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Dropbox

23.4K
18.2K
+ 1
1.7K
Syncthing

47
77
+ 1
2
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Dropbox vs Syncthing: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Dropbox and Syncthing

  1. Storage Infrastructure: One key difference between Dropbox and Syncthing is their storage infrastructure. Dropbox uses centralized cloud storage, where files are stored on Dropbox servers, allowing users to access them from anywhere with an internet connection. On the other hand, Syncthing uses decentralized storage, where files are synchronized directly between devices without relying on a central server.

  2. Security and Privacy: Another important difference is the approach to security and privacy. Dropbox provides encryption for data transmission and storage, but the encryption keys are managed by Dropbox and the files may be accessible to Dropbox staff. Syncthing, on the other hand, offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the intended devices can access the synchronized files. Users have full control over their encryption keys, enhancing the privacy and security of their data.

  3. Scalability and Limitations: Dropbox is designed to handle large amounts of data, offering scalable storage options for individual users and businesses. It provides features like file versioning, which allows users to recover previous versions of files. On the contrary, Syncthing is more suitable for smaller-scale file synchronization between devices. However, it does not offer extensive file versioning options, focusing on simplicity and efficient synchronization.

  4. User Interface and Ease of Use: When it comes to user interface and ease of use, Dropbox provides a user-friendly experience with intuitive interfaces and features like file sharing, collaborative editing, and built-in document previews. Syncthing, although efficient, has a more technical and minimalistic interface, targeting users who prefer greater control and customization over simplicity.

  5. Supported Platforms: Dropbox is available for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, making it accessible from various devices. Syncthing is primarily focused on desktop platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux, but it also offers limited support for Android and iOS devices.

  6. Cost and Pricing: While Dropbox offers both free and paid plans, with additional storage and advanced features reserved for paid users, Syncthing is entirely free and open-source. Users do not need to pay for storage or any additional features, making it a budget-friendly alternative for individuals and organizations.

In summary, Dropbox excels in scalable cloud storage with user-friendly interfaces and additional features, while Syncthing offers decentralized storage with stronger privacy and security, albeit with a more technical interface and limited platform support, all at no cost.

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Pros of Dropbox
Pros of Syncthing
  • 434
    Easy to work with
  • 256
    Free
  • 216
    Popular
  • 176
    Shared file hosting
  • 167
    'just works'
  • 100
    No brainer
  • 79
    Integration with external services
  • 76
    Simple
  • 49
    Good api
  • 38
    Least cost (free) for the basic needs case
  • 11
    It just works
  • 8
    Convenient
  • 7
    Accessible from all of my devices
  • 5
    Command Line client
  • 4
    Synchronizing laptop and desktop - work anywhere
  • 4
    Can even be used by your grandma
  • 3
    Reliable
  • 3
    Sync API
  • 3
    Mac app
  • 3
    Cross platform app
  • 2
    Ability to pay monthly without losing your files
  • 2
    Delta synchronization
  • 2
    Everybody needs to share and synchronize files reliably
  • 2
    Backups, local and cloud
  • 2
    Extended version history
  • 2
    Beautiful UI
  • 1
    YC Company
  • 1
    What a beautiful app
  • 1
    Easy/no setup
  • 1
    So easy
  • 1
    The more the merrier
  • 1
    Easy to work with
  • 1
    For when client needs file without opening firewall
  • 1
    Everybody needs to share and synchronize files reliabl
  • 1
    Easy to use
  • 1
    Official Linux app
  • 0
    The more the merrier
  • 1
    Convenient to use
  • 1
    Offline

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Cons of Dropbox
Cons of Syncthing
  • 3
    Personal vs company account is confusing
  • 1
    Replication kills CPU and battery
  • 1
    Not intuitive how to set up on a headless machine

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What is Dropbox?

Harness the power of Dropbox. Connect to an account, upload, download, search, and more.

What is Syncthing?

It is a continuous file synchronization program. It synchronizes files between two or more computers and replaces proprietary sync and cloud services with something open, trustworthy and decentralized. Your data is your data alone and you deserve to choose where it is stored, if it is shared with some third party and how it's transmitted over the internet.

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What companies use Dropbox?
What companies use Syncthing?
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What tools integrate with Syncthing?

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Blog Posts

Sep 29 2020 at 7:36PM

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What are some alternatives to Dropbox and Syncthing?
Google Drive
Keep photos, stories, designs, drawings, recordings, videos, and more. Your first 15 GB of storage are free with a Google Account. Your files in Drive can be reached from any smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Microsoft SharePoint
It empowers teamwork with dynamic and productive team sites for every project team, department, and division. Share and manage content, knowledge, and applications to empower teamwork, quickly find information, and seamlessly collaborate across the organization.
OneDrive
Outlook.com is a free, personal email service from Microsoft. Keep your inbox clutter-free with powerful organizational tools, and collaborate easily with OneDrive and Office Online integration.
Box
The Box API gives you access to the content management features you see in our web app and lets you extend them for use in your own app. It strives to be RESTful and is organized around the main resources you’re familiar with from the Box web interface.
G Suite
An integrated suite of secure, cloud-native collaboration and productivity apps. It includes Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar, Meet and more.
See all alternatives