What are the best Nextcloud hosts? 5 options compared

Whether for central data backup, flexible data exchange or effective, cross-device collaboration, Nextcloud comes with the right tools and features and is one of the most popular open-source solutions. In this comparison, we present five Nextcloud providers worth considering.

What is Nextcloud?

Nextcloud is an open-source platform for independent, flexible synchronisation and data management on cloud servers. You can manage these cloud servers locally or utilise the web hosting services of a Nextcloud provider. The latter option offers additional features through Nextcloud apps and collaboration tools.

These include:

• Individual cloud storage setup
• Efficient team collaboration thanks to workflow management with user, access and role management
• Intuitive user interface
• Desktop clients for Windows, macOS and Linux as well as mobile apps for Android and iOS
• Collabora Online for real-time editing of Office documents in all common formats
• Teamwork tools such as the Talk app and Nextcloud Groupware
• Depending on the managed Nextcloud hosting provider, high data protection in accordance with industry standards, GDPR and compliance guidelines

Nextcloud offers many advantages for both individuals and businesses, making it a promising alternative to commercial cloud solutions like iCloud, OneDrive and AWS.

Which managed Nextcloud hosts are the best?

Using a managed cloud hosting service for Nextcloud comes with many advantages. First, you save yourself the maintenance work associated with using your own local server infrastructure. You also benefit from the web hosting provider’s powerful, scalable and secure servers. This includes features such as constant server monitoring and high data protection standards, although the latter can vary depending on server location.

Reliable security precautions are particularly important, as companies in particular must ensure they comply with the GDPR and current compliance standards.

Here’s a list of the best Nextcloud providers:

Last updated: May 2024

IONOS

IONOS is one of the leading European providers of hosting and internet services and offers one of the best product ranges for managed Nextcloud. With a certified infrastructure of GDPR-compliant and ISO 27001-certified server locations, IONOS guarantees GDPR data security, compliance to the highest standards and the best support. In addition, managed Nextcloud with IONOS is suitable for both individuals and large-scale use by businesses. Nextcloud hosting not only includes flexible features for storing and sharing files, but its flexibly expandable groupware apps such as Collabora, which enable location- and device-independent teamwork, are also part of the packages, making IONOS very good value for money.

IONOS Managed Nextcloud offers the following packages:

• 500 GB + Collabora Online: 500 GB for approx. £6 per month
• 1 TB + Collabora Online: 1 TB for approx. £9 per month
• 3 TB + Collabora Online: 3 TB for approx. £20 per month
• 10 TB + Collabora Online: 10 TB for approx. £45 per month

The most important features:

• Device and location-independent access to files for an unlimited number of users
• Daily backups guarantee reliable data security
• Automatic synchronisation
• Custom domains possible
• Unlimited traffic for uploads and downloads
• Flexible access thanks to desktop clients and mobile apps for all widely-used operating systems
• Certified, secure server locations in Europe (GDPR-compliant, SSL certificate, ISO27001-certified)
• Tailored 24/7 support, regular updates and permanent server monitoring
• Top performance including reliable protection against cyber threats
• Optional integration of external cloud storage (Dropbox or Google)
• Collabora Online Office Suite for integrated office functions

Stackhero

Stackhero is a French company that’s been operating since 2009 and which specialises in managed Nextcloud hosting solutions that prioritise simplicity, transparency and efficiency. The company’s European servers are GDPR-compliant, and clients also have the flexibility to choose the United States as their server location. Stackhero provides an all-inclusive managed Nextcloud hosting solution, which encompasses the configuration of all necessary components, including antivirus protection, a dedicated email server, a TURN/STUN server and LDAP support. The service also features daily automatic backups and unlimited users and applications, among other things. Various packages are available so users can scale when needed. Users can enjoy a free trial where no credit card is required. The available packages cater to a range of needs, from individuals to large enterprises.

Stackhero offers the following packages:

• Hobby: 10 GB for around £13 per month
• Startup: 25 GB for around £25 per month or 100 GB for around £50 per month
• Enterprise: 1 TB for around £85 per month or 5 TB for around £170 per month

Apart from the basic Hobby package, all packages include two variants, and you also have the option of choosing additional storage space according to your needs.

