How to Replace Google Drive with Self-Hosted Alternatives

Why Replace Google Drive?

Cost: Google One starts at $2/month for 100GB, $10/month for 2TB. A self-hosted setup costs nothing beyond hardware you may already own.
Privacy: Google scans your files for ad targeting and trains AI on your data. Self-hosted means your files stay on your hardware.
Storage limits: Google caps storage and charges more as you grow. Self-hosted storage is limited only by your hard drives.
No lock-in: Google can change pricing, reduce storage, or discontinue services. Your self-hosted setup runs as long as you want.

Annual savings: $120/year (2TB Google One) → $0/year self-hosted.

Your Options

App	Difficulty	Feature Match	Best For
Nextcloud	Medium	95%	Full Google Workspace replacement
Syncthing	Easy	60%	Simple device-to-device sync
Seafile	Medium	80%	Fast sync for large libraries
FileBrowser	Easy	40%	Simple web file manager

Our Recommendation

Use Nextcloud. It’s the closest self-hosted equivalent to Google Drive — file sync, web access, sharing links, document editing (with Collabora or OnlyOffice), plus calendars and contacts. It replaces more of Google Workspace than any other single tool.

If you only need device sync (no web access or sharing), use Syncthing. It’s simpler, lighter, and peer-to-peer.

Migration Guide

Step 1: Export from Google Drive

Go to takeout.google.com
Select only “Drive”
Choose export format (keep originals) and delivery method
Download the archive when ready

Step 2: Set Up Your Self-Hosted App

Follow our setup guide for your chosen app:

Step 3: Upload Your Files

Nextcloud: Use the desktop sync client to sync your exported Drive folder, or upload via the web interface.

Syncthing: Add your exported folder as a shared folder and sync to your devices.

Step 4: Set Up Sync Clients

Install the sync client on every device:

Nextcloud: Desktop (Windows/Mac/Linux), mobile (iOS/Android)
Syncthing: Desktop (Windows/Mac/Linux), mobile (Android; limited iOS)

Step 5: Verify and Switch

Confirm all files transferred correctly
Test sharing (Nextcloud: create share links)
Test document editing (Nextcloud with Collabora/OnlyOffice)
Uninstall Google Drive and remove files from Google (or keep as backup)

What You’ll Miss

Google Docs real-time collaboration — Nextcloud’s Collabora/OnlyOffice supports collaboration but it’s less polished than Google Docs
Google search integration — can’t search Drive from Google search bar
Google Drive’s mobile app polish — Nextcloud’s app is functional but less refined
Offline access — Nextcloud desktop client supports it, but setup is less seamless

What You’ll Gain

Unlimited storage — limited only by your hard drives
Full privacy — no scanning, no AI training on your data
No monthly fees — one-time hardware cost
Control — your files, your rules, your backups