Comparison of file synchronization software

This is a list of file synchronization software. File synchronization is a process of ensuring that files in two or more locations are updated via certain rules.

Definitions

The following definitions clarify the purpose of columns used in the tables that follow.

Name
It may contain a product name, or product name plus edition name, depending on what is discussed.
Operating system
Platform
An Operating system (OS) manages the other programs on a computer;[1] most personal computers have an OS installed. The operating system column lists the name of the operating systems on which the corresponding synchronization software runs. Platform is a broader term; it is used as the column name because some of the software in the table were OS-independent but required a certain software platform like Java SE or .NET Framework. (Note: OS X was rebranded macOS in 2016.)
Programming language
Programming language was used to write the software, if known. For closed-source software this information may not be known.
License
Indicates the licensing model under which the software is published. For open source systems this may be the specific license (i.e. GPL, LGPL, MIT, etc.), for closed source/proprietary/commercial software this may be the model (subscription per user, perpetual per device, etc.)
Portable
If yes, the program is designed to run without needing to modify the configuration of the computer it is run on. The name 'portable' comes from the fact that these applications are intended to be able to be carried with the user on a portable drive and run on any computer it was designed to run on, even if the user does not have administrative privileges on the computer. See Portable Applications.
Detect conflict
Indicates whether the software will detect if the requested operation may result in data loss. See File Synchronization
Renames/moves
When a file/directory in given side of the synchronization is renamed/moved, the program repeats renaming/moving the file/directory to the other side of the synchronization. This feature saves bandwidth when operating on remote systems but increases the analysis duration. Programs that support this feature commonly do so by calculating and storing hash values of each file so they can detect if two files with different names, modification dates, etc., are identical in terms of their content. Programs which do not support this feature, will behave as if the originally-named file/directory has been deleted and the newly named file/directory is brand new and transmit the "new" file over to the other side again.
Prior file versions, revision control
Indicates whether the software allows one to revert to an earlier version of a particular file/directory.
Scheduling or service
Indicates whether the software will run automatically either via a scheduler, or by running as a system service. If no, a user must invoke the software manually each time a synchronization is needed.
Online storage
Is there an online file storage option? If so, what type?
Other Information
Notes that help clarify features already covered in other columns, or additional information that differentiates this software from the competition.
NAS share mobilisation
Indicates whether the software allows mobile devices pass-through access to NAS shares.

Open-source

This is a comparison of the free and open-source file synchronization software.

NameProgramming language PlatformLicenseStable versionPortableDetect conflictRenames or movesPropagate deletesRevision controlScheduling or serviceOther information
ConduitPython Linux, FreeBSDGPL0.3.17 (2010-01-21)[2]NoYesSynchronizes files, website, network apps
DirSync ProJava Java SEGPLv31.53 (2018-03-07)[3]YesYesNoYes (creates backup files)Yes (native + via OS)sym-links, filter, metadata, contents, auto-sync
FreeFileSyncC++ Windows, OS X, LinuxGPL11.0 (2020-07-21)[4]Yes (Donation Edition)[5]Yes[6]Yes[6]Yes[6]Yes (versioning + recycler)[6]YesOlder version had OpenCandy Adware/malware, but now funded by donations.[7][8]
iFolderC#, Mono Windows, OS X, Linux, SolarisGPL3.8.0.3 (2010-07-19)NoYes (centralized database)Yes (files, not folders)
InterPlanetaryFileSystem Go Windows, OS X, Linux GPL 0.6.0 (2020-06-19)[9] Yes No (Planned)[10]
luckyBackupC++ Windows, OS X, Linux, FreeBSDGPLv30.5.0 (2018-11-18)[11]YesYesUses rsync backend
NextcloudPHP, C++, JavaScript[12] Server: Linux, FreeBSD
Clients: Windows, OS X, Linux, FreeBSD, Android, iOS		AGPLv319.0.3 (2020-09-10)YesYesYesYes[13]YesYesFork of ownCloud and actively maintained

