Nextcloud vs Dropbox

by Gralio Mar 12, 2025

Nextcloud and Dropbox are both file storage and collaboration platforms, but they cater to different needs. Nextcloud excels in data security and customization through its self-hosting model, while Dropbox prioritizes user-friendliness and accessibility. Nextcloud is best for organizations with strong technical expertise and a focus on data control, while Dropbox is suitable for those seeking a simple and readily available solution.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 3111 reviews and 60 websites, saving 17 hours, 47 minutes of reading.

Nextcloud

Website LinkedIn Twitter

Dropbox

Website LinkedIn Twitter

About

Nextcloud is a secure, open-source platform that lets companies manage and share data on their own servers. It provides tools for file storage and syncing, communication (chat, video calls), and online collaboration on documents. Nextcloud focuses on data privacy and control, allowing businesses to manage their data internally instead of relying on third-party cloud providers. It's used by a large community and is known for its ease of use and customization options.

Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage and collaboration platform designed for businesses of all sizes. It allows you to store files securely in the cloud, access them from anywhere, and easily share them with colleagues and external partners. Dropbox offers tools to streamline teamwork, such as file syncing, version control, and feedback collection. Security is a priority, with features like encryption and data recovery to protect sensitive information.

Summary

Main difference

Nextcloud offers greater control over data and privacy with its self-hosting option, while Dropbox emphasizes ease of use and seamless integration with various devices and platforms. Nextcloud is ideal for businesses prioritizing data security and customization, whereas Dropbox suits those seeking a user-friendly and readily accessible cloud storage solution.

Relative strengths of Nextcloud (compared to Dropbox)

Greater data privacy and security through self-hosting.
Open-source platform with extensive customization options.
Cost-effective, especially for large storage needs or teams.

Relative weaknesses of Nextcloud (compared to Dropbox)

Requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance of the self-hosted server.
Syncing issues can occasionally occur, particularly with large files.
User interface could be more intuitive and modern.

Who should use Nextcloud VS. Dropbox

Nextcloud is a self-hosted platform ideal for businesses needing secure file sharing, communication, and collaboration. Users praise its data control and customization options, but some find syncing and server setup challenging. It's a cost-effective alternative to proprietary cloud storage.

Dropbox simplifies file storage and sharing, enabling access from anywhere. Users praise its ease of use and reliable syncing, while some note limited free storage. A variety of paid plans cater to different needs.

Best for medium to large businesses (100+ employees) seeking a self-hosted solution.
Suitable for various industries, especially IT, education, and media.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes seeking streamlined file storage and collaboration.
Strong fit for Finance, E-commerce, Retail, Manufacturing, Education, Real Estate, Hospitality, Media & Entertainment, IT, Government, Marketing, and Professional Services.

Nextcloud and Dropbox features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

File Storage and Sharing

Partially supported

Nextcloud supports file sharing and storage. PDF editing and e-signatures require external integrations.

Partially supported

Dropbox supports file storage and sharing, but PDF editing and e-signatures require third-party apps.
Whiteboard

Supported

Nextcloud offers a collaborative whiteboard with various drawing tools like multiple colors, strokes, shapes, and arrows.

Partially supported

Dropbox Paper has limited whiteboard features on iPad. For full whiteboard functionality, use other apps.
File syncing

Supported

Nextcloud keeps files updated across multiple devices using its desktop client.

Supported

Dropbox supports keeping files updated across multiple devices through its automatic file syncing feature. Users can access and manage files from various devices, including computers, mobile phones, tablets, and web browsers, ensuring files are up-to-date across all platforms.
Secure file sharing

Supported

Nextcloud supports secure file sharing with encryption in transit using TLS and at rest with server-side and end-to-end encryption.

Supported

Dropbox supports sharing files securely with encryption in transit and at rest.
External file sharing

Supported

Nextcloud allows sharing files externally via public links and email.

Supported

Dropbox allows users to share files and folders with individuals outside the organization, allowing them to view or edit the content.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

+0.5

Rather positive sentiment

-0.68

Rather negative sentiment
Customer Service

No data

+0.33

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Use

+0.75

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.89

Strongly positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

+0.33

Rather positive sentiment

+0.6

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Implementation

-0.2

Neutral sentiment

+0.58

Rather positive sentiment
Scalability

No data

-0.22

Neutral sentiment

Nextcloud and Dropbox Pricing

Nextcloud offers different enterprise plans for both Nextcloud Files and Nextcloud Talk. They also offer Nextcloud One for users with less than 100 users. For larger deployments, they have additional pricing tiers and framework agreements available. Support is in English, with other languages available through partners. Nextcloud does not offer hosting, so their employees do not have access to client data.

Plans

User sentiment

Rather positive

+0.5

See full Pricing page

Dropbox offers different plans for personal, professional, and business use cases. The pricing varies based on storage capacity, features, and the number of users. A 30-day free trial is available.

