Nextcloud vs Microsoft OneDrive
Nextcloud and Microsoft OneDrive are both file storage & sharing tools. Nextcloud is aimed at enterprise and developers, while Microsoft OneDrive is aimed at small businesses and enterprise. Both have a free plan.
Self-hosted content collaboration platform
Microsoft's cloud storage and file sync, bundled with Microsoft 365
| Pricing | Open source | Freemium · $2 |
| Starting price | Not published | $1.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Built for | Enterprise, Developers | Small businesses, Enterprise, Freelancers |
| Platforms | web, macos, windows, ios, android | web, windows, macos, ios, android |
| Country | DE · 2016 | US · 2007 |
| Rating | — | — |
Choose Nextcloud if
Organizations needing self-hosted collaboration.
- Full data control
- All-in-one suite
- Open source
Look elsewhere if: Teams wanting zero maintenance.
Choose Microsoft OneDrive if
Windows users and Microsoft 365 organizations that want storage tightly wired into Office and Teams.
- Included with Microsoft 365, so often no extra cost
- Deep integration with Windows and Office apps
- 1 TB per person on Personal and Family plans
Look elsewhere if: Linux users or teams standardized on other suites (Google Drive, Dropbox, Box).
Nextcloud vs Microsoft OneDrive pricing
Nextcloud
- Community$0Self-hosted, AGPL
- Enterprise Standard€71.29/user/yr100+ users min; excl. VAT; €53.17 at 200+
- Enterprise Premium€104.99/user/yr100+ users; extended support
- Enterprise Ultimate€204.75/user/yr100+ users; Assistant, Flow, 24/7
- Talk Standard€42/user/yr100+ users
Microsoft OneDrive
- Microsoft 365 Free$05 GB cloud storage and web Office apps
- Microsoft 365 Basic$1.99/mo$19.99/yr; 100 GB, ad-free Outlook
- Microsoft 365 Personal$9.99/mo$99.99/yr; 1 TB, desktop Office apps, Copilot
- Microsoft 365 Family$12.99/mo$129.99/yr; up to 6 people, 1 TB each
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic$7/user/moAnnual commitment; 1 TB per user, web Office apps, Teams
Nextcloud · Key features
- File sync and share
- Office editing via Collabora/OnlyOffice
- Talk chat and video
- Calendar and contacts
- End-to-end encryption
- Apps ecosystem
Cons
- Self-hosting effort
- Performance tuning
- UI less polished than Google
Microsoft OneDrive · Key features
- Files On-Demand shows every cloud file without using local disk space
- Automatic backup of Windows Desktop, Documents and Pictures folders
- Real-time co-authoring in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Personal Vault with extra identity verification for sensitive files
- Version history and ransomware detection with whole-drive restore
- Sharing links with view or edit rights, passwords and expiry dates
Cons
- No official Linux client
- Big jump from 100 GB to 1 TB with nothing in between
- Sharing permissions can confuse external guests
Nextcloud vs Microsoft OneDrive: FAQ
Do Nextcloud and Microsoft OneDrive have a free plan?
Yes, both Nextcloud and Microsoft OneDrive have a free plan; paid plans add more usage and features.
Which is better for small businesses, Nextcloud or Microsoft OneDrive?
Microsoft OneDrive lists small businesses as a core audience, while Nextcloud is aimed more at enterprise and developers.