If you’re looking for a way to sync your Google Drive to your Linux desktop, the following app may be worth a look.

It’s called OverGrive and it’s a closed-source, paid application.

But don’t let that put you off.

A 14-day free test period is available so that you can try the app out fully. If you’re happy with how it runs a full license costs just $4.99 per Google account.

OverGrive

Overdrive presents a GUI front-end for a custom back-end Google Drive client (which, despite the name, doesn’t rely on the defunct Grive project).

Like competing service InSync, OverGrive has proven incredibly popular with Linux users thanks to its ease of use and rich feature set.

It offers:

Sync files and folder to and from Google Drive

Selective sync for folders

Option to convert Google Docs files to different office file formats

Sync multiple accounts (requires extra license)

Desktop notifications

Indicator applet

Over the years there has been various attempts at providing an open-source, reliable Google Drive sync. Most have faltered due to API limitations, changing platform technologies and, in most cases, a lack of development manpower.

I personally use Google Drive more than I use any other cloud storage service (I know, evil Google, etc). I’m perfectly okay with mounting Google Drive in Nautilus. It’s quick, straight forward and lets me open files and documents in local apps, and quickly add or download any files I need by dragging and dropping them around.

But it’s not a “sync” client. And some people want a sync client.

I can’t say whether OverGrive is any good as a sync client, nor is likely to be any more (or any less) secure than InSync. Which you decide to go with may boil down to price: InSync costs a one-off $25, while OverGrive costs less than $5.

To learn more, or to download the app to try for yourself, head to to the official OverGrive website.

If you’ve tried OverGrive do share your experiences using it in the comments section below.