Best ShellX Drive Alternatives in 2026
The top ShellX Drive alternatives are Nextcloud Files, Seafile and ownCloud: 15 Self-Hosted cloud storage software our editors would look at instead of ShellX Drive, in our ranking order.
ShellX Drive: A free, open-source drive for self-hosted sync, sharing and file recovery. Where it falls short: resumable uploads are limited to 2 GiB.
Switching from ShellX Drive? For most self-hosted cloud storage software buyers the best ShellX 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 ShellX Drive Alternative
- Resumable uploads are limited to 2 GiB
- No collaborative editing; integrations are limited
- Administrators need to run and manage a Linux server
- No collaborative editing — 6 of the alternatives below have it
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 - Best for collaborative editingMyWorkDrive8.4
Collaborative editing (ShellX Drive: no)
Visit MyWorkDrive
All 15 ShellX 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 ShellX Drive:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 6.5
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 ShellX Drive:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 6.5
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 ShellX Drive:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 6.5
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 ShellX Drive:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 6.5
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 ShellX Drive:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 6.5
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 ShellX Drive:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 6.5
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 ShellX Drive:
- Collaborative editing
- Editor score 8.4 vs 6.5
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 ShellX Drive:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 6.5
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 ShellX Drive:
- Collaborative editing
- Editor score 7.9 vs 6.5
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 ShellX Drive:
- Collaborative editing
- Editor score 7.8 vs 6.5
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 ShellX Drive:
- Collaborative editing
- Editor score 7.7 vs 6.5
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 ShellX Drive:
- Editor score 7.6 vs 6.5
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 ShellX Drive:
- Collaborative editing
- Editor score 7.5 vs 6.5
A self-hosted file hub for teams that need varied storage backends and protocols.
- Collaborative editing
- File versioning
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit FileX -
Best forHouseholds and small teams wanting a self-hosted drive
- Better than ShellX Drive:
- Editor score 7.4 vs 6.5
An open-source file server for small groups who want storage on hardware they control.
- File versioning
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit Local Drive -
Best forTeams wanting desktop sync and collaborative workspaces
- Better than ShellX Drive:
- Collaborative editing
- Editor score 7.3 vs 6.5
An open-source file platform for teams that want self-hosted storage and desktop sync.
- Collaborative editing
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit Sync-in
ShellX Drive Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to ShellX 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 ShellX 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 ShellX Drive alternatives?
Resumable uploads are limited to 2 GiB; No collaborative editing; integrations are limited; Administrators need to run and manage a Linux server.
How do I switch from ShellX Drive?
Snapshot or back up the data and configs on your ShellX 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 ShellX Drive.
How to Switch from ShellX Drive
- Snapshot or back up the data and configs on your ShellX 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 ShellX Drive.
ShellX Drive vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Deployment options | File sync clients | File versioning | Collaborative editing | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | ShellX Drive | Yes | Free | Self-hosted | Both | Yes | No | 6.5 |
| 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 | Yes | 8.4 |
| 8 | ProjectSend | Yes | Free | 8.1 | ||||
| 9 | OpenCloud | Yes | €2/user/mo | Self-hosted | Both | Yes | Yes | 7.9 |
| 10 | Cloudreve | Yes | Self-hosted | Desktop | Yes | Yes | 7.8 | |
| 11 | Cozy Drive | Yes | Both | Both | Yes | Yes | 7.7 | |
| 12 | Cotton Cloud | Yes | Free | Self-hosted | Both | Yes | No | 7.6 |
| 13 | FileX | Yes | Free | Self-hosted | Desktop | Yes | Yes | 7.5 |
| 14 | Local Drive | Yes | Free | Self-hosted | Both | Yes | 7.4 | |
| 15 | Sync-in | Yes | Free | Self-hosted | Both | Yes | 7.3 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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