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Hex Citadel

Hex Citadel is an open-source cloud file-sync service centered on client-side encryption and self-hosting.

Place
#29 of 30
Score
6.2
Hex Citadel's website

What Hex Citadel is

Hex Citadel is an open-source cloud file-sync service centered on client-side encryption and self-hosting. Files can be encrypted before upload with AES-256-GCM, and the service describes a zero-knowledge server design. Encryption can be enabled for individual files or folders, with Argon2id listed for key derivation. The server and client are MIT licensed, and their code is publicly auditable on GitHub. Self-hosting uses Docker Compose with PostgreSQL 16 and S3-compatible storage; MinIO and AWS S3 are listed storage choices. Server requirements include Node.js 22+ LTS, PostgreSQL 16+, and S3-compatible storage, with Docker recommended. Files are available through a WASM web browser interface or a macOS desktop client built on Tauri 2. Mobile support is deferred until after version 1.0. Self-Hosted is free, billed Free forever, with unlimited users, unlimited storage on your hardware, and all features. Community support is included.

Good

  • Client-side AES-256-GCM encryption
  • MIT-licensed, publicly auditable code
  • Supports Docker Compose self-hosting
  • Unlimited users and storage on own hardware
  • Web and macOS clients available

Watch out

  • Mobile support deferred until after version 1.0
  • Self-hosting requires Node.js, PostgreSQL, and S3 storage
  • Hosted service is coming soon

Who it suits

It suits users wanting open-source, self-hosted file synchronization with client-side encryption and control over storage infrastructure.

Verdict

Hex Citadel offers a free self-hosted route for encrypted file synchronization, with open code and configurable storage. Users needing mobile clients or managed hosting must wait for later availability.

Plans and prices

From Hex Citadel's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
Self-HostedFreeUnlimited users · Unlimited storage (your hardware) · All features included · Free forever
HostedPriced on requestComing Soon · Managed infrastructure · Automatic updates & backups · Priority support · Pricing will be announced when the hosted platform launches

The facts

Each one read from Hex Citadel's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Encryption
Files are encrypted on the client with AES-256-GCM before upload, and the site describes a zero-knowledge server architecture.checked 9 Oct 2026
Encryption options
The features page says encryption can be enabled per file or per folder.checked 9 Oct 2026
Integrations
Listed storage options include MinIO and AWS S3, with PostgreSQL as the database.checked 9 Oct 2026
Key derivation
The features page lists Argon2id key derivation.checked 9 Oct 2026
Mobile support
The features page says mobile is deferred until after version 1.0.checked 9 Oct 2026
Open source
The server and client are MIT licensed, with code publicly auditable on GitHub.checked 9 Oct 2026
Product
Citadel is an open-source, privacy-first cloud file sync service.checked 9 Oct 2026
Self-hosting
Citadel supports Docker Compose deployment with S3-compatible storage and PostgreSQL 16.checked 9 Oct 2026
Server requirements
The server core requirements list Node.js 22+ LTS, PostgreSQL 16+, S3-compatible storage, and recommend Docker.checked 9 Oct 2026
Support
The self-hosted plan includes community support; hosted service is listed with priority support.checked 9 Oct 2026
Sync performance
The client uses Rust acceleration for hashing and chunking, Rabin chunking, and zstd compression.checked 9 Oct 2026
Web and desktop
The site lists web browser access via WASM and a macOS desktop client built on Tauri 2.checked 9 Oct 2026

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