Seafile

Self-Hosted

Open-source file sync and share solution with end-to-end encryption

Overview

Seafile is an open-source file synchronization and sharing platform focused on privacy and control. It offers secure file storage, cross-device sync (desktop, mobile, web), team collaboration tools (shared libraries, version control), and end-to-end encryption for sensitive data. Easy to self-host via Docker or pre-built Linux packages, it supports enterprise integrations (LDAP, SAML) and mobile apps for iOS/Android. Ideal for individuals and teams avoiding third-party clouds, it balances accessibility with full data ownership.

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:
  seafile:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: seafile
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

End-to-end encrypted private libraries
Cross-device sync (desktop, mobile, web)
Team collaboration with shared libraries and version control
Docker deployment and enterprise integrations (LDAP/SAML)

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Seafile hard to install?

Seafile is relatively easy to install using Docker (official images available) or pre-built packages for Linux servers. The documentation provides step-by-step guides for various deployment scenarios, making it accessible for users with basic server admin skills.

? Is it a good alternative to Dropbox?

Yes—Seafile offers similar sync/share features but with self-hosting for full data control. It includes end-to-end encryption (missing in Dropbox for all files) and team tools, making it a strong privacy-focused alternative for individuals/teams.

? Is it completely free?

The Community Edition is open-source and free for self-hosting. The Pro Edition (advanced collaboration, audit logs, priority support) requires a paid license based on user count, but core features are fully free.

Top Alternatives

Dropbox Compare

Google Drive Compare

OneDrive Compare

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category File Transfer & Synchronization

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted, full data control)
⊕ No subscription for core Community Edition features
⊕ Robust version control and file recovery
⊕ Lightweight server resource footprint

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server administration skills for setup
⊖ Advanced Pro features (audit logs, API) need paid license
⊖ Mobile app UI may feel less polished than SaaS alternatives