Syncra vs Google Drive
Google's storage and Drive for desktop, or a sync tool for any folders and storage you choose.
Checked: Plans, prices and features of other products change. This comparison was checked in 2026-10; confirm the details on Google Drive's own site before you decide.
The two tools in short
Google Drive
Google Drive is Google's online storage. Drive for desktop streams or mirrors it on your computer, and it underpins Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
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 | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Two-way sync of folders | Yes | Yes |
| Direct device-to-device sync on a local network | YesDesktop & CLI1 | No |
| 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 | PartlyClient-side encryption with keys you control is offered only for certain Google Workspace editions; personal accounts use Google-managed encryption. |
| Version history and restore | YesDesktop & CLI1 | DependsDepends on plan or edition — check the vendor. |
| Automatic stop when mass damage is detected | YesDesktop & CLI1 | DependsDrive for desktop includes ransomware detection and file-restore tooling whose availability depends on the account type. |
| Free for personal use | Yes | PartlyA free storage allowance is shared across Google services. |
| 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 Google Drive
When Google Drive is the better choice
- You live in Google Workspace: Docs, Sheets, Slides and sharing are built on Drive.
- You want real-time collaborative editing in the browser.
- You want files available on demand without keeping full copies on every computer.
When Syncra fits better
- You want folders synced directly between your own PCs and NAS on the local network.
- You want to encrypt cloud backups on your PC with a key only you hold, whichever storage service you use.
- You want one tool for local drives, NAS and several clouds, with previews before anything is copied or deleted.
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 Google Drive
Can I use Syncra together with Google Drive?
Yes. Google Drive is one of the cloud services Syncra can connect to. If you turn on Syncra's encryption for that connection, Google stores only ciphertext for those files.
Is Drive for desktop the same as Syncra's two-way sync?
Not quite. Drive for desktop streams or mirrors your Google Drive, which keeps your files in Google's storage. Syncra syncs the folders you choose between your own locations and can use Drive as one of them.