The 10 Best EFSS Solutions: Enterprise File Sync and Share in 2023

Key Takeaways: The Best EFSS Solutions

  1. Box Business — Excellent cloud features and many external integrations
  2. Sync.com for Teams — Zero-knowledge encryption that protects all data
  3. Egnyte Connect — Highly customizable settings; great for larger businesses
  4. pCloud for Business — Fast sync speeds; supports multimedia files 
  5. Zoho WorkDrive — Affordable plans; part of a larger app ecosystem
  6. Tresorit  — End-to-end encryption supports secure file sharing
  7. Microsoft OneDrive for Business — Best choice for businesses using Microsoft
  8. Dropbox Business — Excellent third-party integrations supporting productivity
  9. Google Drive — Best choice for business using Google productivity apps
  10. Citrix ShareFile — Affordable plans with a focus on document workflow
  • 06/24/2022

    Updated to increase Sync.com’s Teams Standard price to $6 per user per month, as well as the annual and monthly Unlimited plan.

  • 11/14/2022

    Updated the ranking of the services based on current reviews.

  • 11/20/2023 Facts checked

    This article was rewritten to include an updated provider list, features and current pricing.

Businesses considering enterprise sync and share solutions (EFSS) have a difficult choice. It is almost impossible for a company in any industry to go without an EFSS provider. Fortunately, we round up the best EFSS solutions to help you find the right one for your business.

Many of the enterprise file sync and sharing providers listed below also rank high in our best business cloud storage list. Box Business is the top choice for businesses because it offers essential cloud storage features, over 1,500 external integrations, and native apps like Box Notes. Read on to see what other providers made our top 10 list.

What Is Enterprise File Sync and Share (EFSS)?

Enterprise file sync and share is a software service based in the cloud or administered through on-premise infrastructure. It enables businesses to share folders or files in a secure environment, internally or externally. It keeps data synchronized across multiple devices throughout a company or corporation.

How to Choose the Best Enterprise File Synchronization and Sharing Service for Your Needs

The services must have excellent file-sharing and synchronization features to make the list of the best EFSS solutions. Most businesses need to share files externally and internally, especially within teams working on project documentation. Another critical factor is deciding which folders or files to sync and how quickly a service updates data.

Security and privacy are important considerations to keep corporate data secure and avoid cyber crimes and breaches. Most businesses also look for productivity and collaboration tools embedded with a service or connected to a third-party app. Budget and subscription pricing are another major consideration.

1. Box Business — Best EFSS Overall

box account
Box Business has many excellent features, including file sync and
advanced security features to prevent data loss.

More details about Box Business:

  • Pricing: $18 per month (one-year plan) for Unlimited GB
  • Free plan: 10GB, 14-day free trial
  • Provider website: box.com

Pros:

  • Unlimited storage space
  • Many external connections
  • Native applications

Cons:

  • Slower speeds
  • No block-level sync

Box Business has the best combination of features, external connections and storage space to top our list. The app center has over 1,500 connections to popular apps, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack and Zoom. Additionally, every Box account includes access to Box Notes, a web-based word processor, and Box Canvas, a web-based digital whiteboard. 

It offers cloud features such as easy file sharing using an email or by creating a link, with the ability to add a password. Box Business does not limit how long you can keep file versions, only the number, starting at 50. Administrators and team managers have many tools available through the admin console. The main drawback is that many admin console features are locked behind the higher-priced plans. 

Box Business Hands-On Testing

Box Business’s web interface is user-friendly, featuring a familiar left sidebar and clearly labeled menu items for simple data interaction. The Box Business desktop app focuses mainly on the sync folder and isn’t overly feature-rich. However, the mobile app is well-designed and easy to use.

box admin console
The admin console provides excellent access control for administrators to manage users.

Notes From the Lab: Box Business Security Analysis

box privacy
Box KeySafe gives you control of your private encryption keys.

Box Business uses AES 256-bit encryption protocols to protect data at rest and TLS/SSL encryption protocols that secure data transfers. Although Box Business offers private encryption, you can purchase Box KeySafe, which gives you control of your private encryption keys. Additionally, you can enable two-factor authentication, which is available on all plans.

Pricing & Value

Box Business offers a 14-day free trial on most of its business plans. The Business Plus plan costs $24 per user per month on an annual billing cycle. Additionally, you can purchase add-ons like Box Shield, which helps prevent data breaches. We cover this and more in our Box Business review.  