Plans

User sentiment

Rather negative

-0.68

See full Pricing page

Nextcloud and Dropbox review insights

3092 reviews analysed from and

Users love

Excellent control over data privacy and security with self-hosting.
Open-source platform with extensive customization options thanks to apps and plugins.
Wide range of features beyond file sharing, including communication, collaboration, and PIM tools.
Cost-effective solution compared to proprietary cloud storage services.
Active community and readily available support resources.

Easy to use and set up.
Reliable file syncing across devices.
Seamless integration with Windows file system.
Convenient file sharing with others.

Users dislike

Occasional syncing issues, especially with large files or on mobile.
Updates can sometimes introduce bugs or compatibility problems with apps.
The user interface, while functional, could be more intuitive and modern.
Setting up and maintaining a self-hosted server can be technically challenging for non-experts.
Performance can be slow, particularly when dealing with many small files or under heavy load.

Limited free storage space, only 2GB.
Paid plans can be expensive.
Confusing interface for sharing.
Mobile app can be slow and buggy.

Nextcloud and Dropbox Ratings

G2

4.3/5

(119)
Capterra

4.6/5

(436)
TrustPilot

3.3/5

(19)
Glassdoor

4.8/5

(4)

G2

4.4/5

(2537)
Glassdoor

4.4/5

(1585)

Company health

Employee growth

30% increase in the last year

2% decrease in the last year

Web traffic

4% increase in the last quarter

3% increase in the last quarter

Financing

No data

November 2016 - $2B

How do Nextcloud's self-hosting features compare to Dropbox's cloud-based model for security?

Nextcloud's self-hosting model offers potentially greater security than Dropbox's cloud-based model because businesses have direct control over their data, its access, and the server infrastructure. While Dropbox provides security features like encryption, businesses using Nextcloud can implement customized security measures and comply with specific internal or regulatory requirements more easily. However, self-hosting with Nextcloud requires technical expertise to maintain and secure the server, which adds complexity compared to Dropbox's managed service.

Which product offers better integration with existing communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams?

Dropbox offers better integration with existing communication tools. While Nextcloud offers communication features within its own platform, Dropbox is known for its seamless integrations with popular platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams, facilitating file sharing and collaborative work within those environments.

What are the advantages of Nextcloud?

Nextcloud's advantages include its focus on data privacy and security through self-hosting, giving businesses complete control over their data. It offers a wider range of features, including communication and collaboration tools beyond basic file storage and sharing. Nextcloud is also generally more cost-effective, especially for larger organizations, and its open-source nature allows for extensive customization.

What are the disadvantages of Nextcloud?

Nextcloud's self-hosting nature, while offering control, can be technically challenging for non-experts to set up and maintain. Users have reported occasional syncing issues, particularly with large files or on mobile devices. Performance can also be slow under heavy load or when dealing with numerous small files. While functional, the user interface is not considered as intuitive or modern as some alternatives, and updates occasionally introduce bugs or compatibility issues with apps.

Alternatives to Nextcloud and Dropbox

FileCloud

FileCloud is a secure platform for businesses to manage and share files. It offers file storage, sharing, syncing, and collaboration tools, while also focusing on security and compliance features. Businesses can choose to host FileCloud on their own servers or use FileCloud's cloud hosting. It stands out with its focus on security, compliance, and customization options. FileCloud aims to provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes to manage their content securely.

Google Workspace

Google Workspace is a suite of online productivity and collaboration tools for businesses of all sizes. It includes popular apps like Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet and more. Google Workspace aims to provide a seamless and integrated experience for communication, document creation, file storage, and team collaboration, all accessible from any device with an internet connection. It stands out with its user-friendly interface and strong collaboration features.

Box

Frontline Education offers a suite of school administration software for K-12 districts in the USA. The platform aims to help manage human resources, business operations, and special education programs. This includes tools for recruiting, payroll, absence management, student health, and data analytics. Frontline emphasizes its understanding of the K-12 sector and aims to simplify administrative tasks for schools.

Egnyte

Egnyte is a cloud-based platform that helps businesses securely store, manage, and collaborate on their files. It offers features like file sharing, access control, and data loss prevention. Egnyte focuses on providing a user-friendly solution for managing content risks and compliance, especially for industries handling sensitive data like life sciences and construction. It integrates with popular tools like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.

Tresorit

Tresorit is a cloud-based platform built for secure collaboration within your company and externally with partners and clients. It uses end-to-end encryption, meaning your files are secure during storage and sharing and only accessible to authorized users. Tresorit allows you to manage and share files, control user access, and track activities for improved security and compliance. It also integrates with existing tools like Microsoft Outlook and Google Workspace.

Microsoft OneDrive for Business

Microsoft OneDrive for Business provides secure cloud storage for your company's files. It allows employees to access, share, and collaborate on documents from any location and device. Features include file version history, real-time collaboration tools, and robust security measures to protect sensitive information. With OneDrive, you can streamline workflows and improve teamwork.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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