As of 2024, the file sync software market size is valued at 12.24 billion US Dollars and is anticipated to grow at 24.38% CAGR
File synching software is probably the best invention done in favor of companies. It allows you to share, edit, and update files in real-time across all the devices in different locations. The tool ensures easy file access, collaboration across teams, data loss prevention, and easy management of documents.
There are several file sync tools in the market already, paid & free both. While Google Workspace is the most popular and free open-source option available, there are some other good options to consider. The article will list the best open-source, free file synching software to use for easy flexibility, extra storage, and case-sensitive sync.
Table of Contents
Features for Primary Selection Criteria
- Real-time synchronization
- Synchronization scheduling
- Two-way synchronization
- Conflict Detection
- Activity Log
- Remote Synchronization
- Enterprise-Grade Security
- Backup and Restore
Best File Sync Software In 2024
(in no particular order)
Microsoft OneDrive
It is one of the best office synching solutions. You should buy it due to the best storage plans, Microsoft 365 integration and comprehensive tools. Microsoft Onedrive is a popular part of the Microsoft 365 suite. It is a standalone module that offers 5GB storage for free, with additional backup options available for home and business users. It offers a 100GB storage only/monthly fee for home users. Business edition offers 1TB storage alongside the comprehensive range of apps – It is used to back up any folders on the computer, in the office or at home.
Sync.com
It is an all-rounder file-syncing software for home and business usage. It is value for money, brings unlimited versioning with a paid plan, remote wipe. It offers three different plans for business users: 1st tier: Business Pro Teams Standards with 1 TB of storage per 2-100 users. 2nd tier: Business Pro Teams Plus with 4 TB of storage space per 2-100 users. Multi-user admin panel, the ability to transfer in synced accounts, centralized billing Business Pro Teams advanced increases the storage for backups and synced files to 10TB per user and also adds live chat support as an essential feature. Plans couple sharing and collaboration options – 2048 bit RSA, SSL/TLS encryption, version history and restore, remote wipe and lockout (if required).
GoodSync
It is reasonably good best free file sync software for the users looking for a big brand name. It comes with an easy setup and a 30-day free trial. It is an established company that provides file synchronization and backup software services. To set up -> install the software -> select target files and folders -> setup automation functions for backups and syncing. This comes in few different forms: GoodSync Server OS – provides backups and synchronization for Windows/Linux servers, GoodSync File Server – allows specific files and folders to be backed up and synced to a private cloud with various rules and automation options to manage everything. It offers several standard features like – multi-threading, block-level data transfer, local and remote file support, unlimited connection and users.
Syncplicity
It is an affordable option for users to backup files on the cloud. It can choose the stored data, solid mobile features. It is easy to install on Mac/PC (with native clients for Android and iOS) and can often be overwhelming. The personal edition offers 10 GB storage on an unlimited number of devices for free. It costs 100GB/month.
- The basic plan comes with secure mobile editing and PDF annotation. Users can also select public cloud storage locations and get real-time document versioning and backup.
- The business plan comes with additional features for collaboration and group user controls for file sharing.
- Enterprise Plan offers AD integration and single-sign-on, MDM (mobile device management) integration, remote wipe for any user device.
Syncplicity comes with the ability to sync any folder, granular control over what to include.
Resilio
It is ideal for sending large files. Users have to make a one-time payment and are simple to use. It does not feature any cloud-based functionality. It is compatible with Linux (FreeBSD) and Network Attached Storage solutions (FreeNAS, Synology etc). It comes with a free version and a paid offering linking all your devices, send and sync features and the ability to add folders. Sync services/subscription services serve the businesses with unlimited devices per user, file-level deduplication, end-to-end encryption, data deduction and server support. Resilio Connect is an enterprise-grade version of Sync Business offering WAN optimization and advanced management capabilities.
Google Drive
It is for those looking for a simple solution backed by Google and a great value for money. It backs, syncs, shares solutions and is particularly helpful for small businesses and personal users. Copy files from your computer, memory cards, and smart-phones to the cloud. All versions of Google Drive – personal, pro, enterprise support documents, spreadsheets, presentations, video and voice conferencing.
Zoho WorkDrive
Zoho WorkDrive is a cloud-based solution for file storage, sync, and collaboration, used by all team sizes & departments. With WorkDrive’s Team Folders, teams can manage and arrange all of their files in one location and have access to a secure shared workspace. In addition, the file sync software provides smart desktop sync, analytics, file versioning, customizable access controls, real-time notifications, document drafting, and much more.
