Home Cloud Storage: Local Cloud Providers for Home 2024

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Key Takeaways: These Are the Best Personal Cloud Storage Services for Home

1. Nextcloud — Versatile and flexible service that you can use on the web or install on your NAS device.
2. ownCloud — An easy-to-use provider that’s simple to install on your device.
3. seafile — simplified interface with a free home version and a free pro version for three user .
4. Pydio Cells — Great for collaboration and internal team communication, but involves a slightly steeper learning curve.
5. syncthing — Completely free file synchronization software that can be tricky to install but works flawlessly once it’s up and running.

Facts & Expert Analysis About Local Cloud Storage Providers:

• In command: Sometimes, setting up your own home cloud storage solution requires using the command line interface, which can seem daunting if you’ve never entered commands before.
• On cloud nine : Once you get past the cost of set up a personal cloud storage device , it is tends tend to be a more cost – effective solution than pay outright for monthly fee or annual third – party cloud storage subscription , all of which we discuss in this article .
• Scaling to new heights: When considering which NAS device to purchase, make sure it has the capability to scale as your storage needs expand over time. Swapping out a hard disk for more space is a cheaper option than getting a whole new NAS device.

store your datum in the cloud is not a new concept . There are plenty of option out there , as you can see from our list of the good cloud storage provider . However , if you ’ve ever want to cut out the middle person and have full control , then set up your own local / home cloud storage may be worth explore . This process is also call DIY personal cloud storage .

Unlike signing up for a third-party cloud storage service, there are a few more steps involved in creating local cloud storage. If you want to run a program locally, you’ll install the software on a network-attached storage (NAS) device, such as Synology or Western Digital. Another option is to use a service’s virtual private server and connect it to your hardware.

Once you know which DIY personal cloud storage device you want, you can turn your attention to providers that let you use a private server with your NAS. Most services require a subscription. However, you can try most of them for free to see how they work. Read on to see which providers we recommend to help you create your own personal cloud storage.

cloudward ’ choice : Nextcloud

Jason is a cloud storage expert with extensive experience testing home cloud storage solutions.

I found Nextcloud to be the most user-friendly of the providers I tested. It’s easy to install and has plenty of features, even the free home version. Finding a provider was a painless process. The 60-minute free trial wasn’t very encouraging, though — it’s barely enough time to get your bearings, much less test out the service before committing to a paid plan.

The 5 Best DIY Cloud Storage for Home 

Many of the providers on our list share similar features, which is to be expected. However, there are some notable differences in price and security, which makes choosing one provider over another a decision that requires some care. If sync speed is your preference, focus on providers that update only changes to a file instead of the entire file every time.

• Demystify cloud storage terminology and key concepts in plain language
• Discover easy-to-implement techniques to securely backup and sync your data across devices
• Learn money-saving strategies to optimize your cloud storage costs and usage

Provider:	Open-Source	Security	DeltaSync *	Versioning	Device Support
Nextcloud		end – to – end (per folder)
ownCloud		Zero-knowledge			Servers
seafile		Client-side, end-to-end
Pydio Cells		AES 256-bit
syncthing		end – to – end

*Incremental

1 . Nextcloud – Best Personal Cloud Storage Service

Nextcloud has several options for setting up a personal cloud storage device,
which is accessible through the easy-to-use interface.

More details about Nextcloud:

• Pricing: The home version is free. Plans start at about $40 per person per year for 100 users.
• Website: nextcloud.com

Pros:

• open – source
• Easy to set up & use
• free storage via providers

con :

• Doesn’t support DeltaSync
• Not great for small business

Nextcloud is tops top our list as the good product for create a home cloud storage solution . It is is is simple to set up and easy to use . additionally , Nextcloud is is is a good platform for those who are less technically gifted , but also work very well for business with more complex need . It is ’s ’s flexible , let you sign up with a provider , self – host or run Nextcloud on your own hardware .

One is is of the good feature is the Nextcloud hub , which is an online collaboration platform in a fully on – premise solution . The Nextcloud hub is includes include file sync and sharing , integrate office documentation collaboration and Nextcloud Talk for audio- and video – host capability . It is has also has mail , calendar and even AI capability .

Nextcloud Pricing & Value

If you want to try Nextcloud, you’ll have to hit the ground running, as the instant trial lasts only 60 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the free plan, called the home version, to sign up with an online provider. This lets you test the service without committing to a subscription. The service provider you choose will manage any paid accounts you sign up for.

Nextcloud Enterprise pricing is is is as follow ( subject to change base on currency exchange rate ):

Plan:	price
basic	Starts at 100 users About $40/user/year
Standard	Starts at 100 users About $70/user/year
Premium	Starts at 100 users About $ 105 / user / year
Ultimate	Starts at 100 users About $205/user/year

2. ownCloud – Best Home Cloud Storage for Beginners

ownCloud’s interface lets you access stored files and other digital content on your NAS.