2. Sync.com for Teams — Best Zero-Knowledge EFSS

sync account
Sync.com for Teams is a secure EFSS solution with private encryption for your account.

More details about Sync.com for Teams:

  • Pricing: $6 per month (one-year plan) for 1TB
  • Free plan: 30-day free trial
  • Provider website: sync.com

Pros:

  • Private encryption
  • Microsoft Integration
  • Budget-friendly

Cons:

  • Slow sync speeds
  • Not great for collaboration

Sync.com for Teams has excellent file-sharing features that make it easy for teams to work on documents. Sharing is encrypted with the option to add a password or set a link expiration date. If Microsoft is your productivity ecosystem of choice, you will find that its integration with Sync.com for Teams works well. You can create, edit and work on Word, Excel or PowerPoint files using Office online. 

Although Sync.com for Teams does not have a dedicated admin console section, you can manage users and create custom roles from an option in the menu bar. Custom roles have several options, including managing users or purging files.

Sync.com for Teams Hands-On Testing

Sync.com for Teams opts for a menu bar across the top instead of a sidebar for navigation. This choice makes it simple to work with your data. You will see a menu option to upload files or create folders and more choices when you select a folder or file.

sync roles
You can create custom roles for your team using the role editor feature.

Notes From the Lab: Sync.com for Teams Security Analysis

sync cta
Sync.com for Teams offers zero-knowledge encryption and two-factor authentication.

Sync.com for Teams has zero-knowledge encryption that protects all the data in your account, making it a great private enterprise file-sync-and-share option. Zero-knowledge encryption means only you can access the password that decrypts your account, which significantly enhances your privacy. Additionally, you can enable two-factor authentication to secure your account further.

Pricing & Value

Sync.com for Teams offers a generous free trial of 30 days of its Pro Teams+ Unlimited. This plan costs $15 per user per month, billed annually. Check out our Sync.com for Teams review for more about pricing and features.

3. Egnyte Connect — Best Collaboration EFSS

egnyte file management
Egnyte’s web interface should look familiar to PC users.

More details about Egnyte Connect:

  • Pricing: $10 per month (one-year plan) for 1TB
  • Free plan: 15-day free trial
  • Provider website: egnyte.com

Pros:

  • Excellent customization
  • Many external integrations
  • Strong security features

Cons:

  • Can get expensive
  • No private encryption

Egnyte Connect has many tools and features that businesses from any industry would look for in an EFSS solution. Its most notable feature is the highly customizable nature of the product. Egnyte Connect lets you adjust settings to match your business requirements. One example is file versions; the default is three. However, administrators can change this number depending on your plan.

With external integrations, Egnyte Connect supports several, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365. You can create, edit and share files from either ecosystem in your account. Additionally, Egnyte Connect supports external connections to other productivity apps, like Trello and Zoom.

Egnyte Connect Hands-On Testing

Egnyte Connect’s layout in the web interface is familiar to anyone who uses a PC. It is easy enough to share files and upload data to your account. The steep learning curve with Egnyte Connect comes from the settings and customization menu. It’s not complicated; there’s just a lot to take in during the first few hours using it.

egnyte desktop app
Egnyte’s desktop syncs your data across multiple devices, keeping everything up-to-date.

Notes From the Lab: Egnyte Connect Security Analysis

egnyte security
The Enterprise plan allows you to manage your account’s private encryption keys.

The main drawback to Egnyte Connect is the lack of private encryption as a standard feature. If you opt for the Enterprise plan, you can purchase the option to manage the private encryption keys associated with your account. 

Pricing & Value

Egnyte offers a 15-day free trial with its Business plan. However, if you want to purchase a plan, you won’t see any pricing options until you start the free trial and review your billing data. The most affordable option costs $10 per user per month without additional paid add-ons. For more information, read our Egnyte Connect review.

Business
  • Price per user; Secure collaboration; Privilege management; Ransomware protection
  • 1TB
Enterprise Lite
  • Everything in Business; 3rd-party source support; Content lifecycle management; Threat detection
  • 1TB
Enterprise
  • Everything in Enterprise Lite; Privacy & compliance; Advanced ransomware protection & recovery; Content safeguards
  • 1TB

4. pCloud Business — Fastest EFSS

pcloud account
pCloud Business is an easy-to-use service with an encryption
folder for private enterprise file sync and share access.

