---
id: data-transfers.bidirectional-sync-vs-collab-sync
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/bidirectional-sync-vs-collab-sync
category: "Data Transfers"
subcategory: "Copy, Move and Sync"
question: "Should I use Bidirectional sync or Collab Sync to keep a folder the same on two Macs?"
alt_questions:
  - "collab sync vs two-way sync"
  - "keep folder identical on two Macs"
  - "sync folder between home and office Mac"
  - "difference between collab sync and data transfers"
  - "mirror a folder between my Macs"
short_answer: "Between two Macs running Storage Studio, Collab Sync is usually better: near-instant, catches up by itself, keeps both versions on conflicts, no cloud. Bidirectional sync runs on demand or on a schedule between any two places."
tags: ["collab sync", "two-way sync", "comparison"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-is-bidirectional-sync", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/is-data-transfers-real-time-sync", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-to-a-paired-device"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Should I use Bidirectional sync or Collab Sync to keep a folder the same on two Macs?

For two Macs that both run Storage Studio, **Collab Sync** is usually the better fit: it sends each change within seconds of saving, catches up by itself when the other Mac comes back, keeps both versions when the same file changes on both sides, and goes directly between the Macs with no cloud in between.

**Bidirectional sync** in Data Transfers runs when you start it or on a schedule, and works between any two places — two folders, a folder and a cloud account, or a folder on a paired device.

Related: [Bridge and Collab Sync](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/) · [What is Bidirectional sync?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-is-bidirectional-sync)