Choosing a SharePoint migration tool is one of the higher-stakes decisions in a consolidation or tenant-to-tenant project. The wrong choice means either a months-long manual cleanup or a second migration pass. This page compares three options that come up most often: ShareMaster Clone Master, ShareGate, and Microsoft Migration Manager. All three can move files from A to B; they differ sharply in scope, metadata fidelity, and cost model.
Tool overview
ShareMaster Clone Master
Clone Master is the top-tier tool in the ShareMaster suite, a Windows desktop application built for SharePoint admins and migration consultants. It handles full site cloning: libraries, lists, files, metadata, content types, and permissions, including cross-tenant migrations. It is licensed per-seat alongside the rest of the ShareMaster toolkit, giving consultants access to Recycle Master, Space Master, Report Master, Replace Master, and Explore Master in the same licence.
ShareGate
ShareGate is a well-established commercial migration platform with a long track record in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It supports a wide range of migration sources including SharePoint on-premises, SharePoint Online, Microsoft Teams, and OneDrive, and is commonly used by MSPs and migration consultants on enterprise engagements. It runs as a Windows desktop application with an annual subscription pricing model. Verify current pricing and feature tiers directly with ShareGate, as these change.
Microsoft Migration Manager
Migration Manager is Microsoft's built-in migration surface, accessible inside the SharePoint admin center under the Migration section. It covers file share migration and on-premises SharePoint content ingestion into SharePoint Online, and is included at no additional cost for Microsoft 365 tenants. For cross-tenant scenarios, Microsoft provides a separate Cross-Tenant Migration feature that requires coordination between source and destination tenant administrators through the admin center.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Clone Master | ShareGate | Migration Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| SharePoint Online as source | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Cross-tenant migration | Yes | Yes | Via separate feature (admin coordination required) |
| Document library migration with metadata | Yes | Yes | Basic metadata only |
| SharePoint list migration | Yes | Yes | No |
| Permission migration | Yes | Yes | No |
| Content type migration | Yes | Yes | No |
| Version history migration | Yes | Yes | File shares only |
| Incremental / delta re-run | Yes | Yes | Partial |
| Resume after failure | Yes | Yes | Partial |
| Cost model | Per-seat licence (full toolkit) | Annual subscription | Free (included with M365) |
| Interface | Windows desktop app | Windows desktop app | Browser-based (admin center) |
Table reflects publicly documented features as of May 2026. Verify current capabilities with each vendor before committing to a migration plan.
Migration scope scenarios
File share to SharePoint Online
All three tools support this scenario. Microsoft Migration Manager is the default starting point for most organisations because it is free and integrates directly with the SharePoint admin center. For file-share migrations where metadata structure is simple, it covers the job well. ShareGate and Clone Master add value when you need richer metadata mapping, permission migration, or a more visual job management experience.
SharePoint Online same-tenant restructure
Moving sites, libraries, or lists within a single tenant is a common task for consolidations and hub-site reorganisations. Migration Manager does not cover this use case. Both ShareGate and Clone Master handle same-tenant copy and move with full metadata and permission fidelity. ShareMaster's Clone Master also provides a resume-safe Copy To and Move To function for this scenario without needing a full migration job.
Cross-tenant migration (tenant-to-tenant)
This is where the gap between tools is most significant. Microsoft's Cross-Tenant Migration feature requires coordination between both tenant administrators via the admin center, has scope limitations, and primarily targets OneDrive and mailbox moves in Microsoft 365 tenant merge scenarios. ShareGate and Clone Master both provide direct cross-tenant migration: you authenticate to both tenants and run the copy from a single desktop session, with full fidelity for libraries, lists, files, metadata, and permissions.
Cost considerations
Microsoft Migration Manager is included with every Microsoft 365 admin subscription at no extra cost. It is the right first tool when scope is straightforward file share ingestion and budget is the primary constraint.
ShareGate operates on an annual subscription model. Pricing varies by seat count and feature tier; contact ShareGate directly for a current quote before budgeting.
ShareMaster is licensed per seat and includes Clone Master at the top tier, alongside all other tools in the suite. A 14-day free trial covers a full migration evaluation with no commitment.
Decision matrix
| Your situation | Recommended starting point |
|---|---|
| File shares to SharePoint Online, budget is the primary constraint | Microsoft Migration Manager |
| Same-tenant restructure with full metadata and permission fidelity | Clone Master or ShareGate |
| Cross-tenant migration with full library and list fidelity | Clone Master or ShareGate |
| MSP or consultant running multiple client migrations per year | Clone Master (full toolkit value) or ShareGate |