More details about pCloud Business:

  • Pricing: $7.90 per month (one-year plan) for 1TB
  • Free plan: 30-day free trial
  • Provider website: pcloud.com

Pros:

  • Private encryption folder
  • Excellent file versioning
  • Fast synchronization

Cons:

  • Limited plan options
  • Not great for collaboration

If you’re looking for a fast EFSS solution that manages and shares your data, pCloud Business is a top option. You can share folders by inviting them directly with an email address or by creating a link. File sharing happens only with a shareable link. Additionally, since pCloud Business supports selective and block-level sync, it has fast upload and download speeds.

pCloud Business’s desktop and mobile apps are well-made and add another layer of interaction with your data. However, businesses that need external connections will find pCloud Business limiting. The primary external connections it supports are for data transfers from popular platforms like Google Drive or Facebook.

pCloud Business Hands-On Testing

Luckily, pCloud Business is easy to use. How the web interface and desktop app work together gives you plenty of flexibility in interacting with your data. The dedicated user and team management tab also makes it simple to add or update users and group teams together.

pcloud desktop app
The pCloud desktop app is a well-designed and functional option with offline access.

Notes From the Lab: pCloud Business Security Analysis

pcloud privacy
All pCloud Business accounts include pCloud Crypto.

pCloud Business has a dedicated folder with zero-knowledge encryption, which is great for data security. Typically, pCloud Crypto is a separate paid add-on. However, pCloud Business accounts include it. Anything stored in the encrypted folder is protected from unauthorized access, perfect for sensitive data.

Pricing & Value

You can take either pCloud Business plan for a 30-day test drive. Purchasing the Business Pro plan costs $7.90 per user per month, annually and comes with 1TB of storage space per user. To learn more, read our pCloud Business review.

Business
  • 1 TB storage per user 3+ users pCloud Encryption Teams & Access control Secure file sharing 180 days file versioning
  • 1TB
Business Pro
  • Everything in “Business” 2 TB storage per user 3+ users Priority support
  • 2TB

5. Zoho WorkDrive — Best Value EFSS

zoho work drive account
A Zoho WorkDrive account lets you easily share files and
keep your data updated across multiple devices.

More details about Zoho WorkDrive:

  • Pricing: $9 per month (one-year plan) for 5TB
  • Free plan: 15-day free trial
  • Provider website: zoho.com/workdrive

Pros:

  • Affordable plans
  • Unlimited file versioning
  • App ecosystem

Cons:

  • No zero-knowledge security
  • Limited file sizes

Businesses looking for a self-contained ecosystem of productivity and collaboration apps will find that in Zoho. Specifically, Zoho WorkDrive is the cloud storage app part of a more extensive, interconnected suite of apps. It has several great cloud features, like unlimited file versioning and easy file sharing.

Signing up for Zoho WorkDrive creates a Zoho account, which unlocks many of the accompanying apps businesses can use. Some examples include a mail client, a word processor and a meeting app similar to Zoom.

Zoho WorkDrive Hands-On Testing

Zoho WorkDrive takes a simplified visual approach with easy menu navigation and access to your files. It has a robust administrators page to monitor analytics, adjust security settings or manage teams and users.

zoho admin console
Administrators have many tools, including monitoring
storage usage and changing user permissions.

Notes From the Lab: Zoho WorkDrive Security Analysis

zoho security
Zoho WorkDrive does not offer private encryption.

To enhance data security, Zoho WorkDrive uses AES 256-bit encryption for data at rest and TLS/SSL encryption protocols for data during transfers. The main drawback is that Zoho does not offer private encryption for your account.

Pricing & Value

Affordability is Zoho WorkDrive’s biggest appeal. You can try the service first for 15 days. The most expensive Business plan costs $9 per user per month, billed annually. We cover pricing and more in our Zoho WorkDrive review

6. Tresorit

tresorit desktop app
Tresorit is an excellent option for those who need a private
enterprise file sync and share provider.

More details about Tresorit:

  • Pricing: $14.50 per month (one-year plan) for 1TB
  • Free plan: 14-day free trial
  • Provider website: tresorit.com

Pros:

  • Strong security & privacy
  • Selective synchronization
  • Encrypted email attachments

Cons:

  • No block-level sync
  • Slower speeds

Tresorit has some unique features that set it apart from other EFSS solutions. The most prominent is the differences in folder types, which determine how to share data in sub-folders. A “classic” folder lets you send links only to data in sub-folders, while a “next-gen” enables you to invite members directly to sub-folders.

