Google Drive for desktop review

Google Drive for desktop is the simplest way to keep folders in sync across computers if you already live in a Google account. Google's help center explains the core choice: streaming a file uses almost no computer space, while mirroring downloads a full copy directly to your computer. Beyond the Drive folder itself, you can sync more folders on your computer with Google Drive, so a Documents or Desktop folder on one PC becomes available on another and in the browser. Google also notes that shared files you sync can fill your hard drive but never count against your Google storage. Installation is covered for Windows and macOS. The free tier is the usual 15 GB shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos, and the US App Store listing shows 100 GB for $1.99 and 200 GB for $2.99 through Google One. The catch for a sync tool is that everything travels through Google's servers, so it is a cloud sync service rather than direct sync between your machines, and it cannot target an external drive the way FreeFileSync can.

Who it is for

Google account users who want local folders backed up to Drive and reachable on any device.

Price

Free with 15 GB shared across Google services; Google One from $1.99 per month for 100 GB in the iOS app.

100 GB $1.99 200 GB $2.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Stream files to save disk space or mirror a full local copy
• Sync more folders from your computer to Google Drive
• Photo backup options in the advanced Drive for desktop settings
• Windows and macOS apps
• Files reachable from the web, Android and iPhone

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Choice between streaming and mirroring
• Strength: Free tier on every Google Account
• Strength: Cheap storage upgrades through Google One
• Weakness: Free storage is shared with Gmail and Google Photos
• Weakness: Desktop app only for Windows and macOS
• Weakness: Every synced file passes through Google's cloud

Key facts

• Free storage: 15 GB, shared with Gmail and Photos
• Cheapest upgrade: 100 GB for $1.99 per month
• Sync modes: Stream or mirror
• Desktop platforms: Windows, macOS

Where it ranks

Google Drive for desktop is No. 4 in our Best File Sync Software verdict.