Google Drive vs Sync.com: Which Cloud Storage Tool Is Better in 2026?

Google Drive

From $6

Sync.com

From $8

Quick verdict

Overall pick: Tie

Choose Google Drive if your team needs real-time document co-editing, a REST API, and a lower starting price of $6 per seat. Choose Sync.com if confidential document storage is the priority, since it offers zero-knowledge encryption and password-protected links that Google Drive lacks, despite a higher $8 per seat starting price and no real-time co-editing or API.

Google Drive's entry plan ($6) is 25% cheaper than Sync.com's ($8).
Both offer a free plan, so you can test them side by side at no cost.
Only Google Drive offers: real-time document co-editing & preview, rest api & enterprise cloud integrations.
Only Sync.com offers: client-side zero-knowledge encryption, password-protected & expiring links.

Try Google Drive →Try Sync.com →

Cost calculator

Team size: 5 users

Tool	Monthly	Yearly
Google Drive · per user	$30.00	$360
Sync.com · per user	$40.00	$480

Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.

Which one should you choose?

If you need…	Pick	Why
Real-time document co-authoring	Google Drive	Google Drive supports real-time document co-editing, while Sync.com does not.
Confidential document storage	Sync.com	Sync.com provides client-side zero-knowledge encryption; Google Drive does not.
Sharing files with password-protected or expiring links	Sync.com	Sync.com supports password-protected and expiring links, a feature Google Drive lacks.
Building integrations via REST API	Google Drive	Google Drive offers a REST API and enterprise cloud integrations; Sync.com does not.
Budget-sensitive teams comparing per-seat pricing	Google Drive	Google Drive starts at $6 per seat versus Sync.com at $8 per seat.

Feature comparison: Google Drive vs Sync.com

Feature	Google Drive	Sync.com
Free plan	✅	✅
Starting price	$6 /user/mo	$8 /user/mo
Client-side zero-knowledge encryption	—	✅
File version history & recovery (30+ days)	✅	✅
Large file transfer (100GB+ / link)	✅	✅
Real-time document co-editing & preview	✅	—
HIPAA, GDPR & SOC2 compliance	✅	✅
Password-protected & expiring links	—	✅
Smart on-demand selective sync	✅	✅
REST API & enterprise cloud integrations	✅	—

Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.

Pros and cons

Google Drive

Real-time document co-editing and preview
REST API and enterprise cloud integrations
Lower starting price at $6 per seat
Smart on-demand selective sync

No client-side zero-knowledge encryption
No password-protected or expiring links

Try Google Drive →

Sync.com

Client-side zero-knowledge encryption by default
Password-protected and expiring links
Smart on-demand selective sync
Enterprise compliance including HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC2

No real-time document co-editing or preview
No REST API or enterprise cloud integrations
Higher starting price at $8 per seat

Try Sync.com →

COMMUNITY POLL

Which tool would you pick for your stack?

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At a glance

Google Drive

Cloud storage and seamless real-time document collaboration integrated into Google Workspace.

Founded 2012 · From $6 · 6/8 tracked features

Best for: Google Workspace users, real-time document co-authoring

See Google Drive alternatives →

Sync.com

Private cloud storage with default zero-knowledge encryption and unlimited data transfer.

Founded 2011 · From $8 · 6/8 tracked features

Best for: confidential document storage, healthcare & legal privacy

See Sync.com alternatives →

FAQ

Is Google Drive cheaper than Sync.com?

Yes, Google Drive starts at $6 per seat, while Sync.com starts at $8 per seat.

Does Sync.com offer zero-knowledge encryption?

Yes, Sync.com provides client-side zero-knowledge encryption, which Google Drive does not.

Can I co-edit documents in real time with Sync.com?

No, Sync.com does not support real-time document co-editing or preview; Google Drive does.

Does Google Drive support password-protected links?

No, Google Drive does not offer password-protected or expiring links, while Sync.com does.

Which tool offers a REST API?

Google Drive offers a REST API and enterprise cloud integrations; Sync.com does not.

Related comparisons

Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Cloud Storage tools →