app·Apps & Software

Syncthing

Continuous folder sync between your devices—peer-to-peer, no cloud storage bill.

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Setup guide · 30–45 min

Visit Syncthing →

Quick facts

Price model: Open source
Starting price: Free
Best for: Multi-device folder sync · Backup across machines · Avoiding cloud storage tiers
Replaces: Dropbox, Google Drive sync, iCloud Drive upgrades
Platforms: MacWindowsLinuxAndroid
Last verified: 2026-06-22

Why it's listed

Set it once and forget the monthly storage upgrade treadmill—your files sync on your terms.

Syncthing keeps folders synchronized across computers and phones without a central server. You choose what syncs where, and data moves directly between devices with encryption in transit.

The catch

Jump to setup guide ↓

Setup and conflict resolution require more attention than Dropbox; iOS support is limited.

How to set up Syncthing

Sync one folder (photos, Obsidian vault, project files) between two of your devices—no Dropbox bill.

Time: 30–45 min
Difficulty: Technical
Verified: 2026-06-22

Before you start

Two devices on the same network for initial pairing (can work remotely later with relays)
Know which folder to sync—start with one, not your entire home directory
Both devices powered on during first setup

Install on device A
Download from syncthing.net for your OS. Launch Syncthing—browser UI opens at http://127.0.0.1:8384. Set a GUI password when prompted (Settings → GUI).
Install on device B
Repeat install on the second device. Note the Device ID under Actions → Show ID on each machine.
Pair the devices
On device A: Add Remote Device → paste device B's ID. On B, accept the incoming request. Wait until both show Connected.
Share a folder
On device A: Add Folder → choose path (e.g. ~/Documents/Obsidian). Share with device B. On B, accept the folder invite and choose where it should live locally.
Wait for initial sync
First sync can take time. Don't edit files until the UI shows Up to date on both sides. Large libraries: start with a subfolder test.
Set send/receive roles (optional)
For one-way backup: set one device to Send Only and the other Receive Only in folder settings. For two-way (Obsidian): keep default Send & Receive.

Troubleshooting

Devices won't connect: Same Wi‑Fi for pairing first. Check firewall allows Syncthing (ports 22000/tcp, 21027/udp).
Conflicted copy files: Both devices edited the same file offline. Syncthing keeps both—merge manually, delete the .sync-conflict file after.
iPhone/iPad not supported natively: Use Möbius Sync (iOS app) or sync to Mac and use iCloud from there—Syncthing has no official iOS client.