Syncra vs Dropbox
Cloud storage with sync built in, or a sync tool that works with your own devices, NAS and cloud accounts.
Checked: Plans, prices and features of other products change. This comparison was checked in 2026-10; confirm the details on Dropbox's own site before you decide.
The two tools in short
Dropbox
Dropbox is an online storage service with a desktop sync client: your files live in Dropbox's cloud and are mirrored to your devices.
Syncra
Syncra syncs folders between your PCs, drives and NAS and can connect cloud accounts you already have. It does not provide online storage of its own.
Side by side
| Capability | Syncra | Dropbox |
|---|---|---|
| Two-way sync of folders | Yes | Yes |
| Direct device-to-device sync on a local network | YesDesktop & CLI1 | PartlyLAN sync can fetch downloads from other computers on your network, but your files still belong to a Dropbox account in the cloud. |
| Works across local drives, NAS and cloud storage together | YesDesktop & CLI1 | No |
| Contents encrypted on your device with a key only you hold | YesDesktop & CLI1 | NoFiles are encrypted in transit and at rest, but Dropbox, not you, holds the keys. |
| Version history and restore | YesDesktop & CLI1 | DependsHow long old versions are kept depends on your plan. |
| Automatic stop when mass damage is detected | YesDesktop & CLI1 | DependsDepends on plan or edition — check the vendor. |
| Free for personal use | Yes | Partly |
| Provides online storage of its own | No | Yes |
¹ Implemented in the Syncra engine, the syncra CLI and the background service; the desktop app's screens for it are rolling out now. Not available in the browser web app.
Syncra vs Dropbox
When Dropbox is the better choice
- You want online storage, sharing links and a mature web and mobile experience included in one service.
- You work with many people in shared folders and rely on Dropbox's wide range of app integrations.
- You do not want to run or maintain anything: the vendor hosts the storage.
When Syncra fits better
- You want files to stay on your own PCs, NAS and drives, with devices on the same network talking directly instead of through a vendor's servers.
- You want cloud backups encrypted on your PC with a key only you hold, so the storage provider sees only ciphertext.
- You want ransomware auto-stop and point-in-time restore, free for personal use.
What Syncra costs
Personal use is free with every feature. Business, for work use by companies, organisations and public bodies, is 6,900 KRW (5.99 USD) per member per month, for two members or more.
Questions about Syncra and Dropbox
Can I use Syncra together with Dropbox?
Yes. Dropbox is one of the cloud services Syncra can connect to, so you can sync or back up a folder with a Dropbox account. If you turn on Syncra's encryption for that connection, file contents are encrypted on your PC before upload.
Does Syncra give me online storage like Dropbox?
No. Syncra does not host your files. It syncs your devices, your NAS and the cloud accounts you already have.