macOS 10.13+
60.62MB free space
Version 8.8.539 (18 Jun, 2024) Release notes
Olga Weis
Keeping data in sync on your Mac with any devices you may have can be a real challenge. We don't just mean back it up on Mac OS X for further recovery or transferring folders with files to your Mac, but real sync with macOS applications like iCal, Address Book, Music and Photos.
Since Sync Service was removed from OS X starting from version 10.9, there are not too many solutions that can sync data directly between Mac apps and devices offline, the majority of tools offer cloud sync.
We rounded up the top 14 Mac synchronization apps and 3 online solutions from Google search that position themselves as Mac OS X sync apps (online or offline). Therefore, if you want to make sure you’re using the best sync software for Mac, check out these suggestions. Enjoy!
SyncMate is a rather handy and powerful tool that allows syncing files on Mac with numerous devices and online accounts. This file synchronization software’s main goal is to offer a ton of options and capabilities while keeping its interface simple and straightforward.
SyncMate has the capability to combine sync of multiple devices, all on one app. It is also known for working on a plethora of mobile devices, from iPhones to Android phones; and it’s available to download on Mac and Windows computers.
Supported devices. It supports sync with Android, iOS, other Mac computers, MTP and mounted devices. Online accounts supported are iCloud, Dropbox, Google. Moreover, you can sync data on Mac OS X with Windows services also - Outlook, Office 365 Home and Business accounts (sync with One Drive also supported).
Sync options. The list of file sync Mac options is impressive as well. Starting from personal data to media files and folders. SyncMate offers several non-sync options like SMS management and others. So, it’s more than just a Mac file sync software, making it even more valuable for users.
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion. SyncMate is probably the most feature-rich featured sync software Mac app on this list and the only one that allows syncing data from numerous devices and accounts with Mac apps (iCal, Address Book, Music, etc.) directly without the necessity of using cloud sync.
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SyncMate
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SyncMate
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dr.fone
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GoodSync
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iPhoneTransfer
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ChronoSync
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TunesGo
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SugarSync
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Android Data Recovery
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EaseUS MobiMover
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AirDroid
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MobiKin Assistant
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MobileTrans
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SyncGene
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Syncovery
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Get Backup Pro
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Mac to Mac
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Mac to Mac
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Mac to Android
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Mac to Android
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Mac to iOS devices
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Mac to iOS devices
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Sync with cloud storages
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Sync with cloud storages
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Sync with Microsoft services
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Sync with Microsoft services
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iOS - Android
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iOS - Android
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Backup devices
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Backup devices
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iTunes to device
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iTunes to device
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AutoSync
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AutoSync
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macOS 10.15+
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macOS 10.15+
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$39.95
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$39.95
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$139.95
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$49.95
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$49.95
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$49.99
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$69.95
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7.49$ per month
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$69.95
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$59.95
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2.99$ per month
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$49.95
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$39.95
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$69.95
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$34.90
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$19.99
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ChronoSync is a handy utility that offers more than Mac file syncing software. It can be used to restore data as well, among other features.
Supported devices. The list of supported devices is not really big. You can sync data between Mac computers and iOS devices only, syncing with other non-Apple devices or accounts is not offered.
Sync options. ChronoSync allows syncing any type of files between Apple devices, whether you need to sync media files or documents - ChronoSync can do this for you. ChronoSynс offers a wide range of backup options - local backup, remote backup, bootable backup, remote bootable backup.
Pros of ChronoSync:
Cons of ChronoSync:
Conclusion. Not a bad tool for users looking for a Mac folder sync app. But the impossibility to sync personal data and support of Apple devices only (which in fact can be synced without any third-party apps) frustrates a little. Hope developers will expand the list of supported devices and sync options offered for them.
Commander One was developed to allow serious Mac users to easily manage folders and files on their computer, and provide synchronization and backup options for those files. Its primary goal is to allow Mac users to go beyond the capabilities of Finder.
Supported devices. Mac OS X, Android, iOS.
Sync options. Commander One supports file sync between Mac, cloud accounts, and many mobile devices.
Pros of Commander One:
Cons of Commander One:
Conclusion. Commander One is a great choice for a serious user looking to backup and sync their data for Mac. It offers features that many Mac users find useful and efficient. Its primary appeal is its dual-pane interface that knocks Mac’s native Finder out of the water. It’s versatile and easy to use, even for beginners.
GoodSync is a nice piece of sync software Mac that offers sync options as well as backup/restore.
Supported devices. GoodSync automatically backs up and syncs folders on your Mac OS X with any computer, drive or mobile device.
With this app you can sync files between your computer, mobile devices, FTP, SFTP, Amazon S3, Google Drive, SkyDrive, WebDAV, Azure. You can back up data to portable drives, mobile devices and to FTP, S3, GDocs, SkyDrive, DAV or another computer.
Sync options. GoodSync allows syncing folders with files between supported devices. Note that sync is performed only between pair of folders, not between folder and Mac app (iTunes, Photos).
