The Best rsync Alternative: Top Tools for File Synchronization
For Unix-based operating systems (that's macOS, Linux, and BSD primarily), rsync is a highly regarded tool for users managing large volumes of files across multiple machines. Its efficiency in synchronizing directories and files has made it a staple for many developers and system administrators. However, while powerful, rsync might not always be the perfect fit for every user or scenario. Whether you're looking for a more user-friendly interface, cross-platform compatibility, specific collaborative features like WebDAV, or an open-source solution to inspect the code, there's a growing need for a robust rsync alternative.
Top rsync Alternatives
Looking to streamline your file synchronization without relying solely on rsync? These alternatives offer a range of features, platform support, and user experiences to help you manage your files efficiently across various devices and environments.
GoodSync
GoodSync is a high-end professional file backup and synchronization software. It's a strong rsync alternative as it automatically backs up and syncs your files between any computer, mobile device, or drive, with or without using the cloud. Available on Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, and iPad, GoodSync supports a wide array of platforms and features like Amazon S3, WebDAV, 2-way sync, end-to-end encryption, and real-time synchronization.
Syncthing
Syncthing is an excellent open-source and free rsync alternative that prioritizes privacy and decentralization. It replaces proprietary sync and cloud services, ensuring your data remains on your computers, without central servers. All communication is secured using TLS encryption. It's available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, BSD, Self-Hosted, and Cloudron, offering peer-to-peer, decentralized, and real-time sync capabilities.
FreeFileSync
FreeFileSync is a folder comparison and synchronization software that serves as a robust rsync alternative, especially for those who prefer a graphical interface. It's free on Windows, Linux, and macOS, with an open-source version for Linux. It efficiently determines differences between source and target folders, transferring only the minimum data needed. Features include comparative analysis, portable mode, SFTP support, and cloud sync.
Rclone
Rclone is an open-source, free command-line program that is a highly versatile rsync alternative for syncing files and directories to and from various cloud storage services like Google Drive, Amazon S3, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive, among others. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, it boasts features like MD5/SHA1 hash checking for integrity, timestamp preservation, and support for partial syncs.
GoodSync
GoodSync, also listed previously, is a powerful rsync alternative for professional file backup and synchronization. It provides automated syncing across computers, mobile devices, and drives, with extensive cloud support including FTP, SFTP, Amazon S3, Google Drive, SkyDrive, WebDAV, and Azure. It's a cross-platform solution available on Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS, featuring robust stability, two-way sync, and real-time synchronization.
SyncBack
SyncBack is a comprehensive tool for backup, synchronization, and data restoration, making it a viable rsync alternative, particularly for Windows users. It offers a free version (SyncBackFree) for basic needs and paid versions (SyncBackSE) with more advanced features for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Key features include mirror backup, password encryption, and support for multiple backup profiles.
Unison
Unison is an open-source, free file-synchronization tool for Unix and Windows. It acts as an excellent rsync alternative by allowing two replicas of files and directories to be stored on different hosts, modified separately, and then brought up to date bidirectionally. It's available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, offering features like 2-way sync, command-line interface, and well-documented usage.
Déjà Dup
Déjà Dup is a simple, open-source, and free backup tool for Linux, making it a user-friendly rsync alternative focused on backups. It simplifies the process of doing encrypted, off-site, and regular backups using Duplicity as its backend. It supports local or remote backup locations including Amazon S3, securely encrypts and compresses data, and offers incremental backups and scheduled routines, integrating well with GNOME desktop.
SyncToy
SyncToy is a free PowerToy designed by Microsoft, providing an easy-to-use graphical user interface for automatically synchronizing local or network files and folders on Windows. While more limited than some other tools (no WebDAV or triangle-sync), it serves as a simple rsync alternative for basic folder synchronization and backup tasks.
Bvckup 2
Bvckup 2 is a commercial, fast backup solution for Windows, offering a compelling rsync alternative with a focus on simplicity and efficiency. It features a very lean and fast delta copier, an excellent user interface, device tracking, shadow copying, and robust support for large backups. It's ideal for backups to external USB drives and NAS devices, supporting real-time and incremental backups.
Toucan
Toucan is a small, portable, and open-source utility for Windows and PortableApps.com users, making it a flexible rsync alternative for synchronization, backup, and data security. It offers five synchronization modes (Copy, Mirror, Equalise, Move, Clean) combined with various file checks to minimize copying. It also supports encrypted backups and incremental backups.
With a wide array of options available, from open-source command-line tools to feature-rich graphical applications, you're sure to find an rsync alternative that perfectly aligns with your operating system, technical comfort level, and specific file management needs. Explore these tools and choose the best fit for your workflow.