What is Sync.com?
Sync.com is one of the best providers of cloud storage, Sync.com offers plenty of features, ease of use, and security at a reasonable price.
It also has a free plan that you can use to test it out, and it comes with zero-knowledge encryption. Read all the details in this comprehensive Sync.com review.
The main objective of this initiative was to create a cloud storage service that focuses on privacy protection and Sync.com is a perfect fit for this purpose!
Sync.com is known for its advanced security practices and top-notch privacy protection.
Today, over 1.7 million people use Sync.com for their cloud storage needs. They are businessmen, businesses, and security enthusiasts.
Features
Here is an overview of the various features of Sync.com:
Versioning
If you are a project manager or document editor, or if you have been a victim of ransomware, Sync.com's file version management features can put your mind at ease.
It automatically stores previous versions of all files you change, as well as deleted files, and these are not included in your storage quota.
In fact, Sync.com is our top recommendation as the best cloud storage for versioning, with 30 days of file versioning available for free account holders. Solo Basic and Teams Standard account holders get 180 days, while all other accounts can go back on their files for up to one year.
Sync.com offers this option on a file-by-file basis, rather than offering a complete account rollback, as is the case with providers such as pCloud, which can restore accounts to an earlier stage using pCloud's “rollback” feature. You can find out more about this in our pCloud review,.
Although Sync.com does not offer a complete account rollback, you can restore entire folders at once.
If you need to attempt a broader recovery, you can contact Sync.com directly for assistance in restoring larger sets of files.
It's good that Sync.com offers this level of customer support (more on that later), but it would be best if this feature was built in.
File size limit
If you're concerned about the size of files or folders, Sync.com has you covered. There is absolutely no limit to the size of your files - none.
Compare that to Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive, which have file limits of 5TB and 100GB respectively.
The unlimited size of files to upload is one reason why Sync.com is our top choice for the best cloud storage for large files, as you might expect.
You can also create a cold storage vault for your records using a feature called “Sync.com vault.” This will lock some files, preventing them from syncing across your devices, and that's a topic we'll discuss later.
Instant video streaming
In September 2022, Sync.com announced that its iOS and Android apps supported instant video streaming on the Pro plan.
“Events” tab
This feature is especially useful if you are working in a team. The Events tab shows a complete history of your account activity.
So you can easily check which user created/deleted/shared/edited which files and when. It's like an online log of your Sync.com account!
Users tab
This feature is also useful if you have a team of users. The Users tab allows you to manage all members of your team.
It shows when a particular user was last active and how much storage space they consumed!
Speed control on applications
If you install the Sync desktop app, you can limit the speed at which your files are transferred. This is useful if you have limited bandwidth.
By default it is set to Automatic. But you can also select transfer speeds ranging from 50Kb/s to 5Mb/s.
Slack integration
Sync.com recently integrated with Slack, a business communication software. So if you and your team use Slack to collaborate between you, this integration will be beneficial to you.
Mobile applications
You can use your Sync.com storage space on the go, thanks to the mobile apps available on Android and iOS.
The apps are similar to the web panel, where you can view your files, access your cold storage vault, manage shared links, and see your recent files.
You also have the option of activating the automatic download of your photos and videos to save your files on the go.
The apps are fairly user-friendly, but have the same problem as the web panel: you can't drag and drop files and folders, but you have to move things around using the menus.
Other applications do this much better, such as the Google Drive application, which allows you to drag and drop a file into a folder without any problem.
Vitesse
Sync.com's transfer speeds are undoubtedly its biggest weakness. Compared to services like pCloud, Icedrive, or Google Drive, it simply doesn't use the same percentage of user bandwidth for its downloads.
When testing the speed of cloud storage services, our standard approach is to upload and download a 5GB test folder twice and average the results. The folder is full of various types of files, and the test is done from a cloud computer located in Ireland, which has a stable connection of 100 Mbps up and down.
This means that if a service manages to use 100% of its allocated bandwidth, loading and unloading should take approximately six minutes and 40 seconds each.
Sync.com's performance is slow, but its download speed is unreliable, with a big difference between our two attempts. This is all disappointing to say the least, but we don't think that poor transfer speeds are enough to detract from an otherwise great service.
Its speed is comparable to that of iCloud (see our iCloud review for more information), making it the best alternative to iCloud. Other services like Internxt and Woelkli are much slower.
However, we hope that the service can make some improvements in this area. If speed is important to you, you can check out our lists of cloud storage and the fastest online backup to find the speed demon that's right for you.
Sharing and collaboration
Sharing links
Sharing is very easy with Sync. Right-click on the file you want to share in the desktop app, and a link will automatically be copied to your clipboard.
Tap or click the ellipse menu icon in the web panel and mobile app, then tap or click “Share as a link.” A link manager is then displayed; you can open the link, email it directly to a contact, or copy it. Copying the link is the most versatile sharing method, as you can send the link via any text-based platform.
In the link manager, you'll notice a “Link Settings” tab. By clicking on this tab, you can set a password and expiration date for your link. It also allows you to set preview permissions, enable uploading, disable comments, and manage download permissions.
