FreeFileSync
With FreeFileSync, compare two folders and see which files are different.
Developer Zenju
Version 14.12 · Open source · Windows · macOS · Linux
Looking for an alternative to FreeFileSync?Compare Syncthing, SyncBackFree, GoodSync, ViceVersa.Compare alternativesWith FreeFileSync, compare two folders and see which files are different. Then choose how you want to copy or sync. For example, you can update documents to an external drive.
The synchronization direction is important. When mirrored, files on the destination may disappear when deleted in the source. For a real backup with older versions You need to match the settings accordingly.
Download FreeFileSync
Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, Linux.
Process mirroring or two-way changes
View the arrows and proposed removals before starting. A mirror task tries to make the destination look like the source, so it can remove files there. In two-way synchronization, changes occur on both sides. Practice with two temporary folders in which you consciously modify and delete a file so that the selected setting becomes predictable.
Compare FreeFileSync with alternatives
Determine whether to copy changes in one direction or process them on both sides. In two-way synchronization, conflicts and removals are particularly important. Before the first synchronization, review the proposed actions and also track versions or separate backup for important files.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| FreeFileSyncYou are viewing this app | You compare folders and set copy or synchronization directions with a preview of changes. This helps with local disks and network folders. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| SyncthingView this alternative | You synchronize folders directly between your own devices without mandatory central cloud storage. You choose which devices are allowed to receive a folder. | Windows, macOS, LinuxMPL-2.0 |
| SyncBackFreeView this alternative | You set Windows tasks for backup, copying and synchronization with filters and planning. Not all features from the paid SyncBack editions are in the free version. | WindowsFree for personal use |
| GoodSyncView this alternative | You synchronize and copy files with tasks for local, network and supported cloud locations. Note the license and configuration of removals and conflicts. | Windows, macOS, LinuxFreemium |
| ViceVersaView this alternative | You compare folders visually and use copy, backup and synchronization modes. The available automation varies from one edition to another. | WindowsPaid |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
This is useful when updating your documents or photo folders to an external drive. It suits you if you want control over differences and direction. If you are looking for multiple historical recovery points, set up version management or a separate backup method; two equal folders are not in themselves an archive of previous states.
Getting started
Start with two test folders and view the proposed actions before you synchronize. Pay special attention to arrows and removals.
Privacy
You decide which local or external folders you compare. In a network or cloud destination, the access rights of that location also apply. Keep configurations with sensitive paths carefully. Check on a shared computer that the destination folder is only accessible to the intended users.
Good to know
Synchronization is not automatically a backup with version history. For business use, conditions other than those for private use apply.
Please note
Check source and target again when connecting another external drive. Removals may be part of the set synchronization. Save older versions in a separate place if you want to be able to reverse errors. Do not allow an automatic task to run for months without checking for notifications.
Advantages
- You can see differences before changing files.
- You can tune synchronization to a fixed working method.
- Compare existing folders allows targeted updates without copying everything over and over again.
Things to consider
- A wrong direction can overwrite or delete data.
- Version history must be deliberately organized.
- The availability and rights of external storage remain prerequisites for a successful task.
Download FreeFileSync
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · freefilesync.org
Version history
14.12
Your synchronization database is getting smaller and various display problems have been solved.
What’s new?
- Your database files take about 16 percent less space.
- On Linux you can see the filters in the table view.
- Text descriptions are better broken down and buttons on macOS are no longer unintentionally reduced.
Report a new version
Our verdict
FreeFileSync is suitable when you want to compare two folders and knowingly determine which files are being taken over. You see differences before you synchronize. This is valuable for an external drive or a second workbook. The selected synchronization direction is decisive: a mirror copy can also remove what is no longer present on the source.
Make it clear in advance whether you want to keep a second workbook or also want to be able to return to older content. Those are different goals. Check how your chosen line responds to add, modify and delete. If an error on the source is not allowed to proceed to your reserve, a simple mirroring is insufficient and you need to organize version retention separately.
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