Windows Phone App

OneSyncC# WindowsGPL4.0 (2012-02-19)[14]NoYesYesNo
ownCloud community editionPHP, C++, JavaScript[15] Server: Linux, FreeBSD
Clients: Windows, OS X, Linux, FreeBSD, Android, iOS		AGPLv3 (Server Edition) / proprietary (Enterprise Edition)10.5 (3 August 2020 (2020-08-03)) [±][16]YesYesYesYes[17]YesYesiOS, Android, Blackberry, Win, Mac, Linux Client; external storage support; encryption app; app framework
Pydio Open source home Server: PHP, Python, C++
Clients: JS, C#, Swift, Java		 Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, iOS AGPLv3 8.0.2 (2017-12-13)YesYesYesYes (Git[18])Yes
rcloneGoLinux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, Plan9, Solaris - Intel/AMD-64, Intel/AMD-32, ARM-32, ARM-64, MIPS-Big-Endian, MIPS-Little-EndianMIT1.54 (2 February 2021)YesYesYesYesYesYes (via OS)Supports over fifty cloud, protocol and virtual backends including S3 buckets, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and other high latency file storage. Capabilities include sync, cache, encrypt, compress and mount.
rsyncC in a Unix-Linux shell Windows, OS X,[19] Linux,[20][21] BSDGPL v33.2.3 (August 6, 2020 (2020-08-06)) [±][22]YesYesNoYes using --deleteYes using --backup and a time-stamped --suffixYes (via OS)client & server operation. Multiple comparison criteria (date, check-sum).
Seafile community editionC99, Python[23] Server: Linux, Raspbian, Windows
Clients: Linux, OS X, Windows, Android, iOS.[24]		AGPLv3 (Server) + Apache License 2.0 (Client)7.0.10 (12 October 2020 (2020-10-12)[25]) [±]NoYesYesYesYesYes (via Seafile Client)Android and iOS mobile clients
SparkleShareC# Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, iOSGPL v3 and LGPL2.0.1 (2017-12-22)YesYesNoYes (Git[26])
SymmetricDSJava Java SEGPL3.9.4 (2018-02-16)YesYesYesNoYesplug-in APIs for customization
Synchronizer (krusader) Windows, OS X, LinuxGPL v22.6.0 (2017-04-12)NoYesNoNoNoSynchronizer no longer in active development
SyncthingGo Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, BSD, SolarisMPL v21.12.0 (1 December 2020 (2020-12-01)[27]) [±]YesYesYesYesYesYesDistributed peer-to-peer sync
SynkronC++ Windows, OS X, LinuxGPL v21.6.2 (2011-01-25){[28]}YesYesNoYesYesYesno longer in active development
NameProgramming language PlatformLicenseStable versionPortableDetect conflictRenames or movesPropagate deletesRevision controlScheduling or serviceOther information

Freeware

This is a comparison of the freeware (proprietary software release free of charge) file synchronization software.

NameOperating systemVendorOnline storageRemote desktopPrior file versions, revision controlCommentsPortableDetect renameDetect moveSchedulingFull duplex transfer
Microsoft ActiveSyncWindowsMicrosoftNoNo?Syncs mobile devices
Resilio SyncWindows, OS X, Linux, FreeBSD, Android, iOSResilio, Inc.NoNoYes (previous versions moved to archive folder)Distributed peer-to-peer sync, working also offline in a LANNoYesYesPro only[29]Yes
Briefcase (part of Windows) (removed in Windows 10 build 14942[30])WindowsMicrosoftNoNo?
Cobian BackupWindowsCobianSoftNoNoYes, trash folderBackup software with folder synchronization feature; remote management; Shadow CopyNoNoNoYes
Windows Mobile Device CenterWindowsMicrosoftNoNo?Syncs mobile devices; successor to Microsoft ActiveSync
Microsoft Sync FrameworkWindowsMicrosoft?No?Syncs files, data, services; a framework, not a toolYesYes-
Microsoft SyncToyWindowsMicrosoftNoNoNo, recycle bin onlySync local foldersNoYesYesvia OSNo
Windows Live Mesh (discontinued 13 February 2013)Windows (Vista and greater), Windows Mobile, OSXMicrosoftYesYesNo, recycle bin onlySync folders, online storageNoYes?No, syncs whenever it is onlineYes
OmniGroup OmniPresenceOSX, OmniGroup software for iOS, open source framework availableOmniGroupNoNoNo, via local Time Machine backup onlySync local folders via OmniSync or WebDAV server but not to the server itselfNo??No, syncs whenever it's online and not pausedYes
Windows Live Sync (discontinued 31 March 2011)Windows, OSXMicrosoftNo, browsing onlyNoNo, recycle bin onlySync folders, browse devices from website, remote access; was Microsoft FolderShare, 20,000 file limitNoYesYesNo, syncs whenever it's online?

