DriveSync vs. RaiDrive

DriveSync transfers files between a normal local folder and Google Drive when you ask. RaiDrive exposes cloud storage as a mounted drive, so you can work with remote files through your file manager. They suit different needs: keeping a local copy or accessing files on demand.

Get DriveSync for Mac Try the free CLI

Best fit

Choose DriveSync if...

You want ordinary local files available after a pull, explicit upload and download steps, and a native Mac interface for reviewing changes.

Choose RaiDrive if...

You use Windows or Linux and want file-manager access to cloud storage without syncing a whole folder first.

Side by side

Features and workflow

DriveSync’s Mac app and free dsync CLI are identified separately below. Numbered links cite the other tool’s documentation.

DriveSync vs. RaiDrive: feature comparison
Capability	DriveSync / dsync	RaiDrive
Platforms and interface	Mac app: macOS 14+, Intel and Apple silicon. Free dsync CLI: macOS, Linux, and Windows.	Windows GUI and Linux CLI downloads. No macOS download is listed. [2]
Core workflow	Pair folders, compare files, and confirm a push or pull.	Mount cloud storage and open, edit, or save remote files through the file manager. [1]
Local storage	Pulled files are normal local files. Allow disk space for the files you download.	Access files on demand without syncing the whole cloud folder first. [1]
Storage providers	Google Drive folders under My Drive.	Multiple clouds, including Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox, plus WebDAV, SFTP, and FTP. [1]
Reviewing a folder transfer	Compare is read-only. Push and pull show a file-by-file plan and wait for confirmation.	Designed around mounted file access rather than a push/pull approval workflow. [1]
Cost and plans	One-time purchase for the Mac app. The standalone dsync CLI is free and MIT licensed.	Free features and paid plans; storage and feature entitlements vary by plan. [3]

DriveSync requires your own Google Cloud OAuth client. It supports My Drive, without Shared Drives or Google Docs exports. See the DriveSync overview and Google setup guide before choosing.

Common questions

Does DriveSync mount Google Drive in Finder?

No. It pairs a normal local folder with a Google Drive folder. Push uploads changes; pull downloads them. It does not create a virtual cloud drive.

Can I work offline after a DriveSync pull?

Yes, downloaded files are local files. Transfers and remote comparisons need an internet connection. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are skipped rather than exported for offline editing.

Does the DriveSync Mac app also run on Windows or Linux?

No. The graphical app is for macOS. The free dsync CLI provides the same sync engine on Windows and Linux, without the Mac interface.

Sources and methodology

Based on product documentation reviewed on September 23, 2026, not comparative performance testing. An undocumented feature is not assumed to be absent. Check the linked pricing pages for current plans.

DriveSync sources: Mac app and CLI features, workflow and limitations.

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