If you don’t want to investigate them all, my top two recommendations are FreeFileSync (my personal choice) and Toucan.įreeFileSync is a popular free program for Windows, Mac, or Linux that supports four synchronization methods: Two way (identify and propagate changes on both sides), Mirror (make right match left), Update (copy new and updated files from left to right) and Custom (configure your own rules). Thankfully, not quite as many as online cloud syncing services, but still quite a few. There are some good local sync programs available. Because of poor support across the different operating systems that you may use.Because you are not allowed to use such services at work or campus due to IT restrictions.To avoid bandwidth related issues (e.g., poor connection speeds, data plan, or other usage limits).To sync files that are too large for individual upload limits or that would put you over your account storage limits.

To sync files that you aren’t comfortable keeping in the cloud (for security or other reasons).

Windows File History and Backup and RestoreĬloud syncing services like Dropbox are great, but there are some legitimate reasons to seek out alternatives for local and network backup and syncing, including:.

Portable freefilesync