Best Local Drive Alternatives in 2026
The top Local Drive alternatives are Nextcloud Files, Seafile and ownCloud: 15 Self-Hosted cloud storage software our editors would look at instead of Local Drive, in our ranking order.
Local Drive: An open-source file server for small groups who want storage on hardware they control. Where it falls short: is not a whole-disk synchronization client.
Switching from Local Drive? For most self-hosted cloud storage software buyers the best Local Drive alternative is Nextcloud Files, built for teams wanting a mature, full-featured open-source cloud. On a budget, FileCloud starts at $7/user/mo.
Why People Look for a Local Drive Alternative
- Is not a whole-disk synchronization client
- The requirements page says no macOS server build is published
- Support is listed through documentation
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallNextcloud Files9.3
Teams wanting a mature, full-featured open-source cloud
Visit Nextcloud Files - Lowest priceFileCloud8.7
Paid plans from $7/user/mo
Visit FileCloud - Best free optionNextcloud Files9.3
Has a free plan
Visit Nextcloud Files
All 15 Local Drive Alternatives, Ranked
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.
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Best forTeams wanting a mature, full-featured open-source cloud
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 7.4
Open-source file sync and sharing with self-hosting and organizational controls.
- File versioning
9.3/10★★★★★Visit Nextcloud -
Best forTeams needing self-hosted sync and collaboration
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 7.4
Self-hosted sync and collaboration with desktop, mobile, and virtual-drive access.
- File versioning
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Seafile -
Best forOrganizations seeking flexible file access and control
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 7.4
A flexible file platform with self-hosted and hosted options for organizations.
- File versioning
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit ownCloud -
Best forOrganizations needing governed file collaboration
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 7.4
Open-source, self-hosted file collaboration with plans that add identity and governance controls.
- File versioning
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Pydio Cells -
Best forBusinesses needing security and admin controls
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 7.4
FileCloud combines self-hosting options with business sharing, sync, and admin controls.
- File versioning
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit FileCloud -
Best forTeams wanting affordable self-hosted file sharing
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 7.4
FileRun pairs self-hosted storage with sharing, sync and guest access for teams.
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit FileRun -
Best forBusinesses using existing network file repositories
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 7.4
A self-hosted access layer for business file repositories across browser, desktop and mobile.
- Collaborative editing
- File versioning
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit MyWorkDrive -
Best forTeams sharing deliverables through a client portal
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 7.4
A free, open-source portal for controlled file delivery and client uploads.
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit ProjectSend -
Best forTeams seeking self-hosted sync and collaboration
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.4
Open-source self-hosted storage with sync, recovery and collaboration across four plans.
- Collaborative editing
- File versioning
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit OpenCloud -
Best forTeams needing flexible backends and Windows sync
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 7.4
A self-hosted file hub with broad storage options and Windows sync.
- Collaborative editing
- File versioning
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Cloudreve -
Best forSmall teams wanting self-hosted document collaboration
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 7.7 vs 7.4
A self-hostable drive for small teams that need shared files and collaborative Office editing.
- Collaborative editing
- File versioning
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Cozy Drive -
Best forPersonal users prioritizing encryption and file versions
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 7.6 vs 7.4
A focused, open-source storage option for people who want to manage their own file infrastructure.
- File versioning
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Cotton Cloud -
Best forTechnical users with diverse storage and protocol needs
- Better than Local Drive:
- Editor score 7.5 vs 7.4
A self-hosted file hub for teams that need varied storage backends and protocols.
- Collaborative editing
- File versioning
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit FileX -
Best forTeams wanting desktop sync and collaborative workspaces
An open-source file platform for teams that want self-hosted storage and desktop sync.
- Collaborative editing
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit Sync-in -
Best forPrivacy-focused users wanting encrypted self-hosting
A flexible encrypted storage choice for people who want hosted or self-managed deployment.
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit Peergos
Local Drive Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Local Drive?
Nextcloud Files: #1 in our Self-Hosted Cloud Storage Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.3 out of 10. Open-source file sync and sharing with self-hosting and organizational controls.
Is there a free alternative to Local Drive?
Yes. Nextcloud Files, Seafile, ownCloud, Pydio Cells and ProjectSend have a free plan or a free tier (12 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for Local Drive alternatives?
Is not a whole-disk synchronization client; The requirements page says no macOS server build is published; Support is listed through documentation.
How do I switch from Local Drive?
Snapshot or back up the data and configs on your Local Drive server. Create the new server with the same operating system and size, and add your SSH key. Copy the data across (rsync or your backup tool) and reinstall your apps or containers. Move the DNS records or IP references to the new server, test it, then cancel Local Drive.
How to Switch from Local Drive
- Snapshot or back up the data and configs on your Local Drive server.
- Create the new server with the same operating system and size, and add your SSH key.
- Copy the data across (rsync or your backup tool) and reinstall your apps or containers.
- Move the DNS records or IP references to the new server, test it, then cancel Local Drive.
Local Drive vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Deployment options | File sync clients | File versioning | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Local Drive | Yes | Free | Self-hosted | Both | Yes | 7.4 |
| 1 | Nextcloud Files | Yes | €53.17/user/yr | Yes | 9.3 | ||
| 2 | Seafile | Yes | Yes | 9.1 | |||
| 3 | ownCloud | Yes | Yes | 9.0 | |||
| 4 | Pydio Cells | Yes | Yes | 8.8 | |||
| 5 | FileCloud | No | $7/user/mo | Yes | 8.7 | ||
| 6 | FileRun | No | €9.90/user/yr | 8.6 | |||
| 7 | MyWorkDrive | No | $1,200/yr | Both | Both | Yes | 8.4 |
| 8 | ProjectSend | Yes | Free | 8.1 | |||
| 9 | OpenCloud | Yes | €2/user/mo | Self-hosted | Both | Yes | 7.9 |
| 10 | Cloudreve | Yes | Self-hosted | Desktop | Yes | 7.8 | |
| 11 | Cozy Drive | Yes | Both | Both | Yes | 7.7 | |
| 12 | Cotton Cloud | Yes | Free | Self-hosted | Both | Yes | 7.6 |
| 13 | FileX | Yes | Free | Self-hosted | Desktop | Yes | 7.5 |
| 14 | Sync-in | Yes | Free | Self-hosted | Both | 7.3 | |
| 15 | Peergos | Yes | 7.2 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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