FreeFileSync review

FreeFileSync is the best tool on this list for the drive side of the job: keeping a folder on your computer matched to an external disk, a USB stick or a network share. Its homepage explains that instead of copying every file every time, it works out the differences between a source and a target folder and transfers only what changed. You choose two folders, compare, pick a sync mode and press Synchronize, which makes it easy to see what will be overwritten or deleted before anything happens. The software runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and version 14.13 shipped on October 16, 2026. Private individuals can use the standard version free. Donors get a Donation Edition with an auto-updater, parallel file copy, email notifications and a portable zip. The FAQ is firm that businesses, organizations and government agencies must buy the Business Edition, which is licensed per device and priced in euros. It is not a continuous background syncer like Syncthing, so pair it with a scheduler if you want hands-off runs.

Who it is for

People who sync folders to external drives, USB sticks and NAS shares on a schedule or on demand.

Price

Free for personal use; the Business Edition is licensed per device in euros.

FreeFileSync is Open Source software, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Compares a source and target folder and copies only the differences
• Two-way, mirror and update sync variants
• Windows, macOS and Linux versions
• Donation Edition adds an auto-updater, parallel file copy, email notifications and a portable zip
• Business Edition for companies and government users with silent installation

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free for private individuals with frequent releases
• Strength: Clear preview of every change before you sync
• Strength: Same tool on Windows, macOS and Linux
• Weakness: Commercial use requires the paid Business Edition
• Weakness: The free installer is funded by ads
• Weakness: Runs sync jobs when started or scheduled rather than continuously by default

Key facts

• Price: Free for personal use
• Business use: Paid per-device Business Edition
• Latest version: 14.13, released Oct 16, 2026
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

Where it ranks

FreeFileSync is No. 2 in our Best File Sync Software verdict.