os-alt

self-host the SaaS you're paying for

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Nextcloud vs Seafile

Self-host pick — both replace Dropbox (File sync + sharing).

Both Nextcloud and Seafile self-host as a replacement for Dropbox (File sync + sharing). Pick Nextcloud if you want teams that also want calendar / contacts / talk in the same stack; pick Seafile if you want teams that prioritize raw sync speed over feature breadth. Both are AGPL-family licensed and similar to set up.

Nextcloudopen-sourceSeafileopen-source
LicenseAGPL-3.0AGPL-3.0 (Community Edition)
Setup time20min docker-compose (or AIO image)20min docker-compose
Monthly cost$5-10 VPS plus disk for whatever you store; Hetzner storage box pairs well.$5 VPS — efficient sync engine, low overhead.
GitHubnextcloud/server ★ 34.9k · last commit todayalivehaiwen/seafile-server ★ 532 · last commit 2d agoalive
ReplacesDropbox + 1 otherDropbox

Good fit for

Nextcloud

Teams that also want calendar / contacts / talk in the same stack.

Weak at:Default install can feel slow; needs Redis + APCu tuning to feel snappy.

Seafile

Teams that prioritize raw sync speed over feature breadth.

Weak at:Web UI is plainer; CE lacks some advanced collab features.

In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli dropbox prints Dropbox's self-host options including both — how the CLI works →

FAQ

Which is easier to self-host, Nextcloud or Seafile?

Nextcloud: 20min docker-compose (or AIO image). Seafile: 20min docker-compose.

What does each cost to run?

Nextcloud: $5-10 VPS plus disk for whatever you store; Hetzner storage box pairs well.. Seafile: $5 VPS — efficient sync engine, low overhead.. Both projects are free and open source.

Do Nextcloud and Seafile replace the same SaaS?

Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Dropbox.