Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

WebDrive VS FreeFileSync

Compare WebDrive VS FreeFileSync and see what are their differences

WebDrive logo WebDrive

WebDrive File Access Client allows you to open and edit server-based files without the additional step of downloading the file.

FreeFileSync logo FreeFileSync

FreeFileSync is a free open source data backup software that helps you synchronize files and folders on Windows, Linux and macOS.
  • WebDrive Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-20

WebDrive maps a network drive letter to your remote servers and cloud storage, allowing you to access files in a way that’s consistent with the way you already work. WebDrive provides file access through the familiar interface of Windows Explorer or Mac Finder — and from within every desktop application. This instantly familiar interface reduces training and technical support effort.

  • FreeFileSync Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-24

WebDrive features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    WebDrive integrates cloud and on-premises storage into a single interface, making it easier for users to manage files across multiple platforms without needing multiple apps.
  • Supports Multiple Protocols
    WebDrive supports a wide range of protocols including SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, and popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, Amazon S3, and Dropbox, offering flexibility in connection options.
  • Drive Mapping
    The software maps remote storage as local disks, which allows users to interact with cloud storage as if it were a local hard drive, simplifying file operations.
  • Security Features
    It includes various security features such as SSH, SSL, and password encryption to ensure the secure transfer and storage of files.
  • Automated Syncing
    WebDrive offers automatic file syncing between local and remote storage, ensuring that the latest versions of files are always accessible.

Possible disadvantages of WebDrive

  • Pricing
    WebDrive’s licensing cost may be considered high for individual users or small businesses, which might be a deterrent compared to some free or cheaper alternatives.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its ease of use, some users may still face a learning curve due to the range of features and protocol options available.
  • Performance Issues
    Depending on the internet connection and server response times, users may experience latency or slower performance when accessing files on remote drives.
  • Limited Advanced Functionality
    For power users needing advanced file management features or deep integration with specific applications, WebDrive may lack certain specialized functionalities.
  • No Native Mobile App
    WebDrive does not offer a native mobile app, which limits accessibility and file management capabilities for users on smartphones and tablets.

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 WebDrive

Overall verdict

  • WebDrive is generally considered a solid and reliable option for users looking to streamline their file management processes with remote servers and cloud storage. Its versatility and support for multiple protocols make it a good choice for both individual users and businesses with diverse storage needs.

Why this product is good

  • WebDrive is a file transfer software that allows users to access and manage files on remote servers and cloud storage services as if they were part of the local file system. It is valued for its ease of use, intuitive interface, and integration capabilities with various storage solutions like FTP, SFTP, Amazon S3, Google Drive, and more. The software supports secure access and synchronization, making it suitable for managing files efficiently.

Recommended for

    WebDrive is recommended for professionals and businesses that need to manage files across multiple storage solutions seamlessly. It is particularly suitable for users who require secure access to remote files, need a centralized file access solution, or want to simplify the process of interacting with different cloud services from a single interface.

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.

WebDrive videos

WebDrive Overview

More videos:

  • Review - Import vaults as WebDrive
  • Review - WebDrive for iOS

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 WebDrive and FreeFileSync)
Cloud Storage
33 33%
67% 67
File Sharing And Backup
0 0%
100% 100
Web Service Automation
100 100%
0% 0
Backup And Disaster Recovery

User comments

Share your experience with using WebDrive and FreeFileSync. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

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

WebDrive Reviews

  1. Hudson L.
    · Systems Engineer ·
    Can't live without it!

    I started using Webdrive about 5-6 years ago when my company implemented it to connect to our Sharepoint server. I've used it for SFTP, and to automatically backup my files to S3. It just makes getting to your files any where in the cloud the same as getting to them on your PC. I use it all the time, but rarely think about it. Kind of a set it and forget type of thing. I've used their tech support a couple of times over the years and have found them to be helpful.

    👍 Pros:    Fast|Good support|Lots of connectors|Easy to use|Best way to access files in the cloud or on company servers
    👎 Cons:    Mac version is missing a few features

15 Best Rclone Alternatives 2022
With support for registration codes, pre-set user connections, and automatic installs you can run WebDrive on many desktop clients in real-time. The enterprise option supports up to 500 computers.

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 WebDrive. While we know about 204 links to FreeFileSync, we've tracked only 1 mention of WebDrive. 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.

WebDrive mentions (1)

  • Best software for mounting cloud service as local/network drive
    Ive been using webdrive for years and its pretty great. Never had any complaints. Source: about 3 years ago

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 / 13 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 WebDrive and FreeFileSync, you can also consider the following products

ExpanDrive - ExpanDrive is a fast network drive and browser for cloud storage.

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

FileCloud - FileCloud is an enterprise file share, sync and mobile access solution.

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.

ifttt - IFTTT puts the internet to work for you. Create simple connections between the products you use every day.

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