Nextcloud vs Google Drive: European Cloud Storage Comparison
Compare Nextcloud and Google Drive: features, privacy, self-hosting options, and pricing. Discover why Nextcloud is the leading European alternative for cloud storage and collaboration.
Google Drive
Cloud storage by Google
Google⚡ Quick Summary
Nextcloud wins on data control with self-hosting and full sovereignty. Google Drive wins on ease of use and free storage. Choose Nextcloud if you need GDPR compliance and data control.
Advantages (Nextcloud)
- +Complete data sovereignty - host on your own servers
- +Open source with 200+ available apps and integrations
- +GDPR compliant by design when self-hosted in EU
- +No vendor lock-in - migrate your data anytime
Disadvantages
- -Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting setup
- -No free cloud storage included (must host yourself or pay provider)
- -Performance depends on your hosting infrastructure
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Nextcloud | Google Drive | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-hosting option | Nextcloud | ||
| Open source | Nextcloud | ||
| GDPR compliant | Partial | Nextcloud | |
| Data sovereignty | Full control | Google servers | Nextcloud |
| End-to-end encryption | Available | Nextcloud | |
| Office suite included | Tie | ||
| Mobile apps | Tie | ||
| Free storage (hosted) | Provider dependent | 15 GB | Google Drive |
| Ease of setup | Technical | Very easy | Google Drive |
| Third-party integrations | 200+ apps | Google ecosystem | Tie |
Our Verdict
Nextcloud is the best choice for organizations and individuals who need full control over their data. While Google Drive is easier to set up and offers more free storage, Nextcloud provides complete data sovereignty, self-hosting capabilities, and is fully open source. For businesses in the EU, Nextcloud ensures GDPR compliance without relying on US cloud providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nextcloud a good alternative to Google Drive?
Yes, Nextcloud is an excellent alternative to Google Drive, especially for users who value privacy and data sovereignty. It offers similar features including file sync, sharing, and collaboration tools, but with the option to self-host and maintain full control over your data.
Do I need technical skills to use Nextcloud?
Not necessarily. While self-hosting Nextcloud requires some technical knowledge, many European hosting providers offer managed Nextcloud instances that are as easy to use as Google Drive. You can also use Nextcloud through providers like Hetzner, IONOS, or dedicated Nextcloud hosts.
Is Nextcloud free?
Nextcloud software is completely free and open source. You can self-host it at no cost (besides server expenses) or use a managed hosting provider. Enterprise support plans are available for businesses that need professional support and additional features.
Sources
- officialNextcloud Official Website
- documentationNextcloud Documentation
- officialGoogle Drive Official Website
Last updated: 2026-01-11