Files, photos & sync

5 SaaS · open-source self-host alternatives in this vertical

Every SaaS in this category, paired with its primary open-source self-host alternative. Each link drills into the full comparison page (license, setup time, monthly cost, migration sketch). Managed-hosting picks for self-hosters: managed Nextcloud, Immich, Seafile, or imgproxy.

Cloudinary Image / video CDN + on-the-fly transformation

Primary self-host alt: imgproxy · imgproxy/imgproxy · MIT · 5min docker run
Dropbox File sync + sharing

Primary self-host alt: Nextcloud · nextcloud/server · AGPL-3.0 · 20min docker-compose (or AIO image)
Google Drive Cloud file sync + sharing for teams

Primary self-host alt: Nextcloud · nextcloud/server · AGPL-3.0 · 30min docker-compose (Nextcloud AIO image bundles app + Postgres + Redis)
Google Photos Photo backup / library / face search

Primary self-host alt: Immich · immich-app/immich · AGPL-3.0 · 15min docker-compose
WeTransfer Large file transfer / one-off send

Primary self-host alt: ProjectSend · projectsend/projectsend · GPL-2.0 · 15min docker-compose (PHP app + MariaDB)

FAQ

How many open-source self-host alternatives does os-alt list for files, photos & sync?

5 SaaS in the files, photos & sync vertical, each paired with its primary open-source self-host alternative on os-alt.

Are these files, photos & sync alternatives free?

Yes — every listed alternative is open source and free to self-host. Your only cost is the VPS or hardware that runs it.

What managed-hosting options does os-alt suggest for files, photos & sync?

Managed-hosting picks for self-hosters: managed Nextcloud, Immich, Seafile, or imgproxy.