Key Takeaways: The Best EFSS Solutions
- Box Business — Excellent cloud features and many external integrations
- Sync.com for Teams — Zero-knowledge encryption that protects all data
- Egnyte Connect — Highly customizable settings; great for larger businesses
- pCloud for Business — Fast sync speeds; supports multimedia files
- Zoho WorkDrive — Affordable plans; part of a larger app ecosystem
- Tresorit — End-to-end encryption supports secure file sharing
- Microsoft OneDrive for Business — Best choice for businesses using Microsoft
- Dropbox Business — Excellent third-party integrations supporting productivity
- Google Drive — Best choice for business using Google productivity apps
- Citrix ShareFile — Affordable plans with a focus on document workflow
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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.
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11/14/2022
Updated the ranking of the services based on current reviews.
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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
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.
Notes From the Lab: Box Business Security Analysis
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.
- Single user
- 10GB
- Single user
- 100GB
- Price per user, minimum of three users
- 100GB
- Users: No limit
- Unlimited GB
- Users: No limit
- Unlimited GB
- Users: No limit
- Unlimited GB
2. Sync.com for Teams — Best Zero-Knowledge EFSS
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.
Notes From the Lab: Sync.com for Teams Security Analysis
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.
- Price per user. Users: 2+
- 1TB
- Price per user. Users: 2+
- Unlimited GB
- Users: 2+
- Unlimited GB
3. Egnyte Connect — Best Collaboration EFSS
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.
Notes From the Lab: Egnyte Connect Security Analysis
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.
- 1-10 users max.
- 1TB
- Price per user; Secure collaboration; Privilege management; Ransomware protection
- 1TB
- Everything in Business; 3rd-party source support; Content lifecycle management; Threat detection
- 1TB
- Everything in Enterprise Lite; Privacy & compliance; Advanced ransomware protection & recovery; Content safeguards
- 1TB
4. pCloud Business — Fastest EFSS
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.
Notes From the Lab: pCloud Business Security Analysis
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.
- 1 TB storage per user 3+ users pCloud Encryption Teams & Access control Secure file sharing 180 days file versioning
- 1TB
- Everything in “Business” 2 TB storage per user 3+ users Priority support
- 2TB
5. Zoho WorkDrive — Best Value EFSS
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.
storage usage and changing user permissions.
Notes From the Lab: Zoho WorkDrive Security Analysis
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.
- One user
- 5GB
- Users: 3+
- 1TB
- Users: 3+
- 3TB
- Users: 3+
- 5TB
6. Tresorit
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 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.
- 3GB
- 4TB
- Price per user (billed annually), Storage per user, User count: 3-9
- 1TB
- Price per user (billed annually), Storage per user, User count : 10+
- 2TB
- Price per user (billed annually), Storage per user, User count : 100+
7. Microsoft OneDrive for Business
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 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.
- Price per user, 1TB storage, User count: 1 – 99+
- 1TB
- Price per user, Unlimited storage, User count: 1 – 99+
- 1TB
- Price per user, 1TB storage, User count: 1 – 99+
- 1TB
- Price per user, 1TB storage, User count: 1 – 99+
- 1TB
8. Dropbox Business
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 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.
- Price per user, shared storage, 30-day free trial
- 5TB
- Price per user
- 3TB
- Price per user, 30-day free trial
- 3TB
- Price & storage per user, 30-day free trial.
- 15TB
- Price per user, shared storage
- 9TB
- Price per user, shared storage
- 15TB
9. Google Drive
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 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.
- Free plan
- 15GB
- 10TB
- 20TB
- 30TB
10. Citrix ShareFile
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
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.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited GB
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
