 in File Sync Software
Best for Organizations choosing between self-hosted and cloud sync Teams choosing between cloud and self-hosted sync
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Free trial length 30 days 30 days · no card needed
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 Docs
Compliance GDPR, SSO/SAML, 2FA ISO 27001, GDPR, SSO/SAML, 2FA
Integrations 12 integrations 10 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ownCloud 0/2 · PowerFolder 2/2
Selective sync Not published ✓ (best)
Encryption at rest Not published ✓ (best)
Specs
Sync method Not published Hybrid
Supported platforms Not published Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, web
Version history Not published Not published
Max file size Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Community edition includes unlimited users and desktop and mobile apps
  • Supports file versioning, rollback, and end-to-end encryption
  • Connects with S3, SharePoint, and office collaboration tools
  • Selective sync, LAN peer-to-peer transfer and configurable version history
  • Cloud, hybrid and on-premise deployment options
  • Desktop, mobile and web clients with link controls and backup
Cons
  • Standard and Enterprise plans start at 25 users
  • Paid editions are quote-based rather than priced with standard amounts
  • Support is not available 24/7
  • Business Cloud pricing starts at €12.50 per user monthly with annual billing
  • The €4 per-user monthly Enterprise price applies to licensing from 51 users
  • Support channels listed include documentation
Our verdict

Organizations that need control over where files are stored can choose ownCloud’s self-managed, on-premises Community edition or paid editions, or opt for ownCloud.online hosted in Germany. The open-source product syncs and shares files…

Read the review →

PowerFolder is a file sync-and-share platform for individuals, teams, schools and enterprises that need folders available across desktop, mobile and web clients. Its defining fit is deployment flexibility: organizations can use a hosted…

Read the review →
  1. ownCloudFile Sync Software 8.2Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. PowerFolderFile Sync Software 7.3Free plan · paid from €4/user/mo · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ownCloud — where it wins

    • Community edition includes unlimited users and desktop and mobile apps
    • Supports file versioning, rollback, and end-to-end encryption
    • Connects with S3, SharePoint, and office collaboration tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Standard and Enterprise plans start at 25 users
    • Paid editions are quote-based rather than priced with standard amounts
    • Support is not available 24/7

  • PowerFolder — where it wins

    • Selective sync, LAN peer-to-peer transfer and configurable version history
    • Cloud, hybrid and on-premise deployment options
    • Desktop, mobile and web clients with link controls and backup

    Where it doesn't

    • Business Cloud pricing starts at €12.50 per user monthly with annual billing
    • The €4 per-user monthly Enterprise price applies to licensing from 51 users
    • Support channels listed include documentation
  • ownCloud8.2/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    Flexible self-hosted and hosted file sync, with open-source access and enterprise options.

    Visit ownCloudFull verdict →
  • PowerFolder7.3/10 · Free plan · paid from €4/user/mo · 30-day trial

    Flexible file sync for teams that need cloud, hybrid or self-hosted deployment.

    Visit PowerFolderFull verdict →

More comparisons

All file sync software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update