Pros of GoodSync:
Cons of GoodSync:
Conclusion. GoodSync offers a wide range of devices to backup and sync for Mac, but the list of sync options is rather poor - no possibility to sync contacts, calendars; no interaction with built-in macOS apps.
Syncios is not only a file sync software, but it also contains a built-in file converter that allows you to do things like convert MP3 files to ringtones for your Android or iPhone. It’s also free, but like most software, the best features come at a price.
Supported devices. Mac OS X, Android, iOS.
Sync options. This sync software allows you to utilize your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone (e.g. Xiaomi Mac) to export apps, pictures, ringtones, videos, text messages, ebooks, etc, to your PC or Mac.
Pros of Syncios:
Cons of Syncios:
Conclusion. We consider Syncios to be a kind of middle-of-the-road file sync software. If you’re looking for the best file sync software for Mac, you might need to keep looking the free version does offer quite a few cool features, but it seems like Syncios isn’t able to handle a ton of data at once, as it is prone to crashing.
Dr.Fone claims to have the “highest recovery rate in the industry”, but it doesn’t provide any evidence to back that claim up. This app is a toolkit for recovering data, repairing various systems, transferring data, and backing up and restoring files.
Supported devices. iOS 8.0 or later, compatible with iPhone and iPad, and PC transfer.
Sync options. Dr.Fone allows you to sync and recover photos, videos, contacts, text messages, notes, call logs, and much more.
Pros of Dr.Fone:
Cons of Dr.Fone:
Conclusion. We’d recommend you avoid this Mac folder sync software and check out some of the other alternatives we’ve listed here. Dr.Fone may claim to be “the best”, but from what we’ve gathered, it’s actually the worst!
Though Synchronize! PRO claims itself to be a sync tool, it is actually a backup/restore tool. Let’s take a closer look.
Supported devices. Synchronize! PRO allows backing up data on Mac OS X to file server, or your PowerBook, or a FireWire disk, so that the files on both are up-to-date. You can even make a bootable backup to a disk image over a network.
Sync options. In the case of this app, it would be more correct to name this section Backup options. There are a lot of them, in fact. You can back up personal data as well as folders with files. Besides this Synchronize! Pro backs up your OS X startup disk to another hard disk, so that the backup disk is bootable.
Pros of Synchronize! PRO:
Cons of Synchronize! PRO:
Conclusion. Synchronize! PRO is a great app for data backup and restore, but if you are particularly looking for syncing, this app won’t help.
Apeaksoft’s iPhoneTransfer sync software has a very good online reputation. It’s a professional data recovery software that allows its users a multitude of options for recovering data from their mobile devices.
Supported devices. Transfer files between PC/iOS/Mac devices.
Sync options. PhoneTransfer claims that it supports file synchronization between ALL iOS devices on the market. You can transfer from iPhone to iPhone, from iPhone to Mac/PC, and vice versa. It claims to be the best software to transfer photos, music, contacts, text messages, ringtones, books, and more.
Pros of iPhoneTransfer:
Cons of iPhoneTransfer:
Conclusion. Unless you’re short on cash, iPhoneTransfer is a very solid choice for a file synchronization software. Could even be the best sync software for Mac. After scouring the Internet for reviews, we couldn’t find a single negative comment. Definitely worth checking out!
This file synchronizer’s main selling point is the fact that it is open-source, and completely free of charge. This means that FreeFileSync is available to pretty much anyone looking for a way to synchronize folders. In this case, the definition of syncing devices is somewhat limited, but this program is still good for someone looking for a straightforward tool that will keep their files safe in case of damage, loss, or accidental deletion.
Supported devices: Mac, Windows, Linux
Pros of FreeFileSync:
Cons of FreeFileSync:
Conclusion: If you want the basics, this program delivers, and you don’t need to spend anything. Other than that, you may want to check elsewhere for programs that can deliver more features. It is more than capable of doing basic tasks, but anything more complicated will not be an option.
Unison is, at first glance, a straightforward file synchronizer, but it actually has a lot more to offer than you might think. The website may look outdated, but once you check what it is capable of, it becomes clear that Unison is actually a pretty good option. Another plus point for the software is the fact that it is available completely free. It is also a versatile choice of file synchronizer.
Supported devices: Mac, Windows, Unix
Pros of Unison:
Cons of Unison:
Conclusion: Unison has a lot to offer, especially considering that it is free. The main drawbacks are the slightly dated, and not especially user friendly, way the program runs. And as has been mentioned, the GUI is prone to crashing on Mac. But it’s still a good choice, and definitely, one to consider.
Sync Gateway has a lot to offer to anyone looking for a reliable synchronization tool. It has a lot of versatility, working with a wide range of different platforms and device types. It is also free, which is not a common feature for software with this much to offer. A number of other features make this program stand out from the competition, though it does also have a few drawbacks.
Supported devices: macOS, Windows
Pros of Sync Gateway:
Cons of Sync Gateway:
Conclusion: All in all, a pretty good choice. Unfortunately, while there’s a lot on offer, you do need to pay to unlock it, so that’s something worth considering if you just want a straightforward solution. However, Sync Gateway definitely has a lot to offer as a Mac file sync software.
