Puter

Self-Hosted

Open-source self-hosted cloud storage & file synchronization platform

Overview

Puter is an open-source alternative to Dropbox and Google Drive, offering secure file storage, real-time cross-device synchronization, and collaborative tools like shared folders, file previews, and team access controls. It supports Docker deployment for easy setup, integrates with existing storage solutions, and prioritizes user privacy by keeping data on your own server. Suitable for personal or small team use, it balances cloud convenience with self-hosted control, making it a flexible choice for file sync and collaboration needs.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  puter:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: puter
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Real-time cross-device file synchronization
Secure shared folders & team collaboration
Docker-based simplified deployment
Multi-format file previews (docs, images, videos)

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Puter hard to install?

Puter is designed for simplicity with Docker deployment—you can set it up using a single command. Detailed documentation is available for self-hosting on VPS or local servers, making it accessible for users with basic sysadmin knowledge.

? Is Puter a good alternative to Google Drive?

Yes! Puter offers core features like file sync, shared folders, and cross-device access similar to Google Drive, but with self-hosted data control. It’s perfect for users prioritizing privacy over Google’s ecosystem lock-in.

? Is Puter completely free?

Puter is 100% free and open-source. There are no paid tiers or hidden costs—you only pay for your server or hosting resources if you choose to self-host it.

Top Alternatives

Dropbox Compare

Google Drive Compare

Microsoft OneDrive Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category File Transfer & Synchronization

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full data ownership & privacy control
⊕ Free and open-source (no subscription fees)
⊕ Easy to set up with Docker
⊕ Cross-device sync across desktop & mobile

Cons

⊖ Requires server resources for self-hosting
⊖ Limited enterprise-level features compared to SaaS tools
⊖ Smaller community support than established platforms