More details about owncloud:

• Pricing: The community edition is free. Plans start at about $5 per user per month.
• website : owncloud.com

Pros:

• Easy to use
• affordable plan
• Supports DeltaSync

con :

• Can get expensive
• Limited free providers

ownCloud is has has a clean interface and is easy to use . It is is is good for individual user and team of different size . ownCloud is hosting has host partner you can use for fast and easy access . Other options is include include using owncloud directly or instal it on your local hardware .  

ownCloud has several security features that help keep your data safe. It supports multi-factor authentication to protect your account’s integrity, and the zero-knowledge encryption means not even ownCloud can access your data. You also have access to ransomware protection. The code is open-source, so it’s freely viewable to anyone interested.

ownCloud Pricing & Value

The ownCloud community edition is is is free and does not limit the number of user . pay editions is include include Standard or Enterprise when host on your own server . Using ownCloud online cost about $ 16 per user per month or about $ 14 per user per month for team . additionally , you is try can try the Enterprise plan free for 30 day . Pricing is fluctuate may fluctuate base on currency exchange .

host on Your server

Users	Enterprise	Standard
25	About $ 16	N/A
50	About $13	About $ 5
100	About $11	About $4
250	About $9	About $4
500	About $ 6	About $ 3
1000	About $4	About $2
2500	About $ 3	About $1
5000	About $ 3	About $1
10000	About $2	About $1
50000	About $1	Less than about $1
100000	About $1	Less than about $1
100000+	contact	contact

ownCloud Online

For team	For Single Users
About $14/user/month	About $ 16/user/month

3. seafile – Best Home Cloud Storage for Public Sharing

seafile has a slightly steeper learning curve compared to other providers, but once it’s set up, you can share files from your home cloud or mobile devices.

More details about seafile:

• Pricing: The home use option and the Pro plan for three users are free. Plans start at $100 for nine users.
• Website: seafile.com

Pros:

• Clear pricing
• clean interface
• free pro plan for 3 users

con :

• Support costs extra
• limited free feature

Many of seafile’s features are similar to those of other providers on our list. Two of the better ones are the ability to host a private server and the clean interface. However, hosting a server is only an option if you are using a Linux operating system. On desktop, seafile supports PC and Mac and has great features like cross-platform syncing, file versioning and mobile file access.

Security and privacy are excellent with seafile. It supports client-side, end-to-end encryption when you create an encrypted library, which you can do using the web app or locally with the desktop client. Items stored in your encrypted library have zero-knowledge encryption, as the password is not stored on any of seafile’s servers.

seafile Pricing & Value

seafile’s community edition is free, and the Pro plan is free for up to three licenses. After that, the pricing increases based on the number of users. For example, up to nine users costs $100 per year, while 10 to 249 users costs $48 per user per year. Fortunately, you can try seafile for three weeks before committing to a purchase.

Users	price/Year	Educational price/Year
3	free	free
9	$ 100 total	$ 100 total
From 10 to 249	$48/user	$24/user
From 250 to 499	$44/user	$ 22 / user
From 500 to 749	$40/user	$ 18 / user
From 750 to 999	$ 35 / user	$ 16 / user
More than 1000	contact	contact

4. Pydio Cells – Best Home Cloud Storage for Collaboration

Pydio Cells is uses use dedicated space to access file and collaborate with team member .

More detail about Pydio Cells :

• Pricing: The home version is free. Paid plans start at about $3,136 per year for 50 users.
• Website: pydio.com

Pros:

• Solid security
• Dedicated team chat
• Good for collaboration

con :

• Limited features
• Not best for individuals

Pydio Cells, formerly Pydio, got its name from the “cells” it uses. These cells are essentially shared folders, which are the tools you use to collaborate with others. Each cell functions as a team space, complete with permissions and sharing capabilities. Additionally, it has an integrated chat for each cell to help foster communication within your team.

Unlike other providers on our list, Pydio Cells has a slightly steeper learning curve, making it less easy to install and hit the ground running. It also isn’t as flexible as some competitors, with fewer overall features and installable add-ons. However, it is a great option, especially for professionals or teams.

Pydio Cells Pricing & Value

The home version of Pydio Cells is free and a great way to see if you like it. The paid plans are called Connect and Enterprise. You’ll need to request a quote, but both plans start at 50 users. Connect pricing starts at about $3,136 per year, and Enterprise begins at about $4,189 per year (subject to fluctuation based on currency exchanges). Both paid plans have a free trial period.

Pydio Cells Home	Pydio Cells Connect	Pydio Cells Enterprise
free	About $ 3,136/year, starting at 50 users	About $4,189/year, starting at 50 users

5. syncthing – Best Completely free Home Cloud Storage

syncthing is free software that you can set up on multiple
devices to keep your data synced.

More details about syncthing:

Pros:

• open – source
• Excellent privacy
• Secure peer-to-peer sharing

con :

• difficult to set up
• Not best for collaboration

syncthing’s best quality is how reliable it is once you get it set up on your devices. It seamlessly synchronizes files between devices while offering excellent security and privacy. syncthing supports many operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac. Since you install it on your devices, syncthing effectively removes the need for a cloud provider.