You even have the option of receiving email notifications, so you can know when your link has been viewed. The web panel also records the activity of your shared link.
If you have a free account, you won't get as many sharing features as paid account subscribers. But you can still set a password with the free account.
You can also enable enhanced privacy in the link settings, a feature available to free account holders and subscribers. Your link will be protected by end-to-end encryption by allowing for increased privacy, but this may slow down your web browser. Sync.com therefore gives you the option to deactivate it and use standard encryption for files that do not require high-level security.
Team sharing
You can create team folders to share files and folders with multiple team members. When sharing with a team, you can set personal access permissions such as viewing or editing for each team member.
Activity logs allow you to know when each person accesses the file and what their actions are. You can also revoke access and delete other users' accounts folder at any time.
Another great addition for businesses is the ability to integrate Slack. If you connect Slack to your Sync.com account, you can share your files through Slack channels and messages.
By using the “/sync” command in the message box, Slack will allow you to navigate to the file you want to share from your Sync.com account. Once you've found the file you want, simply click “Share” and Slack will send you the link to your shared document.
Custom branding
If you have a Sync.com PRO Solo Professional or PRO Teams Unlimited account, you will have access to the custom tagging feature. By clicking on your email address in the top right corner of the web panel, you can go into the settings and change the custom tagging.
Once you've finished designing and editing your logo, it's ready to be displayed when you share folders or request files with download links.
Synchronization
Your files and folders are easily synchronized when added to your Sync.com folder in the desktop application. You also have the option to download files using the mobile app or the web panel.
When you sync your data, you can save space on your device by using Sync.com's vault. All files stored in the vault stay in the cloud and therefore do not take up space on your device. I will come back to this point later.
Another space saver is the selective Sync.com that is available in the desktop application. The files in your Sync.com folder are synced to your desktop by default. If you go into your Sync.com control panel, you can deselect folders that you don't want to sync to your device.
It only works for the device you are changing the settings on. If you're using Sync.com on another desktop or laptop, you'll need to make these changes again on that device.
Vitesse
Sync.com has speed limits. The maximum file transfer speed is 40 megabits per second per wire.
Sync.com explains that desktop and mobile applications are multi-threaded, meaning that multiple files will be transferred simultaneously.
However, the web application is not multi-threaded, so it is faster to download multiple files, or large files larger than 5 GB, using the desktop application or the mobile application.
End-to-end encryption can also affect the transfer speed of large files, as you have to add the time needed for encryption. I like the security features and would be happy to wait a few more seconds for this level of encryption.
Rates
Sync.com offers storage options for individuals and businesses. Whether free or purchased, all plans come with end-to-end encryption and Vault.
There are four personal account options: free, mini, PRO Solo Basic, and PRO Solo Professional.
Personal plans
We'll start with Sync's free plan, which offers 5GB of free space. Your limit can be increased by 1GB for comprehensive incentives set by Sync, like downloading the mobile app and verifying your email. If 6 GB is not enough, you can increase your storage space by an additional 20 GB by inviting friends via a referral link.
Sync.com's free account also offers 5GB of data transfer per month and includes 30 days of file history and recovery. However, this plan only allows you to share three secure links and create three shared team folders.
If you need a bit more space, the Mini plan offers 200GB of storage, 200GB of data transfer per month, and 60 days of file history. It also allows you to share up to 50 links and 50 team folders.
Customer service for free account holders or Mini plan holders is not a priority, so responses may take a bit longer for these accounts. We'll come back to customer service a bit later.
Let's move on to the Solo Basic subscription, which gives you 2TB of data and 180-day file history. In comparison, the Solo Professional account offers 6TB, a 365-day file history, and custom tagging. Both plans allow for unlimited data transfers, shared folders, and links.
Sync.com PRO Solo also includes Microsoft Office 365 integrations. Incorporating Office 365 makes it much easier to edit any Office document in your Sync.com storage. It works on desktop, tablet, and mobile applications. However, to edit files, you'll need an Office 365 subscription.
Business plans
Businesses have three options to choose from: PRO Teams Standard, PRO Teams Unlimited, and Enterprise. The size of your staff can determine which of these plans will work best for you.
The PRO Team Standard account gives each team member 1TB of secure storage and 180 days of file history. Data transfers, shared folders, and links are unlimited with this account. However, you don't have access to brand personalization. Since it's a business account, the lack of the brand personalization feature may put some off.
PRO Teams Unlimited is just that. It includes all of Sync.com's features, including brand customization, and provides each user with unlimited storage, data transfers, shared folders, and links. With Teams Unlimited, you also have access to phone support and VIP response times.
The Enterprise subscription is for businesses with over 100 users and includes an account manager and training options. This is a customizable plan, and the price and features may vary depending on business needs.
All business plans come with an administrator account that is automatically assigned to the person who purchases the plan. You can transfer the administrator account to another user later if needed. From this account, you can manage team member accounts, permissions, passwords, and invoices. You can also control access and use.
The admin panel is located under the user tab. Only the administrator has access to this tab; you can add users to the account from here. When new users are added, they get their own account and login details. They will therefore only have access to their own files or to shared files.
