What is the difference between OneDrive and Sync.com?

OneDrive is best for Microsoft 365 users who need cloud storage, while Sync.com is best for Users wanting zero-knowledge encrypted storage. OneDrive starts at $1.99/mo and Sync.com starts at Free.

Is OneDrive or Sync.com cheaper?

OneDrive starts at $1.99/mo with a free tier. Sync.com starts at Free with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to Sync.com?

Both OneDrive and Sync.com offer free tiers.

OneDrive vs Sync.com

OneDrive is cloud storage tightly integrated with Microsoft 365, Windows, and Office apps, while Sync.com is privacy-focused cloud storage with zero-knowledge encryption and generous free tier. The biggest difference up front: Sync.com is free, while OneDrive starts at $1.99/mo. OneDrive is built for microsoft 365 users who need cloud storage, whereas Sync.com targets users wanting zero-knowledge encrypted storage.

At a glance

	OneDrive	Sync.com
Best for	Microsoft 365 users who need cloud storage	Users wanting zero-knowledge encrypted storage
Starting price	$1.99/mo	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	—	—
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	—	—
E2E Encryption	—	✓
File Sync	✓	✓
Office Integration	✓	—
Sharing	✓	✓
Versioning	✓	—
Zero Knowledge	—	✓

OneDrive

Strengths

Includes Office Integration as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows
Includes File Sync as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows
5 GB free — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Established product with 19+ years on the market and a mature ecosystem

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Syncing large folders can be slow and occasionally causes file conflicts
Mobile experience lags behind the desktop version in features and polish

Try OneDrive → Full review

Sync.com

Strengths

Includes Zero Knowledge as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows
End-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator
5 GB free — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Established product with 15+ years on the market and a mature ecosystem

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Syncing large folders can be slow and occasionally causes file conflicts
Limited team/admin features if your organization eventually scales up

Try Sync.com → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Sync.com is completely free (5 GB free), which makes it the obvious pick if budget is the top concern. OneDrive starts at $1.99/mo, but 5 GB free. That cost buys you a more polished or feature-rich experience, so it comes down to whether the extras justify the spend.

Feature gaps: OneDrive offers Office Integration and Versioning that Sync.com lacks. Sync.com brings E2E Encryption and Zero Knowledge that OneDrive does not have. Both share File Sync and Sharing.

Team fit: OneDrive is geared toward any size teams, while Sync.com is aimed at individual users and small setups. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.

Where each tool shines: OneDrive's biggest strengths are: includes office integration as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows. includes file sync as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows. Sync.com's biggest strengths are: includes zero knowledge as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows. end-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator.

Watch out for: With OneDrive, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With Sync.com, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.

Choose OneDrive if...

You need a tool built for microsoft 365 users who need cloud storage
You specifically need Office Integration and Versioning
You care about includes file sync as a core feature, purpose-built for file storage workflows
Your team size fits the any size profile OneDrive is designed for
The free tier works for you: 5 gb free

Choose Sync.com if...

You need a tool built for users wanting zero-knowledge encrypted storage
Budget is a hard constraint — Sync.com is free, OneDrive is not
You specifically need E2E Encryption and Zero Knowledge
You care about end-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator
Your team size fits the individuals profile Sync.com is designed for