Top Windows Live - Sync Alternatives for Seamless File Synchronization
Remember Windows Live Sync? Formerly known as Windows Live FolderShare, it was a handy file synchronization application by Microsoft that allowed users to keep files and folders in sync across multiple Windows and Mac OS X computers. While it offered features like syncing up to 20 folders with a 4GB file limit per file and integration with Windows Live Photo Gallery, it's no longer available. If you're looking for a robust Windows Live - Sync alternative, you're in the right place. This article explores the best options to keep your files perfectly synchronized.
Top Windows Live - Sync Alternatives
Whether you need a free solution, a feature-rich premium option, or something tailored for specific platforms, these alternatives offer excellent file synchronization capabilities.
GoodSync
GoodSync is a powerful, professional-grade file backup and synchronization software that stands out as a strong Windows Live - Sync alternative. Available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad platforms, it offers robust features like two-way sync, real-time synchronization, support for Amazon S3 and WebDAV, end-to-end encryption, and mirror backup, ensuring your files are always up-to-date and secure.
Dropbox
Dropbox is a leading online storage and file sync service, making it an excellent Windows Live - Sync alternative, especially for those needing cloud integration. It provides 2GB of free storage and boasts apps for nearly all major platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Chrome OS, Windows S, Windows Phone, iPad, and Kindle Fire. Key features include selective synchronization, cloud sync, real-time synchronization, Windows Explorer integration, file sharing, and shared folders, offering a seamless and integrated experience.
Microsoft OneDrive
For those deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, Microsoft OneDrive is a natural Windows Live - Sync alternative. As a Freemium service available on Mac, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Chrome OS, Windows S, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, iPad, Apple Watch, Android Wear, and Kindle Fire, it offers reliable cloud storage and file synchronization. Features include encrypted folders, Microsoft Office integration, Office Online integration, selective synchronization, and the ability to work offline.
Box
Box provides a secure platform for content management, workflow, and collaboration, making it a strong contender as a Windows Live - Sync alternative, particularly for business users. Available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Chrome OS, Windows S, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, iPad, and Kindle Fire, it offers features like Office Online integration, sync between devices, cloud storage, file sharing, and team collaboration. Its focus on security and management sets it apart.
Spideroak One Backup
SpiderOak One Backup offers a highly secure, consolidated online backup, storage, access, sharing, and sync tool. It's a robust Windows Live - Sync alternative for users prioritizing privacy and encryption. Available commercially on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, iPad, and Xfce, it features end-to-end encryption, encrypted backups, file versioning, incremental backup, automatic backup, cloud storage, folder sync, and real-time backup, all with a strong security focus.
4Shared
4Shared is a large online storage facility that also serves as a file sharing platform. As a Freemium service on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, S60, Blackberry, and iPad, it can be considered a straightforward Windows Live - Sync alternative for basic file sharing and storage needs. Features include backup, built-in torrent client, cloud storage, file sharing, file storage, photo sharing, and support for WebDAV.
GoodSync
GoodSync (re-emphasized for its versatility) is an excellent choice for complex synchronization needs, making it a powerful Windows Live - Sync alternative. This Freemium solution, available across Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad, syncs files across various platforms including FTP, SFTP, Amazon S3, Google Drive, SkyDrive, WebDAV, and Azure. Its features include file-sync, stability, two-way sync, real-time sync, end-to-end encryption, and mirror backup.
CrashPlan
CrashPlan focuses on automatic data loss protection, making it a strong Windows Live - Sync alternative for business-critical data backup. This commercial service, available on Windows and Web, offers robust features such as encrypted backups, incremental backup, AES encryption, automatic backup, file versioning, and unlimited storage. It's ideal for ensuring your business data is always safe and recoverable.
SugarSync
SugarSync provides a comprehensive solution for backing up, accessing, syncing, and sharing files and folders across devices. As a commercial Windows Live - Sync alternative, it's available on Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows S, Android Tablet, iPad, Microsoft Office Outlook, and Kindle Fire. Key features include cloud storage, cloud sync, file-sync, folder sync, multiple languages, and selective synchronization, allowing for flexible file management.
Tonido
Tonido offers private file sharing, sync, and mobile access without storage limits, making it an intriguing self-hosted Windows Live - Sync alternative. This Freemium solution works on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows S, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, iPad, Chrome, and Firefox. Its features include support for AirPlay, DLNA Server, file sharing, file-sync, file versioning, music streaming, photo sharing, and remote desktop, giving you complete control over your data.
Syncplicity
Syncplicity offers an automated sync, backup, collaboration, and file management service that is both powerful for business users and easy for novices. As a Freemium Windows Live - Sync alternative, it supports Mac, Windows, Web, Android, and iPhone. Its features include backup, cloud storage, cloud sync, file-sync, real-time collaboration, and unlimited users, making it suitable for team environments.
With a wide array of options available, finding the perfect Windows Live - Sync alternative is easier than ever. Consider your specific needs regarding platform compatibility, storage limits, security, and advanced features to choose the best solution for your file synchronization demands.