The FreeFileSync Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about FreeFileSync in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
FreeFileSync
The Insider’s Guide
Open-source folder comparison and sync for desktops
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among file storage and sync services, read from FreeFileSync’s own pages.
Made by Zenju · checked Nov 13, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from FreeFileSync’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on FreeFileSync’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 13, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
3.0
GPA, above 83 of the 91 other file storage and sync services we grade
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.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about FreeFileSync, taken from its own pages and our grades.
You install it and pair two folders, with nothing else to set up.
- 1
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.
- 2
Paid plans start at about $1.86 a month
As its pricing page puts it: €20 per device (Business Edition, includes one year of updates).
- 3
There is a free plan
Standard version is free for personal use by private individuals only, with no limit on the number of files.
- 4
It runs on 3 platforms
Windows, macOS and Linux.
- 5
Compare then sync
Compares two folders and transfers only the differences, with moved and renamed files detected.
- 6
Many storage targets
Syncs local drives, network shares, FTP and FTPS, SFTP, Google Drive and MTP devices such as Android phones.
- 7
Version history
Keeps a history of deleted and updated files.
- 8
A 3.0 GPA, above 83 of 91
That is against the other file storage and sync services we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
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.
FreeFileSync at a glance
- Pricing
- Free plan, from €20 per device (Business Edition, includes one year of updates)
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows, Linux
- Made by
- Zenju
- Category
- File Storage & Sync
- Our grade
- 3.0 GPA, very good
The report card
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.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free 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. |
| Free plan and trial | B | The Standard edition is free, but only for private individuals. Any business or organisation needs the Business Edition. |
| Features | B | Compare then sync, moved-file detection, version history, many targets and batch jobs. Email alerts and parallel copy are limited to Donation and Business editions. |
| Ease of use | B | No rating on record. You install it and pair two folders, with nothing else to set up. |
| Platforms and integrations | C | Desktop downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux only. No phone or web version, and few cloud links beyond Google Drive. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
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 it 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
Good to know
Good for
- Mirroring folders to an external drive or NAS
- Windows, Mac or Linux users who want a free desktop sync tool
- Small businesses that need a per-device license
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.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
~$1.86
A month to start. There is a free plan too
FreeFileSync has a free plan. Paid plans start at €20 per device (Business Edition, includes one year of updates).
The Standard edition is free, but only for private individuals.
Standard
$0
Open-source, personal use only; donations are optional.
Donation Edition
$0
free 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
€20
per device, includes updates for one year
Required for businesses, organizations, agencies and commercial use; adds silent installation and a tax invoice.
The free plan
Standard version is free for personal use by private individuals only, with no limit on the number of files.
Read from freefilesync.org on Nov 13, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
3
Places it runs: macOS, Windows and Linux
Open-source folder comparison and sync for desktops. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, file sync, file management.
Compare then sync, moved-file detection, version history, many targets and batch jobs.
- 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.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
What it works with
- Google Drive
- FTP
- SFTP
- Windows Task Scheduler
FreeFileSync is made by Zenju.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
83/91
Other file storage and sync services it is graded above
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
- BFree plan and trialAbove 67 of 91
- BFeaturesAbove 70 of 91
- BEase of useAbove 60 of 91
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 1 of 91
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 66 file storage and sync services. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. FreeFileSync is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
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.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Rclone, Syncovery, GoodSync and Unison
The 4 tools FreeFileSync is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.8GPA
Rclone
Free
Command-line tool for syncing and mounting cloud storage.
- Only Rclone lists an Android app.
- Rclone is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- 2.4GPA
Syncovery
Free trial · from $39.90 one-time
One-time-license file sync and backup for desktops and NAS.
- FreeFileSync has a free plan. Syncovery does not, though it has a free trial.
- FreeFileSync is open source, according to its own site.
- Syncovery can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.0GPA
GoodSync
Free plan
File backup and two-way sync software for desktops and servers.
- FreeFileSync has a free plan. GoodSync does not, though it has a free trial.
- FreeFileSync is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.6GPA
Unison
Free
Open-source two-way file synchronizer for Unix, macOS and Windows.
- FreeFileSync also covers file management.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
12
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is FreeFileSync free?
FreeFileSync has a free plan. Standard version is free for personal use by private individuals only, with no limit on the number of files.
How much does FreeFileSync cost?
FreeFileSync lists 3 plans. Standard: $0.
What platforms does FreeFileSync work on?
FreeFileSync is available on Windows, macOS and Linux.
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.
What does FreeFileSync integrate with?
FreeFileSync's listing names Google Drive, FTP, SFTP and Windows Task Scheduler.
Who makes FreeFileSync?
FreeFileSync is made by Zenju.
What are the alternatives to FreeFileSync?
The closest alternatives to FreeFileSync in our directory are Rclone, Syncovery, GoodSync and Unison.
How does FreeFileSync compare with other 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.
Is FreeFileSync good value for money?
ToolGPA grades FreeFileSync A for value for money. 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.
Could I make my own version of FreeFileSync?
To replace FreeFileSync you would be making files kept in step across devices without losing one.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from FreeFileSync’s own pages on Nov 13, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 13, 2026. 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.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Zenju. Prices change, so check freefilesync.org before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
7,721
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
7,721
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- FreeFileSync, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/freefilesync
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "FreeFileSync: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 13, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/freefilesync
Know someone choosing between file storage and sync services?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/freefilesync/guide
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See our other guides
The best-graded file storage and sync services after FreeFileSync, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- File Storage & Sync Insider's GuideEvery one of the 92 file storage and sync services we grade, compared
- Google Drive Insider's GuideCloud storage tied to Google Docs, Gmail and Photos3.6 GPA
- Filen Insider's GuideEnd-to-end encrypted cloud storage from Germany with open source apps3.4 GPA
- Microsoft OneDrive Insider's GuideMicrosoft's cloud storage, bundled with Microsoft 365 plans3.4 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what FreeFileSync’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. FreeFileSync is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Zenju. Prices and plans change: check freefilesync.org before you buy.