01/ MinIO
Best for: High-performance S3 storage on your own servers.
Open source; implements the Amazon S3 API, so S3 tools and SDKs work with it.
Runs on: Self-hosted
Visit MinIOWeb Hosting & Cloud · Object storage
Free alternatives to Amazon S3
Amazon S3 by Amazon: Scalable object storage for files, backups and static assets. Pricing: pay per GB stored and transferred. Here are 2 free options that cover the same job.
| Alternative | Type | Platforms | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MinIOOpen source; implements the Amazon S3 API, so S3 tools and SDKs work with it. | Compatible | Self-hosted | High-performance S3 storage on your own servers | Get it |
 GarageOpen source; speaks the S3 API. | Compatible | Self-hosted | Lightweight S3 storage spread across small servers | Get it |
 Amazon S3The paid original | Pay per GB stored and transferred | – | Object storage | Visit |
The alternatives in detail
Compatible
02/ Garage
Best for: Lightweight S3 storage spread across small servers.
Open source; speaks the S3 API.
Runs on: Self-hosted
Visit GarageAbout “Compatible” tools: An independent, legal re-implementation that opens the same files or runs the same software. Not a cracked copy.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free alternative to Amazon S3?
Yes. MinIO is a strong free option for high-performance s3 storage on your own servers. Other choices include Garage.
Which Amazon S3 alternative is open source?
MinIO, Garage are open source.
Are compatible (reverse-engineered) alternatives legal?
Yes. Tools marked Compatible are independent re-implementations built to open the same files or run the same software. They do not contain the original program's code. They are not cracked or pirated copies, which we never recommend.