Alternatives · File Storage
Syncthing alternatives
Syncthing compared with 5 alternatives: Nextcloud, Dropbox, Proton Drive, Filen and LocalSend.
Syncthing is free to use. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 6, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| SyncthingThis tool | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Nextcloud | Free plan · from €71.29/yr | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Dropbox | Free plan · from $9.99/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Proton Drive | Free plan · from $3.99/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Filen | Free plan · from €11.99/yr | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| LocalSend | Free | Free | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
How each one differs from Syncthing
- Free plan · from €71.29/yr
Nextcloud
Open source, self-hosted file sync and collaboration platform
- Nextcloud starts at 71.29€ per user / year, excl. VAT (from 100 users). Syncthing is free.
- Only Nextcloud lists a web app.
- Only Nextcloud lists iOS and Android apps.
- Nextcloud is self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Nextcloud also covers video calls and file sharing.
Suits: Organizations that must keep files on servers they control
- Free plan · from $9.99/mo
Dropbox
Cloud storage and file sync with transfer and signing tools
- Dropbox starts at $9.99 per month, billed yearly. Syncthing is free.
- Only Dropbox lists a web app.
- Only Dropbox lists iOS and Android apps.
- Syncthing is open source, according to its own site.
- Dropbox also covers documents and file sharing.
Suits: Individuals who want 2 TB synced across Windows, Mac and Linux
- Free plan · from $3.99/mo
Proton Drive
End-to-end encrypted cloud storage from the maker of Proton Mail
- Proton Drive starts at $3.99 per month, billed yearly. Syncthing is free.
- Only Proton Drive lists a web app.
- Only Proton Drive lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only Syncthing lists a Linux app.
- Proton Drive is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
Suits: People who want encrypted storage under Swiss jurisdiction
- Free plan · from €11.99/yr
Filen
End-to-end encrypted cloud storage from Germany with open source apps
- Filen starts at €11.99 per year for 100 GiB, or €1.99 per month for 200 GiB. Syncthing is free.
- Only Filen lists a web app.
- Only Filen lists iOS and Android apps.
- Filen is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- Filen also covers notes and file sharing.
Suits: People who want every file end-to-end encrypted, on the free plan too
- Free
LocalSend
Open-source file sharing between nearby devices, no cloud
- LocalSend is free. Syncthing is free.
- Only LocalSend lists a web app.
- Only LocalSend lists Android and iOS apps.
- LocalSend is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- LocalSend also covers file sharing.
Suits: Moving files between a phone and a computer on the same Wi-Fi
Limits worth knowing in Syncthing
- There is no cloud storage: files live only on your devices, and devices exchange data only when they are online at the same time.
- The Syncthing team says it has no plans to officially support iOS; a separate open source iOS app incorporates Syncthing.
- The base download is a command-line daemon with a web interface. Tray icons and file browser integration come from separate downloads.
- Support is through the community forum; commercial support is sold by a separate company, Kastelo.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Syncthing?
The alternatives to Syncthing in this directory are Nextcloud, Dropbox, Proton Drive, Filen and LocalSend. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Syncthing.
Is there a free alternative to Syncthing?
Yes. LocalSend is free to use. Nextcloud, Dropbox, Proton Drive and Filen have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Syncthing alternatives work on Android?
The Syncthing listing does not include an Android app. Nextcloud, Dropbox, Proton Drive, Filen and LocalSend list one.
Which Syncthing alternatives work on iOS?
The Syncthing listing does not include an iOS app. Nextcloud, Dropbox, Proton Drive, Filen and LocalSend list one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.