In short
- Your own cloud: it syncs and shares like Dropbox, under your control.
- The software is free, but you need a server or a provider.
- You are responsible for updates and backups if you host it.
It’s for you if…
- You care where your data is.
- You have a home server, a NAS or basic technical knowledge.
- You need a lot of space and would rather pay for a disk than a subscription.
Better pick something else if…
- You do not want to deal with anything technical: look at Proton Drive, pCloud or MEGA.
- You depend on Dropbox Paper or its business integrations.
From Dropbox to Nextcloud: equivalents
| Dropbox | Nextcloud |
|---|---|
| Dropbox folder | Nextcloud folder |
| Online-only files | Virtual files |
| Shared links | Links, with password and expiry |
| Version history | File versions |
| Deleted files | Trash |
| Camera uploads | Auto upload in the phone app |
| Dropbox Paper | Nextcloud Text or Collabora |
| Teams | Groups and group folders |
Step by step
Choose where to host it
You can hire a Nextcloud provider, which is simplest, or install it yourself with Nextcloud All-in-One on a server or NAS with Docker. Some providers have small free plans to try.
Download your Dropbox
On your computer, make sure everything is downloaded and not just online. If not, download it from dropbox.com. Check that you have all your files.
Install the client
Download the desktop client from nextcloud.com, connect it with your server’s address and choose a folder to sync.
Move your files
Copy the Dropbox files to the Nextcloud folder and let them upload. If there are many gigabytes, do it in parts or overnight.
Set up your phone
Install the app, connect it and turn on automatic photo upload. Check it works before turning off Dropbox’s.
Share again
Create your links and shared folders again: Dropbox’s do not carry over. Tell whoever used them. After that you can close your account.
Files and formats
Your files are copied as they are, with no conversion. Dropbox Paper documents must first be exported to .docx or Markdown, because they exist only on its service. Shared links and permissions do not migrate. Nextcloud works with WebDAV, a standard that also lets you connect other applications.
What you won’t find
- You have to handle updates and backups yourself if you host it.
- It depends on the speed and reliability of your server.
- Dropbox links and permissions do not migrate.
Tips
- If you host it at home, apply the 3-2-1 rule: also keep a copy somewhere else.
- If you only want to sync between your devices, with no server, look at Syncthing.
- Turn on two-step verification and always keep the server updated.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nextcloud free?
The software is. Hosting can cost money: your own server, electricity or a provider.
Do I need to know about servers?
With a provider, no. To install it yourself, basic knowledge helps. Nextcloud All-in-One simplifies it considerably.
Can Dropbox links be moved?
No. You have to create new links in Nextcloud and send them again.
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