The best file syncing solutions have a variety of features to help your business keep its projects—and team members—in sync. Collaboration is the beating heart of many businesses today, and relies on files being properly synced between team members’ devices, seamlessly and instantly.
Many of the best cloud storage solutions and the best file sharing apps also offer file syncing, which can be complicated, and if not done properly can result in multiple file versions, data sprawl, and even security threats, as employees resort to individual, non-compliant solutions that simply work better than your current approach.
On the other hand, when properly managed with the right application, file syncing enables teams to be more productive, helps save time and costs, and even helps keep your data safe.
We’ve scoured the web to create this list of the best file syncing solutions, to help keep your business running smoothly. After testing them on pricing, features, and performance, we can present our list of the best file syncing software available today.
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The best file syncing solutions of 2023 in full
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Google Drive almost needs no introduction; thanks to the popularity and widespread adoption of Google Workspace, it’s one of the most widely used file-sharing platforms on the planet. However, many users are unaware that Google Drive can also be synced directly to your hard drive, thanks to Google Backup and Sync and, for Google Workspace, Drive File Stream.
Backup and Sync is free for all users with a Google account, and does just what it says: synchronizes files between Google Drive and selected folders on your hard drive. Drive File Stream creates a virtual drive on your computer, and includes business collaboration features like syncing individual files, or seeing who’s currently editing a document.
Businesses who already use Google Workspace and are looking for a simple solution may find what they need here, but it’s definitely one of the more bare-bones approaches, lacking some of the advanced sync features of other solutions on this list like advanced version history or user management.
Read our Google Drive review.
Dropbox is another popular backup and sync solution which has made great strides in providing a robust yet simple business solution. However, plans start at $12 per user a month, so it’s not the cheapest solution on this list.
The Team plan includes an admin login to manage multiple users and teams, with an audit log and granular sharing permissions. File transfers are secured with 256-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) encryption, although encryption keys are held by Dropbox.
There are some clever innovations at work here, too. LAN syncing searches for files on local servers before the cloud, to speed up sharing, while Smart Sync enables you to see files without having to store them locally.
All in all, Dropbox is a thoroughly tested, well-trusted, industry-leading solution, with plenty of business features to help your team get more done, faster.
Read our Dropbox Business review and Dropbox review.
Egnyte is a file sync solution built for modern businesses, with a focus on risk and cost reduction for teams of all sizes.
One of Egnyte’s core technologies is the Content Intelligence Engine, which automatically classifies your data to highlight risk, locate regulated or proprietary files, and easily identify data owners.
You can rapidly scan for personally identifiable information (PII), to stay compliant with GDPR (the General Data Protection Regulation), CCPA (the California Consumer Privacy Act), and other regulations, and use pre-configured policies to ensure compliance with SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), and other industry standards.
Automation is another big part of Egnyte’s appeal: picking up on and responding to unusual behavior, and automating file management, like archiving and deletion, data retention and legal holds, and privileging hot or cold storage.
Businesses looking to lock down compliance, eliminate data risks, and benefit from automation should definitely consider Egnyte, with plans starting at $10 per user a month.
Read our comprehensive Egnyte review.
If your business extensively uses Microsoft Office, you may find that OneDrive for Business is your best option. This is especially true now that Microsoft has released free, online versions of World, Excel, and Powerpoint so that outside collaborators without Office can easily view and edit files.
Of course, OneDrive for Business works seamlessly with the Office apps, so finding your files, accessing version history, and conflict resolution all work flawlessly with Microsoft’s productivity suite.
The OneDrive mobile app also stands out, seamlessly integrating with the suite’s other mobile apps, and includes a handy feature for scanning physical documents like whiteboards or business cards.
If your business doesn’t use Microsoft Office, OneDrive’s appeal is greatly reduced. However, if you’re looking for simple, “it just works” file syncing for Office collaboration, look no further. Plans start at $5 and include Microsoft 365.
Read our OneDrive for Business review.
Sync.com is one of the most complete file-syncing solutions out there in terms of features and has a great interface that’s intuitive and easy to use. As if that weren’t enough, it’s also one of the cheapest solutions out there, with business plans starting at just $5 per user a month.
Sync.com was built with collaboration in mind. You can send and receive files to non-Sync users, and control access with passwords and expiry dates, making out-of-company collaborations a breeze. Activity logs let you know what’s going on with each of your shared files, while advanced version history makes it easy to retrieve deleted or changed files.
