CYNC vs GALsync
NETsec GALsync was built for hybrid Exchange forests. CYNC is the modern, Graph-native alternative for Microsoft 365–first organizations — with transparent pricing and zero EWS dependency.
When CYNC wins
Choose CYNC if your organization is cloud-first
Stay with GALsync if you operate hybrid Exchange or cross-forest Active Directory environments that require multi-forest GAL synchronization. CYNC is single-tenant by design.
Detailed comparison
Architecture, features, pricing, and operations side-by-side.
Architecture & Modernization
| Feature | CYNC | GALsync |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use case | Entra ID → Exchange Online contacts (cloud-first) | Cross-forest / hybrid Exchange GAL sync |
| API technology | Microsoft Graph API only | EWS, PowerShell, Exchange Web Services |
| EWS dependency | Zero — fully Graph-native | Significant — EWS-based core |
| EWS deprecation 2026 risk | None | High — requires roadmap migration |
| Modern auth | Certificate-based app-only auth | OAuth + impersonation accounts |
| Cloud-only tenant support | First-class — built for Microsoft 365 | Adapted from on-prem Exchange roots |
Pricing & Licensing
| Feature | CYNC | GALsync |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | €0.29/user/month | License-based (contact NETsec) |
| Pricing transparency | Published — instant checkout | Quote-based — sales contact required |
| Free tier | 10 users free per tenant — forever | 30-day trial only |
| Volume discounts | Automatic bracket-based (down to €0.18/user) | Tier-based, negotiated |
| Annual billing discount | Up to 38% off — calculated instantly | Annual licensing |
| Subscription model | Monthly or annual SaaS subscription | Perpetual license + maintenance |
Features & Scope
| Feature | CYNC | GALsync |
|---|---|---|
| User-to-contact sync | Yes — primary feature | Yes |
| Cross-tenant sync | Single-tenant focus | Multi-forest / multi-tenant |
| Hybrid Exchange support | Cloud-only | Hybrid + on-prem |
| Photo sync | Built-in toggle | Supported |
| Distribution group sync | Not in scope | Supported |
| Delta sync | /users/delta — efficient | Full-scan with caching |
| Sync engine | Windows Service + WinUI dashboard | Windows Service + admin tool |
Operations
| Feature | CYNC | GALsync |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | MSI on Windows Server 2019+ | Windows Server install |
| Server Core support | Yes — runs headless | Yes |
| Real-time monitoring | gRPC streaming dashboard | Admin console |
| Scheduling | Cron-style + manual | Task Scheduler integration |
| Audit trail | Local SQLite database | Logs + reports |
| Setup time | ~15 minutes | 1–2 hours typical |
GALsync vs CYNC — FAQ
Is GALsync still a viable choice in 2026?
GALsync is mature and widely deployed in hybrid Exchange environments. However, with EWS retiring across many scenarios in October 2026, GALsync customers face a significant modernization roadmap. CYNC was designed for the Microsoft Graph era from day one.
Do I need GALsync's cross-forest features?
If you operate multiple Active Directory forests or hybrid Exchange organizations that must share contact data, GALsync's cross-forest GAL synchronization remains compelling. CYNC focuses on the most common modern scenario: a single Microsoft 365 tenant where Entra ID users need to appear as contacts on user mailboxes and mobile devices.
Can CYNC replace GALsync for Microsoft 365 customers?
For organizations that have completed cloud migration and only need user-to-contact sync within a single tenant, yes. CYNC delivers the core GAL sync outcome — phone caller ID, contact cards, mobile sync — without EWS, without per-user impersonation accounts, and at a fraction of the licensing cost.
How does pricing compare?
GALsync uses traditional perpetual licensing with annual maintenance — typical enterprise deployments cost several thousand euros up front plus 20–25% maintenance. CYNC is subscription-based at €0.29/user/month (down to €0.18 at scale) with the first 10 users free per tenant.
What about EWS deprecation?
Microsoft is retiring EWS for many scenarios. CYNC has zero EWS dependency. GALsync's EWS-based architecture means customers need to verify their migration roadmap with NETsec before October 2026.
Is there a free trial of CYNC?
Better — CYNC has a permanent 10-user free tier per tenant. No credit card, no time limit. Download the MSI, install in 15 minutes, and run a real sync with up to 10 mailboxes.
Ready to modernize your GAL sync?
Install CYNC alongside GALsync, validate the sync output, then cut over when you're confident.