Comparison of Features and Pricing - ownCloud vs NextCloud 2022

The ownCloud Nextcloud debate is significant in the file sharing world. Both platforms have a powerful base for enterprise file sharing and support for add-on apps and customer service. Nextcloud, however, has been seeing more growth in the past few years compared to ownCloud. Therefore, while ownCloud is still a major player, it seems that Nextcloud has taken a strong lead.

What About FileCloud?

While we discuss ownCloud and Nextcloud features, we’ll also go over FileCloud’s similarities, and show why we think FileCloud is the better alternative for many reasons including its security, customization, and pricing. Below, you’ll find a chart detailing FileCloud vs Nextcloud vs ownCloud enterprise edition pricing and features.

ownCloud NextCloud Comparison

ownCloud vs Nextcloud vs FileCloud 2022 Feature and Pricing Comparison
	FileCloud	ownCloud	Nextcloud
Hosting Options & Features
On Premise/Self-Hosted
Multi-Tenancy
ServerSync – Sync/backup Local File Server to the Cloud (Extra Cost)
ServerLink – Multi-Site Replication (Extra Cost)
Storage, Sync & Backup Features
Storage Sync
Large File Support, max file size
Supported Local Storage
Storage Limitation	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Endpoint Backup (Multiple folders)
Mobile Features
Mobile OS Compatibility	iOS, Android, Windows Phone	iOS, Android	iOS, Android
iOS, Android Media backup
Activity Streams, Comments
Offline Sync
Desktop Clients
Desktop Sync – Cross Platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Desktop Drive – Cross Platform (Windows, Mac)
Microsoft Office Add-on
Cloud Features
File Sharing
Secure Access
Granular Sub Folder Permissions
Team Folders
Free Limited Users
Document Web Edit (Collabora)
Document Web Edit (Office Online Server)
DICOM Medical Images Preview (e.g. X-rays, Scans)
Customization
Customization, Branding	Custom branding, White label, Emails, ToS Policies etc	Custom branding, White label, Emails, ToS Policies etc	Custom branding, White label, Emails, ToS Policies etc
Security, Access Control & Existing File Systems Integration
Integrate – Existing Home Directories
NTFS Support
Network Share Support
Network Share Versioning
Active Directory Support
Multiple Active Directory
Single Sign-On
Built-in Ransomware Protection			Using External Apps
SAML Authentication
Data At Rest Encryption
Two Factor Authentication(2FA)
File Locking
Compliance & Data Governance
Integrated Compliance Dashboard
Simplified Compliance Configurations
ITAR Compliance
HIPAA Compliance
FINRA Compliance
GDPR Compliance
GDPR Pattern Search (Extra Cost)
FIPS 140-2 (U.S. government security standard)
Extensibility
API Support
Zapier Integration
Chrome Browser Extensions
Sharepoint plugin
E-signature	Under Development
Amazon S3/OpenStack Support
Audit & Admin Tools
Access and Monitoring Control
Mobile Device Management (Block devices, remote wipe, notification to devices)
Audit Reports
Geo IP Access Reports
File Analytics & Reporting (Summary of Client Applications per OS & Type, User Shares, Active Files Managed, File Type Distribution)
Role Based Administration
Based on public information available as of 3/21/2022. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

ownCloud NextCloud Pricing Comparison

The chart above shows that both ownCloud and Nextcloud are missing important features (or these features must be purchased separately). Costs can soar further if you want to add stringent security features like DLP, DRM, smart content classification, or compliance support. Some features are available across all three products, but when examined closely, ownCloud and Nextcloud are missing many relevant features that clients often need.

Flexible Deployment

You can host FileCloud Server on-premises for complete data control with powerful encryption capabilities that can protect files at rest and in transit. You’ll be able to share sensitive financial and enterprise information securely, whether you’re sharing internally or externally. Alternatively, you can deploy FileCloud as a private cloud or hybrid solution — you choose the region where your data is hosted.

ownCloud offers similar deployment flexibility, but security options may not be as robust as you’d like. Nextcloud features are being rolled out at an increasing rate, but you can only run it as an on-prem solution. In FileCloud vs Nextcloud, FileCloud’s flexibility and deployment options make it a superior option by navigating away from a one-size-fits-all model and enabling clients to choose the model that works best for their business.

FileCloud vs ownCloud vs Nextcloud Files on Demand

Accessing files on demand is a major feature for a file storage and sharing platforms like ownCloud, Nextcloud, and FileCloud. Don’t get us wrong, ownCloud and Nextcloud are well-rounded solutions, providing easy access to files and strong security features. However, FileCloud also provides all these features as well as data leak prevention, unlimited file versioning, unlimited free client accounts, and more. With FileCloud’s emphasis on hyper-security, data governance, and compliance solutions, it performs above the rest.

