We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It never changes a score or a ranking. How we make money
GoodSync is listed from $2.50 with a free plan, but price is not the only reason to compare alternatives. Reddit users report concerns about legacy Version 10 licenses no longer working for new activations or reactivations; another commenter said an old installer activated, then updated. The alternatives below are better fits for specific backup jobs—not all are direct sync replacements. Check the platform, license terms and price details before moving your files.
01Why people leave GoodSync
Legacy license activation complaints
A Reddit thread says Version 10 perpetual licenses can no longer be used for new activations or reactivations; commenters disagree about what still works.
Recurring-cost concerns
One user asked for a free or low-cost, non-subscription replacement after objecting to GoodSync’s support for perpetual licenses.
Sync can copy damage
A commenter warned that syncing a corrupted file can copy the problem to both drives, and advised using real backup options.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Mac scheduled backups
Carbon Copy ClonerCarbon Copy ClonerCarbon Copy Cloner is a closer fit if your work is on Macs and you want scheduled backups or help moving data to a new Mac. Its listed price is $49.99 once per household. A Reddit commenter in a photo-assistant thread also said ChronoSync was common in studios, while noting they had used Carbon Copy Cloner too.
Trade-off: Mac-focused; check license rules before buying for work.
8.2/10from
Custom - Windows imaging
Macrium ReflectMacrium ReflectMacrium Reflect is a better match if you want to image a Windows PC or back up Windows workstations and servers, rather than simply sync folders. It also covers Windows fleet deployment. The listing starts at $4.17, but its annual pricing may disappoint buyers looking specifically for a perpetual license.
Trade-off: Annual pricing may not suit perpetual-license buyers.
7.0/10from
$4.17/mo - Budget Windows backup
EaseUS Todo BackupEaseUS Todo BackupEaseUS Todo Backup targets Windows users who want a free backup plan, personal PC backups on a budget or one-click setup. It is worth comparing if GoodSync feels like too much for a basic PC backup job. The listing starts at $3.33 and includes a free plan; it cautions that restoring may not be as easy as setup.
Trade-off: A completed backup does not guarantee an easy restore.
6.6/10from
$3.33/mofree plan - Multi-device business backup
IDrive BusinessIDrive BusinessIDrive Business is aimed at companies backing up several device types, with unlimited user accounts, file versions and snapshots listed among its strengths. That makes it a better fit than a simple folder-sync tool when a team needs broader backup coverage. Its listed starting price is $13.99, but storage caps and renewal pricing need scrutiny.
Trade-off: Check storage caps and unclear renewal pricing.
7.2/10from
$13.99/mofree plan - Workstation fleet backup
Backblaze Business BackupBackblaze Business BackupBackblaze Business Backup is designed for teams wanting automatic, unlimited backup across Mac and PC workstations, with a stated range from one to 1,000 computers. The listing starts at $6.95, but does not supply a Computer Backup price. Get that figure before treating the starting price as your likely cost.
Trade-off: Computer Backup price is not supplied.
6.8/10from
$6.95/mofree plan - Mixed-environment recovery
Veeam Data PlatformVeeam Data PlatformVeeam Data Platform is positioned for teams protecting mixed environments and recovering across workloads. The listing also identifies a free plan for small environments within its free cap. It may suit a broader recovery job better than GoodSync, but paid pricing is not published here, so value is hard to judge without a sales quote.
Trade-off: Paid pricing is not published.
6.5/10from
Freefree plan - Multi-type backup management
SnapShooterSnapShooterSnapShooter is worth considering if you need to manage several backup types or want to start with one resource for free. Its listing starts at $14 and names high resource limits as a fit for agencies. That is a different use case from syncing two local drives, so check storage limits and plan pricing before switching.
Trade-off: Check storage limits and plan pricing.
7.0/10from
$14/mofree plan
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.4 | $2.50/mo | Yes | Cross-platform file backup and sync | |
| 8.2 | Custom | No | Mac users wanting scheduled backups | |
| 7.0 | $4.17/mo | No | Home users imaging one Windows PC | |
| 6.6 | $3.33/mo | Yes | Windows users wanting a free backup plan | |
| 7.2 | $13.99/mo | Yes | Businesses backing up several device types | |
| 6.8 | $6.95/mo | Yes | Teams wanting automatic unlimited backup | |
| 6.5 | Free | Yes | Teams protecting mixed environments | |
| 7.0 | $14/mo | Yes | Backing up one resource for free |
Questions people ask
Why are GoodSync users looking for alternatives?
In one Reddit thread, a user objected to the treatment of perpetual licenses. A commenter quoted GoodSync as saying Version 10 perpetual licenses could no longer be used for new activations or reactivations. Other commenters reported different experiences with old installers, so the thread does not establish that every legacy license behaves the same way.
Which alternative is closest to a local-drive backup job?
It depends on your computer. EaseUS Todo Backup is listed for personal Windows PC backups, while Carbon Copy Cloner is aimed at Mac users wanting scheduled backups. These are backup-focused options, not confirmed one-for-one replacements for every GoodSync sync workflow. Check the product details against your exact source and destination setup.
Is syncing the same as backing up?
No. A commenter in a GoodSync discussion warned that if a file is corrupted, syncing can copy that corruption to both drives, and recommended using real backup options. That is a user’s caution, not a claim about every setup. Choose a tool and job type based on whether you need synchronized files or recoverable backups.
