Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FreeFileSync

FreeFileSync is a free open source data backup software that helps you synchronize files and folders on Windows, Linux and macOS.

FreeFileSync

FreeFileSync Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether FreeFileSync is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

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

Features & Specs

  1. Free and Open Source

    FreeFileSync is freely available without any cost and its source code can be inspected, modified, and enhanced by anyone.

  2. Cross-Platform

    The software is available for multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile for users across different platforms.

  3. 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.

  4. Advanced Sync Options

    FreeFileSync offers advanced options like real-time sync, versioning, and mirror sync, giving users flexibility in how they manage their files.

  5. High Performance

    The software is optimized for speed and efficiency, enabling quick synchronization and backup processes even for large directories.

  6. Robust Error Handling

    FreeFileSync has robust error handling and recovery features, ensuring data integrity and reliability during file operations.

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Videos

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

FreeFileSync: Tips and Tricks

FreeFileSync: RealTimeSync

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about FreeFileSync and what they use it for.
  • Ask HN: What software subscriptions are worth paying for?
    JetBrains IDEs: https://www.jetbrains.com/ (free alternative: Visual Studio Code plus DB tools like DBeaver, or even their community versions) MobaXTerm: https://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/ (free alternative: mRemoteNG, PuTTY) GitKraken: https://gitkraken.dev/ (free alternative: SourceTree, Git Cola) FreeFileSync: https://freefilesync.org/ (free, but I got the supporter edition because comfy software) In those cases,... - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • 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 / about 1 year 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 / over 2 years 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 2 years 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 2 years ago
  • Why are file backups so slow on Windows 11?
    I use this one: https://freefilesync.org. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Is it possible to sync Calibre configuration between Mac and Windows continuously?
    It was me, I'd probably play around with setting up shared folders of preferences and plug-ins and whatnot on something like dropbox or Google Drive. There are various folder sinking tools on both platforms such as free file sync on Windows. Since they are two completely different platforms, I don't know how interchangeable some of the preferences or plugins would be. I haven't used a Mac in a 100 years. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: Best Storage for Large Personal Backups?
    Previously I used https://freefilesync.org/ to sync my digital life to external USB storage (now I use an equivalent script that's even more hands-free). I recommend two drives (or more) of which one is always off-site, ideally not in a car due to extreme temperatures. Of course, all drives should be encrypted with a strong key (use whatever suits you and your OS: File Vault, Bitlocker, VeraCrypt, LUKS, etc.).... - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
  • Best program for automatically backing up your library?
    I use FreeFileSync. It copies each new episode or movie to a backup drive as the are added to my library. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Is there a way to redirect where a game looks for a savefile, or how to share saves between PCs?
    Another option would be to use a network file sync tool like FreeFileSync or SyncThing to keep the files in sync. But if you want them to stay in sync even if one of the devices is off, you'll need some always-on server/NAS middleman to be the source of truth for both devices. Basically hosting your own "cloud" storage server. Source: about 3 years ago
  • The Privacy, Security, & OSINT Show: 302-Self-Hosted 4: The Next Level
    Https://keepassxc.org/ Https://bitwarden.com/help/install-on-premise-linux/ Https://bitwarden.com/help/licensing-on-premise/ Https://bitwarden.com/blog/new-deployment-option-for-self-hosting-bitwarden/ Https://standardnotes.com/help/self-hosting/getting-started Https://syncthing.net/ Https://photostructure.com/server/photostructure-for-servers/ Https://freefilesync.org/ Https://element.io/solutions/self-hosted-or-... Source: about 3 years ago
  • Steams update
    Tough one, you can try another connection like Mobile Tethering to see if it helps, try to update in Windows Safe Mode just to eliminate potential interfering programs and as a last resort, rename your C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam folder to C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam_Old and install Steam as if it's new (no update) so later on you can use https://freefilesync.org/ (or similar) to copy only missing files from Old... Source: about 3 years ago
  • What is the best way to copy files from external drive (exFAT) to local drive, while keeping the original creation/modified dates ?
    Itโ€™s possible to use a utility like FreeFileSync, which can preserve the file stamps. Itโ€™ll also give you a graphical representation of the transfer process, so that you can see how far along it is. Source: about 3 years ago
  • How should I migrate a 2003 Windows Server with 18 TB of data?
    If you want to keep all the permissions in tact, I would migrate the data to a new Windows server. Robocopy works fine, but if you don't to deal with that, there are free GUI tools out there that will handle it, and migrate the permissions too if the option is selected. My personal favorite is "Free File Sync" (https://freefilesync.org). It's totally free, even for commercial use. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Transition from Windows to Linux: is there a way to do this things on linux too?
    2) Backup: - Automate: automate the following with pre-made scripts, to run at given hour, given day. For example Windows Task Scheduler. - Mail: Mailstore alternative or better software to make/manage/index/search GUI backup app, of multiple IMAP mailboxes. - Files: Freefilesync. Backup files with batch scripts. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Keep SD Cards in sync
    Oh your devices dont have networking to do this themselves? Hmm... Personally I would just write a script that does some comparing and copying/moving files around but that might not be an option for everyone. You could look into local backup software, a quick google shows that those things certainly exist (1) but I dont have any experience with that myself sorry. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Migration and File Synchronization Solutions?
    FreeFileSync https://freefilesync.org/ is a decent file synchronization and backup software that provides real-time and scheduled synchronization options. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms and offers features like binary comparison, conflict detection, and batch processing. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Is this a solution to encrypt a backup of my HDD to the cloud?
    Https://freefilesync.org/ open source, free, cross-platform. Source: about 3 years ago
  • How to sync once folder from two PCs which are in different directory on each device?
    You could use FreeFileSync, or syncthing (doesnโ€™t use OneDrive though). Source: about 3 years ago
  • Music or File Transfer App (not even sure it exists) Recommendation
    I am working on Windows and android but I believe FreeFilesync is available for mac too. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Recommendations for a modern & one-way backup program for Windows 10?
    From what I've seen the closest program that matches these requirements might be Duplicati, though it kind of seems like overkill with all its encryption features(?). RClone seems to be able to send folders to the cloud, however since it's CLI there's a world of complications there and I don't think it tracks a list of folders so I'd have to create my own script to do more than one at a time. There do seem to be... Source: about 3 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of FreeFileSync