Google WorkSpace
Google Workspace brings together all of Google’s well-known productivity and teamwork products into a single, easily accessible suite for teams of all sizes. Included in the list of apps are Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides, Calendar, Google+, Drive, Gmail, Hangouts, and Sites. Google Vault and Google Admin Console handle the governance of these apps.
Businesses may add users, manage devices, and set up security settings for their data using Google Admin Console.
ShareFile
For companies of all sizes, ShareFile is a cloud-based solution for content collaboration and file sharing. Virtual data rooms, client portals, and on-premise storage choices are a few of the important aspects. With the help of this tool, you can quickly and securely send, share, receive approvals, and feedback, and even e-sign any content.
Few Other Top File Sync Software In 2024
FreeFileSync
Freefilesync software compares folders and synchronizes software. It creates a backup of important files. It checks the source and destination folder at the time of backup and only copies the files that are not present in the target folder. It is available for Windows, macOS, OS X and Linux operating systems. The best filing solutions protect data and are easy to manage.
Features of FreeFileSync
- To compare multiple files at the same time
- To manage file versions
- To the main history of updated or deleted files
- To copy locked files
- To detect any file conflicts
- To enable case-sensitive synchronization
- To include or exclude files using filters
- To include localized interfaces in 30+ languages
DirSync Pro
DirSync Pro is an open-source file synchronization and backup utility software for Windows, macOS, Linux. It syncs files, across computers and servers. It has a user-friendly interface to add in many synchronization options according to your business needs.
Features of DirSync Pro
- It offers one-way and two-way synchronization.
- It includes customizable synchronization modes
- It can sync unlimited files and folders
- Users get to schedule synchronization tasks
- It involves filters to exclude/include files/folders while synchronizing
- Apart from Windows, macOS, Linux, it works on every modern operating system currently available
- It includes advanced logging and reporting facilities
Cyberduck
This free and open-source file sync tool is easy to use, leverages enterprise file sharing and cloud storage facilities. It supports Google cloud storage, FTP, WevDev, Dropbox, Azure to store and synchronize files. It allows encrypting files using Cryptometer to secure data on cloud storage/server.
Features of Cyberduck
- It enables advanced search, browsing and moving files.
- It allows dragging and dropping to and from the browser (upload/download)
- It allows browsing large folder structures efficiently
Syncthing
It is a continuous and decentralized file sync tool that does not require any central server. Working on a client-server model, computers store the files in shared folders and push updates and changes in those files to each other using peer-to-peer connections.
Features of Syncthing
- It allows synchronizing, storing data with high-end security on your computers.
- It works across platforms.
- It identifies every node via a cryptographic certificate.
Pydio Cells
It is a free and open-source file sync software that works as a single point of access to all your data storage.
Features of Pydio Cells
- It allows team collaboration from remote locations.
- It is built according to business logic.
- It can be deployed on servers depending on your requirements.
Dropbox Business
It enables saving file to the Dropbox folder on your computer. It synchronizes automatically to your mobile device. It comes with a free version and trial.
Features of Dropbox Business
- Flexible storage plans
- File and version recovery
- Team folder manager
- Dropbox Transfer
- Automated folders
- Remote wipe
- Link permissions
- Smart Sync
- Admin console
- Dropbox Paper
- Third-party app integrations
- Live support
Samepage
It is a collaboration software that runs meetings, manages projects, and coordinates events.
Features of Samepage
- Chat
- Team pages
- Tasks
- Calendar
- Working with other people (ETMs)
- Collaborative Editing
- File Sharing
- Integrations
In Conclusion: Selecting Free File Sync Software
File syncing is different from backup as both are entirely different processes. File syncing involves the same file to be updated across multiple devices/servers/platforms. It lets teamwork from remote locations. Every time a file is saved on one device, it gets uploaded to a server online. All the systems connected in a network continually check for file updates and download the files whenever an updated version appears.
IDrive, SugarSync, SpiderOak, AppleiCloud are other solutions that offer free online backup and storing and syncing files on cloud storage servers from Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and likewise.
Additionally, Free FileSync is a free and open-source program for synchronizing files. Currently, this project is backed by donations and the donors get a few additional features such as auto-update, portable version, parallel sync and silent installation.
Hope this discussion on File Sync Software will help you in making decisions wisely. Please share your suggestions at info@itfirms.co
Top FAQs – Open Source File Sync Software Tools
What is file sync software?
File sync software is a tool that facilitates teams to collaborate, edit, and share files across different locations. The file is useful to teams that need real-time sync in their documents and files across all the versions.
What are the things to consider before purchasing file sync software?
Teams & organizations have to consider some points before buying file sync software as it requires sharing & uploading crucial files on their server. Some things to consider include –
- Licensing, Compliance, and Regulations
- Remote Editing Features
- Data Security & Safety Standards