Free alternatives to Dropbox
2 free programs that can replace Dropbox, each pairing checked by Radar's AI reviewer or by Radar.
Dropbox is an online service, sold as a subscription, that keeps files in the cloud and in sync across your computers and phone. Individuals, freelancers and teams use it to store documents, share folders and links, and work on the same files with other people.
Before you switch, check:
- Sharing: people who send you Dropbox links or folders may still expect you to use it, so decide how you will receive and share files.
- Whether the alternative stores files on a server or only syncs between your own devices, and what that means when a computer is switched off.
- Phone apps, file history and recovery of deleted files.
- Integrations with other apps you use.
- A copy of everything: download or sync your files to a disk before closing the account. Syncing is different from backing up.
Syncthing is listed below, so compare it with these points.
| Program | Ease | You need | Risk signals | Stars | Downloads this week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SyncthingKeep folders automatically in sync between your own devices, directly and without a cloud service. | Ease Binstaller plus one simple step · Windows | Nothing extra | Few signals | 89,951+205 in 6 days | 60,438 |
| resticBacks up your files, encrypted and without storing the same data twice, to a disk, a server or cloud storage. | Ease Cinstall 1 or 2 tools · Windows | Nothing extra | Attention · 1 | 36,911+92 in 5 days | 238,807 |
Frequently asked questions
Which free alternative to Dropbox is the easiest to install?
Syncthing has the highest ease rating among the 2 options: B (installer plus one simple step · Windows).
Is there a free alternative to Dropbox for Windows, Mac and Linux?
Windows: Syncthing, restic. macOS: Syncthing, restic. Linux: Syncthing, restic.
Are the alternatives to Dropbox really free?
All 2 are completely free.
How can I tell whether an alternative is trustworthy?
Each card shows the risk signals found, with the evidence. 1 of the 2 has no signal rated attention or high. See also the guide How to find a GitHub project's official repository and avoid fake copies.