Best sync software for external hard drive

When it comes to syncing data with an external hard drive, finding the right software is crucial. 

1. FreeFileSync

Best for: Versatile file synchronization for personal and professional use.

Overview: FreeFileSync is an open-source software that offers robust synchronization capabilities. It supports multiple synchronization modes, including two-way sync, mirror sync, and update sync. It’s ideal for both personal and professional use, providing advanced features without a price tag.

Key Features:

Real-time Sync: Automatically detects changes and syncs files in real-time.

Versioning: Keeps old versions of files, allowing you to restore previous versions if needed.

Cross-Platform Support: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.

Pros:

Free to use.

Supports various synchronization methods.

Real-time sync ensures that your files are always up-to-date.

Cons:

Occasional bugs in large-scale file transfers.

No official support, relying on community forums for help.

2. GoodSync

Best for: Advanced users and professionals requiring comprehensive synchronization and backup features.

Overview: GoodSync is a powerful tool that offers both synchronization and backup functionalities. It supports direct syncing between various devices, including external hard drives, cloud storage, and FTP servers. It’s suitable for users who need a reliable and comprehensive solution.

Key Features:

Direct Sync: Allows for syncing files directly between devices without a central server.

End-to-End Encryption: Ensures that your files are secure during transfer.

Multi-Device Sync: Supports synchronization across multiple devices and platforms.

Automated Backups: Allows scheduling of automatic backups.

Pros:

Highly reliable and secure.

Supports a wide range of devices and platforms.

Excellent customer support.

Cons:

Paid software with a limited free version.

The learning curve for beginners.

3. Allway Sync

Best for: Home users and small businesses needing a simple yet powerful sync solution.

Overview: Allway Sync offers a user-friendly interface with powerful synchronization features. It’s particularly useful for those who need to sync data between multiple devices, including external hard drives, USB drives, and cloud storage. The software is free for personal use, making it an attractive option for home users.

Key Features:

Multiple Folder Sync: Syncs multiple folders across different devices.

Conflict Resolution: Automatically detects and resolves file conflicts.

Cloud Integration: Supports major cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox.

Portable Version: Available as a portable app that can run directly from an external drive.

Pros:

Easy to use with minimal setup required.

Free for personal use.

Supports a wide range of devices and platforms.

Cons:

Limited features in the free version for business use.

Slower sync speeds compared to other tools.

4. Syncthing

Best for: Privacy-conscious users looking for a decentralized and open-source sync solution.

Overview: Syncthing is a decentralized, open-source file synchronization tool that prioritizes user privacy. It allows you to sync files between devices without relying on third-party servers, making it ideal for those concerned about data security.

Key Features:

Decentralized Sync: Syncs files directly between devices without a central server.

Open-Source: Completely free and open-source, with a strong community backing.

Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.

Real-Time Sync: Instantly syncs files as they are modified.

Pros:

No reliance on third-party servers for data storage.

Strong focus on user privacy and security.

Free to use with ongoing community support.

Cons:

Requires some technical knowledge to set up.

Lacks some of the advanced features found in paid software.

5. Resilio Sync

Best for: Teams and businesses needing fast and secure peer-to-peer file synchronization.

Overview: Resilio Sync (formerly BitTorrent Sync) is a peer-to-peer file synchronization tool designed for speed and efficiency. It’s especially useful for teams and businesses that require fast data transfers and robust security.

Key Features:

Peer-to-Peer Sync: Directly syncs files between devices without relying on cloud servers.

Unlimited File Size: No restrictions on the size or number of files you can sync.

Selective Sync: Choose which files or folders to sync on each device.

Team Collaboration: Supports file sharing and collaboration across teams.

Pros:

Extremely fast file transfers due to peer-to-peer technology.

High level of security with end-to-end encryption.

Scalable for businesses of any size.

Cons:

Paid software with no free version.

May be overkill for personal use.

6. Acronis True Image

Best for: Users seeking a complete backup and sync solution with additional security features.

Overview: Acronis True Image is more than just sync software; it’s a complete backup solution that includes file synchronization features. It offers cloud storage integration, ransomware protection, and other advanced security features, making it ideal for users who want an all-in-one solution.

Key Features:

Full Image Backup: Creates a complete image of your system, which can be restored if needed.

Active Protection: Protects your files from ransomware and other cyber threats.

Cloud Integration: Syncs and backs up files to Acronis Cloud or other cloud services.

Flexible Sync Options: Offers multiple sync methods, including two-way sync and mirror sync.

Pros:

Comprehensive backup and sync solution.

Includes advanced security features.

User-friendly with excellent customer support.

Cons:

More expensive than standalone sync software.

Some features may be unnecessary for those only needing file sync.

7. Dropbox

Best for: Users already integrated into the Dropbox ecosystem, needing seamless cloud sync.

Overview: Dropbox is one of the most well-known cloud storage services, offering seamless file synchronization across devices. It’s particularly beneficial for users already using Dropbox for cloud storage, as it integrates perfectly with the service’s other features.

Key Features:

Cloud Sync: Syncs files across devices via the cloud, making them accessible anywhere.

File Versioning: Keeps a history of file changes, allowing you to revert to previous versions.

Collaboration Tools: Includes tools for team collaboration and file sharing.

Selective Sync: Choose which files or folders to sync to each device.

Pros:

Seamless integration with Dropbox cloud storage.

Easy to use with minimal setup required.

Includes powerful collaboration tools.

Cons:

Limited to Dropbox storage, requiring a subscription for more space.

Reliant on an internet connection for cloud sync.

8. SyncBack

Best for: Users seeking a customizable and reliable sync solution with backup capabilities.

Overview: SyncBack is a versatile sync and backup tool that offers a high level of customization. It’s suitable for both novice and advanced users, providing options for simple sync tasks as well as complex backup routines.

Key Features:

Highly Customizable: Allows users to set up custom sync profiles and backup plans.

Versioning and Incremental Backups: Supports file versioning and incremental backups to save space.

FTP and Cloud Support: Syncs files to FTP servers and various cloud storage services.

Scheduling: Supports automated sync and backup tasks.

Pros:

Extremely customizable to fit individual needs.

Supports a wide range of sync and backup options.

Reliable performance with detailed logs and reports.

Cons:

Can be overwhelming for beginners due to the number of options.

Paid software, though a free version with limited features is available.

9. Carbonite

Best for: Users needing a cloud backup service with integrated file sync features.

Overview: Carbonite is primarily a cloud backup service, but it also includes file synchronization features. It’s ideal for users who want to ensure their files are backed up in the cloud while also being able to sync them across multiple devices.

Key Features:

Automatic Cloud Backup: Continuously backs up files to the cloud.

File Sync: Syncs files across multiple devices, making them accessible from anywhere.

Data Recovery: Offers easy recovery options for lost or deleted files.

External Drive Support: Supports backup and sync for external hard drives.

Pros:

Reliable cloud backup with continuous syncing.

Easy recovery of files in case of data loss.

Includes support for external drives.

Cons:

More focused on backup than sync, with fewer sync-specific features.

Subscription-based with no free option.