Commercial

This is a comparison of commercial software in the field of file synchronization. These programs only provide full functionality with a payment. As indicated, some are trialware and provide functionality during a trial period; some are freemium, meaning that they have freeware editions.

Name Operating system Freeware version Portable Encrypts files Detect conflict File lock Open file support Revision control Detect rename Detect move Full duplex transfer Propagate deletes Case sensitive Delta copying (block level transfer) LAN Sync
@MAX SyncUp WindowsLimitedNoYesYesYesNoNoYesYesYes
Allway Sync WindowsLimitedYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesYesYes
AIMstor

(discontinued)

WindowsLimitedYesYesYesYesYes through VSSYesYesYesYesCase
preserving
only
Argentum Backup WindowsNoYesNoYesYes
BackupAssist WindowsNoNoYes
Backup4all WindowsLimitedYesYesNoYesYesYesYes
Beyond Compare Windows, OS X, LinuxLimitedYesNoYesYesYesYes
Box Sync Windows,[31] OS X,[31] Android, BlackBerry, iOS[31]LimitedYes??Yes???Yes?No
ChronoSync OS XNoNoYesYesYesYes (only with APFS)YesNoNoYesYesYesNoYes
Cloudike Windows, OS X, iPhone, AndroidYesNoYesNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
CloudMe Windows, OS X, Linux, iPhone, Android, Google TV, Samsung TVYesNoYes??NoYesNo??Yes?No
Cubby - Free

(discontinued)

Windows, OS XNoNoRenames older and keeps bothNoYesYesYes?YesNoNo
Cubby - Pro

(discontinued)

Windows, OS XNoNoRenames older and keeps bothNoYesYesYes?YesLAN Sync onlyYes
Distributed Storage Windows, LinuxNoYesYesYes
Dmailer Sync (discontinued) WindowsYes
Dropbox Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, iPhone, BlackBerryYesNoYes??YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Easy2Sync for Files WindowsYesYesYesYes, for folders
Egnyte Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, iPad, iPhoneNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesCase
preserving
only		YesYes
Gladinet Windows, OS X, Android, iPad, iPhone, Windows RT, BlackberryYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
GoDrive Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, iOSLimitedYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes?YesYes?Yes
GoodSync Windows, OS X, Android, iPad, iPhone, USB flash driveYesYesYes, betaYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
IBM Connections Windows, OS X, Android, iOSNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
MediaFire Windows, OS X, Android, iOSYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
Name Operating system Freeware version Portable Encrypts files Detect conflict File lock Open file support Revision control Detect rename Detect move Full duplex transfer Propagate deletes Case sensitive Delta copying (block level transfer) LAN Sync
Mega Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, iPhone, BlackBerryYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo[32]No[33]
RepliWeb Windows, LinuxNoPartialYesYesYesYesYesYes
Resilio Sync (ex. BitTorrent Sync) Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Amazon Kindle Fire, FreeBSDLimitedNoYes, optionalNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Robocopy WindowsYesNoNo
SecureSafe Windows, OS X, Android, iOSYesYesNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNo
SpiderOak Windows, OS X, Debian, Fedora, Slackware, Android, iOSNoNoYes[34]NoNoYes[35]Yes
ShareFile Windows, OS X, Android, iPhoneYesYesYes[36]YesYesYesYes
SugarSync Windows, OS X, Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows MobileNoNoYesYes[37]YesYesYes
Syncdocs Windows, web appBeta
versions
only		YesYesNoYesYesYesYesMicrosoft Word only[38]Yes
Synchronize It! WindowsNoNo
Syncplicity Windows, OS X, Android, iPhone, Windows MobileYesYesYesYesYesNo[39]No
Tonido Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows PhoneYesYesYesNoYesNoYesYesYesYes
Tresorit Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Windows PhoneLimitedYesYesYesYes, for WindowsYesYesYesNo
Ubuntu One (discontinued 2 April 2014) Windows, OS X, Ubuntu, iOS, Android[40]Yes
Wuala (discontinued) Windows, OS X, Debian, Ubuntu, Android, iOSYesYes
ZumoDrive (discontinued) Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, iPhone, Palm webOSYesYesYes
Zetta.net Windows, OS X, LinuxNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYes, Preserve file name case & file metadataYesYes
Name Operating system Freeware version Portable Encrypts files Detect conflict File lock Open file support Revision control Detect rename Detect move Full duplex transfer Propagate deletes Case sensitive Delta copying (block level transfer) LAN Sync

