core vs psitransfer
Self-hosted file storage and transfer compared
core and psitransfer both let you share files from infrastructure you control. core is a broader storage, sync, and sharing platform with apps and user management, while psitransfer focuses on account-free transfers with expiring buckets and resumable uploads.
core: Store, Sync, and Share Files with ownCloud Classic
ownCloud Core is the PHP server behind ownCloud Classic, for self-hosted file storage, synchronization, and sharing. It includes WebDAV, CalDAV, CardDAV, and an app platform, with support for several SQL databases.
psitransfer: Share Files from a Self-Hosted Server
PsiTransfer is a self-hosted web app for sharing files without user accounts. It supports large uploads, resumable transfers, expiring buckets and one-time downloads, making it useful when you want control over where shared files are stored.
| core | psitransfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | PHP | JavaScript |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | BSD-2-Clause |
| Stars | 8.8k | 2k |
| Forks | 2.1k | 246 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 24, 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 |
Key differences
- core provides file storage and synchronization as well as sharing; psitransfer centers on browser-based file transfers organized into buckets.
- core is written in PHP and supports several databases; psitransfer is written in JavaScript, uses a Vue-based frontend, and runs on Node.js.
- core uses the AGPL-3.0 license, while psitransfer uses the BSD-2-Clause license.
- core includes user and group management, external storage, and an app extension model; psitransfer is designed for sharing without user accounts and offers bucket expiry and one-time downloads.
- core is described as actively maintained with regular commits and releases; psitransfer has had no commits in the last 90 days, with contribution history concentrated among contributors.
- psitransfer supports Docker deployment and resumable transfers, while core supports WebDAV, CalDAV, and CardDAV server access.
Choose core if you…
- need a self-hosted platform for ongoing file storage, synchronization, and sharing.
- want user and group management, external storage, or app-based extensions.
- need WebDAV, CalDAV, CardDAV, or REST API support for clients and integrations.
Choose psitransfer if you…
- want to share files through a browser without requiring user accounts.
- need expiring buckets, one-time downloads, or resumable transfers.
- prefer a focused transfer service that can run in Docker or be installed manually.
Compare the numbers side by side, or add more projects
This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.