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Seafile vs ownCloud Comparison

Last updated:

Seafile

4.2(23 reviews)

Starting at $100 /User/Year

  • Individuals
  • Large Enterprises

Seafile is a file synchronization, sharing and collaboration application. It gives user an easy-to-manage centralized cloud storage space. Any number of people can access Seafile from various platforms such as Windows, M…

ownCloud

4.2(185 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

ownCloud is the technology to access data on all of the devices. From fast file sharing with sync and share, to convenient, easy sharing on any device - on or off the grid - whatever suits business best. Part of a comple…

Seafile vs ownCloud — at a glance

FeatureSeafileownCloud
Rating4.2 / 54.2 / 5
Reviews23185
Starting price$100 /User/YearContact for pricing
Free trial No No
Free version No No
Best forIndividuals, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryCloud File Storage SoftwareCloud Content Collaboration Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailable
Support modes24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, OnlineOnline
CertificationsGDPRSOC 2
Data residencyGlobalGlobal

Key differences between Seafile and ownCloud

  • Pricing: Seafile starts at $100 /User/Year. ownCloud pricing is not publicly listed.
  • Target audience: Seafile is built for Individuals and Large Enterprises, while ownCloud targets Large Enterprises and Medium Business.
  • Deployment: Seafile supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; ownCloud supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.

Seafile vs ownCloud — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Cloud File Storage Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Seafile - File Sync Software
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ownCloud - Cloud Content Collaboration Software
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Seafile

Best for secure, cross-platform file syncing in IT and enterprise teams.

Choose if
  • You need robust encryption and secure document management features.
  • Your team requires seamless file synchronization across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
  • You prefer an open-source solution allowing customization and transparency.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your users are non-technical and need a simple, plug-and-play setup.
  • You require extensive third-party app integrations and marketplace connectors.

ownCloud

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

Seafile typically suits Individuals and Large Enterprises. ownCloud tends to fit Large Enterprises and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

Seafile is a file synchronization, sharing and collaboration application. It gives user an easy-to-manage centralized cloud storage space. Any number of people can access Seafile from ... Read More about Seafile

ownCloud is the technology to access data on all of the devices. From fast file sharing with sync and share, to convenient, easy sharing on any device - on or off the grid - whatever suits ... Read More about ownCloud

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $100
  • Not Available

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.2

(23)

Best Company Size

Small BusinessLarge Enterprises
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Software Demo

Demo

No software demo available

Seafile has not given any software demo yet

If you're the owner of this profile, add your demo.Contact us

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Compare Seafile and ownCloud on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Starting From

      • $100
      • Not Available

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available
      • Not Available

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Small Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals
      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Small Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals

      Platforms Supported

      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Mobile - Windows
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Mobile - Windows
      • Browser Based (Cloud)

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Not Available
      • Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      SOC 2

      ✓ Yes

      HIPAA

      ✗ No

      GDPR

      ✓ Yes

      Single Sign-On (SSO)

      ✓ Yes

      Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

      ✓ Yes

      Data Encryption

      ✓ Yes

      Audit Logs

      ✓ Yes

      Data Residency

      🌐 Global
      🌐 Global

      Seafile User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      Rating Distribution

      17

      11

      0

      0

      0

      101

      52

      13

      4

      2

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

      Users generally appreciate Seafile's secure, cross-platform file syncing and open-source benefits but note challenges with setup and occasional sync issues.

      What buyers like

      • Ease of use
      • Security and encryption
      • Cross-platform compatibility

      Common complaints

      • Sync errors
      • Complex installation

      Buyer sentiment

      Buyer sentiment is positive across 172 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction.

      What buyers like

      • Fast file sharing
      • Cross-device compatibility
      • Easy to use

      Common complaints

      • Limited advanced features
      • May require setup time
      • Performance may vary offline

      Pros and Cons

      • Open-source nature providing security and platform independence

      • Robust real-time encryption and document management features

      • Seamless syncing of files across multiple devices and central server

      • Sync errors and usability issues for non-technical users

      • Limited marketplace apps and connectors restricting advanced functionality

      • Offers seamless file syncing across devices.

      • User-friendly interface simplifies file sharing.

      • Supports offline access for enhanced flexibility.

      • Advanced features may be lacking.

      • Performance can be inconsistent offline.

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      List of Customers

      Customers

      Kaspersky Lab

      Kaspersky Lab

      Iniversite De Strasbourg

      Iniversite De Strasbourg

      Wuppertal

      Wuppertal

      Bauhaus

      Bauhaus

      Cern

      Cern

      Datto

      Datto

      Media and Screenshots

      Screenshots

      Zimbra Zimlet

      4 Screenshots

      Collaboration

      5 Screenshots

      Videos

      No videos available.

      video-0

      2 Videos

      Top Alternatives to Seafile and ownCloud in 2026

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      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, Seafile or ownCloud?
      Seafile and ownCloud are closely matched with equal user ratings of 4.2. The right choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific Cloud Content Collaboration Software needs.
      Do Seafile and ownCloud offer a free trial?
      Neither Seafile nor ownCloud currently lists a free trial.
      What is the starting price of Seafile vs ownCloud?
      Seafile starts at $100 /User/Year. ownCloud starts at Contact for pricing.
      What are the top alternatives to Seafile?
      Top alternatives to Seafile include SmartFile, ShareFile, Sync.com, Dropbox Business, FileCloud.
      What are the top alternatives to ownCloud?
      Top alternatives to ownCloud include Nextcloud, ShareFile, CloudFiles, Google Drive, FileCloud.

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