When it comes to personal cloud storage solutions, Nextcloud and OwnCloud are two popular options that offer similar functionalities. While both services allow users to store and access files from anywhere, there are some differences between the two that are worth exploring.
Introduction
Nextcloud
Nextcloud is an open-source, self-hostedSelf-hosted software is a type of software that is installed and operated on a user's own hardware or infrastructure, rather than being hosted and managed by a third-party provider. This means that the user has full control over the software, including the ability to customize and configure it to th... More cloud storage platform that offers file syncing, sharing, and collaboration features. It’s designed to be installed on your own server, giving you complete control over your data. Nextcloud offers a range of additional features, including calendar and contact management, task lists, and note-taking. Nextcloud also supports end-to-end encryption, which ensures that your data is fully protected from any unauthorized access.
Owncloud
On the other hand, OwnCloud is a similar open-source, self-hostedSelf-hosted software is a type of software that is installed and operated on a user's own hardware or infrastructure, rather than being hosted and managed by a third-party provider. This means that the user has full control over the software, including the ability to customize and configure it to th... More cloud storage solution that offers file syncing, sharing, and collaboration features. Like Nextcloud, it’s designed to be installed on your own server, giving you complete control over your data. OwnCloud also offers a range of additional features, including calendar and contact management, task lists, and note-taking. OwnCloud also supports encryption, but it’s not enabled by default.
While both services offer similar features, there are some differences that may make one more suitable for your needs than the other. Here are a few things to consider:
User Interface
One of the biggest differences between Nextcloud and OwnCloud is the user interface. Nextcloud’s interface is more modern and user-friendly than OwnCloud’s, making it easier to navigate and use. Nextcloud’s interface is also more customizable, allowing users to choose from a range of themes and plugins to personalize their experience.
Security
Both Nextcloud and OwnCloud take security seriously, but Nextcloud offers end-to-end encryption by default. This means that your data is encrypted before it’s uploaded to the server, ensuring that no one can access it without your encryption key. OwnCloud supports encryption, but it’s not enabled by default, meaning that users need to manually set it up.
Collaboration Features
Both services offer collaboration features, such as the ability to share files and folders with others. However, Nextcloud has more advanced collaboration features, including the ability to edit documents in real-time, making it a better option for teams and businesses.
Here is a list of some cool features that are supported by both cloud solutions:
- Collaborative document editing apps: Collabora Online and OnlyOffice are popular document editing and collaboration apps that are available on both platforms.
- Calendar and Contacts apps: Both platforms offer apps for managing calendars and contacts, which are essential for personal and business use.
- External storage support: Users can connect and integrate external storage solutions, such as Dropbox or Google Drive, into their cloud account on both Nextcloud and OwnCloud.
- Tasks and to-do lists: Both platforms offer simple task management apps, which are useful for personal organization and team collaboration.
- Video conferencing apps: Talk is a video conferencing and chat app that is available on both Nextcloud and OwnCloud.
Check out more apps that are available to extend nextcloud / ownCloud:
https://apps.nextcloud.com/
https://marketplace.owncloud.com/apps
Mobile Apps
Both services offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, making it easy to access your files on the go. However, Nextcloud’s mobile app is more feature-rich and user-friendly than OwnCloud’s.
Community Support
Both Nextcloud and OwnCloud have active communities of developers and users who provide support and develop new features. However, Nextcloud has a larger and more active community, which means that updates and new features are released more frequently.
Conclusion
Both Nextcloud and OwnCloud are great options for personal cloud storage solutions. However, Nextcloud’s modern user interface, end-to-end encryption, and advanced collaboration features make it a better option for businesses and teams. On the other hand, OwnCloud’s simple setup and lower learning curve make it a better option for individuals and small businesses. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, our overall winner is Nextcloud mostly because of the bigger community and better mobile app.
