MEGASync

MEGASync is a free tool to sync encrypted files across multiple devices.

What is MEGASync?

MEGASync is the two-way syncing client for MEGA cloud storage. The service focuses on offering end-to-end encryption to its users and provides a free plan with 50GB of storage space.

MEGA's service was born from the ashes of MegaUpload, a controversial cloud locker service taken down by the U.S. government. Kim Dotcom, the founder of MegaUpload, also founded MEGA with a focus on encryption. MEGA has been around since 2013 and has expanded from just cloud storage to offering end-to-end chat encryption, too.

Here's a quick overview of everything MEGASync has to offer.

MEGASync Features

A free MEGA account starts with 50GB of storage space and 100GB of bandwidth. The bandwidth limit resets every month, but extra storage costs money. (More on that later.) MEGA offers account bonuses for linking your phone number and installing the MEGA mobile app. These bonuses only last 180 days and are not permanent account bonuses, unlike some of its competitors.

MEGA's end-to-end encryption is the star feature for its users since only the user can decrypt their own data. It's tiered storage plans are more expensive than Google Drive or Dropbox, but neither service offers end-to-end encryption.

The MEGASync software makes keeping files and folders updated between devices a breeze. Users can specify which folders they want to sync to which devices. Want to sync a folder of music with just your mobile device? That's possible with the MEGASync client.

Users can share links to their folders using MEGASync to generate end-to-end encrypted links, too. That means links to shared files are encrypted with a key the user will need to open the file. Paid users can set expiration dates on their links and require an additional password.

The MEGASync interface is tailored to power users who have lots of files to keep synced. The client itself functions as a download manager, which can be confusing for some users. Files will download inside the MEGASync client before being transferred to the PC. This dedicated download and syncing app makes it easier to download large files from the MEGA servers.

The MEGASync client also includes a live chat function with end-to-end encryption. It allows MEGA users to collaborate and share files in a zero-knowledge encrypted environment. MEGA's servers retain previous versions of files, making versioning possible for code and programming projects.

One weak point where its focus on encryption works against it is a lack of integration with other services. For example, MEGA and MEGASync feature no integration with Google Drive. Since encrypted file sharing is the main focus of MEGA and its MEGASync client, users shouldn't worry too much about other integrations.

The MEGASync file management system features separate tabs to manage everything. Recent and deleted files, incoming shares, outgoing shares, and an overview of storage space are available. The client also offers statistics about your use, including how much bandwidth is left in your monthly cycle. Users can preview files like pictures, videos, and music before downloading them.

MEGASync Pros & Cons

MEGA focuses highly on end-to-end encryption, which may be necessary for sensitive projects. While it's paid plans do not offer as much storage space as Google Drive or Dropbox, zero-knowledge encryption is absent on those services.

MEGASync is a robust client for managing all files on MEGA's servers. It provides a great overview of all bandwidth and storage usage, as well as shared files. The software is geared toward power users; it may feel overwhelming to beginners. Its selective syncing feature is one of the most robust in cloud services. It allows individual folders to sync between mobile or desktop and vice versa.

MEGA and MEGASync work well, but customer support is nearly absent. It is handled entirely through email, and paid users may wait days for assistance. It's an unfortunate side effect of dealing with zero-knowledge encryption; if a user loses their encryption keys – MEGA cannot recover them. This may work against you if you're not careful to keep track of encryption keys.

Pros:

• End-to-end encryption on everything
• Hugely privacy focused, unlike other cloud providers
• Encrypted links
• Generous free plan
• MEGASync works well on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android
• Interface is tailored to power users
• WebDAV integration
• Command line support with MEGAcmd
• Schedule uploads or automatic backups per folder
• Supports many file types
• Selective syncing and robust file sharing control

Cons:

• Poor customer support
• Tiered plans have high prices
• Collaboration tools are non-existent
• UI may intimidate non-power users

What are some alternatives to MEGASync?

Google Drive and Dropbox are not true alternatives to MEGASync. Its focus on end-to-end encryption is only rivaled by another service called Tresorit.

Tresorit is a paid-only cloud storage service that offers zero-knowledge encryption, just like MEGA. The service is much more expensive compared to MEGA, but it offers nearly triple the storage space. It focuses more on providing end-to-end encryption for businesses by removing branding. Tresorit does have personal premium plans that are minimally cheaper than its business plans.