Nextcloud vs ownCloud
Both Nextcloud and ownCloud are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the file storage & sync space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.
Quick Overview
Nextcloud
EU- Headquarters
- Stuttgart, DE
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
ownCloud
EU- Headquarters
- Nuremberg, DE
- Pricing
- Free / From €5/mo
- Open Source
- Yes
Key Differences
- Data residency differs: Nextcloud hosts data in Germany, France, Netherlands, while ownCloud hosts in Germany, EU. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- ownCloud was founded in 2010, giving it a 6-year head start over Nextcloud (founded 2016). More time in market often means a larger user community and more mature integrations, though newer entrants may offer more modern architectures.
- Each product has unique strengths: Nextcloud offers Real-time document editing and Calendar and contacts, while ownCloud provides Collaborative document editing and Granular permission controls. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Nextcloud | ownCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Nextcloud | ownCloud |
| Pricing | Free | Free / From €5/mo |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Stuttgart, DE | Nuremberg, DE |
| Data Centers | DE, FR, NL | DE, EU |
| File sync and share | ||
| Real-time document editing | ||
| Calendar and contacts | ||
| Video conferencing (Talk) | ||
| Email integration | ||
| Kanban boards and project management | ||
| End-to-end encryption | ||
| App ecosystem with 300+ extensions | ||
| Collaborative document editing | ||
| Granular permission controls | ||
| Version history and file locking | ||
| LDAP and Active Directory integration | ||
| SAML single sign-on | ||
| Spaces for project-based collaboration | ||
| Desktop and mobile clients | ||
| Infinite Scale microservices architecture |
Pricing Comparison
Nextcloud
Freefree / enterprise
ownCloud
Free / From €5/mofree / enterprise
Compliance Comparison
Nextcloud
GDPRDPA
ownCloud
GDPRDPA
Get Started
Categories
Nextcloud vs ownCloud — FAQ
What is the main difference between Nextcloud and ownCloud?
Both Nextcloud and ownCloud are European file storage & sync and team collaboration solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Nextcloud is headquartered in Germany while ownCloud is based in Germany. Nextcloud is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, while ownCloud is based in Nuremberg, Germany. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Nextcloud or ownCloud?
Both Nextcloud and ownCloud offer free tiers, so you can try either without cost. Both use free / enterprise pricing, so compare the tiers that match your team size and feature needs.
Are both Nextcloud and ownCloud GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Nextcloud and ownCloud are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.