SugarSync
Cloud content collaboration software
Online backup software
Backup software
Data recovery software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
Take the quiz to check if SugarSync and its alternatives fit your requirements.
Free Trial unavailableFree version unavailable
Small
Medium
Large
- Professional services (engineering, legal, consulting, etc.)
- Media and communications
- Accommodation and food services
What is SugarSync
SugarSync is a cloud-based file sync and backup service that keeps selected folders on PCs and Macs backed up and available across devices. It targets individuals and small teams that need cross-device access, file versioning, and remote access to files without relying on a single device. The product emphasizes folder-level sync/backup (not just a single designated folder) and provides desktop and mobile apps for access and sharing. It also includes basic collaboration features such as shared folders and link sharing, but it is primarily positioned around backup and sync rather than full document management.
Folder-level sync and backup
SugarSync lets users choose multiple folders to sync and back up rather than forcing content into a single special directory. This supports common workflows where files are already organized across different locations on a computer. It can reduce the need to restructure file systems compared with some cloud content tools. It also supports continuous syncing to keep cloud copies current.
Cross-platform access and sharing
The service provides desktop clients and mobile apps to access files across devices. Users can share folders and generate share links for external access, supporting lightweight collaboration. Remote access features allow users to reach files from a computer even when away from it (subject to device availability and configuration). These capabilities fit small-team and individual use cases that need simple sharing alongside backup.
Versioning and recovery options
SugarSync includes file version history to help recover from accidental edits or overwrites. This supports basic data recovery scenarios for end users without requiring separate tooling. It also helps mitigate risks from user error during day-to-day file handling. Recovery is oriented to file-level restore rather than full system imaging.
Limited enterprise governance features
Compared with more document-centric platforms, SugarSync offers fewer advanced controls for regulated environments, such as granular policy management, complex retention/legal hold, and deep audit/reporting. It is not designed as a full document management system with matter-centric workspaces or sophisticated metadata models. Organizations needing extensive compliance workflows may require additional systems. Administrative capabilities are generally more aligned to small deployments.
Not a full backup suite
SugarSync focuses on file sync/backup and does not function like comprehensive endpoint backup products that support bare-metal recovery, OS imaging, or broad device management. Restore scenarios are primarily file-based and depend on what was selected for sync/backup. Businesses looking for centralized backup orchestration across many endpoints may find the feature set insufficient. It also does not replace dedicated disaster recovery tooling.
Collaboration features are basic
Sharing is oriented around folders and links rather than advanced content collaboration features such as structured approval workflows, secure external portals, or deep integrations used in document-heavy teams. It typically lacks the richer document lifecycle controls found in specialized content collaboration and document management products. For teams that need controlled external sharing with detailed recipient analytics and permissions models, it may be limiting. As collaboration needs grow, users may outgrow the platform.
