FreeFileSync for Mac - Download

The good stuff

What actually worked better than expected was the visual diff view. You can see exactly which files are new, changed, or missing on either side. No guessing. When I accidentally deleted a photo folder on one drive, FreeFileSync caught it immediately and showed me the difference with a red X. I didn’t have to go hunting through backups. Also, the “synchronize” options are straightforward - you can push changes both ways, or just copy from one side. No weird middle-ground logic. And since it’s free, there’s no pressure to upgrade. It just does the job when you need it.

The not-so-good

But here’s the thing - it’s not pretty. The app looks like it hasn’t been updated since 2015. No dark mode, minimal icons, and the window sizing feels clunky. On top of that, it doesn’t auto-refresh when files change outside the app. I had to manually click “Compare” every time I added a file. That got annoying fast. Also, no cloud integration - so if you’re syncing with Dropbox or iCloud, you’ll need another tool. And the user rating being 2 out of 10? That’s not just bad luck. People are frustrated. I get why. It’s functional, sure, but it’s not polished. If you’re someone who wants real-time sync or fancy features like versioning, this isn’t going to cut it.

Bottom line

If you need a barebones, free way to compare and sync folders on your Mac, FreeFileSync for Mac - Download for Mac will do the trick. But don’t expect anything special. It’s not flashy, it’s not smart about updates, and it’s definitely not for people who want automation or cloud backup. If you’re okay with clicking “Compare” every now and then and just want a no-cost solution, go ahead. Otherwise, look into alternatives like Syncthing or ChronoSync - they’re more reliable and less likely to make you sigh. Free? Yes. Worth downloading? Only if you’re desperate and not picky.