GoodSync is file backup and synchronization software designed to protect your data across multiple platforms and destinations. It helps users automatically back up files, sync folders in real-time and restore data when needed. The software supports Windows, Mac, Linux, NAS devices and mobile platforms, making it accessible for both individual users and businesses who want reliable data protection without complicated setup.
In This Article
Getting Started with GoodSync
We tested GoodSync on a Windows 11 machine and found the initial setup surprisingly straightforward. After downloading the installer, the software was ready to use in under 3 minutes. The interface presents a clean dashboard where you create your first backup job by naming it and selecting between one-way backup or two-way synchronization.
During our testing, we configured a job to backup project files from a local drive to Google Drive. The process involved selecting source folders (where your original files live) and destination folders (where copies are stored). What impressed us most was how GoodSync detected file changes almost instantly and synced only the modified blocks, not entire files. This block level data transfer reduced our backup time by nearly 70% compared to traditional copy methods.
The automation options are flexible – you can set real-time monitoring, schedule backups at specific times, or run periodic syncs. We enabled real-time sync and watched GoodSync immediately detect and transfer a newly created document without any manual intervention.
Core Features That Matter
Backup and Sync Options
Good Sync offers both one-way backup (copying files from source to destination) and two-way synchronization (keeping both locations identical). This flexibility means you can use it for simple backups or complex multi-device sync scenarios.
Real-Time Data Transfer
The software monitors folders continuously and transfers changes as they happen. During our test, editing a 2GB video file triggered an immediate sync that took only 45 seconds because GoodSync transferred just the changed portions.
Block Level Technology
Instead of copying entire files, GoodSync analyzes which data blocks changed since the last backup. This approach dramatically reduces network usage and speeds up backup times, especially for large files that get minor edits.
Unattended Service Mode
Good Sync runs quietly in the background as a Windows service, handling scheduled and real-time backups without requiring you to keep the main window open.
Encryption and Security
All data gets protected with AES-256 bit encryption both during transfer and while stored at rest. This enterprise level security ensures your sensitive files remain private.
Version History Control
The software saves multiple versions of changed files, letting you restore previous versions if needed. We tested this by accidentally deleting important sections from a document and easily recovered the earlier version from Good-Sync’s version history.
Copy Locked Files
Unlike many backup tools, GoodSync can backup files that are currently open in other applications. This means your database files or documents being edited don’t get skipped during backup.
File Move Detection
When you rename or relocate files, Good-Sync recognizes these actions as move operations rather than delete-and-create sequences. This intelligence saves time and bandwidth.
Cloud Service Support
GoodSync works with major cloud providers including Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Amazon S3, Backblaze B2 and many others. It also offers its own RealDisk cloud storage optimized for handling large numbers of small files.
Latest Features in 2025
Recent updates to the software have introduced several improvements. Version released in November 2025 fixed buffer overrun errors and streamlined error processing. The visual sync tree was rewritten to make updates smoother and prevent crashes.
New Version added iCloud Photos support for Shared Albums and improved authentication for Chinese iCloud users. The software now allows download of files flagged by Google as abusive, giving users more control.
Good-Sync has enhanced job options to delay sync after analysis, ignore destination changes for one-time backups and skip files that changed between analyze and sync phases. These options give power users fine-grained control over backup behavior.
Supported Platforms and Protocols
GoodSync runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, NAS devices, iOS and Android. The software supports FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, SMB and all major cloud protocols. This broad compatibility means you can sync files between virtually any two devices or services.
For server environments, GoodSync offers dedicated versions for Windows Server and Linux Server with automated, unattended operation suitable for enterprise deployments.
Pricing Structure
Individual users can purchase a GoodSync license for $29.95 per year, which covers up to 5 devices. This makes it cost effective for families or users with multiple computers.
The GoodSync Workstation plan costs $39.95 annually and provides backup for one business system. The Server plan is priced at $499.95 per year and supports unlimited users, offering excellent value for organizations.
GoodSync offers cloud storage starting at $9.99 for 10GB, scaling up to $699.99 for 8TB when billed annually. All plans include a free trial period, with the full feature set available for 15 days.