Confidentiality
Sync.com uses zero-knowledge encryption all the way, and that's the best you can get when it comes to privacy. Absolutely no one will be able to see your files with this level of encryption, not even Sync.com staff. That's unless you give them the key to decrypt your files.
Sync.com sets out ten principles in its privacy policy. This breakdown makes it extremely easy to follow and understand. Within the framework of these ten principles, Sync.com addresses, among other things, liability, consent, guarantees, and access.
These principles are consistent with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). In addition, Sync.com integrates the requirements of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Sync.com declares that it does not collect, share, or sell your data to third parties, unless you consent or if required to do so by law.
security
Sync.com's USP lies in its security practices. It offers a variety of services to ensure the overall safety of its users. Let's look at its main characteristics!
Zero-knowledge encryption
Zero-knowledge encryption is a secure encryption method where all of your data is stored in the cloud and encrypted with a key. You are the only one who has access to this encryption key.
Thus, you are the only one who can consult your data and you are therefore safe from intruders who try to get hold of your sensitive files. The most interesting thing is that you even benefit from zero-knowledge encryption on its free plan.
AES-256 bit encryption
256-bit AES is the industry standard encryption method followed by all cloud storage services and password managers popular. On Sync cloud storage, this encryption is applied to your data both in transit and at rest.
2FA
2FA (Two Factor Authentication) is a method that introduces a second factor in verifying a user's identity upon login. Here are some examples of 2FA: OTPs sent to your email, SMS, authentication application, or hardware key, biometrics, voice-based OTPs, etc.
Sync.com offers email-based 2FA and an authenticator based 2FA, which is great. It supports the Google Authenticator application.
Email password recovery
Because Sync.com is a zero-knowledge service, your account cannot be recovered if you forget the password. To overcome this situation, it offers password recovery by email.
If you enable this feature, you can use your email to recover your Sync account. But that would break the confidentiality of zero knowledge! If you prefer ultra security, it would be best to keep this option disabled.
Biometric lock
On Sync's mobile apps, you can find the biometric lock option to quickly unlock your account with your fingerprint.
Terms of use and privacy policy
Sync.com's terms of use and privacy policy are very clear. They do collect your IP address and some basic data, but I couldn't find anything suspicious about it. It follows 10 privacy principles that are explained very clearly on its website.
Additionally, Sync.com is GDPR compliant, which means it is more transparent when it comes to your personal information. It's also HIPAA and PIPEDA compliant, which means your private information is always protected!
Security audits
Sync.com has completed a decade in the cloud storage market. But surprisingly, it has not yet been subject to security audits by third parties! While there have been no data breach cases with them, I hope they will have their services audited by a cybersecurity company soon!
History
Their history has been unblemished since 2011. There have been no reports of data breaches and security breaches since they were launched, which is a great achievement!
Alternatives to Sync.com
1. pCloud
Compared to Sync, pCloud is a much stronger cloud storage provider.
Since its servers are located in Europe, you'll enjoy lightning-fast upload and download speeds. It also has dedicated media players and a feature-rich free plan.
However, Sync.com is the best when it comes to security. pCloud offers its zero-knowledge encryption, called pCloud Crypto, at an additional cost.
While Sync.com offers it for free, even in its free package. For more information, you can consult my pCloud review.
2. Icedrive
Icedrive is a new player in the cloud storage market.
However, it beats Sync.com with its appealing interface and super fast speeds. Icedrive's pricing plans are cheap, and its lifetime plan offers great value for money.
It also offers 10GB of storage on its free plan, which is double what Sync offers. Both services comply with GDPR regulations. This ensures better security for users.
But, you don't get zero-knowledge encryption on the Icedrive free plan. Sync.com is better in this case!
3. Tresorit
Tresorit is probably the closest to Sync.com in terms of features and functionality.
Both offer a decent interface and satisfying speeds. They offer 5GB of zero-knowledge encrypted file storage space on their free plans. The only difference is their price! Tresorit is quite expensive compared to Sync.
Customer support
Sync.com offers its customers 24/7 email support. You can expect to have your questions answered within 24 hours. On the other hand, it does not offer live chat support.
On their help center, you'll find detailed articles and guides that provide step-by-step instructions for resolving your questions. They also have a blog where they post information about updates to Sync cloud storage.
FAQs
Is Sync.com really secure?
Yes, absolutely: even if you don't rely on advertising about encryption and the like, there has never been a breach of Sync.com's servers and we've never heard of any other irregularities.
Where does Sync.com keep its data?
Sync.com servers are located in Canada, Toronto and Scarborough, Ontario.
Final opinion
Sync.com is proving to be a security-focused cloud storage service with advanced sharing options and seamless Office 365 integration at affordable prices.
You can start with the free version of Sync.com to see if it meets your needs. If it fits your workflow, you can upgrade to the paid version to take advantage of all the advanced document sharing and editing features.
If Sync.com installs its data centers in different locations like Europe, works on redesigning its user interface, and introduces a Linux application, it could offer tough competition to cloud storage giants like pCloud and Icedrive. Hope to see improvements in Sync.com in the future!
