ShellX Drive
ShellX Drive: A free, open-source drive for self-hosted sync, sharing and file recovery. Ranked #23 of 30 in Self-Hosted Cloud Storage Software by our editors (6.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for small groups wanting self-hosted sync and backups.
At a glance
- Editor score6.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSmall groups wanting self-hosted sync and backups
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- File sync clientsBoth
- Facts checked25 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Sync selected folders on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Restore earlier file revisions and validated backups
- Share with guests through configurable links
Where it doesn't
- Resumable uploads are limited to 2 GiB
- No collaborative editing; integrations are limited
- Administrators need to run and manage a Linux server
Our verdict on ShellX Drive
ShellX Drive is an open-source file storage and collaboration product for individuals, teams and organizations that want to run their own drive server. It combines browser-based file browsing, search and previews with role-based workspaces, guest sharing, desktop sync and file recovery. Its free, MIT-licensed offering is suited to small groups that want control over their storage and are prepared to administer a server; it is less suited to teams seeking a managed service or collaborative document editing.
On the file-management side, workspaces distinguish owner, editor and viewer roles, while guest links and upload-drop links have configurable access rules. Desktop clients sync selected folders on Windows, macOS and Linux, with conflict copies when changes collide. Revision history supports restoring earlier files, and streaming backups include validation and restore. Resumable uploads are supported up to 2 GiB. These features make the product a practical fit for routine synchronization and recovery, though the upload limit may constrain larger files.
For access and ecosystem fit, ShellX Drive offers WebDAV and a Drive API for automation, alongside a configured office editor and a subset of the Google Drive API. Two-factor authentication and session management are available. The product supports web, desktop and mobile platforms, while server administration is handled on Linux; documentation is the stated support channel. Choose ShellX Drive if self-hosting, sync and backup workflows matter more than broad integrations or in-app co-editing. Teams wanting managed hosting, a larger integration ecosystem or collaborative editing should consider alternatives.
Your product? Our editors can test ShellX Drive in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
ShellX Drive pricing
ShellX Drive fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment options | Self-hosted |
| File sync clients | Both |
| File versioning | Yes |
| Collaborative editing | No |
| Maximum file size | 2 GB |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Compliance & security | 2FA |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: WebDAV, configured office editor, Google Drive API subset |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | theshellx.com |
| Facts checked | 25 Oct 2026 |
ShellX Drive integrations
ShellX Drive lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- WebDAV
- configured office editor
- Google Drive API subset
Alternatives to ShellX Drive
- Nextcloud FilesOpen-source file sync and sharing with self-hosting and organizational controls.9.3
- SeafileSelf-hosted sync and collaboration with desktop, mobile, and virtual-drive access.9.1
- ownCloudA flexible file platform with self-hosted and hosted options for organizations.9.0
See all ShellX Drive alternatives →
Used ShellX Drive? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used ShellX Drive for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
ShellX Drive is listed in our Self-Hosted Cloud Storage Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/shellx-drive/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/shellx-drive.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Last updated · How we research and update