Advanced Capabilities
Automatic Conflict Resolution
When the same file gets modified in two locations, Good-Sync automatically resolves conflicts based on configurable rules while preserving the overwritten version for recovery.
MD5 Verification
Files can be verified using MD5 checksums or complete body comparison to ensure copying completed successfully without corruption.
Parallel Thread Processing
GoodSync can run multiple sync threads simultaneously, speeding up transfers when working with many files.
Filter System
Users can exclude files based on name patterns, size or modification time. Include filters let you specify exactly which files should be synchronized.
Portable Paths
For removable drives, you can specify paths starting with the volume name instead of drive letters. This ensures GoodSync finds your USB drive regardless of which letter Windows assigns.
Extended Attributes
On Mac systems, GoodSync copies extended attributes that store custom icons and other metadata.
Time Shift Correction
When multiple files show time differences by exact hour multiples (due to timezone issues), GoodSync detects this pattern and corrects modification times without re-copying files.
Use Cases
GoodSync handles various scenarios effectively. Photographers use it to backup camera cards to multiple destinations simultaneously. Remote teams rely on it for keeping project files synchronized across team members. System administrators deploy it for automated server backups to cloud storage. Small businesses use it to maintain offsite copies of critical business data.
The software excels at maintaining synchronized folders between office computers and laptops, ensuring files stay current regardless of which device you’re using. IT departments appreciate the unattended service mode that runs backups without user interaction.
System Requirements
GoodSync requires Windows 7 or newer for Windows systems. Mac users need macOS 10.10 or later. Linux versions support most modern distributions. Mobile apps are available for iOS 11+ and Android 5.0+.
The software performs well on modest hardware, though systems with faster processors and more RAM see better performance when handling large file sets. SSD storage improves scan times noticeably.
GoodSync vs Competition
| Feature | GoodSync | SyncBackPro | FreeFileSync |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $29.95/year (5 devices) | One-time $54.95 | Free (open source) |
| Real-Time Sync | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cloud Integration | 15+ services built-in | 20+ services built-in | Manual setup required |
| Block Level Transfer | Yes | Delta-copy supported | No |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 | None built-in |
| Mobile Apps | iOS and Android | Via SyncBack Touch | No |
| File Versioning | Multiple versions | Multiple versions | Archive function |
| Open Files Backup | Yes (VSS) | Yes (VSS) | Limited |
| Platform Support | Win, Mac, Linux, NAS | Win, Mac, Linux, Android | Win, Mac, Linux |
| Licensing Model (may change) | Annual subscription | Perpetual license | Free |
GoodSync offers better cloud integration and mobile support compared to competitors. SyncBackPro provides a perpetual license option which appeals to users who prefer one-time payments. FreeFileSync delivers solid performance for users comfortable with manual configuration and who don’t need cloud features.
Resilio Sync uses peer-to-peer architecture instead of client-server model, making it faster for direct device-to-device transfers over LANs. However, GoodSync’s broader cloud support and simpler configuration make it more accessible for typical users.
Limitations to Consider
The free version limits users to 3 jobs and 100 files per day, which is quite restrictive for practical use. Workstation, Server and 2Go platforms don’t support free-after-trial mode and require paid licenses.
Some users report that GoodSync’s performance decreases when handling extremely large file sets (over 1 million files). The software also requires GoodSync Account registration for all platforms as of 2025 updates.
Unlike some competitors, GoodSync uses an annual subscription model rather than perpetual licensing, meaning ongoing costs for continued access to updates and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GoodSync work without internet connection?
Yes, GoodSync can backup and sync files between local drives, network folders and USB devices without requiring internet access. Internet is only needed when syncing with cloud services or remote servers.
Can GoodSync backup open files?
GoodSync uses Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to backup files that are currently open or locked by other applications. This ensures database files and documents being edited get included in backups.
How many devices can use one GoodSync license?
The standard personal license covers up to 5 devices for $29.95 per year. Business workstation licenses cover 1 device, while server licenses support unlimited users at $499.95 annually.
License: Trial
Download
Size: 45.7 MB
GoodSync for Windows | Portable for Windows
GoodSync for Mac / Mac Portable
Discover more from Software Wave
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.