It also integrates with popular apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud. A central administrative account also makes it easy to add and remove employee accounts, reset passwords, see activity, and manage billing.
In summation, Sync.com is an intuitive file-syncing solution with rock-bottom prices for businesses looking for something that “just works”.
Read our Sync.com review.
Syncplicity is a feature-rich file syncing solution for businesses of all sizes. Enterprise users especially will find a bevy of useful administrative features, including single sign-on access, file and folder tagging, hybrid cloud solutions, and 24/7 support.
Where Syncplicity really shines, however, is in security. The architecture is built with zero-knowledge policies in mind, so Syncplicity never sees or has access to customer encryption keys.
The software also supports group and user-based permissions, choice of server location (US or EU), and remote device wiping. Syncplicity meets FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) standards out of the box, and has more than a few US government clients.
Pricing starts at $5 per user for businesses, although the best and most secure features are only available to Enterprise users, who should contact Syncplicity for a quote.
Resilio has a unique approach to file syncing, using peer-to-peer technology to instantly and directly share files between devices or users, without storing them on cloud servers. The company has its roots in BitTorrent and thus has secure and lightning-fast P2P built right in.
Because of this, it’s one of the fastest file-syncing solutions out there, and companies like Mercedes-Benz and VoiceBase have all praised its speed and reliability. Businesses that use and share large files will find it to be a big time-saver. It’s also highly secure, as transfers are encrypted and cannot be ready by third parties, including Resilio.
All this would be enough to make Resilio a great product, but it’s also rich in business features: two-factor authentication, bidirectional real-time file and folder sync, one-time file sending, and more. Resilio works on Windows, Linux, macOS, NAS devices, iOS, and Android.
Pricing starts as low as $6 per user a month, although businesses looking to back up a server will need to opt for the Medium ($10 per user a month) or Large ($12 per user a month) plans.
Files.com is both an API and an app, enabling your business to integrate with third-party cloud vendors, including Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and others, via a wide variety of protocols: web, FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, etc.
Accounts can be linked across services, so you can connect customers, vendors, and partners to your own accounts and to each other, with custom branding and white labeling for a seamless customer experience.
With all of this versatility, Files.com can operate as a Swiss-army knife of file transferring for you, making it possible to get your files moved between all the platforms you use.
If you’re just looking for simple file syncing, Files.com is probably too complex a solution. However, it’s one of the best we’ve found for securely linking multiple cloud solutions through multiple protocols and providing seamless cloud integration between a business and its customers.
Citrix is a well-known name in the sphere of virtual machine and desktop as a service (DaaS), but it also has a robust cloud backup and sync solution. Whether you choose to use Citrix’s advanced virtual services or not, Citrix provides robust file syncing with business-forward features.
Citrix is built to work with a hybrid architecture, so you can store files in the cloud or on-premises, and access them with equal ease. Citrix also connects with third-party solutions like OneDrive and Google Drive to seamlessly bring together all your files, and create a single point of access for employees.
Citrix will also help you better manage proprietary and regulated data, with auditing as well as activity tracking and logging. This also enables you to better protect sensitive data, and prevent users from accidentally (or intentionally) sharing a file they shouldn’t.
While deployment can be somewhat complex, Citrix is built to work seamlessly with virtual environments, so if your business makes use of DaaS, it’s a strong contender.
GoodSync is a well-established file syncing solution, and is trusted by companies like Adobe and Lockheed Martin. Getting started is easy, with a step-by-step process to select files and folders and set up automated backup and sync functions. After that, the software takes care of everything.
GoodSync also has powerful solutions for businesses: GoodSync Workstation ($39.95 per device a year) and GoodSync Server ($499 per server a year), with backup and synchronization for Windows and macOS workstations, and Windows and Linux servers, respectively. GoodSync has a 30-day trial so you test whether it's a solid choice for your needs.
The software is feature-rich, including end-to-end encryption, version history, automated conflict resolution, and watched folders, although the pricing may not fit all budgets, its UI is dated, and it isn't clear if it offers zero-knowledge architecture.
