Google Drive vs Sync.com Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| Pricing |
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| Free storage | 15 GB | 5 GB |
| Lifetime plan | No | No |
| Established | 2012 | 2011 |
| Platforms | ||
| Encryption & keys | ||
| Who holds the keys | Provider holds the keysShow detailsHide detailsGoogle encrypts files in transit and on its disks with AES-256, using keys managed by its own key management service, so its systems can decrypt them. File names, descriptions, owners and activity logs are encrypted on disk the same way. Client-side encryption, which Google cannot decrypt, exists only in some paid Workspace editions for organizations and has to be switched on by an admin; personal Google accounts cannot use it. Decryption happens on Google's servers, so the web, desktop and mobile apps work the same way. | Depends on a settingShow detailsHide detailsSync says files and file names are encrypted on your device with 256-bit AES. File size, type, creation time and the creator of a shared file are not encrypted. On paid plans, email password reset is on by default and keeps a copy of your account key that Sync's automated systems can use; turning it off deletes the copy. Previews of Office and other formats, media streaming, editing in Microsoft's editor, faster web downloads over 100 MB and links without Enhanced privacy are processed outside end-to-end encryption. The web panel decrypts files in your browser with code that Sync serves on every visit. |
| Also encrypted | Nothing beyond server-side protection | File names only |
| Sharing | Shared files are readable by the provider | Only in some sharing modes |
| If you lose the password | Provider can reset access | Provider can reset access |
| Trust & transparency | ||
| Client code | Closed source | Closed source |
| Server code | Closed source | Closed source |
| Reproducible builds | Not specified | Not specified |
| Security audit | None on record | None on record |
| Jurisdiction | United StatesShow detailsHide detailsGoogle's terms name Google LLC of Mountain View, California, and are governed by California law unless local law requires otherwise. The privacy policy names Google Ireland Limited among the Google companies that provide consumer services in the EU. Google keeps servers around the world, and files may be processed outside your country. | CanadaShow detailsHide detailsSync.com Inc. is registered in Ontario and contracts with users outside the US; users in the US contract with Sync.com Corp., a Delaware company. The terms are governed by Ontario and Canadian law unless local law requires otherwise. Files are stored in Canada by default, or in the US for accounts in the US data region; account data is also kept with service providers in the US. |
| Owner | Alphabet Inc.Show detailsHide detailsGoogle LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., whose shares trade on Nasdaq. Google Drive launched on 24 April 2012. | Sync.com Inc.Show detailsHide detailsSync says it was founded in Toronto in 2011 by Thomas Savundra, Suhan Shan and Darius Antia and has more than 2 million users. |
| Telemetry | Always on | On unless you opt out |
| Past data breach | No | No |
| Features & sync | ||
| Desktop sync | Yes | Yes |
| File versions | LimitedShow detailsHide detailsAn earlier version of a non-Google file may be deleted after 30 days or once there are 100 newer versions, unless you mark it Keep forever. Google Docs, Sheets and Slides keep their own version history. Files in the Trash are deleted after 30 days. | ExtendedShow detailsHide detailsEarlier versions and deleted files can be restored for 30 days on the free plan, 90 days on Personal 1TB, 180 days on Solo 5TB and 365 days on Personal Unlimited. They do not count toward your storage. |
| Collaborative editing | On the provider's server | On the provider's server |