Syncovery has a lot of features, making it a useful choice for pros or anyone looking for a tool with more variables. They’ve included an interesting Exact Mirror feature that lets you update new files with earlier versions of themselves, something that would probably be of greater use for businesses. They’ve also included the usual selection of features that you’d expect on the software of this kind, making them a pretty versatile option.
Supported devices: macOS, Windows
Pros of Syncovery:
Cons of Syncovery:
Conclusion: All in all, if you’re a professional looking for something that gives you a lot of options, this is a great choice. There are a lot of different options, and a wide range of supported tools is a great help. But if you’re looking for something straightforward, you may want to consider a different option.
Resilio is a pretty comprehensive folder synchronizer software, one that could even be the best sync software for Mac. It’s available in a range of different versions depending on your situation and how much you want to pay.
You can invest in a business version, or even a family one if you have many different people and devices in your home. It’s a versatile tool with many different options and a few added bonuses that set it out from other similar solutions.
Supported devices: macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS
Pros of Resilio Sync:
Cons of Resilio Sync:
Conclusion: Resilio definitely has a lot to offer. Customized packages mean that you can ensure you get the features most useful to you, such as synchronize contacts or other details. It’s also an easy-to-use program, and once it’s up and running, you can pretty much leave it to ensure that everything is synced perfectly. If you’re willing to pay extra, this is a good choice.
Syncplicity is a cloud-based sync solution that has quite a lot of good features and is a folder synchronization mac users can do. One of the best things about it is the fact that it’s comparably cheaper to many other options out there.
It makes use of two different desktop tools, a virtual network drive, and a multi-folder sync mechanism, to carry out straightforward syncing tasks. You can easily dictate which folders are to be shared, and where they are to share.
Supported devices: macOS, Windows, Android, iOS
Pros of Syncplicity:
Cons of Syncplicity:
Conclusion: This program is a pretty good choice, especially if you don’t want to spend too much money on a Mac sync software. However, it does have some drawbacks. There’s not a huge amount of space on offer, but given the low price, it’s not a bad option for personal use, if you aren’t expecting to sync huge amounts of data.
Here we’ve gathered together top 3 cloud sync services. The main advantage of these tools is that you can access data you are storing in the cloud from any device provided that this device is connected to Internet. Among the disadvantages is that not all of them offer interaction with Mac OS X apps or allow storing and syncing personal data like contacts and calendars.
iCloud is a native cloud storage for Apple devices. The main advantage of iCloud is that you can not only store data in it, you can also manage personal data in iCal, Address Book, Reminders, etc. directly in iCloud account.
Dropbox is probably the most popular and reliable cloud storage for now. It offers you cloud space for free and allows storing folders with any files there. You can not only store but also share data you have in Dropbox account. Available for macOS, PC, iOS and Android.
Just like Dropbox, SugarSync provides you with a cloud storage where you can transfer files and folders. You can share the content you have stored in SugarSync storage; remove all synchronized files from a PC or Mac in the event of loss or theft. Available for Mac, PC, iOS and Android.
In order to objectively talk about macOS synchronization and Android file transfer we need to start from the point that this is a limited OS in terms of connection and synchronizing with other devices. If you want to connect a macOS device with other devices from Apple, everything will go smooth, however, it’s a totally different story when trying the same thing with third-party devices.
Several years back, Apple removed the built-in Sync Service which allowed data syncing between macOS and other devices. This means that some extra work had to be put in to compare the functionality of apps that allow Mac file syncing.
Key factors we considered while choosing the best macOS synchronization software.
Functionality. In order for an app to be worth mentioned and used it must support transfer and syncing for all data types. This includes folders, media, contacts and calendar notes. You wouldn’t want different apps to synchronize Mac data piece by piece, right? That’s why you need one app that can handle it all.
Flexibility. You don’t have to be a tech genius to perform data transfer and sync, however, this operation is not at all an easy process. That’s why you need the best Mac OS X file synchronization software to make the entire process smoother while allowing you to tweak a lot of things when it comes to data transfer.
OS support. Since macOS is updated constantly, the app you buy for making the data transfer has to also withstand the latest version of macOS.
App’s lifecycle. The one thing that makes a reliable Mac synchronization software the best one is constant improvement and updates. All possible support you get from the developer in the form of freshly updated version is a must for a good sync tool.
Finding the best file sync software is not an easy task, which is why we’ve compiled this list to give you an idea of what you’re getting into. If you’ve ever had an iPhone crash on you and lose all your photos, your contacts, your calendar events, etc, you know how important backing up and syncing your data is.
We rely on our mobile devices for just about everything these days, so we have to be diligent about backing up and protecting the data that we store on them. Please consider downloading SyncMate or one of the other programs listed above or risk learning the hard way about how devastating a phone crash can be.
Hope this list will help you choose the most appropriate sync solution according to your sync needs. Thanks for reading!
