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FreeFileSync

FreeFileSync is a visual tool for comparing and synchronizing folders, ideal for keeping files consistent across locations.

Open sourceFreeFlatpak

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License: GPL-3.0
Latest version: 14.13 (October 26, 2026)
Developer: Zenju
Installs: 3,117 (Flathub, 30 days)

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What is FreeFileSync?

FreeFileSync has been around since 2007 and remains actively maintained, offering reliable folder comparison and synchronization. It's mature, stable, and widely used in both personal and professional environments. The interface is functional, not flashy, focusing on clarity and control. It supports batch jobs, real-time sync, and detailed logging.

It's best for users who need precise control over file synchronization—think system administrators, developers, or anyone managing backups manually. If you rely on visual diffs and want to avoid blind sync tools, this fits. It’s especially useful when you need to review changes before applying them.

Compared to Resilio Sync, it doesn’t sync in real-time over P2P networks. Instead, it works more like a visual rsync with a GUI. You define source and target folders, see differences, and choose what to copy. It feels familiar if you've used Beyond Compare or SyncBack on Windows.

Best for: Users who want a reliable, visual way to compare and sync folders manually or through scheduled jobs.

Key features of FreeFileSync

Visual side-by-side folder comparison
Real-time and batch synchronization
Supports local, network, and external drives
Filters for including or excluding files
Can create batch jobs for automation
Detects moved and renamed files
Runs on a schedule via external tools
Generates detailed sync logs

Pros

Clear visual diff makes it easy to see what will change
Fast and efficient—only transfers changed parts
Highly configurable with filters and rules
Cross-platform: works on Linux, Windows, macOS
Free and open source

Cons

No built-in real-time sync daemon by default
Flatpak version has limitations with external scripts
Steeper learning curve for beginners
GUI feels dated but functional

Windows programs FreeFileSync replaces

Resilio Sync

How to install FreeFileSync on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.freefilesync.FreeFileSync

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install freefilesync

Debiansudo apt install freefilesync

openSUSEsudo zypper install FreeFileSync

Tips for Windows users

If you're used to Resilio Sync, know that FreeFileSync doesn’t run continuously. You set up sync jobs and run them when needed. It uses .ffs_gui files to save configurations—keep those safe. Use the 'Detect Moves' option to avoid re-copying large files. For automation, pair it with cron or systemd. Keyboard shortcuts are limited, but the workflow is more deliberate and less automatic.

Recent releases

14.13 — October 26, 2026
- Reduced window flickering during resize (Windows 10) - Prevent process termination on broken pipe errors (Linux/macOS) - Work around SMB driver dropping modification time (macOS) - Fixed privilege drop after auto-update (Linux) - Correctly save minimum…
14.12 — September 9, 2026
- Further reduced size of database files by 16% - Improved toggle button layout calculations - Fixed grid view filters not showing (Linux) - Fixed text descriptions not wrapping - Work around ERROR_UNTRUSTED_MOUNT_POINT - Fixed bitmap buttons being shrinked…
14.11 — August 10, 2026
- Fixed "TLS session resumption required" FTP error - Log file time errors as "info" after comparing by file content - Fixed tooltip not being updated during mouse scrolling (macOS, Linux) - Fixed sluggy mouse scrolling during mouse movement (Linux) - Skip…
14.10 — June 28, 2026
- Added CRC32 verification for application resource files - Improved error reporting when application files become corrupted - Fixed access denied error for Windows SFTP server - Updated toolchain and library dependencies to latest versions

FreeFileSync: frequently asked questions

Can FreeFileSync sync over the internet?

Yes, if both folders are accessible over a network mount or SSH. It doesn't have built-in cloud sync, but works with SFTP or network shares when mounted locally.

Does it support real-time sync?

Not directly. You need to run it manually or set up a cron job. Real-time sync requires external tools like inotify or systemd path units to trigger it.

Why can't I run scripts in the Flatpak version?

Flatpak sandboxing blocks access to host commands. Run flatpak override --user --socket=session-bus org.freefilesync.FreeFileSync and use flatpak-spawn --host in script calls.

Is my sync config portable?

Yes. FreeFileSync saves job settings in .ffs_gui files, which you can copy and open on other machines, even Windows or macOS.

Updated October 26, 2026