rclone vs Resilio Sync

Rclone is a free command-line program for managing files on cloud storage. It can back up and restore files, mirror or migrate data, mount storage as a disk, and combine file systems. The project lists more than 70 cloud storage products, including Amazon S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and Backblaze B2. Sync options include copying changed files, one-way sync, and two-way bisync. Rclone checks MD5 and SHA1 hashes, preserves timestamps, and can restart operations. Where supported, it transfers between providers without using local disk. It can mount local, cloud, or virtual file systems and serve files over SFTP, HTTP, WebDAV, FTP, and DLNA. Rclone is also available through scripts and an API. Its crypt remote encrypts files before upload and decrypts them after download, but leaves file length and modification time unencrypted. The crypt password in the configuration file is only lightly obscured unless configuration encryption is enabled. The web-based GUI is described as experimental, and Android builds are not yet first-class builds.

Resilio Sync is a personal file synchronization and sharing product that uses peer-to-peer technology. It can send files to multiple recipients without exposing an entire folder or establishing a permanent sync connection. Advanced Folders let users assign ownership, change read and write permissions, and revoke access. Selective Sync creates searchable placeholders so users can download chosen files, and bandwidth limits can be set for Sync activity. Resilio describes the product as cloudless: files remain on users’ devices, while relays, if used, carry encrypted files without storing them. The maker says Sync uses AES-128 encryption in transit and X.509 certificates for mutual authentication. The listed platforms are Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and NAS. Sync 3.0 is for personal, non-commercial use and requires a license to activate; commercial users are directed to Sync v2 or Resilio business solutions. The free plan has no expiration date.