Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

rdiff-backup VS FreeFileSync

Compare rdiff-backup VS FreeFileSync and see what are their differences

rdiff-backup logo rdiff-backup

rdiff-backup backs up one directory to another, possibly over a network.

FreeFileSync logo FreeFileSync

FreeFileSync is a free open source data backup software that helps you synchronize files and folders on Windows, Linux and macOS.
  • rdiff-backup Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-11
  • FreeFileSync Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-24

rdiff-backup features and specs

  • Efficient Incremental Backups
    Rdiff-backup creates incremental backups by comparing files and storing only the differences, which reduces storage space and optimizes backup times.
  • Version History
    Allows you to restore files from any point in time since backups are maintained as a series of incremental changes.
  • Bandwidth Efficient
    By transferring only differences over the network, rdiff-backup is bandwidth efficient, making it suitable for remote backups.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Runs on multiple platforms including Linux, macOS, and Windows (via compatibility tools), providing flexibility across diverse environments.
  • Preserves File Metadata
    Ensures that file ownership, permissions, and other metadata are retained during the backup process.

Possible disadvantages of rdiff-backup

  • Complexity in Restoration
    Restoring files can be complicated for users unfamiliar with command-line tools as it requires precise commands to navigate and extract versions.
  • Limited Graphical Interface
    Primarily operated through command-line, limiting accessibility for users who prefer a graphical user interface (GUI).
  • Resource Intensive During Backup
    The process of generating diffs and maintaining a version history can be resource-intensive, potentially impacting system performance during backup operations.
  • Lack of Native Windows Support
    While it can run on Windows with compatibility tools, there is no native Windows version, which may lead to additional setup complexity.
  • Dependency on Python
    As rdiff-backup is written in Python, it requires Python to be installed, adding an extra layer of dependency that must be managed.

FreeFileSync features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    FreeFileSync is freely available without any cost and its source code can be inspected, modified, and enhanced by anyone.
  • Cross-Platform
    The software is available for multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile for users across different platforms.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application features an intuitive, easy-to-use graphical interface that simplifies the process of setting up and running backups and syncs.
  • Advanced Sync Options
    FreeFileSync offers advanced options like real-time sync, versioning, and mirror sync, giving users flexibility in how they manage their files.
  • High Performance
    The software is optimized for speed and efficiency, enabling quick synchronization and backup processes even for large directories.
  • Robust Error Handling
    FreeFileSync has robust error handling and recovery features, ensuring data integrity and reliability during file operations.

Possible disadvantages of FreeFileSync

  • Limited Cloud Integration
    FreeFileSync offers limited integration with cloud storage services, which may not be sufficient for users heavily reliant on cloud platforms.
  • Potentially Complex for Novices
    While the interface is user-friendly, some of the advanced options and settings may be overwhelming for new or inexperienced users.
  • Donation Requests
    The software occasionally prompts users to donate, which some may find intrusive or annoying despite being free to use.
  • No Automated Scheduling in Free Version
    Automated scheduling is not available in the free version, requiring users to manually trigger synchronization or purchase the donation edition for this feature.
  • Community Support
    Being open-source, the primary support channel is community forums, which may not offer the same level of assistance as dedicated customer service.

Analysis of FreeFileSync

Overall verdict

  • Overall, FreeFileSync is a highly regarded file synchronization and backup solution. Its combination of powerful features, user-friendly interface, and low cost (free) makes it a popular choice for individuals and small businesses looking to manage their file synchronization needs.

Why this product is good

  • FreeFileSync is considered good by many users because of its robust feature set, ease of use, and the fact that it is open source. It offers features such as real-time synchronization, support for multiple platforms, and the ability to handle large files and numerous files efficiently, which makes it a versatile tool for personal and professional use.

