FileRun

FileRun is a server-based file-sharing platform for organizations that want files to stay on infrastructure they operate. It is strongest for teams that need controlled sharing and multiple ways to access or edit those files. The main trade-off is the work of running a server with PHP and MySQL.

Overview

Files and metadata remain on the customer’s server as ordinary files in ordinary folders, rather than being stored in FileRun’s database. That suits teams who want a shared workspace built around existing server storage. It is less suitable for organizations seeking a hosted service that does not require them to manage deployment: FileRun runs on Linux or Windows, including Docker, virtual machines, and bare metal, and requires PHP and MySQL.

FileRun has operated since 2003 and works from Madeira, Portugal, and Tirana, Albania. Business users can request a free trial license for their own installation; the trial is not presented as a general free plan.

Key features

Sharing, sync, and editing

Sharing works with individuals, groups, and guests, using seven roles to control access. Public links can be password-protected, set to expire, and limited by download count; guest uploads are supported. Those controls make FileRun a practical choice for managed exchanges with people outside the organization. Version history is limited, however, so it is not the obvious fit for teams that need extensive recovery of earlier file states.

Two-way desktop sync supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. iOS and Android apps, WebDAV, and a REST API add access routes for mobile users and connected systems. Collaborative document editing can use ONLYOFFICE, Collabora, LibreOffice Online, Google, Zoho, or Microsoft 365. The range gives teams flexibility to match existing workflows, but editing relies on these services rather than one stated, built-in editor.

Search, security, and administration

Elasticsearch and Apache Tika can index document contents, while OCR can read scanned PDFs and document photos. That combination is valuable when teams need to find material beyond filenames, though it adds more capability to an installation that the customer must operate.

Authentication integrations include LDAP, Active Directory, OpenID Connect, SAML, ADFS, Shibboleth, Microsoft Azure, OAuth2, Authentik, Google, Dropbox, and Box. Security features include passkeys, Argon2id password storage, TOTP, recovery codes, and a second factor enabled by default. The audit trail records actions with the IP address and program used, preserves an actor’s name after account changes or deletion, and logs failed actions with their reason. These are meaningful controls for organizations that need to manage access and trace activity.

Pricing

The three business plans are each priced at €9.90 a year, billed as an annual subscription, or €9.9/user/year. Their price is the same, so the practical distinction is account scale and support rather than a lower-cost entry tier.

Small business: 10 or 20 user accounts, installation support, a client forum, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It fits smaller teams that need paid deployment support but not the larger plans’ stated support services.

Medium business: 30–90 user accounts, a Docker installation service, and email support with a critical response target within 24 working hours and a non-critical target within 36 working hours. It is the clearest fit for teams that want a defined support channel and Docker setup.

Large business: 100 or more user accounts, nine free guest accounts per paid user, installation and configuration, and critical response within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays. It makes most sense for larger deployments with external collaborators or a need for out-of-hours critical coverage.

The Home plan costs €99 a month, billed as pay once, use forever, and covers five user accounts. Its stated payment term and price make it a separate option from the per-user annual business plans; the five-account limit rules it out for larger teams. There is no free plan.

Platforms

FileRun supports web, self-hosted, Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and API access. Desktop sync covers Windows, macOS, and Linux, with mobile apps for both major mobile platforms. Server deployment is on Linux or Windows, so organizations should confirm they can provide the required PHP and MySQL environment.

Who it's for

FileRun suits organizations that want to keep files on their own server while giving staff and guests controlled sharing, sync, search, and collaborative editing options. It is a stronger choice for teams with server administration capacity than for individuals or organizations looking for a no-maintenance hosted workspace. Teams with demanding version-recovery needs should also look closely at the limited version history.

Pros and cons

Pro: Files stay in normal server folders, which lets teams use their existing server storage rather than placing files in FileRun’s database.

Pro: Seven sharing roles, expiring and limited public links, and guest uploads support controlled external collaboration.

Pro: Desktop sync, mobile apps, WebDAV, REST API access, and several editing integrations accommodate varied workflows.

Pro: Content indexing, OCR, second-factor security, and detailed action logging address search and administration needs beyond basic file sharing.

Con: Deployment requires a customer-operated Linux or Windows server with PHP and MySQL, which adds operational responsibility.

Con: Version history is limited, a drawback for teams relying on broad rollback and file recovery.

Con: There is no free plan, and the business tiers start at 10 accounts; the Home plan is limited to five accounts.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see File Manager Software and File Sharing Software.

Choose Filestash if a free plan or freemium pricing matters more than FileRun’s stated business support tiers; it also spans web, self-hosted, desktop, and mobile platforms. TagSpaces is another freemium option, with a free plan and an AGPL-3.0-licensed Lite edition. For a free, open-source option focused on Linux and Windows file management, Dolphin is a more direct fit than a server-based sharing platform.

Owlfiles offers a free Basic plan for up to three connections, including file management, viewing, playback, and transfers; choose it when that narrower connection-based scope fits better. Total Commander is worth considering for Windows or Android users seeking a file manager with a free plan. WinSCP is a free, open-source Windows transfer client supporting SFTP, FTP, FTPS, SCP, WebDAV, and S3. muCommander is a free GNU GPL v3 choice for Linux, macOS, or Windows. nnn is a free, open-source terminal file manager for users who want that kind of interface.

Verdict

Choose FileRun if your organization wants shared, searchable files to remain on its own server and needs controlled guest access alongside sync and editing choices. Its chief advantage is the breadth of ways teams can work with ordinary server files; its chief cost is operating the PHP and MySQL deployment, with limited version history another reason to look elsewhere.