CrashPlan vs ownCloud
Detailed side-by-side comparison
CrashPlan
From $10/moCrashPlan is an enterprise-focused cloud backup solution designed for automatic, continuous data protection across endpoints including desktops, laptops, and servers. It offers unlimited cloud storage with military-grade encryption and centralized management, making it ideal for businesses prioritizing comprehensive data loss prevention and compliance.
Visit CrashPlanownCloud
FreeownCloud is an open-source, self-hosted file sync and share platform that gives organizations complete control over their data through on-premises or private cloud deployment. It enables secure collaboration and file sharing with extensive customization options, perfect for organizations that prioritize data sovereignty and need full control over their infrastructure.
Visit ownCloudFeature Comparison
| Feature | CrashPlan | ownCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment Model | Cloud-based SaaS solution managed entirely by CrashPlan with no infrastructure requirements | Self-hosted on your own infrastructure or private cloud, requiring server setup and ongoing maintenance |
| Storage Capacity | Unlimited cloud storage per device without throttling or additional costs | Storage limited only by your own hardware capacity, with infrastructure costs scaling with storage needs |
| Primary Use Case | Automatic continuous backup for disaster recovery and data loss prevention with extensive version history | File synchronization, sharing, and real-time collaboration with integrated document editing capabilities |
| Security & Encryption | AES 256-bit encryption with end-to-end protection, managed encryption keys, and compliance-ready security | End-to-end encryption with complete control over encryption keys, customizable security policies, and self-managed compliance |
| Administration | Centralized cloud-based administration console with automated updates and minimal IT overhead | Full administrative control with Active Directory/LDAP integration, granular permissions, but requires dedicated IT resources |
| Cost Structure | Predictable monthly subscription per device with unlimited storage included, no infrastructure costs | Free open-source software but requires investment in server hardware, hosting, maintenance, and technical expertise |
Pricing Comparison
CrashPlan starts at $10/month per device with unlimited storage and no infrastructure costs, offering predictable subscription pricing. ownCloud is free as open-source software but requires significant investment in server infrastructure, hosting, maintenance, and IT expertise, making total cost of ownership highly variable based on deployment scale.
Verdict
Choose CrashPlan if...
Choose CrashPlan if you need hassle-free, automated backup with unlimited cloud storage, want minimal IT overhead, and prioritize disaster recovery over file collaboration. It's ideal for businesses that want reliable data protection without managing infrastructure.
Choose ownCloud if...
Choose ownCloud if you require complete data sovereignty with self-hosted deployment, need collaborative file sharing and document editing capabilities, have IT resources for maintenance, and want full control over your data infrastructure. It's perfect for organizations with strict data residency requirements or those wanting customizable open-source solutions.
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Pros & Cons
CrashPlan
Pros
- + Unlimited backup storage without throttling
- + Strong security with end-to-end encryption
- + Excellent file version history and retention policies
- + Reliable cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- - No free tier for individual users
- - Higher price point compared to consumer alternatives
- - Initial backup can be slow for large datasets
ownCloud
Pros
- + Complete data sovereignty with self-hosted deployment
- + Open-source with strong community support and extensibility
- + Excellent security features including encryption and compliance options
- + Highly customizable with extensive plugin ecosystem
Cons
- - Requires technical expertise for installation and maintenance
- - Self-hosting means infrastructure and maintenance costs
- - User interface less polished compared to commercial alternatives