# Open-source alternatives to Box

> Open-source alternatives to Box that run locally, allow commercial use and need no paid API include OpenCloud (desktop file sync, file sharing links and browser access to files; Apache-2.0; runs on CPU). Nextcloud Server, OpenCloud and Seafile cover all 3 Box jobs.

Box: Box sells cloud file storage, sharing and business content tools. The alternatives cover file access and sharing rather than Box's full governance, AI and e-signature platform. Pricing: See pricing page (checked 2026-10-16). Facts checked 2026-10-16.

## Projects

| Project | Jobs | Runs locally | Commercial use | Paid services | Hardware |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Nextcloud Server](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/nextcloud-server) | desktop-file-sync, file-share-links, file-version-history, web-file-access, mobile-photo-backup | Self-hosted on your own server, or hosted by a Nextcloud provider | Yes under AGPL-3.0 copyleft terms; modified network deployments must share source | None required; Nextcloud Enterprise (paid support) and hosted providers are optional | At least 128 MB RAM per PHP process, 512 MB recommended |
| [Seafile](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/seafile) | desktop-file-sync, file-share-links, file-version-history, web-file-access | Self-hosted server with Docker; desktop and mobile clients | Community Edition under AGPL/GPL/Apache terms; Professional Edition is proprietary and needs a paid licence above three users | None for Community Edition; Professional Edition (clustering, SeaSearch) is paid beyond three users | Community Edition with Docker - 2 cores, 2 GB RAM, 10 GB disk (50 GB+ recommended) |
| [OpenCloud](https://repoquarry.dev/projects/opencloud) | desktop-file-sync, file-share-links, web-file-access | Self-hosted single binary or Docker Compose | Yes, Apache-2.0 | None required; OpenCloud GmbH sells enterprise support separately | Minimum 1 GHz single core and 512 MB RAM for up to 10 users; dual core and 8 GB RAM for up to 1,000 users |

## Common questions

### Is there a free, open-source alternative to Box?

Yes. Nextcloud Server, Seafile and OpenCloud are free to download and run on your own computer without paid API keys. Each covers every job we list for Box.

### Can I do desktop file sync locally without a Box subscription?

Yes, with Nextcloud Server (AGPL-3.0-or-later), Seafile (AGPL-3.0-only) and OpenCloud (Apache-2.0). Check the hardware notes and licence conditions on each page before you start.

### Can I do file sharing links locally without a Box subscription?

Yes, with Nextcloud Server (AGPL-3.0-or-later), Seafile (AGPL-3.0-only) and OpenCloud (Apache-2.0). Check the hardware notes and licence conditions on each page before you start.

### Which Box alternatives can I use commercially?

Confirmed: OpenCloud. With conditions: Nextcloud Server and Seafile. This is not legal advice; read each licence.

### Does any open-source project replace all of Box?

Nextcloud Server, OpenCloud and Seafile cover every job we list for Box.

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Source: RepoQuarry (https://repoquarry.dev/alternatives/box). Data licence: CC BY 4.0. Quotes are from project documentation and belong to their authors.