Cloud storage decision
Dropbox
A file uploader is easy; trustworthy multi-device sync is not. Conflict resolution, offline behavior, recovery, sharing security, and data durability justify the subscription.
Visit website↗Subscription$11.99/month ✓ verified
Initial build24 hours
Monthly upkeep4 hours + $8
EvidenceAn open-source build exists
Open-source builds that already do this
Every project below is open source and already does this job today. Fork one, self-host it, or take the parts you need — the build prompt further down assumes an empty file, and this is the shortcut past that. Licences differ; check the one on each card before you ship.
What a replacement has to do
- Browser upload and download
- Folders
- Share links
- Simple version history
What it still won’t have
- Native background sync
- Conflict resolution
- Offline files
- Recovery guarantees
- Mature security controls
What remains hard
- Conflict-free synchronization
- Data durability
- Secure sharing
First-year cost
Keep paying
Paying is—cheaper in year one.
On cash alone, building overtakes the subscription at 2 seats.
Paid seatsseats
Money you would actually spend
Time you would spend
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What you would spend
What we assumed
The verdict above measures whether you could build it. This one is only about money.
Runnable build prompt
Build a small private browser-based file vault, not a Dropbox sync client. Use Astro server rendering, TypeScript, PostgreSQL, and S3-compatible object storage. Require email magic-link authentication for one owner. Support folder creation, upload, download, rename, move, delete, and restore. Generate expiring signed links and never expose bucket credentials. Keep the last five versions of a file and a 30-day trash. Hash uploads, reject dangerous file names, and enforce configurable size limits. Add an append-only audit log and a storage-usage screen. Do not build desktop sync, offline support, collaboration, or public permanent links. Add tests for authorization and signed-link expiry. Document backups and the limits of this replacement.
