FolderSync

FolderSync is a file synchronisation app for Android and desktop users who need to move folders among cloud services, servers and local storage. It is best for people who want flexible, scheduled transfers across different providers; its sync modes are not a substitute for versioned backup.

Overview

FolderSync connects services including Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box and Nextcloud, as well as FTP, SFTP, SMB, S3-compatible storage and WebDAV. That range makes it a practical bridge between cloud accounts and file servers. It can also transfer between two remote locations, but the Android device or desktop computer temporarily stores files during the transfer, so that intermediary must be available.

One-way sync mirrors a source folder to its destination; two-way sync carries changes in both directions. FolderSync does not preserve deleted files or previous versions of overwritten files, so it should not be relied on as a versioned backup. Deletion syncing is disabled by default, which helps avoid propagating removals unintentionally.

Key features

Sync and automation

The V2 engine supports parallel transfers, change analysis before syncing, encryption and Cron-based scheduling. Tasker integration and configurable automation events, including schedules and sync events, make it a stronger fit for recurring workflows than for occasional manual copying alone. Scheduled synchronisation is supported, but desktop automation and webhooks are unavailable on the free plan.

Encryption and privacy

File encryption protects names and contents before upload, using ChaCha20-Poly1305 with Argon2id key derivation. There is an important trade-off: encryption works only with one-way sync, and a lost encryption password cannot be recovered. That makes it unsuitable for users who need encrypted two-way syncing or cannot securely retain the password.

FolderSync says account, folder-pair and sync-log data stays on the device, while files go directly to the configured provider or server. Analytics can be disabled in settings. OAuth-supported services provide FolderSync with an access token; credentials for some login-based providers are stored in its local database.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing. The Android free app includes ads, while desktop use is free but excludes automation and webhooks. It is a sensible starting point for basic transfers, but users who need those desktop capabilities should account for that restriction before making it part of an automated workflow.

Platforms

FolderSync supports Android, Windows, macOS and Linux. The Android app requires Android 8.0 or newer; Android TV, Android Auto and Chromebook are not officially supported. Desktop requirements are 64-bit Windows 10 or newer, macOS 10.15 or newer, or 64-bit x86 Linux with glibc 2.17 or newer. Folder synchronisation and offline file access are supported, but drive mounting is not.

Who it's for

FolderSync suits users coordinating folders across cloud providers, file servers and devices, especially when they want one-way mirroring, two-way sync or scheduled transfers. It is a weaker fit for anyone seeking a backup archive with recovery of deleted or overwritten files, or for a workflow that depends on encrypted two-way sync.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Broad cloud and protocol support lets users connect mainstream storage services and file servers in one tool.
• Pro: Remote-to-remote sync, scheduling and Tasker integration support automated transfers across locations.
• Pro: Encryption protects filenames and contents before upload for one-way sync.
• Con: Remote-to-remote transfers temporarily rely on the Android device or desktop computer, rather than passing directly between services.
• Con: Encryption is limited to one-way sync, and losing its password means it cannot be recovered.
• Con: Deleted files and overwritten versions are not retained, so sync cannot provide versioned backup.
• Con: The Android free app has ads, and desktop automation and webhooks are excluded from free use.

Alternatives

For a broader choice of WebDAV-focused tools, browse WebDAV Client Software.

• CloudDrive2 is another freemium option, with a free Basic plan limited to two cloud drives, one local mount and up to two devices online at once; choose it if those mount and device limits fit your setup.
• rclone is a free, open-source alternative for users who prefer an open-source project.
• Air Explorer offers a free BASIC plan with one account per cloud, read-only cloud-to-cloud transfers, and limits of two simultaneous downloads and uploads; consider it when those transfer limits suit the job.
• Air Live Drive has a free Basic plan limited to one drive per cloud and three drives maximum; its listed paid 1 Year plan is $17 a year.
• Cyberduck is a freemium option for macOS and Windows; its registration key is priced at $10 a month as a minimum contribution.
• ExpanDrive has a free personal-use plan covering up to 10 users or devices per year and 15 cloud services and protocols, for users whose needs fit those terms.
• RaiDrive is a freemium alternative for Linux and Windows.
• Cadaver is free command-line WebDAV software for Unix, a narrower choice for Linux users who want that kind of client.

Verdict

FolderSync is a strong choice for Android and desktop users who need to coordinate folders across cloud services and file servers, particularly when scheduled or remote-to-remote transfers matter. Its breadth and automation options are the case for choosing it; look elsewhere if you need versioned backup, encrypted two-way sync, or desktop automation and webhooks without paying beyond the free tier.