FreeFileSync stands out as a prominent tool in the data management sphere, specifically in categories like Backup and Disaster Recovery, File Management, and Synchronization. Over the years, users, ranging from individuals to businesses, have leveraged its functionalities to streamline backup processes and optimize synchronization tasks.

Functional Highlights: FreeFileSync is celebrated for its ability to compare source and target directories efficiently, enabling users to transfer only the necessary data. This feature significantly accelerates backup operations compared to some competitors. Users can choose between real-time data syncing, scheduled synchronization, or initiating the sync process at startup, providing remarkable flexibility based on user needs and preferences.

The tool is accessible on a range of platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its open-source nature allows for extensive customization and community-driven enhancements, distinguishable from many proprietary alternatives in the synchronization market. Additionally, FreeFileSync offers command-line functionality, broadening its appeal to technical users seeking automation and integration with scripts and batch processes.

User Sentiments: Within tech communities and forums, FreeFileSync garners substantial appreciation for its efficiency and user-centric design. Users have reported significant performance advantages over pricier competitors, especially in scenarios demanding rapid synchronization of voluminous files. However, there are mentions of initial challenges when working with specific cloud storage architectures like pCloud, where careful exclusion of temporary files such as sync.ffslock and *.ffstmp was required to prevent data discrepancies.

The utility has also been a favored choice among users looking for donation-worthy projects, hinting at its perceived value and contribution to the open-source ecosystem. Furthermore, FreeFileSync's compatibility with diverse systems underscores its utility across varied technical setups.

Limitations and Critiques: Despite its strengths, some reviews suggest that FreeFileSync lacks native support for direct cloud service interactions, which could be a drawback for users focused on seamless integration with modern cloud infrastructures. Others have noted that while the software delivers core functionalities robustly, it may not match the sophistication offered by some commercial solutions, which include built-in encryption and more refined user interfaces.

Competitive Landscape: FreeFileSync competes with a range of tools such as Syncthing, rsync, Rclone, and GoodSync. While these alternatives provide similar functionalities, FreeFileSync differentiates itself through its user-friendly graphical interface and the simplicity of its drag-and-drop synchronization feature. This balance of advanced features and ease of use underpins its popularity among both novice and experienced users.

Conclusion: Overall, FreeFileSync is perceived as a reliable and efficient solution for file synchronization and backup needs. Its open-source lineage and platform versatility position it as a viable choice for budget-conscious users and those with specific synchronization requirements. Though not without its limitations, FreeFileSync remains a respected player in its domain, continually evolving to meet the dynamic needs of its user base.

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