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Syncthing vs Google Drive
Syncthing scores 25 out of 30 and Google Drive scores 15. Syncthing is ahead on footprint, lock-in, power and longevity. Google Drive is ahead on delivery.
Footprint
5
2
Lock-in
5
3
Self-direction
2
2
Power
5
1
Longevity
4
2
Delivery
4
5
Price
Free
Free to 15 GB, then paid
Source
Open source
Closed source
Runs on
Windows, Mac, Linux; Android via community fork
Web, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Maker
M · Medium
XL · Extra large
What you give up by switching
Syncthing keeps copies of your folders on your own devices. It has no web page for sharing a link and no live co-editing, and at least one device has to be on for a file to travel.
How to move
Download your Drive with Google Takeout, point Syncthing at the folder, and add your other devices.
Scores are our opinion on six questions from Ivan Illich, based on public sources and dated October 2026. Read the full reviews of Syncthing and Google Drive, or see how we score.