I made the shift to Nextcloud because I wanted control over my files and storage. Saying goodbye to Google Drive was liberating. The free plan is capped at 15GB, but that’s not just about saving files – it also includes other data like photos, WhatsApp backups, Gmail data, and call recordings.
Deleting files or paying for a subscription were never options I wanted to explore. As someone who values private data, I prefer self-hosting over outsourcing. Setting up Nextcloud was manageable with Docker and Docker Compose, but securing the server required more effort.
The real challenge came when I realized I had to manage backups, updates, and troubleshooting myself. This gave me true control over my cloud, which felt amazing. However, living with Nextcloud day-to-day means being more involved in file syncing, sharing, and management.
Nextcloud’s sharing feature offers a higher level of security and control compared to Google Drive’s link-sharing approach. I was able to host Joplin, my note app, on my server, making it seamless across multiple devices.
The benefits of self-hosting are noticeable – no ads, AI nudges, or pop-ups suggesting upgrades. My files and choices are mine alone. I can set retention policies, automate backups, and configure storage quotas. The integration with my desktop and mobile apps is seamless, giving me a single hub for work and personal life.
This setup isn’t for everyone. It requires investing in a server, which may seem daunting at first. However, it’s cheaper in the long run compared to cumulative monthly subscription fees.
Source: https://www.makeuseof.com/i-replaced-google-drive-with-selfhosted-cloud-freedom-worth-it