Tresorit Hands-On Testing

As we saw in our testing, Tresorit looks and feels like most other cloud storage providers, with the main difference being the two different types of folders you’ll see in your account.

Notes From the Lab: Tresorit Security Analysis

tresorit privacy
Tresorit offers end-to-end encryption and handles data under Swiss privacy laws.

Tresorit provides excellent data security, offering end-to-end encryption that protects uploading and transferring data. It can’t access your encryption keys to decrypt your account. Additionally, Tresorit encrypts your file’s metadata, further adding to its stance on data security.

Pricing & Value

Tresorit offers three plans, two of which have a 14-day free trial. The Business Plus costs $19 per user per month on an annual plan and has 2TB of storage space per user. You can opt to include Tresorit eSign or email encryption for Outlook. To learn more about these and other features, check out our Tresorit review.

Basic
  • 3GB
Business Standard
  • Price per user (billed annually), Storage per user, User count: 3-9
  • 1TB
Business Plus
  • Price per user (billed annually), Storage per user, User count : 10+
  • 2TB
Enterprise
  • Price per user (billed annually), Storage per user, User count : 100+

7. Microsoft OneDrive for Business

onedrive business account
OneDrive for Business is a great option for Microsoft users
with quick file sharing and access on mobile devices. 

More details about OneDrive for Business:

  • Pricing: $5 per month (one-month plan) for 1TB
  • Free plan: 30-day free trial
  • Provider website: microsoft.com

Pros:

  • Office 365 integration
  • Fast speeds
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • No private encryption
  • Limited integrations

It may go without saying, but for businesses invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, using OneDrive is the best option for an EFSS service. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office 365 products, including easy file sharing with team members through a link or email. Additionally, it supports real-time collaboration with products like Word or PowerPoint.

Microsoft OneDrive for Business Hands-On Testing

Microsoft OneDrive for Business keeps the Microsoft aesthetic while focusing on getting you to your data.

Notes From the Lab: Microsoft OneDrive for Business Security Analysis

onedrive security
OneDrive for Business does not offer zero-knowledge encryption.

OneDrive for Business has strong security features, including AES 256-bit encryption, TLS/SSL encryption protocols and optional two-factor authentication. Microsoft has a poor privacy track record and OneDrive for Business lacks zero-knowledge encryption.

Pricing & Value

OneDrive for Business has a free 30-day trial for two business plans. Additionally, OneDrive for Business plans for individuals are available for as little as $5 per month for 1TB. The Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan costs $12.50 per user per month on an annual billing cycle. We cover pricing and more in our OneDrive for Business review.

OneDrive for Business Plan 1
  • Price per user, 1TB storage, User count: 1 – 99+
  • 1TB
OneDrive for Business Plan Two
  • Price per user, Unlimited storage, User count: 1 – 99+
  • 1TB
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
  • Price per user, 1TB storage, User count: 1 – 99+
  • 1TB
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
  • Price per user, 1TB storage, User count: 1 – 99+
  • 1TB

8. Dropbox Business

dropbox-business-account
Dropbox Business gives you several ways to share files with internal or external users.

More details about Dropbox Business:

  • Pricing: $16.58 per month (one-year plan) for 3TB
  • Free plan: 30-day free trial
  • Provider website: dropbox.com/business

Pros:

  • Great file sharing & sync
  • Third-party integrations
  • Great for collaboration

Cons:

  • Poor privacy
  • Pricey

Dropbox Business makes sharing files easy with security setting options like adding a password or setting an expiration date. It also has fast speeds, supporting selective sync and block-level syncing. Furthermore, it integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.

Dropbox Hands-On Testing

Dropbox uses the familiar left-sidebar approach for navigating your account. Note that the Home tab does not show your files, which is a minor annoyance.

Notes From the Lab: Dropbox Business Security Analysis

dropbox boxcryptor
Dropbox acquired Boxcryptor, which provides end-to-end encryption.

Dropbox Business uses AES 256-bit encryption and TLS/SSL encryption protocols to protect your data. Administrators can implement two-factor authentication to help protect account logins. Private encryption is not available on Dropbox Business, but it may be introduced in the future following its acquisition of Boxcryptor.

