DocsFAQ
Is rclone better than rsync?
Comparing rclone and rsync for different use cases
Is rclone better than rsync?
It depends on what you're doing! Both are excellent tools with different strengths:
Comparison
| Feature | rclone | rsync |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud storage support | ✅ 70+ providers | ❌ None directly |
| Local-to-local sync | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (faster) |
| Delta transfers | ❌ Full files only | ✅ Partial updates |
| Network protocol | HTTPS/API | SSH/rsync protocol |
| Encryption | ✅ Built-in | Via SSH only |
| Resume transfers | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Windows support | ✅ Native | ⚠️ Needs WSL/Cygwin |
Final answer
Neither tool is objectively "better", they're designed for different jobs.
Rclone excels at cloud storage, supporting 70+ providers with built-in encryption and cross-platform compatibility.
Rsync is the king for local and SSH-based transfers, with its delta algorithm that only sends changed parts of files.
Many power users run both, such as rsync for fast local/server mirroring, and rclone to ship those backups off to the cloud. For a detailed comparison with examples, performance benchmarks, and a decision tree to help you choose, see our full Rsync vs Rclone guide.
How is this guide?