FreeFileSync review (2026): is the free plan enough?
Open-source folder comparison and sync for desktops
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FreeFileSync report card
Very good · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 13, 2026
Best for comparing and syncing folders on a desktop
FreeFileSync compares two folders and copies only the differences, to local drives, network shares, FTP, SFTP and Google Drive. The standard edition is free for private use only, businesses need the €20 per device edition, and there is no phone app.
Who FreeFileSync is for
- Fits if you are a private user syncing folders between drives or a NAS
- Works for people who want to schedule folder syncs with Windows Task Scheduler
Who FreeFileSync is not for
- Skip it if you are a business, as the free and donation versions are personal use only
- Watch out: the Business Edition is €20 per device and covers updates for one year
- Tight if you want email notifications or parallel copying without donating
- Not for you if you need a phone app, since only desktops are listed
- Watch out: licences are generally non-refundable once the link is sent
Why FreeFileSync gets a 3.0
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyFree for personal use with no limit on files, and €20 a device for the Business Edition with a year of updates. Anyone can download and run it.
- BFree plan and trialThe Standard edition is free, but only for private individuals. Any business or organisation needs the Business Edition.
- BFeaturesCompare then sync, moved-file detection, version history, many targets and batch jobs. Email alerts and parallel copy are limited to Donation and Business editions.
- BEase of useNo rating on record. You install it and pair two folders, with nothing else to set up.
- CPlatforms and integrationsDesktop downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux only. No phone or web version, and few cloud links beyond Google Drive.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from FreeFileSync's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
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<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/freefilesync#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/freefilesync.svg" alt="FreeFileSync: 3.0 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where FreeFileSync stands among file storage and sync services
FreeFileSync's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 83 of the 91 other file storage and sync services we grade, and level with 2.
It stands best on value for money (A, above 74 of 91) and worst on platforms and integrations (C, above 1).
Its paid plans start at about $1.86 a month, against a middle price of $6.64 for the category: 7 of the 60 others that charge start lower.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.7 out of 4. 4 tools score higher and cost less.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 92 file storage and sync services we grade, cut by the letter each got. FreeFileSync’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 74 of 91, level with 17
- BFree plan and trialAbove 67 of 91, level with 18
- BFeaturesAbove 70 of 91, level with 21
- BEase of useAbove 60 of 91, level with 26
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 1 of 91, level with 29
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 66 file storage and sync services. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
Keep FreeFileSync, or make your own?
Keep it
To replace FreeFileSync you would be making files kept in step across devices without losing one. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 3.0 is higher than 83 of the 91 other file storage and sync services we grade. It costs $22.34 a year. FreeFileSync is open source, so there is a third way: take its code and run it yourself.
What you could not
- Files kept in step across devices without losing one.
- A file manager working directly on your disk.
- Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
- The depth: we grade its features B, which means it covers the whole job.
What this rests on. FreeFileSync’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
What is FreeFileSync?
FreeFileSync compares a source and a target folder and copies only the differences. It handles local drives, network shares, FTP, SFTP, Google Drive and phones over MTP. The standard version is free for private personal use; businesses must buy per-device Business Edition licenses.
Worth knowing
- The free and donation versions are for personal use by private individuals only; any business, organization or agency needs the Business Edition.
- The Business Edition price is listed in euros and covers updates for one year.
- Licenses are generally non-refundable once the download link is provided.
- There are desktop downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux only; no mobile app is listed.
Key features
- Compare then sync
- Compares two folders and transfers only the differences, with moved and renamed files detected.
- Many storage targets
- Syncs local drives, network shares, FTP and FTPS, SFTP, Google Drive and MTP devices such as Android phones.
- Version history
- Keeps a history of deleted and updated files.
- Email notifications
- Sync results can be emailed; the FAQ lists this in the Donation and Business editions.
- Parallel copying
- Compares and syncs multiple files in parallel; parallel file copy is a Donation and Business feature.
- Batch jobs
- Sync settings can be saved and run from the Windows Task Scheduler; the FAQ covers network shares used that way.
FreeFileSync pricing
As of Nov 13, 2026, FreeFileSync has a free plan, and paid plans start at €20 per device (Business Edition, includes one year of updates).
- Starts at
- €20 per device (Business Edition, includes one year of updates)
- Free plan
- Standard version is free for personal use by private individuals only, with no limit on the number of files.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $0 | Open-source, personal use only; donations are optional. |
| Donation Edition | $0free download for anyone who donates | Personal use only; adds auto-updater, parallel file copy and email notifications as a thank-you for donating. |
| Business Edition | €20per device, includes updates for one year | Required for businesses, organizations, agencies and commercial use; adds silent installation and a tax invoice. |
Read from freefilesync.org on Nov 13, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with FreeFileSync before you buy.
Works with
- Google Drive
- FTP
- SFTP
- Windows Task Scheduler
FreeFileSync alternatives
- FreeFileSync vs Syncovery
Free trial · from $39.90 one-time
- FreeFileSync vs GoodSync
Free plan
Common questions
Does FreeFileSync have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. FreeFileSync is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Does FreeFileSync have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. FreeFileSync is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Is FreeFileSync open source?
Yes. FreeFileSync is open source, according to its own site.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 13, 2026.