Nextcloud vs ownCloud: which cloud service to choose

Nextcloud and ownCloud are standalone server platforms with open source code designed for storing, synchronizing and sharing files. They are installed on a private server and allow users to organize a personal cloud storage with features for document sharing, access control, calendars, contacts and online editing.

ownCloud was created first, in 2010, as an alternative to commercial cloud services such as Dropbox and Google Drive. It offered the ability to deploy personal file storage on a private server with full control over the data. Later, part of the developers left the project and created Nextcloud, which became its fork.

Nextcloud inherited the core architecture of ownCloud but focused on more active development, adding built-in features (chat, video calls, document editors) and close integration with mobile and desktop applications. It quickly became more popular than the original project thanks to its open development model and emphasis on security.

Installation and system requirements

Nextcloud and ownCloud require a similar server base: 64-bit Linux, Apache or Nginx web server, PHP 8.1–8.3 with required modules and one of the databases MySQL-MariaDB, PostgreSQL or SQLite for testing.

For Nextcloud, the minimum is 128 MB of RAM per PHP process, 512 MB and SSD storage are recommended; the CPU must support 64-bit instructions, and the OS should be at the level of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.

ownCloud officially declares the same lower limit of 128 MB, the practical recommendation starts from 512 MB, and for corporate deployment, 2 CPU cores and 16 GB of RAM are advised.

Installing Nextcloud

1. Update the system and install dependencies:

2. Create a database:

3. Download and unzip Nextcloud:

4. Configure Apache:

Create the configuration file at /etc/apache2/sites-available/nextcloud.conf:

Then execute:

5. Install Nextcloud through the browser:

Open http://cloud.example.com and complete the installation using the wizard (specify admin login, database, data path, etc.).

Installing ownCloud

1. Install dependencies:

2. Add the official ownCloud repository:

3. Install ownCloud:

4. Create a database:

5. Configure Apache (if needed manually):

Set /var/www/owncloud as the root directory, similar to Nextcloud configuration.

6. Complete the installation through the browser:

Go to http://cloud.example.com and perform the setup (admin, DB, data path).

Interface and User Experience

Nextcloud and ownCloud have a simple and intuitive interface that works through the browser and displays well on both desktop and mobile devices.

In Nextcloud, additional features can be enabled: chat, video calls, document viewing and editing, tasks, and notes. All these options are enabled as needed. System management is done through the administrator panel, where user settings, groups, storage quotas, actions, and add-ons are available. The interface is available in Russian, Ukrainian, and other languages. The system is suitable for both personal use and collaborative work in organizations.

ownCloud is arranged similarly, but its main focus is on reliability and stable performance. In the free version, functions are limited. Advanced features such as document editing and collaboration are available only in paid editions. In terms of convenience and capabilities, the interface is inferior to Nextcloud but remains simple for everyday file management.

Functionality and Extensions

Nextcloud and ownCloud provide basic tools for storing, sharing, and managing files. Users can upload documents, share them via links, set access rights, and track changes. There are functions for viewing images, previewing documents, and restoring deleted files.

Nextcloud allows for significantly expanding system capabilities. Through the internal catalog, dozens of additional modules can be connected: calendar, address book, notes, tasks, collaborative document editing, video viewing, backups, and more. Also available are video calls, messaging, a built-in virus scanner, and data encryption. These extensions can be enabled or disabled in the settings without a separate installation.

ownCloud also supports extensions, but there are fewer of them in the open version. Some features (such as document editor or data loss protection) are offered only in paid solutions. The main modules include file sharing, activity history, folder management, and a simple address book. Additional capabilities are available through official add-ons or with the purchase of the commercial version.

Integrations and Compatibility with Other Services

Nextcloud supports integration with mail servers, calendars, contacts, network drives (for example, via WebDAV or SFTP), cloud storage (Google Drive or Dropbox), and office editors. With additional modules, you can connect video call systems, notifications, external databases, as well as integration with LDAP, Active Directory, and other corporate services.

ownCloud also allows connecting external storage, email, calendars, and contact synchronization. However, in the free version, these options are limited, and most integrations are available through commercial add-ons. Support for LDAP and other internal networks is present but requires separate configuration and often a license purchase.

Both platforms are compatible with WebDAV, CalDAV, and CardDAV protocols, ensuring functionality with mail clients, calendars, and contacts on desktops and mobile devices. Applications are also available for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS to synchronize files between devices.

Security and Access Management

Nextcloud and ownCloud provide a high level of data protection and allow precise access control for each section and file. Key security mechanisms include operation via secure connection (HTTPS), user authentication, IP address restrictions, automatic session termination, and activity logging.

Both platforms allow creating user groups, setting read, write, or delete permissions, and restricting access to specific folders or applications. The administrator can set quotas for each user, manage data retention periods, and receive alerts about suspicious activity.

Nextcloud has a built-in two-factor authentication system, storage encryption, brute-force protection, and a module for password policy configuration. Additional tools are also available: automatic antivirus scanning, device control connected to the account, and temporary access tokens.

ownCloud offers similar features, but some advanced protection (such as external device blocking, additional encryption, and centralized access control) is only available in commercial editions.

Licensing, Support, and Update Model

Nextcloud is released under the GNU AGPLv3 license. This means users have access to all source code and can freely use, modify, and install the system for both personal and commercial purposes. All key features, including synchronization, extensions, office modules, and video calls, are available in the free version. Updates are released regularly and include fixes, performance improvements, and new features. The system can be updated through the built-in update mechanism in the admin panel.

Official technical support is provided under paid corporate contracts, but open version users can get help via the community forum and detailed documentation.

ownCloud is also available under an open license, but only basic functionality is included in the free version. Advanced modules (document editing, backup, antivirus, extended encryption) are available in the paid ownCloud Enterprise edition. Updates for the open version are released less frequently than in Nextcloud, and many improvements are first implemented in the commercial product.

For companies, ownCloud offers technical support, training, and maintenance under paid plans. Free version users can refer to the documentation and the forum, but some instructions are oriented towards the enterprise product.

Nextcloud vs ownCloud

FAQ

Which service has a more active developer and user community, and why is it important?

Nextcloud has a significantly more active community of developers and users compared to ownCloud. This is important because an active community contributes to faster development of features, prompt bug fixes and better support, making the platform more reliable and up-to-date.

For which use cases is Nextcloud better suited, and for which is ownCloud?

Nextcloud is better suited for scenarios where a wide range of features for collaboration, communication and integrations is required, as well as for users who value active development and frequent updates. ownCloud, in turn, may be preferable for those who need a stable, proven solution primarily for file synchronization and sharing, especially in corporate environments where predictable behavior and long-term version support are important.

What are the alternatives to Nextcloud and ownCloud?

There are many alternatives to Nextcloud and ownCloud. Among the popular open source solutions are Seafile (focused on performance), Syncthing (decentralized synchronization) and Pydio Cells (for enterprise needs).