Pricing & Value

Most Dropbox Business plans have a 30-day free trial. The Professional plan costs $16.58 per user per month, billed annually, for 3TB of cloud storage. For more details, check out our Dropbox Business review.

9. Google Drive

google drive website
Google Drive is a solid option for businesses that use Google’s productivity apps.

More details about Google Drive:

  • Pricing: $8.33 per month (one-year plan) for 2TB
  • Free plan: 15GB, 14-day free trial
  • Provider website: drive.google.com

Pros:

  • Integrates Google Workspace
  • Great for collaboration
  • Fast speeds

Cons:

  • No private encryption
  • Poor privacy

Much like Microsoft, if your business uses the Google Workspace ecosystem, you’d be well off using Google Drive. Google Drive is great for collaboration as you can work on Google files in real time. Sharing folders or files with team members or external clients is easy. Additionally, Google Drive supports external connections to apps outside its ecosystem, like Slack or DocuSign.

Google Drive Hands-On Testing

Google Drive has a familiar layout as other cloud storage providers, with a stronger focus on its Google Workspace ecosystem and items shared with you.

Notes From the Lab: Google Drive Security Analysis

google drive security
Google Drive has built-in protections for malware, spam and ransomware.

Google Drive protects your data at rest with AES 256-bit encryption, and your data transfers with TLS/SSL encryption. It also supports two-factor authentication. Privacy is another issue, and Google has a poor track record. In short, it monitors your data and how you use its services, and it uses some of what it collects for marketing purposes.

Pricing & Value

Google Drive does not have a specific enterprise plan. Instead, you purchase a Google Workspace account, which you can try for 14 days. The 2TB plan costs $8.33 per user per month annually. We cover the service in detail in our Google Drive review.

10. Citrix ShareFile

citrix sharefile web app
The dashboard is a quick snapshot of your account with shortcuts, favorites and recent files.

More details about Citrix ShareFile:

  • Pricing: $10 per month (one-year plan) for unlimited storage
  • Free plan: 30-day free trial
  • Provider website: sharefile.com

Pros:

  • Microsoft 365 integration
  • Unlimited storage
  • Affordable plans

Cons:

  • Not very fast
  • Only for teams

Citrix ShareFile does a good job of giving businesses the tools to manage users and teams. You can create different profile types depending on whether the user is internal or external. Additionally, “connectors” lets you access files from other EFSS solutions like Box, Dropbox or Google Drive.

Citrix ShareFile Hands-On Testing

The layout and navigation of ShareFile differs from most other cloud storage services. However, once you get familiar, navigating your account is simple.

Notes From the Lab: Citrix ShareFile Security Analysis

sharefile security
Citrix ShareFile does not offer private encryption.

Citrix ShareFile has AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data at rest and TLS/SSL encryption to secure data in transit, which helps with data loss prevention. However, it does not have private encryption, so some employees could access your account if they wanted to.

Pricing & Value

Citrix ShareFile has four plans, two of which have a 30-day free trial. The Premium plan costs $25 per user per month annually and has unlimited storage space. For more information, check out our Citrix ShareFile review.

Final Thoughts

Businesses have many excellent options when choosing an EFSS service. Box Business comes out as the overall best option as it has the right combination of features, tools and connections most businesses need. Other enterprise file sync and share services on this list do a good job in several areas, making the choice a tough one for businesses.

Does your company use any of the enterprise file sync and share solutions on our list? If so, which is your preferred choice? Are there other options we missed that businesses should consider? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading our article.

FAQ: 10 Best EFSS Solutions

  • A commercial EFSS service is a cloud-based software-as-a-service that companies can subscribe to for their cloud storage needs. Box Business is a prime example. It has excellent features like file sharing and sync options, connections to popular productivity suites like Google Workspace, and a dedicated section for team and user management section.

  • The best EFSS service for your company depends on your needs and requirements. Most of the solutions on this list offer a combination of features and functionality most businesses use.

  • Yes. All EFSS services highlighted in this list have excellent security to protect your data. A few, like Sync.com for Teams, have zero-knowledge encryption, adding another layer of protection for your data.

  • Yes. Google Drive is an EFSS solution, and it is a top choice for businesses that use the apps included with Google Workspace.

The post The 10 Best EFSS Solutions: Enterprise File Sync and Share in 2023 appeared first on Cloudwards.

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