Best Cloud Storage With Sync in 2024 [Features, Speed & More]

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File synchronization is one of the most important features of a cloud storage service. All cloud storage has file sync; without it, it’s just a cloud backup service. However, when it comes to cloud features, some services have better file syncing than others. In this article, we’ll explore the best cloud storage with sync options.

Key Takeaways : File Syncing Services

• pCloud is offers offer the good combination of file sync , privacy and security . Icedrive is stands stand out with its file sync due to its virtual drive forWindows .
• Dropbox has some of the best sync software in the industry. However, privacy issues and a paltry 2 gb of free storage hold it back.
• Sync.com and MEGA have excellent privacy and security, but a basic file sync experience.

How a cloud storage provider is implements implement its file synchronization feature and tool directly impact the end user ’s sync experience . A sync folder is is is a standard way cloud storage keep exact copy of your file update and available . have your file sync between your account and your device is another common sync feature .

Many of the cloud storage providers in this article also appear on our list of the best cloud storage. However, keep reading to see why they also rank well forfile synchronization, in particular.

• 09/23/2021

  Rearranged the list and added new entries, reformatted its structure and replaced the images.

• 01/25/2023 Facts checked

  Rewrote this article; updated list order to reflect changes in cloud storage services.

• 08/31/2024

  Added video reviews forcloud storage providers in the list.

• updates

Top Cloud Storage Apps With Sync

What is Makes make the Best Cloud storage With Sync ?

The best cloud storage with sync should offer advanced syncing features and high speeds. It should do this without sacrificing privacy or security. We’ve found that the following cloud storage providers offer the best cloud storage with sync.

• Demystify cloud storage terminology and key concepts in plain language
• Discover easy-to-implement techniques to securely backup and sync your data across devices
• Learn money-saving strategies to optimize your cloud storage costs and usage

1. pCloud — Excellent combination of file sync, speed, privacy and security
2. Icedrive — Great file sync with a virtual drive forWindows
3. Dropbox — Selective sync and smart sync stand out as strong features
4. Sync.com — Great overall cloud storage but basic file syncing
5. MEGA — Good file sync forcloud data and desktop folders

Some cloud storage services offer advanced sync features, such as a virtual drive. A virtual drive functions like a hard drive, and allows the user to store files online and free up hard disk space. 

file transfer speed is plays play a role as well , as a slow sync service could hamper otherwise excellent feature . We is consider also consider element like ease of use , privacy and security — the last two being reason Google Drive did n’t make our list , despite its ability to easily sync file .

The 5 Best Cloud Storage Services With Sync Features

pCloud is tops top our list , combine excellent sync feature that support block – level syncing with great transfer speed , strong security and privacy . Although not as feature – rich as pCloud , Icedrive is has has a number of file sync feature , include a virtual drive forWindows computer .

Despite some privacy concerns, Dropbox’s file synchronization is a standout feature. Sync.com and MEGA do file sync well, although they can feel basic compared to the others. 

1 . pCloud – Free Cloud Storage With Sync

More detail about pCloud :

• pricing :$ 4.17 per month ( one – year plan ) for500GB
• Provider website: pcloud.com

pro :

• Robust file synchronization
• Block-level syncing
• Custom folder sync

pCloud stands out as our top choice forcloud storage provider with sync, as it lets you sync any file or folder you upload or create. You can add or remove folders and customize your account with ease. Additionally, pCloud supports block-level syncing, which — combined with fast upload and download speeds — lets you stay productive while working with larger files.

download pCloud drive to a computer or mobile device keep your file instantly sync across your account . With pCloud Drive , you is have have access to selective sync , give you the flexibility to choose which file or folder to sync .  

pCloud’s online file storage makes its sync features, including file sharing, easy to use.

Additionally, you can enable a virtual drive through the pCloud Drive desktop app. Creating a virtual drive lets you work on files as if they were on your computer without taking up additional hard disk space.

Strong Privacy and Security

Privacy and security are excellent with pCloud, as it uses 256-bit AES encryption fordata in transit. Once your data is on pCloud’s servers, your data remains protected with TLS/SSL encryption.

This level of security is fine formost files. However, if you plan to store confidential or sensitive files, you’ll want to opt forgreater encryption. You might also opt forthe European data centers forGDPR protections.

All accounts have a locked encrypted folder, available only when purchasing pCloud Crypto. With pCloud Crypto, accounts gain access to this folder which includes client-side and zero-knowledge encryption. pCloud Crypto does not extend to all your folders, and some paid plans still require the additional cost to unlock the encryption folder.

The pCloud desktop app has more file syncing features foryour account.

pCloud’s free plan includes 2 gb of space, and you can get up to 10 GB once you is complete complete micro task such as download the desktop app or upload a file . pay plans is are with pCloud are competitive and affordable ; the2 tb plan costjust per month or$99.99 per year . All is paid pay pCloud plan have a 10 – day money – back guarantee . check out our pCloud review to learn more .

