SyncToy

SyncToy is the type of tool you need when you want to copy or synchronize information between two directories. The user interface of the software is plain and intuitive. In order to get started, you have to create a new folder pair.
This means you have to choose the left and right folder and then select an action. In "Synchronize", new and updated files and copied both ways and, if it's the case, "file renames" and deletions are performed in both sides.
The "Echo" method allows you to copy files from left to right (''renames'' and deletions on the left are set on the right), while "Contribute" copies from left to right and performs "file renames", but there are no deletions.
Once you have given a name to your folder pair, you can get an overview before initiating the process. This means that you can change the action and configure options.
For example, you can include and exclude particular files (read-only, hidden, system files), select a subfolder and enable the tool to check for file contents. Overwritten files are automatically saved in the "Recycle Bin", this option can be unchecked.
Once you initiate the process, you can view the number of successful, failed and total operations (e.g. delete folder, delete, overwrite, rename). In addition, you can create multiple new folder pairs and set SyncToy to run all of them, as well as view a log file.
Unfortunately, you cannot save the log to a text file, copy encrypted files, synchronize via the web or schedule tasks. The latter option can only be set using the operating system.
The program uses a low to moderate amount of system resources, contains a well-drawn help file (includes a step-by-step guide on how to schedule SyncToy) and we haven't come across any problems during our tests. This is why we recommend SyncToy to all users.