The main difference between ownCloud and Nextcloud lies in their approach to open-source. While both offer similar functionalities, Nextcloud is fully open-source, promoting greater community involvement and transparency, whereas ownCloud has both free and enterprise versions.
Continue reading for a detailed comparison of ownCloud vs Nextcloud.
Comparing ownCloud and Nextcloud
Here’s a table view of features to help with a quick ownCloud and NextCloud comparison
|
Platforms Supported |
Cloud Storage |
Integrations |
Custom Branding |
Pricing |
|
|
ownCloud |
Windows Mac SaaS/Web Android iOS |
Yes |
Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Slack, and more. |
Yes |
Free/Custom |
|
Nextcloud |
Windows Mac SaaS/Web Android iOS |
Yes |
Google Workspace, HubSpot, Slack, Zapier, Zoho, DropBox, Box, and more. |
No |
Free/Custom |
Storage Capacity
To understand the unique features of ownCloud and Nextcloud, we first need to explore their storage capabilities.
ownCloud provides a flexible storage capacity to handle files of up to 8 Exabytes. The actual storage limit depends on your storage or budget. For paid plans, ownCloud’s enterprise filesharing package starts with 1,000GB of secure cloud storage, adding 200GB per additional user.
Nextcloud’s storage capacity is also highly adaptable and mainly depends on the server or service it’s installed on. Some instances have even utilized about 70TB of disk space. However, a Nextcloud admin can set a storage quota for each user.
Security
ownCloud has a range of robust security features to protect data. These include auditing for user control over sensitive data, an algorithm for password verification, and a document classification feature restricting access to files based on content or metadata. Additionally, the NextCloud alternative provides a Secure View feature for sharing confidential documents with controlled recipient access and uses technologies like WebDAV, mobile libraries, and encryption to enhance security.
Nextcloud also incorporates various security features, including an RFC 4086-compliant mixer for generating cryptographically secure pseudo-random numbers. It also offers unique features like remote Wipe, video verification, private cloud security scan, security bug bounty, and virtual data room. In addition, it supports a range of two-factor authentication options, server-side encryption, integration with external user directories, strong password policies, brute-force protection, and ransomware protection.
Compliance Standards
ownCloud adheres to various compliance standards like ISO 27001/2. ownCloud is also designed to comply with data protection regulations such as the GDPR, providing a solution for organizations to manage their data securely. Furthermore, it prioritizes data security by implementing several measures to ensure top-notch protection of sensitive data.
Nextcloud also adheres to multiple compliance standards. For organizations needing to comply with GDPR, Nextcloud has released a Compliance Kit to assist them. Nextcloud can also help eliminate many compliance risks and complications as a self-hosted or locally hosted platform. The ownCloud alternative also claims they meet the requirements for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Reliability and Uptime
ownCloud is designed with reliability as one of its core principles. According to the information available on their website and other sources, they prioritize data safety over speed, ensuring that no user files are lost. They also highlight the importance of their database in maintaining performance, indicating a focus on efficient and reliable operations.
Nextcloud is also designed to offer reliability and uptime. Users on the Nextcloud forum have shared their experiences of using Nextcloud since 2016 for their self-hosted services, indicating a solid history of reliable service. There are also discussions about ensuring uptime of 99.9% and having a backup plan, suggesting that high availability is a priority in the Nextcloud community.
Backup and Recovery
ownCloud offers backup and recovery capabilities. If you remove or update the ownCloud app, an automatic backup is created, which remains on the host system and can be restored. For recovering files from a deleted user, the files are usually stored under the data folder within ownCloud. Lastly, if your files were backed up when encryption was enabled, ownCloud provides a procedure to restore these files.
Nextcloud also provides backup and recovery capabilities for user files. According to them, to restore a Nextcloud installation, you primarily need to restore four things: The configuration directory, the data directory, the theme folder, and the database. The data directory is where user files are stored.
Cost
As we conclude our ownCloud vs Nextcloud comparison, let’s take a look at their respective pricing structures.
ownCloud offers both a free, open-source Community Edition and several Enterprise versions. The pricing for the Enterprise versions is not publicly disclosed on ownCloud’s website, as it varies based on the number of users and the organization’s specific needs. For exact pricing details, potential customers are asked to contact ownCloud directly for a quote.
Nextcloud also offers a free version with limited storage, and its enterprise version pricing varies depending on the number of users. The Enterprise version has a one-year subscription and is pre-configured, optimized, and hardened for large-scale, production-critical deployments.
Fill: A Superior Alternative to ownCloud
While ownCloud has its strengths, let’s talk about Fill as a worthy alternative. It’s not just your average file-sharing solution—it’s a standout eSignature and contract management software that works seamlessly across all your devices. Its users rave about its robust features that go beyond the basics of file sharing.
One of the key attributes of Fill is its top-notch security. Your sensitive documents are kept safe with 256-bit encryption, meeting HIPAA compliance standards for ultimate peace of mind.
But Fill isn’t just about security; it’s about versatility, too. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business, or a larger enterprise, Fill makes it easy to fill out documents online and manage contracts effortlessly.
So, if you’re searching for alternatives to ownCloud, consider Fill, a platform that offers more than just file sharing. Schedule a demo today to see Fill in action.