See also

References
  1. "Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces". pages.cs.wisc.edu. Retrieved 2018-08-27.
  3. https://dirsyncpro.org/news.html
  4. https://www.freefilesync.org/archive.php
  5. "Free File Sync Software". Portable Edition. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  6. "Frequently Asked Questions - FreeFileSync". Features. Archived from the original on 28 September 2017. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
  7. Akerlund, Geoff (June 2014), FreeFileSync comes bundled with the OpenCandy malware., Backup Review, retrieved 2 February 2018
  8. FFS FAQ, retrieved 27 June 2018
  9. https://github.com/ipfs/go-ipfs/releases
  10. "Versioning: Commit + Repo Datastructures · Issue #23 · ipfs/notes". GitHub. Archived from the original on 2019-02-14. Retrieved 2019-02-14.
  11. http://luckybackup.sourceforge.net/news.html
  12. "Nextcloud". GitHub. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  13. "Yes on desktop, but NO on mobile - Issue 19".
  14. https://code.google.com/archive/p/onesync/downloads
  15. "ownCloud". GitHub. Retrieved 2015-07-13.
  16. "Maintenance and Release Schedule". Retrieved 6 June 2020 – via GitHub.
  17. "The synchronization process".
  18. "Files versionning". Pydio. 2017-05-14. Archived from the original on 2019-02-14. Retrieved 2019-02-14.
  19. "rsync Backups on a Mac". Retrieved 2016-01-24.
  20. "Arch Linux packages". archlinux. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  21. "Software packages in "vivid"". ubuntu. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  22. "NEWS for rsync 3.2.3 (6 Aug 2020)". rsync. 2020-08-06. Retrieved 2020-10-19.
  23. "haiwen/seafile". GitHub. Retrieved 2015-07-13.
  24. "Seafile clients". Seafile. Retrieved 2019-11-14.
  25. "Releases". Github. Retrieved 2021-01-23.
  26. Bons, Hylke (2019-02-12), Share and collaborate by syncing with any Git repository instantly. Linux, macOS, and Windows.: hbons/SparkleShare, archived from the original on 2019-02-14, retrieved 2019-02-14
  27. "Releases". Retrieved 2020-12-19 – via GitHub.
  28. https://sites.google.com/site/synkrondocumentation/news/synkron162
  29. "Sync 2.x change log".
  30. "Briefcase - Add to New Context Menu in Windows 10". tenforums.com. Retrieved 2018-10-13.
  31. "What Is the Box Policy for Browser and OS Support? – Box Help". Box. Retrieved 2014-08-28.
  32. "MEGA - Developers - Documentation".
  33. "Will MEGAsync use peer-to-peer transfers to achieve faster syncing between computers in the same local area network?". Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  34. Susie Ochs (2009-06-11). "Online Storage Battle: Which Cloud Back-Up Service Reigns Supreme?". MacLife. Retrieved 2009-11-04.
  35. "Does SpiderOak backup the whole file every time it changes?". SpiderOak. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
  36. Citrix ShareFile. "File Versioning". Citrix ShareFile. Archived from the original on 2015-05-13. Retrieved 2015-01-10.
  37. "See How SugarSync Stacks up to the Competition". SugarSync (formerly called SharpCast). Retrieved 2010-01-13.
  38. "Syncdocs feature list". Syncdocs Web. Retrieved 14 April 2011.
  39. "Why Delta Sync Doesn't Matter". 2009-07-20. Retrieved 2014-05-21.
  40. "Ubuntu One:Downloads". Ubuntu One. Archived from the original on 9 August 2011. Retrieved 14 April 2013.

Further reading
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