Dropbox is a well-known cloud storage solution and millions of users rely on it. SugarSync is also very popular and it is praised for its convenient syncing capabilities. Although there are many other options available on the market, if you are trying to decide between Dropbox and SugarSync, here you will find more about these two services as we compare them in the most important aspects including pricing, functionality and performance in different categories.
Dropbox
Launched in 2007, Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage services available and it servers millions of users around the world. Its creators came up with the idea since they needed to a convenient way to share files for collaboration purposes. Instead of having to email documents whenever they worked on different computers, they thought of a way to facilitate file sharing and storage. By setting up a secure folder on a server that can be accessed from any location and device, a new way to manage data was created. Dropbox offers free 2Gb of space and it encrypts data using AES 256-bit encryption during transit and storage. The service works on a wide selection of platforms including iOS, Android, Linux, Windows and macOS.
SugarSync
California based cloud storage provider SugarSync was established in 2008. Large companies like Best Buy, Lenovo and Telecom-Orange use SugarSync’s services, which shows that reliability and solid performance are two of the features that you can expect from the service. SugarSync ia recognized for its versatile functionality and its ease of use. You can backup, sync and access data from anywhere using a computer and mobile device, without any hassle. One of the highlights of SugarSync is its solid file recovery system. It also offers efficient synchronization to the cloud, allowing you to access data offline. In order to keep your files protected, SugarSync uses AES 256-bit encryption. SugarSync also offers high compatibility as it works with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Windows Mobile and more.
Ease of use
Cloud services are becoming more and more popular and providers should aim to cater for new users, who have no previous experience or technical knowledge. A user-friendly interface that makes the experience as simple and convenient as possible is crucial. Dropbox is widely used around the world and it makes things easy for those who want to upload data from their hard drive. When you move data to the Dropbox folder, it is automatically transferred to your cloud account.
Once the data is in the cloud, it can be synced across all your devices, including tablets and smartphones. The downside is that transferring files using the web version of Dropbox is not as simple. It takes a while to find the upload button on the web-based user interface. That being said, all other features work well and can be easily found. One of the advantages of Dropbox is that it is possible to organize data by file type and sharing is very easy.
SugarSync allows you to add folders with a single right click, once you have registered and completed the setup process. It also allows you to edit data on your home computer and then you can continue working on it in your computer at work. There is a dedicated mobile app that makes access on the go easy. Overall, both Dropbox and SugarSync provide great usability and ensure that your experience with their services goes smoothly.
Compatibility
This is another aspect that is important to consider. A cloud storage service that supports a good variety of platforms gives you flexibility to access and manage your data across different devices. Dropbox works with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Linux, Kindle Fire and more. SugarSync also supports major platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. However, it doesn’t work with Linux and Kindle Fire. Still, if you use Windows mobile, SugarSync would be a good choice since it works well on this platform. In addition, SugarSync supports advanced features including sync support while roaming. Dropbox’s features are a little more basic, but it supports the main functions needed by most users. The choice of the best service in terms of compatibility, depends on the platform and operating system that you are using.
Security
Security is something that we can’t take for granted and keeping our data protected is crucial. Businesses need to pay special attention when it comes to handling confidential information. If a company’s data is compromised, the consequences can be devastating. In the same way, individual users need to ensure that their personal and financial information is not exposed. In terms of security, there are services that support local encryption, which means that only you manage the encryption key and only you have access to your data. There are also services that store the keys on their servers, which means that if a third-party (such as a government organization) contacts the provider, it may be forced to provide access to your files.
On the other hand, if you control the encryption key, your data can be accessed by anyone else without your authorization. Dropbox and SugarSync con’t support local encryption, which means that the data is encrypted on transit and on their servers, but you don’t control the encryption key. If you are not using these services for highly confidential data, this kind of protection should be enough. However, if you want to improve the security of important files, it is advisable to encrypt them before uploading them to the cloud, regardless of the cloud storage provider you use.
During file transfers to and from its servers, Dropbox uses SSL 3.3 (TLS) encryption. AES 256-bit encryption is used during file transfers, which provides effective protection for the files when they are being shared. However, the provider faced security issues when a phishing scam targeted users trying to obtain their login details. In addition, there was a bug that allowed private information to be searchable by third-parties. While the issue was fixed almost instantly, it is likely that sensitive information was exposed. SugarSync also uses SSL 3.3 encryption and AES-256 encryption. The truth is that security is not the strongest point for Dropbox, which is why in this category, SugarSync is a better option.
Synchronization and File Sharing
Synchronization and file sharing capabilities are also important, particularly if you need to collaborate on projects with a team. Dropbox gives you the possibility of transferring all files into the Dropbox folder. Then you can sort them using sub-drirectories. Just make sure that the files are saved in the folders first. However, it is not possible to synchronize folders outside of your Dropbox account. SugarSync’s Magic Brifecase can make things very convenient. When you want to share files, the Magic Briefcase is created in both platforms. It sets up an environment where data can be shared easily.
In addition, SugarSync offers the option to get the public link to share a file. When you get the link, you can copy it and send it to the recipient. You can grant permission to “view” only” or “read only” and you can disable the link whenever needed by clicking on the relevant option. With SugarSync, you can decide which folder has to be synchronized to the cloud. For instance, if you need to synchronize the “My Documents” folder without moving it, you can do so with SugarSync.
File recovery
File recovery is what will save you when you delete a file accidentally or when it is lost due to a system error. Both Dropbox and SugarSync allow you to recover files, although they offer different features. Dropbox allows you to retrieve files that have been deleted in the last 30 days. This gives you flexibility to recover files that have been deleted by mistake and the process only takes a few clicks.
There is also an option that allows you to restore files that are older than 30 days. This is called the Rat Pack property and it gives you the possibility of recovering all files for an additional fee. If you often need to restore deleted files, it is advisable to opt for the Extended history feature, which gives you the possibility of restoring a deleted file whenever needed, within a year of the deletion.
SugarSync keeps up to five versions of previously deleted files for an unlimited period of time. When a file or folder is accidentally deleted, it goes to the deleted items folder, from where it can be easily restored. The files deleted from a shared folder can be found on the private shared tab and there you can select the item that you want to restore and click on restore. The process to restore files using the web version is the same, although the interface is slightly different. When you select the item that you want to recover on the private shared items section, you will see a blue-colored action menu at the top of the deleted items list. Once you click it, you will see the restore icon and a trash icon with an arrow next to it. When you click on it, you will be able to start the recovery process.
Pricing
One of the main aspects to consider when it comes to choosing a cloud storage service is the cost. As previously mentioned, Dropbox gives you 2 GB of free space and the price of its plans starts at $9.99 per month for 1 TB of space. There is also an unlimited plan for business and it costs $15 per month. SugarSync has a limited free plan that gives you 5 GB for 90 days. Their paid plans start $7.49 for 100 GB and for $9.99 per month, you get 250 GB. There is also a business plan that provides 1 TB for $55 per month. Although Dropbox’s individual plan gives you more space for the same price, SugarSync offers more plans for individual users.
Conclusion
Choosing the best cloud storage provider will depend of your specific requirements. You can try Dropbox’s free 2 GB option or SugarSync’s free limited trial to check the services for yourself, and find out which one suits you better. In general, SugarSync provides greater flexibility, specially since you can easily sync any folder. However, they both work well if you only need to manage data that is not highly sensitive.
