Hey everyone! I’m searching for a file storage system that works like cloud storage but can be self-hosted. Need something with these basic requirements:
Easy setup process
Can view and open media files directly (videos, music, images)
Works as network drive (supports protocols like SMB or SFTP)
I already tested a few options but they didn’t work out. MyDrive was too basic and missing important features. Nextcloud felt heavy and slow with too many unnecessary tools. Seafile installation was too complicated for me to figure out.
Anyone have suggestions for something that hits the sweet spot between functionality and simplicity? Would really appreciate any recommendations from people who actually use these systems.
I recommend giving Syncthing a try; it might fit your requirements well. It has a lighter footprint compared to other options like Nextcloud, and it facilitates automatic file synchronization across devices without needing a central server. The setup process is straightforward: you simply download the application and install it on each of your devices. For media file management, integrating Plex or Jellyfin can enhance your experience. Syncthing also provides a user-friendly web interface, though there is a slight learning curve regarding the peer-to-peer setup. Once configured, it operates seamlessly in the background.
Have you tried Pydio Cells? I switched after Nextcloud kept giving me performance headaches, and it’s been a solid middle ground. Installation’s way easier than Seafile - just one binary to deal with. The interface feels snappy without all the bloat you get elsewhere. Handles media previews well for images and videos, and SMB integration works without much fuss. Clean, straightforward web interface, though you’ll need some time to figure out user management if you’re sharing files. I’ve been running it for eight months on my home network and it’s been rock solid.
Check out filebrowser - way lighter than Nextcloud but covers ur basics. Drag and drop files through the web interface, decent video/image previews, plus WebDAV mounting. Got it running in Docker in 10 min. Nothing fancy, just works without the bloat.