Dropbox is a cloud file storage and sync service used by individuals and teams to store, share, and collaborate on files. It's closed source and your files live on Dropbox's infrastructure, subject to its storage tiers and pricing once you outgrow the free plan.
Nextcloud is the open-source option, letting you self-host file storage and sync on your own infrastructure instead of a third party's.
FAQ
Is there a free, open-source alternative to Dropbox?
Yes. Nextcloud is open source and free to self-host.
What's the best open-source alternative to Dropbox?
Nextcloud is the option to evaluate — it covers file storage and sync plus calendar, mail, and office suite features beyond what Dropbox offers on its own.
What are the top open-source alternatives to Dropbox?
Browse all open-source alternatives to Dropbox above, or explore the full Collaboration category for more options.