Recommended for

    FreeFileSync is recommended for users who need a reliable and efficient way to sync files across devices or create consistent backups. It is ideal for both casual users who need a straightforward backup solution and more technical users who require advanced features and customization.

rdiff-backup videos

Backup unter Linux mit rdiff-backup

FreeFileSync videos

Simple, Fast, Automated File Backup [FREE] | 2020 [FreeFileSync]

More videos:

  • Review - FreeFileSync: Tips and Tricks
  • Review - FreeFileSync: RealTimeSync
  • Review - FreeFileSync: Folder Comparison and Synchronization

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to rdiff-backup and FreeFileSync)
Cloud Storage
14 14%
86% 86
File Sharing And Backup
Backup & Sync
100 100%
0% 0
Backup And Disaster Recovery

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare rdiff-backup and FreeFileSync

rdiff-backup Reviews

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FreeFileSync Reviews

15 Best Rclone Alternatives 2022
As a result, FreeFileSync helps speed up backup procedures by comparing source and target folders and just copying what is needed rather than copying everything. Additional synchronization options are available via the command line just like with rclone.
The 5 Best File Syncing Apps
FreeFileSync is useful for individuals and businesses for comparing multiple folders and synchronizing folders. It provides a robust backup solution. Choose to sync folders in real time, sync on a schedule, or run the sync program at startup.
Review of the File Synchronization Tools
FreeFileSync is a folder comparison and synchronization software, which can create and manage backup copies of all important files. FreeFileSync does not need to copy every file every time but determines the difference between the source folder and the destination folder and transfers only the minimum amount of data required. FreeFileSync is open source software, which can...
8 best Windows 10 file sync software
User feedback: “After wasting $40+ dollars on a competitor’s product, I tried out Freefilesync. FreefileSync was able to compare hundreds of thousands of files […] in 10 minutes, which was taking the competitor’s product over 3 hours.”
12 Free File and Folder Synchronization Tools for windows
Enhanced for maximum performance, FreeFileSync is an open source tool that assists you to sync files and folders for different operating systems like, Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It comes with a simplified interface and offers an optimized usability. Using this tool you can compare data by date, size or content. You simply need to drag and drop the folders you want to...
Source: thegeekpage.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, FreeFileSync seems to be a lot more popular than rdiff-backup. While we know about 204 links to FreeFileSync, we've tracked only 16 mentions of rdiff-backup. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

rdiff-backup mentions (16)

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FreeFileSync mentions (204)

  • Ask HN: What project do you donate to?
    Not regularly, but I have donated to: FreeFileSync, an excellent file sync utility within a network. https://freefilesync.org/ StemRoller, separate stems (e.g., voice) from songs. https://www.stemroller.com/ John's Background Switcher, shuffle wallpapers from various sources https://johnsad.ventures/software/backgroundswitcher/ Wikipedia Foundation Etc. - Source: Hacker News / 5 days ago
  • Ask HN: What Underrated Open Source Project Deserves More Recognition?
    FreeFileSync https://freefilesync.org/ I have been a happy user for years and have made a donation too. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Which synchronization tool are you using together with the pCloud Crypto Folder?
    FreeFileSync messed up my pCloud database a couple times at first (causing disappearing files in the Crypto Folder, mirroring of the same files over and over again). Pcloud support provided an easy way to fix the database. To fix the root cause, one needs to exclude FreeFileSync's temporary files from the backup: pCloud Drive > Settings > Backup/Sync Exclusions, exclude sync.ffs_lock and *.ffs_tmp. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Why are file backups so slow on Windows 11?
    As per Apprehensive_Arm_754 answer below, https://freefilesync.org is the solution to my particular problem, since it allows all kind of simple rules and logic to apply, so I can make sure that the copy only happens in one direction, and only ever by file date etc. Much appreciated. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Why are file backups so slow on Windows 11?
    I use this one: https://freefilesync.org. Source: over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing rdiff-backup and FreeFileSync, you can also consider the following products

Duplicati - Free backup software to store backups online with strong encryption. Works with FTP, SSH, WebDAV, OneDrive, Amazon S3, Google Drive and many others.

Syncthing - Syncthing replaces proprietary sync and cloud services with something open, trustworthy and...

Online Vault Backup - Online Vault Backup is a cloud storage service that allows you backup your data while having unlimited storage.

rsync - rsync is a file transfer program for Unix systems. rsync uses the "rsync algorithm" which provides a very fast method for bringing remote files into sync.

Rebel Backup - Rebel Backup lets you make encrypted backups of your important files to Dropbox or Google Drive.

GoodSync - GoodSync provides highly reliable file backup and synchronization for both individuals and businesses.