Freedom251 › Secure Cloud Storage
Hex Citadel
What Hex Citadel is
Hex Citadel is an open-source file-sync service centered on client-side encryption and self-hosting. Files can be encrypted on the client with AES-256-GCM before upload, and the service describes its server design as zero-knowledge. Encryption can be applied to individual files or folders, and the features page lists Argon2id key derivation. The server and client are MIT licensed, with code publicly auditable on GitHub. Citadel supports Docker Compose deployment using PostgreSQL 16 and S3-compatible storage; listed storage options include MinIO and AWS S3. Server core requirements include Node.js 22+ LTS, PostgreSQL 16+, and S3-compatible storage, with Docker recommended. Users can access files in a web browser through WASM or use a macOS desktop client built on Tauri 2. Mobile support is deferred until after version 1.0. The Self-Hosted plan is free, billed Free forever, and includes unlimited users, unlimited storage on the user's hardware, and all features. Community support is included. A managed Hosted service is coming soon, with pricing to be announced when it launches.
Who it suits
Citadel suits people or teams seeking self-hosted file sync with client-side encryption and control over storage infrastructure. It is currently aimed at web and macOS desktop users rather than mobile users.
What it does well
- Client-side AES-256-GCM encryption before upload.
- Encryption can be enabled per file or folder.
- Self-hosted plan includes unlimited users and storage on your hardware.
- Server and client are MIT licensed.
- Supports MinIO and AWS S3 storage.
What to know first
- Mobile support is deferred until after version 1.0.
- Server requires Node.js 22+ LTS and PostgreSQL 16+.
- Self-hosted plan includes community support.
Limits
The Self-Hosted plan is free forever and includes all features, unlimited users and unlimited storage on your own hardware. Mobile support is deferred until after version 1.0; the Hosted service is coming soon and its price will be announced when it launches.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Hosted | Free forever · Unlimited users · Unlimited storage (your hardware) · All features included | Free |
| Hosted | Pricing will be announced when the hosted platform launches · Coming Soon · Managed infrastructure · Automatic updates & backups · Priority support | On request |
As citadel.hex.pro lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit https://citadel.hex.pro/.
- For self-hosting, prepare Node.js 22+ LTS, PostgreSQL 16+ and S3-compatible storage.
- Deploy with Docker Compose, which Citadel supports and recommends.
- Use the web browser access or the macOS desktop client.
Verdict
Citadel offers a self-hosting route with client-side encryption and open-source code. Check the server requirements and lack of current mobile support before adopting it.
Questions
Is Hex Citadel free?
The Self-Hosted plan is free, billed Free forever. It includes unlimited users, unlimited storage on your hardware and all features.
Is Hex Citadel open source?
Yes. The server and client are MIT licensed, and their code is publicly auditable on GitHub.
How does Citadel encrypt files?
Files can be encrypted on the client with AES-256-GCM before upload. Encryption can be enabled per file or folder, and Argon2id is listed for key derivation.
Which platforms does Citadel support?
The listed access options are a web browser through WASM and a macOS desktop client built on Tauri 2. Mobile support is deferred until after version 1.0.
What storage integrations are listed?
Citadel lists MinIO and AWS S3 as storage options, with PostgreSQL as the database.
Is a hosted plan available?
A managed Hosted service is coming soon, with pricing to be announced when it launches. It is listed with automatic updates and backups and priority support.
Facts from Hex Citadel's own pages
- Encryption
- Files are encrypted on the client with AES-256-GCM before upload, and the site describes a zero-knowledge server architecture. · citadel.hex.pro, 9 Oct 2026
- Encryption options
- The features page says encryption can be enabled per file or per folder. · citadel.hex.pro, 9 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Listed storage options include MinIO and AWS S3, with PostgreSQL as the database. · citadel.hex.pro, 9 Oct 2026
- Key derivation
- The features page lists Argon2id key derivation. · citadel.hex.pro, 9 Oct 2026
- Mobile support
- The features page says mobile is deferred until after version 1.0. · citadel.hex.pro, 9 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The server and client are MIT licensed, with code publicly auditable on GitHub. · citadel.hex.pro, 9 Oct 2026
- Product
- Citadel is an open-source, privacy-first cloud file sync service. · citadel.hex.pro, 9 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting
- Citadel supports Docker Compose deployment with S3-compatible storage and PostgreSQL 16. · citadel.hex.pro, 9 Oct 2026
- Server requirements
- The server core requirements list Node.js 22+ LTS, PostgreSQL 16+, S3-compatible storage, and recommend Docker. · citadel.hex.pro, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The self-hosted plan includes community support; hosted service is listed with priority support. · citadel.hex.pro, 9 Oct 2026
- Sync performance
- The client uses Rust acceleration for hashing and chunking, Rabin chunking, and zstd compression. · citadel.hex.pro, 9 Oct 2026
- Web and desktop
- The site lists web browser access via WASM and a macOS desktop client built on Tauri 2. · citadel.hex.pro, 9 Oct 2026
Where Hex Citadel stands on Freedom251
- Secure Cloud Storage#7 of 30