Read our GoodSync review.
| File syncing solution | Cheapest plan | Third-party cloud support? | Conflict resolution? | Version history? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | Free | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dropbox | $12 per user a month | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Egnyte Sync | $20 per user a month | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Microsoft OneDrive for Business | $5 per user a month | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sync.com | $8 a month | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Syncplicity | $5 per user a month | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Resilio | $6 per user a month | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Files.com | On request | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Citrix Content Collaboration | $7 per user a month | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| GoodSync | Free | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
File syncing FAQs
What is a file syncing solution?
A file syncing solution is a software tool that allows users to synchronize files and data between devices, ensuring that the most updated version of a file is available on all of the user's devices. In other words, file syncing is the process of updating files across multiple devices to keep them in sync.
File syncing solutions work by using a server or cloud storage to store the files, which can then be accessed and updated from any device. When a file is updated on one device, the file syncing solution automatically updates the file on all other devices that have access to the file.
File syncing software offer a range of benefits, such as accessibility, collaboration, and backup. With file syncing solutions, users can access their files from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easier to work remotely. Collaboration is made more efficient as files can be shared and updated in real-time. Additionally, file syncing solutions can serve as a cloud backup of important files, ensuring that they are not lost if a device is lost or damaged.
T can vary in terms of their features and capabilities, with some offering limited storage spac while others offer unlimited storage. Some solutions prioritize security with strong encryption methods, while others prioritize ease of use with intuitive interfaces.
File syncing solutions are an essential tool for individuals and businesses alike, allowing them to keep their files organized, accessible, and up-to-date across multiple devices.
How to choose the right file syncing solution for you
To choose the best file syncing solution that meets your needs, there are several factors that you should consider. Firstly, compatibility is an essential consideration. The syncing solution you opt for should be compatible with the devices and operating systems that you use. Ensure that the solution works seamlessly with your desktop, laptop, mobile device, and any other devices that you frequently use.
Secondly, storage space is a crucial factor to keep in mind. Consider the amount of storage space you require for syncing your files. Some file syncing solutions offer limited storage space, while others offer unlimited storage. Choose a solution that aligns with your storage needs.
Thirdly, security should be a top priority when selecting a file syncing solution. Look for a solution that uses strong encryption methods to keep your files safe from unauthorized access.
Fourthly, collaboration is another aspect to consider. If you need to collaborate with others on files, look for a file syncing solution that offers collaboration features such as commenting, version control, and real-time editing.
Fifthly, ease of use is an important consideration. The file syncing solution you choose should be simple to use with an intuitive interface. Look for a platform that allows you to effortlessly upload and access your files, and has a clean and organized interface.
Lastly, pricing is an essential factor to consider. File syncing solutions can be free or paid, with varying levels of features and storage. Consider your budget and storage needs to find the best pricing plan for you.
By taking these factors into account and conducting thorough research, you can find a file syncing solution that suits your needs and preferences, allowing you to sync your files seamlessly and securely across all your devices.
How we review the best file syncing solutions
When it comes to evaluating file syncing solutions, we use a variety of methods to ensure that we thoroughly test each software's capabilities. Whenever possible, our process involves installing and testing the software on different devices, operating systems, and networks to determine its efficiency, reliability, and compatibility.
We start by installing the file syncing software on different devices, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. We also install the software on different operating systems, such as Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
Once the software is installed, we configure it based on the recommended settings and options. This includes selecting the folders to sync, setting up automatic sync, and configuring any other necessary options.
We then test the software's performance by syncing different types of files, including small and large files, text documents, images, videos, and music files. We also test how the software handles conflicts, such as file versioning and file deletions.
We test the software's reliability by deliberately disconnecting devices and networks to see how the software handles syncing errors and interruptions. We also test the software's ability to recover from errors and sync changes after reconnection.
We evaluate the software's security features, including encryption, password protection, and two-factor authentication. We also test how the software handles sharing files with other users and how it manages access permissions.
We assess the software's user interface, ease of use, and available features. We also evaluate the software's compatibility with other software and services, such as cloud storage platforms, productivity tools, and backup solutions.
Finally, we test the software's customer support options, including online help resources, user communities, and technical support.
For more information, see our testing methodology page.
Next steps with file syncing solutions and cloud storage
We've put together a guide on how to share files between Android and iPhone if you just need to transfer a few files, but a more robust cloud storage solution may be the better option for better file sharing.
If that sounds expensive, remember there are many free cloud storage solutions. You also have the option of storing a sharing your photos on photo sharing sites.
