Filestash
ActiveOverview
Filestash is a self-hosted web-based file manager that supports access to files across multiple storage protocols and services from a single interface. It connects to backends like FTP, SFTP, S3, WebDAV, Dropbox, Google Drive, SMB, NFS, Git, and others including LDAP, MySQL, and Backblaze B2. The application runs as a standalone server with no external database required, targeting users seeking centralized file management without vendor lock-in.
Key Features
- Universal Storage Support - Connects to 20+ protocols including S3, FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Dropbox, Google Drive, SMB, NFS, Git.
- Web Interface - Modern, responsive UI with drag-and-drop, works on desktop and mobile devices.
- Plugin System - Extensible architecture for adding storage types, authentication, and custom functionality.
- Media Viewers - Built-in support for images, videos, music with transcoding and Chromecast options.
- File Sharing - Generate secure shared links with password protection and expiration.
- AI Features - Semantic search, smart folders, OCR powered by local models via Ollama.
- Themes - UI themes mimicking Dropbox, Google Drive, GitHub, OneDrive.
- API Integration - Supports API and LLM integration via MCP.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Community | Free | Full open-source version with all core features and plugin support. |
Platforms & Requirements
Filestash runs as a web application in any modern browser, self-hosted via Docker, direct binary, or package managers on Linux, macOS, Windows servers. No client software needed beyond a browser; requires JavaScript enabled. Docker deployment recommended for ease, with embedded storage eliminating database setup.
Integrations & Ecosystem
- FTP/FTPS
- SFTP
- S3/Minio
- WebDAV
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- SMB/CIFS
- NFS
- Git
- Backblaze B2
- LDAP
- MySQL
- Ollama (AI)
- SFTP/S3 (third-party tools)
Alternatives
| App | Difference |
|---|---|
| Filebrowser | Simpler, lightweight file manager focused on local/SMB/S3 without extensive protocol support. |
| Nextcloud | Full collaboration suite with file sync, calendar, but heavier resource use and setup. |
| Pydio Cells | Enterprise-focused with advanced sharing and cells-based organization, less protocol variety. |
| ownCloud | Similar self-hosted sync/share but emphasizes desktop clients over universal backends. |
Reputation
Filestash is praised for its broad storage compatibility and plugin extensibility, appealing to self-hosting enthusiasts managing diverse data sources. Users appreciate the lightweight, dependency-free design and mobile-friendly interface. Some note occasional setup complexities with certain backends like SMB or Collabora integration, and the project relies on community contributions for ongoing development.
Sources (8)
- https://docs.klutch.sh/guides/open-source-software/filestash/
- https://www.filestash.app
- https://github.com/mickael-kerjean/filestash
- https://elest.io/open-source/filestash/resources/quickstart
- https://dev.to/migsarnavarro/a-very-basic-plugin-for-filestash-1elf
- https://demo.filestash.app/admin
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARtGc3O8dkE
- https://demo.filestash.app/login?type=ftp