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ownCloud Pros and Cons: Top 5 Advantages and Disadvantages

Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews

Generated from real user reviews

Users find ownCloud's ease of use impressive, appreciating its user-friendly interface and quick setup for secure file management. (12 mentions)
Users value the strong security features of ownCloud, ensuring data privacy and control during file sharing and collaboration. (9 mentions)
Users value ownCloud's full control over data security, ensuring compliance and privacy for sensitive business files. (6 mentions)
Users commend ownCloud for its reliable data syncing, ensuring security and control over sensitive business files. (4 mentions)
Users value the exceptional data management of ownCloud, enjoying complete control and enhanced security for their files. (3 mentions)
Users struggle with the difficult setup of ownCloud, finding it complex and not user-friendly for non-technical individuals. (8 mentions)
Users find ownCloud lacking features like automatic photo categorization and improved UI, impacting usability and performance. (4 mentions)
Users experience slow performance and scalability challenges, requiring manual tuning for optimal use in larger setups. (4 mentions)
Users highlight the need for significant training required to navigate the complex setup and configuration of ownCloud. (4 mentions)
Users face user interface issues with ownCloud, including complexity during setup and a less intuitive design compared to competitors. (4 mentions)

5 Pros or Advantages of ownCloud

5 Cons or Disadvantages of ownCloud

ownCloud Reviews (240)

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ownCloud Reviews (240)

View 1 Video Reviews
4.3
240 reviews
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Harvey E.
HE
Harvey E.
"Secure, Flexible Cloud Storage Alternative"
4.5/5
What do you like best about ownCloud?

I like ownCloud for the full control it provides over data and privacy. Being self-hosted, it allows me to decide where files are stored, who can access them, and how security is managed. I appreciate its smooth file syncing and reliable sharing, which facilitate easy collaboration without relying on third-party cloud providers. The self-hosting and data ownership options, granular sharing permissions, and strong security features like encryption and access controls are incredibly valuable. The reliable desktop and mobile syncing ensures files are always available, and the collaboration features like link sharing and versioning make teamwork smooth, all while preserving privacy and control. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ownCloud?

Some things about ownCloud that could be improved are performance and scalability tuning, which can require manual optimization on larger deployments, and the mobile app experience, which feels more basic compared to mainstream cloud services. The app/plugin ecosystem is also more limited, and initial server setup and maintenance can be complex for non-technical users. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

LN
Larry N.
Senior Information Technology Specialist
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Affordable, Easy to Use with Room for Security Enhancements"
4.5/5
What do you like best about ownCloud?

I find ownCloud to be quick and easy to implement, which made setup a solid 100 out of 100 super easy for me. It's an affordable solution that's easily accessible by anyone without needing fancy apps, making document storage and sharing online straightforward. I appreciate that I can sync it directly with Windows Explorer. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ownCloud?

The security could be improved. MFA could be introduced. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

DB
Deepansha B.
Designer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"OwnCloud: The Private Cloud Solution for Control Freaks"
4.5/5
What do you like best about ownCloud?

For me, the best part of OwnCloud is that I have absolute control over my data. With Google Drive or Dropbox, for example, your files are just stored on some big company's servers and for the most part you have no idea where it’s actually stored or what is going on with your files, storage, and privacy. Through OwnCloud I can store everything locally on my own server, with my domain name, and there is a value in that for my team and I because we work with some sensitive files and we just want to be in control of our security and privacy. The interface is pretty standard for cloud storage systems, so after the initial setup, it is simple to use. It is a large sign of relief to know that it is cloud storage backed by open-source code, which means the community is always improving and enhancing it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ownCloud?

Alright, so the biggest con, and it is a pretty big con, is the initial setup. Configuration of a Syncro server is definitely not user-friendly, so it's not a solution for a person that's not tech-savvy. You have to understand what you're doing with a server, and the configuration process can be a real pain. The performance can also be finicky as well. If you're syncing a large folder with many files, it can feel a little slow. It's not a deal-breaker, but you will notice it. Also, like most products, be careful when checking out the paid add-ons and the managed services, they add up quickly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Oluyede O.
OO
Oluyede O.
"Secure File Management with Tech-Savvy Setup"
4/5
What do you like best about ownCloud?

I like using ownCloud for storing my files as it ensures security for my files and data. It helps solve my problems like avoiding scams because there's no third-party involved, and I appreciate its fast syncing capability. I find ownCloud's features particularly appealing, especially the privacy it offers, the ability to manage my own server, and having full control of my files, which aids my tech skills. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ownCloud?

It's not beginner-friendly because it requires a server to be set up and the UI is less polished and needs improvement. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Tina D.
TD
Tina D.
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Effortless Data Retrieval and Reliable Storage Solution"
5/5
What do you like best about ownCloud?

I like ownCloud for its ability to retrieve important information even if my hard drive fails. I find the initial setup very easy. I also really value how it helps save important documents, spreadsheets, and more, mitigating the loss of important information. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ownCloud?

Nothing Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Argenis P.
AP
Argenis P.
Consultor Senior de Sostenibilidad
Consulting
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Reliable Open-Source Platform for Secure File Sharing"
5/5
What do you like best about ownCloud?

What I like best about ownCloud is the strong focus on data privacy and security. Unlike many cloud storage providers, it allows full control over where and how data is stored, which is crucial for organizations with strict compliance requirements. I also appreciate its open-source nature, which provides flexibility, transparency, and a strong community of developers constantly improving the platform. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ownCloud?

The main drawback of ownCloud is that the initial setup and configuration can be complex, especially for non-technical users. Compared to other cloud solutions, the user interface feels less intuitive, and some integrations with third-party applications are not as seamless as they could be. In addition, performance can vary depending on the server environment, which requires ongoing monitoring and technical expertise. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Market Research
UM
Verified User in Market Research
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Excellent File Sharing with Clear Sync Activity"
5/5
What do you like best about ownCloud?

File sharing and syncing ability and it's sync activity Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ownCloud?

Sometimes stops working if not up to date and have to update and restart app for it to work again Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Information Technology and Services
AI
Verified User in Information Technology and Services
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Strong Data Ownership and Privacy, but Limited File Collaboration for Teams"
3/5
What do you like best about ownCloud?

You remain the owner of your data. It’s a solid solution if you want to stay independent from public clouds, especially in low-bandwidth environments or when a high level of privacy is required. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ownCloud?

Sometimes it can be buggy. Unfortunately, only one person can open a single file at a time, and this can lead to issues when working in larger teams. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Valvile W.
VW
Valvile W.
"Fast and Easy File Sharing with ownCloud"
5/5
What do you like best about ownCloud?

I like the speed of ownCloud. It's just that I can send so many files overnight. It's awesome, and I love it very much. Setting it up was pretty easy, as long as I had an email address. It's so simple that even a baby could set it up by themselves. I'm grateful because ownCloud helps me to share files and keep folders easily. It's been awesome. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ownCloud?

i love everything about it Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

KH
Kim H.
Host Ambassador
Civic & Social Organization
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Secure Platform for Storing All My Work Files"
4.5/5
What do you like best about ownCloud?

Secure platform where I can store all my work related files Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ownCloud?

If often logs out and I frequently need to log back in to resume working Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.