SugarSync Review

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"Powerful and Simple"
Pricing

Start at $7.49/month

Free Trial
Type of Pricing Plan

Monthly

Devices Supported
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
iPhone
Web-based
Integrations
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Launched in 2008 in San Mateo, California, SugarSync Cloud Storage already has millions of global users. While this user-friendly cloud storage solution is among the top-rated in the industry, how does it stand apart from the crowd? Is it reliable? Can you trust it with your sensitive data? Read our in-depth SugarSync review and find out the answers to these questions and more.

Key Features
Supports an unlimited number of devices
Reliable desktop app
Comprehensive mobile apps
Restore mode
Strengths
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Fast download and upload speeds
  • Bandwidth control
  • Automatic backups
  • Live chat support
Weaknesses
  • No free version
  • Expensive plans
  • No end-to-end encryption
  • No Linux support
Product demo

Easy-To-Use Cloud Service for Individuals and Businesses

SugarSync is considered one of the best cloud storage software courtesy of its simple set-up and ease of use. The research for our SugarSync review confirmed that the installation process is pretty straightforward. Unlike some alternatives that require extensive training, you can quickly learn how to use SugarSync, even if you don’t have any prior experience. The intuitive UI is clean and modern, and you will be able to navigate it with ease.

SugarSync is best known for syncing and sharing files, folders, or entire libraries across an unlimited number of devices on major platforms (PC, Mac, iOS, and Android). This feature is another bonus compared to some of its alternatives. As noted in many SugarSync backup reviews, this functionality is very advanced. All previously selected files and folders are automatically backed up in real-time regardless of the device used so you will stay up-to-date with all changes without additional effort. In short, the SugarSync backup functionality automates most menial tasks.

Essential Functions and Features That Cater to Everyone’s Needs

This cloud service is much more than just sync and backup software. It also offers a bundle of collaboration tools, helping all teams work more efficiently and be more productive. Let’s take a closer look at the features SugarSync for business offers and how they can help you run a more successful venture.

File Sharing and File Following

Our SugarSync business review shows that you can easily share files or folders with your colleagues or people outside your organization. Unlike some of its biggest competitors, the recipients of the link must have an account to access the files. So, if we compare SugarSync vs Dropbox, the latter will probably take the lead. That said, they don’t need to be paying SugarSync users. The platform also supports assigning edit or view-only roles before sending the link. This can help you protect your files from unwanted changes.

SugarSync, however, also allows its users to work on files simultaneously. This is one of the most highlighted features in the SugarSync reviews. In the case of multiple collaborators, the project will be instantly updated with all changes from everyone, so when you access it, you will always see the latest refreshed version. This makes SugarSync more advanced than some of its alternatives in the same price range.

Lastly, the file following feature will inform you about all updates that have been made to the files in the cloud. It doesn’t matter if the files were added, edited, moved, or deleted — you will have a detailed notification when something was changed.

SugarSync Manager

While not many SugarSync reviews mention the File Manager, we consider it a very useful feature. The tool was created to give users full control over all files and folders and the organization, allowing them to view and arrange all files however they see fit. The flexibility that comes with this feature is what makes SugarSync stand apart from its competitors.

Web Interface

According to a plethora of SugarSync user reviews, the platform’s web interface has both positive and negative sides. For example, you can quickly browse through the content, but it’s not as organized as its desktop and mobile apps. The web browser offers a basic set of functionality with the ability to remotely create, upload, rename files and folders, and manage data stored on other devices. It, however, lacks some essentials such as preview audio or video clips. If we do a SugarSync vs Google Drive evaluation, for example, it becomes evident that SugarSync’s web interface needs updating.

Desktop App

The SugarSync app, available for desktop use, boasts one of the best designs in the entire cloud storage industry. With its clean and functional UI, you have full control over everything happening in your cloud.