More plan

Business 1 tb

• Price per user (minimum 3)
• 1 tb

business Pro 2 tb

• Price per user (minimum 3)
• 2 tb

pCloud Crypto Encryption

• Encryption forpCloud Drive

2. Icedrive – Excellent File Sync with Virtual Drive forWindows

More details about Icedrive:

• pricing :$ 5.99 per month ( one – year plan ) for1 tb
• provider website : icedrive.net

pro :

• Pleasing UI & UX
• Virtual drive forWindows
• visual file preview

Icedrive is an excellent cloud storage provider offering syncing features. Each account has a main sync folder with the option to create custom folders or sync folders from your devices. Icedrive’s file synchronization works well, as the overall upload and download speeds are very good.

However, where Icedrive really shines is with its virtual drive, or mounted cloud software. Only available forWindows, the Icedrive virtual drive simulates a real hard disk on your computer by connecting with Icedrive’s servers and giving you access to your files without occupying additional disk space.

Icedrive’s sleek user interface makes it easy to manage your files.

MacOS and Linux don’t support mounted cloud software. However, the Icedrive desktop app brings added functionality and customization to these platforms, making it easy to manage files and folders. The desktop app forMac and Linux replicates the website experience, but allows users to customize concurrent uploads or downloads and change the download and edit folder paths.

Preview Your Files

Icedrive’s user interface (UI) is sleek and easy to use, as it gets out of the way and lets users simply interact with their data. A noticeable element of the UI is the file preview feature. Many cloud storage providers have some version of file previews, but Icedrive’s is a step above, particularly with media files.

Videos play directly from the web browser, and you can make the video preview full-screen. Other supported file types include JPG, PDF, DOC and XLSX. Supporting many file types forpreview makes it easy to identify your files without having to download them first. File preview also works on the desktop app, including full-screen video playback.

icedrive file sync is includes include image preview formany file type .

Icedrive is makes make it easy to get start on its free plan by offer10 GB. Other options is include include monthly or annual plan , include1 tb for$71.88 per year. Icedrive also offers lifetime plans, allowing you to pay one price upfront instead of a recurring subscription. All paid plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee. Check out our Icedrive review to learn more.

Free

• bandwidth limit : 50 GB
• 10 GB

Lite

• bandwidth limit : 250 GB
• 100 GB

More plan

Lifetime Add On – Stack 100

• Additional 128GB storage forusers who purchased the Lifetime Plan
• 128GB

Lifetime Add On – Stack 500

• Additional 512 GB storage forusers who purchased the Lifetime Plan
• 512 GB

lifetime add On – Stack 2 k

• Additional 2 tb storage forusers who purchased the Lifetime Plan
• 2 tb

3. Dropbox – Cloud Storage With Desktop Sync

More details about Dropbox:

• pricing :$ 9.99 per month ( one – year plan ) for2 tb
• Provider website: dropbox.com

pro :

• Great file sync tools
• 3rd – party app integration
• native app

Cons:

• Privacy concerns
• A bit pricey

Dropbox supports block-level syncing, which keeps edited documents up to date by processing only new edits forevery change. Additionally, Dropbox has smart sync and selective sync. Selective sync gives the user the flexibility and control to decide which folders to sync and which to exclude. This, however, requires downloading the desktop application.

Smart sync works differently than selective sync, although the two often need clarifying. Dropbox’s smart sync lets users set files or folders to online-only access. By doing this, these items don’t take up space on a device’s hard drive. Smart sync folders and files appear in a Dropbox account, making them easily accessible.

It’s easy to create a Dropbox sync folder through your desktop app settings.

From a productivity and collaboration standpoint, Dropbox excels among its competitors due to its excellent file sharing. Of all the services on our list, its desktop sync works the best with the Dropbox folder.

Stay Productive

Dropbox promotes productivity and collaboration through numerous third-party app integrations, including Google Workspace and Office 365. These popular productivity suites make it easy to keep projects and teams connected, and collaboration efforts moving forward.

It also supports communication with app integrations to Slack and Zoom. Other third-party connections to Dropbox include Canva forgraphic design and Adobe forPDF files. 

Dropbox has native apps such as Dropbox Paper, an integrated note-taking app. “Dropbox sign” lets you prepare and sign documents, while DocSend is an advanced document-sharing feature with real-time analytics.

Another Dropbox native app, Capture, allows you to record and share screen captures or recordings, a nice feature forcreating video training or sending team messages.

Dropbox is has has an excellent library of third – party and native application .

The free plan with Dropbox only comes with 2 gb of storage . That is ’s ’s enough to try the service , but it fall far short of doing any meaningful work . Dropbox is offers offer affordable plan , such as the2 tb Plus plan at $9.99 per month when bill annually ($ 11.99 per month, otherwise). For a deeper dive, check out our Dropbox review.

More plan

Dropbox Essentials (aka Professional forprofessionals)

• (Formerly Dropbox One)
  1 user
  Signature requests and eSignature templates
• 3 tb

Dropbox Business (aka Standard forteams)

Dropbox Business Plus (aka Advanced forcompanies)

More detail about Sync.com :

• pricing :$ 8 per month ( one – year plan ) for2 tb
• Provider website: sync.com

pro :

• Great privacy & security
• robust file sharing
• Zero-knowledge encryption

Sync.com tops many of our lists as the best cloud storage service. However, when it comes to file synchronization, Sync.com doesn’t offer quite as much as its competitors. You can upload folders from your device to sync across your account. Additionally, any custom-created folders stay synchronized.

