I like both but Robocopy is what I use. I can't recall why it won. Maybe because I used Robocopy first.
Add me to the long list of Bvckup fans. I bought a license back in July 2014 and have not regretted it for a second. It truly is an elegant piece of software.
SyncFolders is great, has rudimentary versioning, and the dev was very responsive when I found an issue with it.
Very nice App. After testing with Bvckup (last beta), I decided this app was the better choice for me. It is much more flexible in what you can do. It will Copy, Backup or Two-Way Sync your files. You can do a scan and change the actions for specific files such as ignore the action before running the actual sync. Play with it for a while and it will grow on you. As you said, it's a gem. Bvckup is probably better from a performance point of view for copying, but if you are not always syncing huge files, I find Sync Folders fast enough.
I have used FreeFileSync for years. My operation is completely manual, I backup to external USB disks and encrypted UFDs which normally are disconnected. No need to define "jobs" and no problems with the letters assigned to the USB drives and UFDs. After hundreds of operations, I have found no problems with this software.
Keep in mind that Bvckup2 IS NOT a file synchronizer, it's designed to be the fastest one-way file replicator money can buy... especially as far as large files/databases are concerned. I'm not sure the two apps can be compared properly. Adric's comments are pretty much on the money...
Best free file and folder sync software review: https://dottech.org/115797/windows-review-best-free-file-and-folder-sync-software/
I love my current file backup soft Jam Software's SmartBackup, unfortunately, although working flawlessly & offering synchronization, is no longer offered / developed. The only alternative I've found that offers: 1) Explorer like interface for selecting directories, folders, and / or individual files therein (ala Bvckup2). 2) Synchronization option. Is Backup Cow paid http://backupcow.com/images1/ss/010_Backup_Source.jpg Note: I have not installed / trialed it.
That article is from July 26, 2013! Surely, there is a newer review somewhere?! (I didn't take the time to look.)
I use MS SyncToy & yet to find anything that matches its simplicity & functionality for my requirements.Mainly I use it manually to copy/update certain directories with lots of files & subfolders from internal hdd to external hdd(& vice versa) with all time stamps remaining same as original.I used to use Robocopy earlier but found its gui & option selections tedious & cumbersome to setup.SyncToy also has a good logging module that clearly shows errors & why they happened.It does not support VSS so anything being used by another application with a read lock is not captured by SyncToy but it will clearly state this in error log.In my case this just means pausing torrents for a while & exiting portable browser.
SyncFolders updated (v3.4.383 August 9, 2017) Fixed: The option 'Check for Update' did not work properly in some situations on Windows 10. In this case the new version needs to be downloaded manually or via the menu option 'Download SyncFolders'. Fixed: An option in the settings window did not have the right label.
There is also AJC Active back up and AJC Sync. The auther is here on Wilders. I've been using them for years. Still currently updated/
Myself as well. I love this program. I also augment it with DirSync from Softology - for when I want a little more automated approach and handling dependencies within a job. Each line in the batch is treated as a totally separate task.
I see the mention of the word "sync" a few times. In reference to these backup applications, what does "sync" mean? I use Bvckup 2, and all my files and folders on one drive sync perfectly to the other drive, but I guess the word "sync" means something else when we are talking about these backup applications.