Secure File Sharing

Now that you have ownCloud or Nextcloud files on demand, you may want to collaborate and share them with internal employees or teams as well as external clients, contractors, and project stakeholders in a secure fashion. In a head to head ownCloud Nextcloud comparison, they both offer time-limited shares as well as public and private options. FileCloud also offers granular sharing options, all within an inuitive interface. Share files, folders, and subfolders, without compromising your security.

However, there is an important security distinction between FileCloud vs Nextcloud: with FileCloud, you can leverage an unlimited number of free client accounts. This makes it easy to share files securely with external recipients, without running up the cost of your deployment for additional licenses. Similarly, FileCloud vs ownCloud reveals another FileCloud strength: embedded file upload forms. This makes it easy for people to upload necessary documents to a secure page, without even needing to send a share link.

Enhanced Team and Client Communication

FileCloud’s simple, yet extensive client portal makes it easy for your clients and internal teams to access and edit necessary files anywhere and anytime. Gone are the long hours on a phone or waiting for an email response — users will be able to log in to your portal software at their convenience, creating a dynamic and seamless experience.

A secure document sharing portal enhances team and client communication by providing a centralized platform for safe file exchanges. It ensures that all shared documents are encrypted and accessible only to authorized users, facilitating seamless collaboration. This secure environment fosters trust and efficiency, streamlining communication across teams and with clients.

Access is a key component of a CCP, and certainly a critical point for communication and collaboration. It should come as no surprise that ownCloud, FileCloud, and Nextcloud files on demand appear to function similarly. Each offers a user portal where individuals can access recently opened files in an activity view. They can also choose to open their own files or work in a shared folder location. In FileCloud, this is called Team Folders.

Beyond File Sharing

The latest features within Nextcloud suggest that Nextcloud is focusing increasingly on extending the security functions of the app and enabling a digital workplace. ownCloud has its own array of security features, but for some of these, like ownCloud remote wipe, you must upgrade to the enterprise edition. This feature comes with NextCloud and FileCloud standard editions.

This is an important distinction, because NextCloud, FileCloud, and ownCloud remote wipe offers a critical element of control over data, regardless of the device it was uploaded by. In the event of suspicious activity or a lost device, admins need to be able to wipe data from devices remotely. Additionally, admins should be able to block users or IP addresses remotely. FileCloud supports all these admin capabilities and more, thanks to the comprehensive audit logs, admin reports, and the Geo-IP map.

FileCloud is also inclined toward innovative functionality, digital workflows, automation, and an easy-to-use interface. FileCloud’s 21.2 and 21.3 versions released many new features, including Workflow Automation, an integrated Compliance Center for ITAR, HIPAA, and GDPR, and integrations for Microsoft Teams, OnlyOffice, and Google Docs. In a Nextcloud vs FileCloud comparison, Nextcloud either doesn’t offer these kinds of compliance or integration support or you have to upgrade to access these features.

Workflow Automation with FileCloud

FileCloud wants to make work not only better, but easier. That’s where Workflow Automation comes into play. Workflow Automation lets users automate certain tedious but important administrative tasks like approvals, sign offs, and document reviews.

Workflow Automation often requires an entirely new (and expensive) system to install, but with FileCloud, it’s part of the platform. Users can create workflows with a drag-and-drop, no-code design that anyone can use—no IT experience required.

These workflows are available for review within a dashboard, where users can see all running workflows and address any errors in automation.

Customization and Branding

FileCloud is a truly flexible solution that puts control back in the hands of the client, even over details like customization. Nextcloud and ownCloud customization options are more limited for the basic paid plans. To gain access to certain options, such as adding a logo to the mobile app or customizing the text of Terms of Service and UI notifications, you may have to upgrade to an enterprise plan. In comparison, these options come automatically with FileCloud’s standard plan.

Furthermore, FileCloud supports full customization of multi-tenant sites. ownCloud customization is feasible, but the multi-tenancy in ownCloud is based on segmenting the data (not the sites) or running up multiple instances (thereby running up your costs).
 
 

Website/Documentation

As a relatively new software offering, Nextcloud lacks clear user instructions and has an online manual with limited information. FileCloud, on the other hand, has been available for years and has well-established development, testing, and support teams. Between FileCloud vs Nextcloud, FileCloud has a clear advantage thanks to its top-rated support and documentation.