SugarSync Cloud Storage Service Review
If you are in need of a great cloud storage and cross-platform syncing service, then check out our SugarSync review to learn more about this outstanding and easy-to-use cloud-based solution. Compared to other cloud storage services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Spider Oak, SugarSync revolves around low-cost plans and business collaboration solutions. Below, we talk about its pricing and plans, features, pros & cons, and alternatives.
Related Articles
SugarSync – General Info
One feature that places SugarSync in front of the crowd is its versatility. SugarSync isn’t only a dependable backup service, but it doubles up as a music and video cloud as well. The good news is that thanks to its basic 60 GB plan, you won’t need to clutter your hard drive with tunes and videos anymore.
However, the downside of using SugarSync as your default cloud storage service is that it doesn’t allow media streaming over the web. In our SugarSync review, we are going to talk about pricing, sync features, cross-platform compatibility, file-sharing functions, advanced collaboration features, and more.
SugarSync Plans & Pricing
SugarSync is a very flexible cloud storage service when it comes to pricing. According to SugarSync’s official web page, the storage vendor offers three distinct individual plans (for home computers), and two business plans, which can be further adjusted in order to accommodate any necessities.
Furthermore, we should also state the fact that each one of the five pricing tiers includes a 30-day free trial period.
Here is a complete list of SugarSync’s price tiers:
| Plan | Price | Storage Allotment | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual 1 | $7.49/month | 100 GB | None |
| Individual 2 | $9.99/month | 250 GB | None |
| Individual 3 | $18.95/month | 500 GB | None |
| Business (1-3 users) | $55.00/month | 1 TB | Remote Wipe;
Phone Support; Admin Control |
| Business (4 users) | $68/month | 1 TB | The same as Business (1-3) users |
| Business (5 users) | $81/month | 1 TB | The same as Business (1-3) users |
| Business (6 users) | $94/month | 1 TB | The same as Business (1-3) users |
| Business (7 users) | $107/month | 1 TB | The same as Business (1-3) users |
| Business (8 users) | $120/month | 1 TB | The same as Business (1-3) users |
| Business (9 users) | $133/month | 1 TB | The same as Business (1-3) users |
| Business Custom (more than ten users) | Contact Required | Customized | The same as Business (1-3) users |
SugarSync In-Depth Review
In the following sections of our SugarSync review, we will be taking a closer look at the main features this cloud storage service has to offer. At first glance, SugarSync may seem quite impressive, given how many advanced features the basic pricing plan offers. However, in our SugarSync review, we wanted to judge this cloud storage service based on how well these features performed, and not how many they were.
File Backup
SugarSync’s interface is pretty straightforward and intuitive. After you download and install the SugarSync cloud manager on your device, you will be able to choose which files and folders you want to back up and sync on the cloud. The file backup prompt will pop up automatically the first time you open SugarSync.
The first time you start syncing files, the process may take a while. So you may want to disable your computer’s sleep mode while your files are being uploaded to the cloud for the first time. You can track the upload progress in the File Transfer Status tab.
If you want to add more files to the cloud, all you have to do is click “Add file” or “Add folder” in the SugarSync manager. SugarSync supports most file formats. However, it does not fare well with iTunes and iPhotos databases.
File Restoration
Restoring files using SugarSync is just as easy as uploading them, and far less time-consuming. All you need to do is to locate the file you are looking for in the SugarSync desktop manager or web manager, choose the version you want to restore, and click “Download”. This should create a copy of the file on your hard drive.
Security
All files uploaded to the server are encrypted using a TLS key prior to their transmission. This means that the files will never leave your desktop unprotected. After all the files have been transferred to the server, SugarSync adds an extra layer of security in the form of a standard 256-bit AES encryption key. The same encryption procedure applies to files and folders transmitted via mobile devices.
Advanced Features
SugarSync has quite an impressive number of advanced features. For one, it stores up to five different versions of a file. In addition, it stores a file you’ve deleted for up to 30 days.
SugarSync also has a very convenient file-sharing feature. In order to share a folder with a contact, just right-click on it, and tap on the share button. A drop list will appear, containing the names of all the people who have access to your cloud.
Alternatively, if you want to share a file or a folder with a person who doesn’t use SugarSync, the manager will generate a public link.
Furthermore, from the same file-sharing window, you can tap into SugarSync’s advanced features, like over-the-web-collaboration tools and file permissions. If you have more than one person using the cloud, then you can set permissions accordingly.
As part of our SugarSync review, we were able to test out the mobile version of the cloud storage service as well. According to the cloud vendor’s official web page, the service is currently available on Android and iOS.
From what we could tell, there are a few differences between the desktop version and the mobile version. The application runs smoothly, and you can instantly view any changes made to the files and folders.
Both the iOS and Android versions of SugarSync were designed to operate under a strict data compression ratio, which means that you will be able to use the manager with your current mobile data plan, without having to worry about a larger bill at the end of the month.
SugarSync Pros and Cons
Let’s summarize the main strengths and weaknesses we uncovered in our SugarSync review regarding this cloud storage service. This SugarSync pros and cons list are by no means exhaustive.
Pros:
- Low prices;
- Customizable plans;
- Drag-and-drop features;
- Excellent cross-platform compatibility;
- Easy file management;
- Advanced collaboration tools;
- You can set file permissions;
- 30-day trial period.
Cons:
- Poor upload speed compared to other cloud storage services;
- 300 MB file upload limit;
- No live streaming for audio files;
- You can’t create a free account;
- Web browser downloads can be slow;
- It is difficult to cancel.
SugarSync Alternative Options
SugarSync may have a lot of things going for it. However, there are certain areas in which it could stand to be improved. It works best when you need to store a large number of files, whether at home or at work. However, if you’re only interested in backing up a small number of files, you may be better off with OneDrive. OneDrive offers many of the same features as SugarSync, with 5GB of free storage. You can easily upgrade to 50GB for just $1.99.
As far as sharing and editing go, nothing beats Dropbox and Google Drive. What makes these two cloud storage services stand out is how popular they are. File sharing and editing is a piece of cake since most are accustomed to using either Dropbox or Google Drive.
However, when working in a small company, SugarSync may still be a better option. Its pricing plans are more flexible than those of Dropbox or Google Drive.
Our Verdict
In order to conclude our SugarSync review, we should add a few observations. Although SugarSync advertises the fact that its cloud is a good collaboration tool, we have discovered that it lacks the real-time collaboration feature of a professional cloud storage service.
The desktop application is intuitive and easy to understand, so you won’t have any trouble figuring out the ins and outs of SugarSync. With the SugarSync low-priced tier, anyone can afford to migrate all non-essential files to the cloud.