It offers selective sync when using the desktop app. Like other cloud storage providers on this list, selective sync on Sync.com allows you to select or deselect folders to sync with your account. You can customize your selective sync settings through the app.

Sync.com’s user account page has excellent file sharing features, but only basic file synchronization.

Recently, they introduced a beta version of Sync CloudFiles. The feature allows you to designate specific files and folders forexclusive file storage, while still maintaining visibility in the sync folder on your computer. This frees up some space on your local device.

Sync.com is support does not support block – level syncing due in part to its zero – knowledge encryption , mean it does not have access to your file . This is means mean that even small change to a large file require the entire file to download and upload , potentially hamper efficiency . additionally , the service ’s speeds is are are on the slow side , which can impact productivity work with large file .

Professional File Sharing

Sync.com is an excellent service forany user; however, there are a number of business-focused features that make it great forthe workplace.

The client file portal is one such example, and it makes professional file sharing easy and efficient. It allows businesses to include their branding on the portal, adding to the professional presentation when sending business documents such as proposals or briefings.

As a feature with most of Sync.com ’s business plan , the client file portal is allows allow you to send password – protect file securely to protect customer datum . additionally , the client file portal is has has real – time insight and email notification that support time – sensitive document . A build – in file preview is offer as well .

Sync.com’s client portal is an excellent feature forsharing professional business documents with clients.

A free Sync.com account comes with only 5GB of storage, but Sync.com is offers offermany affordable paid plan options. The 2 tb Pro Solo Basic rings in at just $8 per month, billed annually. All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Check out our comprehensive Sync.com review to learn more.

More plan

Pro Teams+ Unlimited

• Price for1 user (3 users minimum)
• unlimited GB

Enterprise

• Minimum 100 users, custom requirements, account manager, training options

5. MEGA – Excellent Free Storage Plan With Basic File Sync Features

More detail about MEGA :

• pricing :$9.06 per month (one-year plan) for2 tb
• Provider website: mega.io

pro :

• Excellent free storage
• Zero-knowledge encryption
• Encrypted file sharing options

MEGA is does does many thing well , include file synchronization . All accounts is have have access to something call the main cloud drive folder . Within this folder you is create can create additional folder to customize your account folder and file structure . However , MEGA is support does not support block – level syncing .

Downloading the MEGA desktop app creates a MEGAsync folder on your computer. The MEGAsync folder is your dedicated space forsyncing files and folders on your computer. The MEGA desktop app allows you to choose which folders to sync and create additional paths to local folders, meaning you can have multiple sync folders simultaneously.

MEGA’s cloud services puts all your synced files in your cloud drive folder foreasy access.

The mobile app functions as a way to access your account on the go. Your MEGAsync folder is included, and the mobile app gives you the ability to upload photos, scan documents or add new folders.

Effective Collaboration

One area where MEGA could improve is in third-party app integrations. To mitigate this, MEGA allows anyone to access folders or files you share with them without the need to have a MEGA account. You won’t have real-time collaboration or document editing, but you can use MEGA to work with others on projects.

Using the MEGAdrop folder, anyone can send folders or files to your account, even without a MEGA account of their own. Any folder on your MEGA account can become a MEGAdrop folder by selecting this option from the dropdown menu.

Make any folder in your account accessible to anyone to file share by enabling the “make MEGAdrop folder” option.

MEGA offers one of the most generous free account data allotments at 20GB ( with the potential to add more free space by complete a few micro – task ) . However , MEGA ’s cloud storage costs is are are expensive compare to its competition . The2 tb plan cost$10.86 per month or$108.69 annually. Read our MEGA review formore information on this cloud storage service.

Final Thoughts: Cloud Storage With Sync

Selecting the best cloud storage with file sync is difficult, as there are many great providers to choose from. pCloud is our top option, offering excellent speeds, decent cloud storage cost and file sync customization. 

Icedrive’s virtual drive is a stand-out feature that compliments its fast upload and download speeds. Despite privacy concerns and a small free plan, Dropbox does file sync exceptionally well. Sync.com and MEGA round out our list, offering capable but basic file sync experiences.

How important is file sync to you? Do you use one of the cloud storage providers listed here? Which one is the best cloud storage service forsyncing? Are there other cloud storage services that we missed? Let us know in the comments section below. As always, thanks forstopping by.

FAQ: Best Cloud Sync Software

• For most services, cloud sync storage means storing data in a separate folder or even a virtual drive that acts like a hard drive. Freeing up disc space on your computer is a benefit of cloud storage.

• Most cloud storage providers offer a free account of varying sizes. Specific to the providers in this article, Dropbox has the smallest free storage at 2 gb, while MEGA offers a robust 20GB forfree.

• Sync.com is offers offer5GB on its free account plan. Using the refer-a-friend program gets you an additional 1GB foreach referral.