HiDrive vs ownCloud: Popular cloud storage solutions compared

What distinguishes HiDrive?

HiDrive is a cloud storage solution made available exclusively by IONOS and STRATO. The service allows users to securely store, organise and share their data in the cloud. HiDrive is designed for both private individuals and businesses and offers a wide range of features and plans to meet different needs.

Main features of HiDrive

• User-friendliness and ease of use: HiDrive is known for its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for less tech-savvy users to operate. The intuitive user guidance simplifies uploading, managing and sharing files.
• Extensive storage options: HiDrive offers a variety of storage options to suit the differing needs of private individuals and businesses. From small storage allocations to several terabytes of space, HiDrive has the right offer for every user.
• High security and data protection: Security and data protection are top priorities for HiDrive. Data is stored in secure data centres in Germany, which are subject to strict German data protection laws (GDPR). HiDrive also offers comprehensive encryption options for stored data.
• Flexibility through cross-platform access: HiDrive enables access to stored data from almost any device, including Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. This cross-platform availability makes it particularly flexible and practical for use in different environments.
• Extensive synchronisation and backup functions: With HiDrive, files and folders can be automatically synchronised and backed up. The backup features are especially useful for businesses, as they ensure regular and reliable backups of important data.
• Collaboration tools for teams: HiDrive offers features that support collaboration within teams. Users can easily share files and folders with others and edit them together, which boosts productivity and efficiency in workgroups.
• Good integration with other services: HiDrive integrates seamlessly with other services and applications, such as Microsoft Office or various e-mail clients. This integration facilitates data exchange and collaboration across different access methods such as WebDAV or SMB.

(Screenshot from https://www.ionos.de/office-loesungen/hidrive-cloud-speicher)

Target audience and use

HiDrive is aimed at both private users and businesses that require a reliable and secure cloud storage solution. With its versatile features and flexible plans, the service covers a range of needs, from simple data storage to complex team collaboration.

These features make HiDrive an attractive choice for users seeking a reliable, secure and flexible cloud storage solution.

What characterises ownCloud?

ownCloud is open-source software for cloud storage that allows users to store their data on their own server or web hosting and to customise it individually. It offers comprehensive security and data protection features as well as strong integration and collaboration capabilities for teams and organisations.

Main features of ownCloud

• High flexibility and customisability: As a HiDrive alternative ownCloud is open-source software that allows users to customise their cloud storage. This flexibility makes it possible to use your own servers and to configure the software to the specific needs of the organisation.
• Data protection and security: ownCloud places great emphasis on data protection and security. Because data can be stored on users' own servers, users retain full control over their information. The software also offers comprehensive encryption options and supports compliance with data protection laws such as the GDPR.
• Extensive integration options: ownCloud integrates seamlessly into existing IT infrastructures and provides interfaces to various applications and services such as Microsoft Office, Outlook and many others. These integration options make data exchange and collaboration across different platforms easier.
• Strong collaboration features: With ownCloud, teams can work efficiently together, as the software offers features such as collaborative document editing, calendar sharing and task management. These tools improve productivity and enable seamless real-time collaboration.
• Scalability: ownCloud is highly scalable and can be adapted to the needs of small teams up to large enterprises. The software can be installed on a variety of servers to expand storage and performance according to requirements.
• Supported by a large community: As an open-source project, ownCloud is supported by a large and active community. This community continuously contributes to the improvement and further development of the software and provides extensive resources and support for users.
• Versatile access options: ownCloud enables access to data from a variety of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. These versatile access options ensure that users can reach their files at any time, from anywhere.

(Screenshot from https://owncloud.com/de/produkt/)

Target audience and applications

ownCloud is primarily aimed at organisations and businesses that require a flexible, customisable and secure cloud storage solution. The software is ideal for teams that rely on comprehensive collaboration features and full control over their data.

These features make ownCloud an attractive choice for users seeking a customisable, secure and scalable cloud storage solution.

HiDrive vs ownCloud — comparison

Infrastructure and hosting

HiDrive: A fully hosted service provided by IONOS or STRATO, with data stored in German data centres.

ownCloud: A self-hosted open-source software that is installed and run on a dedicated server or web hosting, allowing full control over the data.

Customisability

HiDrive: Provides pre-built features and plans that leave less room for individual customisation.

ownCloud: Highly customisable and flexible, as the source code can be modified and extended to meet specific needs.

Cost structure

HiDrive: Plans based on storage and features. Customers receive free support from the provider.

ownCloud: As open-source software, ownCloud itself is free; however, additional costs for hosting are incurred. In addition, paid support from the developer can be obtained.

Target audience

HiDrive: More aimed at users seeking a straightforward, ready-to-use cloud storage solution, including private individuals and small to medium-sized businesses.

ownCloud: Targets organisations and businesses with specific requirements that wish to tailor their cloud infrastructure.

Security and data protection

HiDrive: Offers high security standards and data protection, with data stored in data centres in Germany and subject to German data protection laws.

ownCloud: Provides comprehensive data protection and security features, with the option to store data on your own servers and thus retain full control.

Integration options

HiDrive: Integrates well with common applications and services, though within a more limited scope.

ownCloud: Offers extensive integration options and interfaces to a wide range of applications and services, thanks to its open architecture and active developer community.

Collaboration features

HiDrive: Provides basic collaboration features, such as file and folder sharing.

ownCloud: Provides strong collaboration features, including collaborative document editing, shared calendars and task management, specifically developed for team collaboration.

Conclusion

HiDrive and ownCloud each offer unique advantages and are tailored to different user needs.

HiDrive is distinguished by its user-friendliness, high security standards and ease of use, making it an attractive choice for private individuals and small to medium-sized businesses seeking a ready-to-use cloud storage solution.

ownCloud, by contrast, offers maximum flexibility and customisability through its open-source architecture and self-hosted infrastructure. This makes ownCloud particularly appealing to organisations and companies with specific data protection and security requirements, as well as to teams that need powerful collaboration features and extensive integration capabilities.

Our article is based on our own experience and research, as well as information from external sources.

Sources & further links on the topic:
https://owncloud.com/ (official website of ownCloud)
https://www.ionos.de/office-loesungen/hidrive-cloud-speicher (HiDrive at IONOS)
https://www.strato.de/cloud-speicher/ (HiDrive at STRATO)