What is the best way to synchronize files?

The best file synchronization software allows you to back up your files for access from any device, whether at home, in the office, or on the road.

File synchronization solutions are often an integral part of backup software to make it easier to manage and restore data when needed.

Nowadays, file synchronization software solutions are delivered through cloud services, making it easier to synchronize, save, and protect data. Although there is a general solution for cloud storage, the advantage of synchronization is that files can be updated in real-time, so you always have the latest copy of what you need.

In addition to storing and synchronizing data, most synchronization solutions come with additional tools not only to manage your saved data but also to manage user access and permissions to allow file sharing and collaboration with stored files. This is especially important because many office environments now allow collaborative use of documents, but for security purposes, correct user permissions are required.

In addition, enterprise file synchronization also uses very strict security protocols to ensure that data is always protected and reduce the possibility of data leakage and malicious access.

In summary, here we show what we believe is the 11 best file synchronization solution currently available.

1. Raysync

Raysync is a high-speed large file transfer software. Whether it is a PB-level large file or a million-level small file, Raysync can efficiently meet the requirements of enterprise data synchronization transmission and file synchronization transfer, and accelerate the efficient operation of enterprise business. It has excellent data synchronization performance and efficiency, overcomes various limitations of traditional data synchronization tools and file synchronization tools, and performs fast and safe data synchronization through WAN and LAN.

Enterprise-level Reliability

Raysync can transmit new files on the base of full bandwidth and can satisfy enterprises’ requirements to ensure the integrity of file transmission under any distance and network environment.

Mass-scale Synchronization

Raysync leverages the architecture to synchronize millions of small files or petabytes-sized files and supports multiple concurrent sessions, clusters, and 10 Gigabit transmission speed.

Smart Synchronization

Raysync recognizes file update status intelligently to effectively avoid retransmission of the same file, reduce unnecessary synchronization and improve efficiency.

Flexible Configuration

Raysync supports operations such as one-way and two-way synchronization, timing synchronization, encryption or no encryption, modification time reservation, source files transmission only, synchronous deletion, etc.

Generally speaking, Raysync provides a more professional and reliable large file transfer program. If you are interested, you can download our free trial version and enjoy the process of synchronized file transfer!

2. Microsoft OneDrive__

Microsoft OneDrive is a popular version of the online Microsoft 365 suite. Although it is worth considering as a standalone product, if you do own Microsoft 365, then it may become an indispensable choice.

As a standalone version, OneDrive provides 5GB of storage space for free and provides additional backup options for home and business users. For home users, only a monthly payment can get 100GB of storage space.

However, OneDrive only appears when you use OneDrive as part of your Microsoft 365 subscription. Both the personal version and the commercial version provide a very large 1TB storage space and comprehensive applications. This can be used to back up any folders on the computer, regardless of whether they are office-related or not.

Files stored in OneDrive can be used on most devices, such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. However, please pay attention to your OneDrive settings, because some files are only stored in the cloud by default, not on your device or computer, which may cause problems when working offline.

However, in general, OneDrive provides the most generous and extensive file backup and synchronization solution. Whether you are a home office user, a small business user, or running a business, OneDrive provides an excellent daily file synchronization solution for business files.

3. Sync.com

As one of the more complete file synchronization solutions, Sync.com, located in Canada, provides three different plans for corporate users. The first tier, Business Pro Teams Standard, provides each user with 1TB of considerable storage space, which can accommodate 2-100 users. All tools used to manage backup and synchronization provide unlimited data transfer.

The next level is Business Pro Teams Plus, which is priced per user per month. It is also suitable for 2-100 users, and each user has 4TB of storage space available. There is also a multi-user management panel, which can be transferred in the synchronization account, and centralized billing to cover all users.

Business Pro Teams Advanced increases the storage space for backup and synchronization files to 10TB per user and adds live chat support as a feature.

All plans come with sharing and collaboration options, 2048-bit RSA, SSL/TLS encryption, version history and recovery, and remote wipe and lock (if required).

4. GoodSync

GoodSync is an established company that provides file synchronization and backup software services. The setup is very simple, you only need to install the software, select the target files and folders, and then set up the automatic functions for backup and synchronization. That's it.