The most important features:

• All-inclusive offer
• Unlimited number of users
• Servers with the highest level of security, rated A+ by Nextcloud Security Scan
• Daily backups to guarantee data security
• Server location in the European Union, GDPR compliant, SSL certificate and server-side encryption
• Choice of US server locations
• Customisable domains with SSL/TLS protocol
• Dedicated mail server
• One-click automatic updates
• Custom configurations available on request

Hetzner

Hetzner makes it easy to use Nextcloud. Even those with no prior technical knowledge can enjoy the benefits of the open-source centralised cloud storage solution and its diverse range of groupware and collaboration features. In addition to practical device- and location-independent data synchronisation, Hetzner provides secure German data centres, custom domains, user-defined subdomains, SSL and adherence to all GDPR and compliance guidelines. Thanks to needs-based usage packages, monthly contract periods and comprehensive administrative rights, Managed Nextcloud with Hetzner offers a sensible cloud computing solution for both small and large companies.

Hetzner offers the following packages:

• NX11: 1 TB for approx. €5 (£4.50) per month
• NX21: 5 TB for approx. €15 (£13) per month
• NX31: 10 TB for approx. €30 (£26) per month

The most important features:

• Independent, secure access to files for an unlimited number of users
• Backups several times a day to secure all data in the cloud
• Certified locations in Germany with RAID-based storage backend and fulfilment of all GDPR and compliance requirements
• Automatic synchronisation and central access including cross-system clients and mobile apps
• 24/7 support and server monitoring
• Flexible rights management and group sharing
• Multiple custom domains possible
• Sharing with other servers thanks to Federated Cloud ID
• Intuitive web interface and configurability according to corporate identity
• Integration of own authentication systems and expandability with Nextcloud apps
• Up- and downgrade scalability without data loss

Hostinger

In this comparison of Nextcloud hosts, Hostinger stands out as a comprehensive solution for managed Nextcloud hosting. Its performance and ease of use are widely recognised and appreciated by many users. With Ubuntu 22.04 64-bit pre-installed, SSL and an all-in-one Nextcloud client installation, Hostinger ensures exceptional speed and simplicity. With Hostinger’s Nextcloud hosting solution, you can skip complex configurations, save time and launch your project instantly.

Hostinger offers the following packages:

• KVM 1: 4 GB for approx. $4.99 (£4) per month
• KVM 2: 8 GB for approx. $6.99 (£5.50) per month
• KVM 4: 16 GB for approx. $10.49 (£8) per month
• KVM 8: 32 GB for approx. $19.99 (£16) per month

The most important features:

• Central storage of data in the cloud including automatic, cross-device synchronisation
• Access from anywhere thanks to desktop clients and mobile apps
• Daily backups guarantee data security
• German server locations including GDPR compliance, SSL and server-side encryption
• Unlimited traffic for uploads and downloads
• Administrator rights as well as user and group management
• Premium support and server integrity monitoring

Keyweb

Keyweb AG provides secure, customisable and scalable online hosting solutions for both businesses and individuals. This includes a managed Nextcloud option, which serves as a dependable cloud solution for various business and personal needs. Managed Nextcloud hosting from Keyweb stands out as a robust alternative to services like Dropbox, offering comprehensive collaboration and groupware features through Nextcloud Hub. Additionally, it ensures high security standards with German-certified data centres, data synchronisation and SSL encryption.

Keyweb offers the following packages:

• KeyCloud 100: 100 GB for approx. €8 (£7) per month
• KeyCloud 300: 300 GB for approx. €14 (£12) per month
• KeyCloud 500: 500 GB for approx. €22 (£20) per month
• KeyCloud 1000: 1 TB for approx. €39 (£33) per month
• KeyCloud 2500: 2.5 TB for approx. €69 (£60) per month
• Up to 5 TB possible on request

The most important features:

• Automatic data synchronisation with the latest pre-installed Nextcloud version
• Flexible upgrades and downgrades of storage volumes through monthly terms
• TÜV-certified, German server locations
• End-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication and administrator access for maximum access security
• Backups can be added
• Configurable dashboard user interface
• Permanently available service and support