Nextcloud vs ownCloud: What are the differences?

1. Licensing Model: One of the main differences between Nextcloud and ownCloud lies in their licensing models. Nextcloud is fully open source under the AGPLv3 license, allowing users to freely modify and distribute the software. On the other hand, ownCloud is partially open source with a dual licensing model, where certain enterprise features are only available under a commercial license.

2. Community Involvement: Nextcloud has a strong focus on community involvement and feedback, encouraging users to actively participate in the development process through contributions and discussions. In contrast, ownCloud's community involvement is not as prominent, with a more centralized development approach.

3. Data Encryption: Nextcloud places a strong emphasis on data security and encryption, offering end-to-end encryption for user data. In comparison, ownCloud also supports encryption but may require additional configuration and setup to achieve the same level of security.

4. Integration with Third-Party Apps: Nextcloud has a robust ecosystem of third-party apps and integrations available through its app store, allowing users to enhance the platform's functionality. While ownCloud also supports third-party apps, the selection may not be as extensive as Nextcloud's.

5. User Interface and User Experience: Nextcloud has been praised for its modern and intuitive user interface, making it easier for users to navigate and use the platform effectively. Although ownCloud has made improvements in its user interface over the years, some users may find Nextcloud's interface more polished and user-friendly.

6. Development Speed and Updates: Nextcloud is known for its agile development process, regularly releasing new updates and features to meet user needs and address security vulnerabilities promptly. On the other hand, ownCloud's development speed may vary, and updates could be less frequent compared to Nextcloud.

In Summary, Nextcloud and ownCloud differ in their licensing models, community involvement, data encryption, third-party app integration, user interface, and development speed and updates.