Mobile App

As part of our SugarSync review, we also checked the mobile app. Nearly identical to the desktop app, it’s invaluable for working remotely or on the go. Finishing the same work as if you were on your computer can be a lifesaver. There are also some mobile-only features, including automatic upload of all photos and videos from your phone, creating shortcuts for the most-used files, and choosing specific files and folders for offline access.

SugarSync Support

SugarSync has one of the most comprehensive FAQ bases in the industry. Regardless of the question you have, chances are that you will find your answer there without needing to contact support directly. They also have community forums where you can exchange experiences with fellow users.

In the rare cases when you cannot find your answers in the FAQ base or the community forums, you can contact SugarSync directly through email at any time. If you want to talk to SugarSync customer service directly, you also have the option for live chat which works Monday through Friday from 6 am to 5 pm PST. Lastly, SugarSync offers phone support that costs an additional $99.99 per year.

Compared to some SugarSync alternatives, such as pCloud and MEGA, the software is one step ahead with their live chat and phone support capabilities. Both of these options lead to lightning-fast response times, which are always appreciated by users.

SugarSync Security Review

Is SugarSync safe? The answer depends on your needs. The software uses TLS (transport layer security) to transfer your files and folders in the cloud, where they are kept safe in an encrypted format using 256-bit AES. You might recognize this level of protection because online financial transactions use it often. If you later want to access your files from different devices, the same techniques are being applied – all data is encrypted using TLS encryption before it leaves SugarSync servers. As you can see, the SugarSync encryption style is as safe as it can get.

On the flip side, the platform does not offer end-to-end encryption, also known as zero-knowledge encryption, a downside noted in some SugarSync customer reviews. If available, this type of encryption means that no one can decrypt your data, not even the cloud service providers. Most security-conscious individuals and businesses like to have this capability for protecting their data. Unfortunately, SugarSync is not offering it at the moment, making it a less secure option than the likes of Tresorit and Sync.com.

Note that this doesn’t mean that your data won’t be safe, just that the service provider can access it. This can even be a good thing if you forget your password or get locked out of your account since SugarSync will be able to restore your data.

SugarSync Pricing

Naturally, our SugarSync review won’t be complete without the pricing options. There is no free version available but the vendor offers a free 30-day trial where you can explore the entire functionality of the software. If you decide to continue using SugarSync, you will have to upgrade to one of its paid plans. The best part? Regardless of the plan you choose, you will have access to all features, including:

  • Sync any folder
  • Banking level security
  • iOS and Android app
  • Gmail integration
  • Remote device wipe
  • Online editing and collaboration
  • Account protection
  • Multiple devices
  • Restore data
  • Online and phone support
  • Manage shared content
  • Automatic video uploads

The main difference is the amount of storage. The Personal Plan, recommended for individual use, offers 100GB for $7.49 per month, 250GB for $9.99 per month, or 500GB for $18.95 per month.

The Business Plan is recommended for professional use. After the initial 30-day free trial, you can upgrade it to 1,000 GB for up to 3 users for $55 per month. If your company has more users, you have to buy an additional amount of storage. This can get pricey for larger companies, so SugarSync also offers custom pricing for businesses with more than 10 users.

Other SugarSync reviews also confirm that the software is at the pricier side of the cloud storage pricing spectrum. Rivals such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and Apple all offer 2TB of storage for about $10 per month. Some services offer it for even less. For example, if we compare OneDrive vs SugarSync for 100GB, OneDrive will be the winner with $1.99 per month compared to the $7.49 per month offered by SugarSync. In short, SugarSync is pretty expensive for what it offers.

Final Verdict

Our SugarSync review shows the software is easy to use, safe, and reliable, and has a fantastic support team. It also has superior syncing and backup capabilities for an unlimited number of devices.

Some areas, however, need upgrading. Users would love to see end-to-end encryption. Price adjustments will also be appreciated since the platform is more expensive than some of the best cloud storage software.

At the end of the day, it’s about personal preference and budget. If you’re comfortable with the pricing and features, it can be an excellent fit. Otherwise, we recommend going with a SugarSync alternative.