Can you explain the difference between Smart Sync and Selective Sync?

Question

I'm considering the Basic plan for Dropbox.  I briefly read the differences between Selective Sync and Smart Sync.  Is Selective Sync a "hot sync", in that the dropbox folder is continually monitored and sync to the "listening" folders?   Is there a monthly charge for Selective Sync?  If so, please advise.

Walter · Accepted Answer

Hey there @SolidRockOption - welcome to our forums and thanks for using Dropbox!

Let me start by saying that when it comes to our desktop application, our software is designed to watch your Dropbox folder and sync any files placed in the folder. Your Dropbox folder is just like any other folder on your hard drive, but with syncing features.

To take advantage of Dropbox, you can move or copy files into the Dropbox folder. This will place the files into the Dropbox folder. Once Dropbox sees changes in the Dropbox folder, it automatically syncs the new changes to Dropbox servers and to any other computer linked to your account.

Moreover, note that Smart Sync and Selective Sync enable users to choose which of their files and folders sync and take up space on their local device.

With Smart Sync, users can see and seamlessly access all the content they have in their Dropbox, right from their desktops, without worrying about local hard drive space. Files and folders take up practically no space on the local device until they’re needed, and they can be accessed with a simple click.

Selective Sync lets users choose which content in their Dropbox is synced, but unsynced content is completely hidden on the local device. This can be useful if you know you will not need access to a folder from this specific device and want to free up hard drive space.

Last but not least, keep in mind that selective sync is available to all of our plans while Smart Sync is offered to our Business and Professional plans - you can take a look at our plans' page for more information on their features and pricing.

I hope this information helps and please let me know if there's anything else you'd like to ask.