To use syncthing, you’ll first need to download the program, then go through a semi-lengthy setup process with plenty of restarting. Once installed, syncthing will run in the background based on your configurations. Many advanced settings allow you to customize syncthing to your needs, including file versioning and determining minimum free disk space.

syncthing Pricing & Value

The best part about syncthing is that it is completely free to use, with no strings attached. If you feel moved by the product and the company, you can donate to help support its development. 

How to Create Your Own Cloud Storage for free

The best way to create your own cloud storage for free is to try out syncthing, which doesn’t charge for its software. As it synchronizes files between two or more devices, you’ll need to go through a few steps to get it up and running.

1. Download syncthing to the devices you want to use. 
2. Follow the syncthing setup guide to configure the program for your devices. 
3. Add devices to syncthing through the user interface. 
4. Begin uploading and transferring files between your devices.

How to Set Up Your Own Cloud Storage at Home

Nextcloud is offers offer several way to establish cloud storage in your home . It is has has a desktop client that you can download , or you can simplify the process by sign up with a provider . Another option is is is to download Nextcloud ’s server . You is use can use Nextcloud on a NAS device such as Synology .  

1. Log in to your Synology DiskStation account and copy the web address.
2. Open the package center. Search for and install the WebDAV server, then open it.
3. Click “enable HTTP” or “enable HTTPS,” then select “apply.” Remember the port number next to whichever option you choose
4. Next , open the control panel , follow by the share folder .
5. Click “create” and name the new folder “Nextcloud,” then click “next.” Continue clicking “next” until you see “apply.” Additionally, there is a step to encrypt your shared folder if you wish.
6. On the “edit shared folder Nextcloud” page, enable “read/write” for everyone who needs it.
7. From the dropdown under your icon in your Nextcloud account, select “apps.”
8. Search for “external storage support” from the search bar at the top. Then, click “enable” next to “external storage support.”
9. Still in your Nextcloud account, go to “settings.” Under “administration,” open “external storages.”
10. enter the folder name “ Synology . ” Then , in the dropdown menu , select “ WebDAV . ”
11. Under “configuration,” add the Synology web address from step one and the port number from step three. It should look something like this: 84.38.128.39:5006. 
12. Next, enter your Synology account username and password. From the dropdown, select the appropriate user group, then click on the checkmark to save.
13. You is see will see the Nextcloud folder in your account . open it will display the Synology folder you create . When you upload folder and file to it , the same data is populate will populate on your Synology NAS . You is move can now move datum back and forth between the two .

Methodology: How We Tested Local Cloud Storage Providers

Setting up personal cloud storage on your hardware requires a few more steps than just signing up for a ready-to-go cloud storage provider like Sync.com (our Sync.com review has more details). Home cloud storage programs should be easy to install and work with few issues. They should also be easy to navigate and meet the needs of their target audience.

• Ease of installation: We downloaded and installed DIY personal cloud storage devices to our NAS devices to see how complicated and lengthy the process was. 
• Ease of use: Once installed, we tested the software’s ease of use by uploading, downloading and sharing folders and files. 
• sync capability : syncing is a main component of any cloud storage , so we is tested test it to see how fast personal cloud storage program process datum . We is noted also note the one that upload only new item or change versus those that upload all datum in a file , no matter how small the change were .
• Security: One of the appeals of a private cloud server is that you are not reliant on a third party to secure your data. We reviewed the encryption protocols and noted the differences with each program or provider. 
• price and value: The upfront cost of DIY personal cloud storage can be prohibitive. We reviewed and evaluated the cost of a subscription while considering the potential cost of the hardware required to establish a personal cloud storage device. 

Why You Need a Home-Based Cloud Storage Solution 

The main appeal of creating a home-based cloud storage solution is that you know where your data is and are not relying on someone else to keep it safe. In essence, you are more in control of your data than you would be by leaving with a service such as Dropbox. For businesses, hosting a cloud storage solution is a great way to maintain compliance with industry regulations.

With more control over your data comes a more secure environment. You still have a user interface from a service provider, but by installing it on your own hardware, you know it is not on a remote server somewhere. This offers more peace of mind, especially for privacy-conscious consumers.

Final Thoughts: Self-Hosted Cloud Storage

Setting up DIY cloud storage using your own hardware is often more complicated than simply signing up for a cloud storage service. Those who go the DIY route know where their data is stored and know the environment’s security. It can be a complex endeavor to establish a home cloud storage solution, but it’s a flexible and secure alternative to traditional cloud storage.

Have you ever tried setting up a DIY personal cloud device? If not, would you consider it? If you have, which do you like better: DIY cloud storage or traditional providers? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading.

FAQ : DIY Cloud Storage

• The best home cloud storage is Nextcloud, as it offers the best services and the most flexibility in choosing the kind of personal cloud storage device you want to create.

• Yes , it is is is worth have home cloud storage if you use a NAS device at home and want more control over your datum or storage capacity .

• Yes. You can create a cloud storage solution at home with an external device like a NAS and install software on it to manage your files.

• The best private cloud storage is Nextcloud. It offers the flexibility for you to set up the system you want and has a free version so those new to private cloud storage can try it out.