Private drive dashboard
A clean file browser — folders, previews, search, and admin in one place.
Google Drive Alternative · Self-Hosted
A private drive for teams that
own their data.
Google Drive is excellent for managed cloud productivity. OpenPrivateDrive is for teams that want the same file-sharing experience — on infrastructure they control.
✓
Your files stay private
Keep documents on your own infrastructure instead of shared cloud storage.
✓
Secure external collection
One-time upload requests with passwords and size limits for partners.
✓
Cloud-like workflow
Search, previews, sharing, and mobile-ready access without vendor lock-in.
🖥️ Self-hosted
🔒 Private infrastructure
⚡ Open-source core
🗄️ Your server
✓ Not a SaaS subscription
🛡️
Full data control
Host your drive on a VPS, private server, or internal network with no third-party data access.
🔓
Open-source independence
Audit the code, customize the platform, and avoid subscription lock-in.
⚡
Privacy-first collaboration
Use familiar file sharing while protecting sensitive uploads with encryption.
Different deployment philosophy
Cloud-like experience. Infrastructure you own.
OpenPrivateDrive isn't another cloud storage subscription. It's private drive software you deploy on your own server — giving your team familiar document management while keeping sensitive files off shared third-party infrastructure.
Think of it as the same workflow your team expects from a cloud drive — search, previews, sharing, mobile access, partner uploads — running entirely within your own environment.
✓ Deploy on your server or VPS
✓ Invite users and assign roles
✓ Share files internally with permissions
✓ Collect partner files via one-time upload links
✓ Search, preview, and access documents securely
✓ Full audit trail — no external cloud dependency
Honest comparison
Pick the right tool for your situation.
Both tools solve real problems. The right choice depends entirely on where you need your files to live.
☁️
Choose Google Drive if…
- ✓ You want a fully managed productivity cloud
- ✓ Your team relies on Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet
- ✓ You prefer not to manage your own server or backups
🔒
Choose OpenPrivateDrive if…
- ✓ Files must stay on your own server, VPS, or private network
- ✓ You need encrypted upload workflows and controlled external file collection
- ✓ You want open-source private drive software you can audit and customize
Side by side
Google Drive vs OpenPrivateDrive
Key decision-driving differences at a glance.
Criterion
Google Drive
OpenPrivateDrive
Where files live
Google's managed cloud
Your server or VPS
Deployment model
Fully managed SaaS
Self-hosted, open-source
External file collection
Shared links, account-based access
One-time upload request links (no account needed)
Sensitive uploads
Google's cloud security model
AES-256-GCM + scrypt, password-protected
Data ownership
Files in Google infrastructure
Files on your infrastructure
Pricing model
Monthly SaaS subscription
One-time setup, self-managed
How it works
Up and running in three steps.
01
Deploy on your server
Install on any VPS, dedicated server, or private intranet in minutes using the provided Docker setup.
02
Invite your team
Create users, define roles, and set folder permissions. Your data never leaves your infrastructure.
03
Share and collect files
Send internal share links or generate one-time upload request links for external partners — no account required.
Product preview
See it in action.
Partner upload links
Generate one-time upload requests. Partners send files directly without needing an account.
Encrypted uploads
Protect sensitive documents with AES-256-GCM encryption and password-based keys.
Security by design
Built for sensitive workflows.
Every sharing and upload feature includes controls for teams that handle confidential documents.
🔐
AES-256-GCM uploads
Password-protected encrypted uploads with scrypt key derivation.
👥
Role-based sharing
Granular user roles and folder-level permissions.
🔗
Password-protected links
Secure internal and external sharing with optional passwords.
🖥️
Private server deployment
All data stays on your own infrastructure — no third-party cloud.
Who uses this
Teams where data location matters.
OpenPrivateDrive is used by teams in regulated industries, agencies managing client files, and organizations that simply prefer to keep sensitive documents off shared cloud infrastructure.
Legal & Notarial
Confidential document exchange with clients and partners
Healthcare
Sensitive file workflows on compliant private infrastructure
Architecture & Engineering
Large project files without third-party cloud dependency
Finance & Accounting
Regulated document storage with full audit control
SMBs & Agencies
Client file portals on own branding and servers
FAQ
Common questions answered.
Is OpenPrivateDrive affiliated with Google? +
No. OpenPrivateDrive is an independent self-hosted project. Google Drive and Google Workspace are trademarks of Google LLC. This page is a factual comparison for teams evaluating their options.
Does OpenPrivateDrive replace Google Workspace? +
No. It does not replace Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, or Meet. OpenPrivateDrive focuses on private file storage, encrypted uploads, secure sharing, previews, search, and self-hosted deployment.
Can it run on a private VPS or intranet? +
Yes. OpenPrivateDrive is designed for any VPS, dedicated server, or internal intranet. Files never leave your infrastructure.
Can I share a specific file with an external partner using a password, or without a password? +
Yes. OpenPrivateDrive lets you create a secure download link for a specific file and choose whether to protect it with a password. You can also set it as a one-time download link that expires after the first successful download, or a reusable download link that stays active until you revoke it.
Can I collect partner files through a one-time upload link with password protection or without a password? +
Yes. OpenPrivateDrive supports one-time upload links for partners, and you can require a password for extra security or leave the link password-free for easier exchange. These links can be configured to expire after the first upload or remain open until you disable them.
What is a one-time download link versus a reusable download link? +
A one-time download link expires after one successful download, making it ideal for sensitive file sharing. A reusable download link can be used multiple times until you manually deactivate it, which is useful for ongoing external collaboration.
How does encryption work for sensitive uploads? +
OpenPrivateDrive uses AES-256-GCM encryption with scrypt key derivation. Files are encrypted with a password you set before they are stored, keeping them unreadable without the correct key.
Is the source code auditable? +
Yes. OpenPrivateDrive has an open-source core you can audit, review, and verify. See the GitHub repository for details.
Ready to evaluate?
Try the demo or get a professional setup.
See how OpenPrivateDrive runs on infrastructure you control — with encrypted uploads, partner upload links, search, previews, and mobile access.
✓ Open-source ✓ Self-hosted ✓ Your data, your server