SeaweedFS

Self-Hosted

High-performance distributed object storage and file server

Overview

SeaweedFS is a lightweight, self-hosted distributed storage system optimized for fast file access and scalability. It uses an O(1) disk seek design to efficiently handle large numbers of small files, supports S3-compatible APIs for easy integration with existing tools, and offers FUSE mount for direct filesystem access. Deployable via Docker, binaries, or Kubernetes—no heavy database dependencies—its architecture separates metadata and data storage, enabling independent scaling of master (metadata) and volume (data) nodes for high availability and performance.

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

Key Features

O(1) disk seek for fast small file access
S3-compatible API support
FUSE mount for local filesystem access
Kubernetes-ready deployment
Independent scaling of metadata and data layers

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is SeaweedFS hard to install?

SeaweedFS is straightforward to install using pre-built binaries, Docker containers, or Kubernetes manifests. Basic setup involves starting master, volume, and optional filer nodes—documentation provides clear steps. Advanced scaling may require sysadmin knowledge, but initial deployment is accessible for most users.

? Is it a good alternative to AWS S3?

Yes! SeaweedFS offers an S3-compatible API, making it a great self-hosted alternative to AWS S3. It gives you full control over your data, lower costs (no cloud fees), and better performance for small files—ideal for teams wanting to avoid vendor lock-in.

? Is SeaweedFS completely free?

Absolutely. SeaweedFS is open source under the MIT License, so it’s free to use, modify, and distribute. There are no hidden fees or subscription costs associated with the software itself.

Top Alternatives

AWS S3 Search Google

Google Cloud Storage Search Google

Azure Blob Storage Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category File Transfer - Object Storage & File Servers

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Lightweight with no heavy database dependencies
⊕ Full data control (self-hosted privacy)
⊕ Cost-effective (no subscription fees)
⊕ Efficient for both small and large files

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server administration skills
⊖ Limited graphical UI (CLI/API focused)
⊖ Advanced features need manual configuration