The simplicity of use hides the fact that this is a powerful solution in several different forms. One is GoodSync servers, which provide backup and synchronization for Windows and Linux servers. The other is the GoodSync file server, which allows the specified files and folders to be backed up and synchronized to the private cloud, and provides various rules and automation options to ensure easy management of everything.

No matter which type you choose, there are home and business editions, and the home edition offers a free package with limited features. However, we will focus here on business solutions, which provide many standard features, especially multithreading, block-level data transfer, and local and remote file support. The file server option allows unlimited connections and users.

5. Syncplicity

Syncplicity is easy to install on a Mac or PC (it also comes with native clients for Android and iOS), and it can back up folders and files of your choice to the cloud.

After configuration, it works transparently. The personal version provides free 10GB of storage space on an unlimited number of devices, and 100GB requires a monthly payment. Even this layer is equipped with enterprise-level features such as secure mobile editing and PDF annotations-you can also choose your public cloud storage location (EU or US), in addition to real-time document version control and backup.

The business plan is similar but adds additional features for collaboration and group user control for file sharing.

Enterprise plans to provide more advanced features such as AD integration and single sign-on, as well as MDM (mobile device management) integration and remote wipe of any user device. The file synchronization and access functions are excellent, you can synchronize any folder, and you can fine-tune the content that can be excluded. However, there is no uniform pricing for this, you need to contact Syncplicity for a quote.

6. Resilio Sync

Resilio Sync has an interesting background story: it was spun off from BitTorrent Inc, which means it has peer-to-peer (P2P) technology as part of its DNA. P2P is a tried-and-tested and trustworthy protocol, especially useful for sending large files quickly. It is one of the very few services compatible with Linux (and FreeBSD) and a large number of network-attached storage solutions (FreeNAS, Synology, etc.).

Unlike most of the content we covered here, Resilio Sync is not a cloud-based file synchronization solution. Instead, it relies on the synchronization process of devices connected in peer-to-peer mode. There are free versions and paid products, which can link all your devices, have a one-time sending function, selective synchronization function, and the function of automatically adding folders to all devices. You need to install it on all devices you want to sync.

Sync Business will better serve enterprises. This is a subscription service where each user has unlimited devices, file-level deduplication, data reduction, end-to-end encryption, and server support. Resilio Connect is an enterprise-level version of Sync Business, providing WAN optimization and advanced management functions.

7. Google Drive

If you are a small business or individual user, as a basic backup, synchronization, and sharing solution, it is difficult to beat Google Drive. Google Drive provides backup and synchronization for individual users, it just does what it says. Copy files from your computer, smartphone, or memory card to the cloud. Find your files on Google Drive on most desktop or mobile devices.

All versions of Google Drive, whether it is a personal, professional, or enterprise version, support documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, as well as video and audio conferences.

The simplicity of Google Drive is hard to beat. It is easy to use, and the backup and synchronization functions can be used to back up files to PCs and USB drives in the cloud. Where it fails is that it can’t really compete with Microsoft 365’s generous OneDrive storage, let alone Microsoft’s office tools.

However, as a simple and easily accessible synchronization solution-if, this is what you need-Google Drive is one of the best options worth considering.

Other cloud storage and synchronization software solutions

IDrive is another popular backup and synchronized file storage solution, and its basic level provides 5GB for free. There are paid personal editions and commercial editions. The personal edition 5TB storage is cheaper, and there is a discount for the first year. Commercial options of 250GB and above are more expensive, and discounts are also available for the first year.

SugarSync provides file and synchronization storage solutions for personal and business users and has built-in additional security protection to protect offline stored files, as well as permission options. Personal plans start from 100GB, while multi-user enterprise accounts start with 2TB storage and can accommodate up to three users. More than a dozen active users need custom quotes.

SpiderOak provides many cloud storage options. Although they provide services for home users, they pay more attention to the needs of business users, especially when online collaboration may be required for file usage. A personal plan for the SpiderOak One platform, providing 150GB of storage space. Enterprise users can choose different versions, but enterprise storage requires at least 500 users.

Apple iCloud is a service for macOS and iOS users, providing 5GB of online backup for free. You can choose to pay to upgrade to 50GB, 200GB, or 2TB, and provide family sharing options. However, it is strange that Apple does not use its own servers, but uses cloud storage from Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.