Syncthing
Free, open source file sync directly between your own devices
Syncthing report card
Very good · out of 4.0 · graded Oct 9, 2026
Best for syncing your own computers with no cloud
Syncthing keeps folders the same on two or more of your own computers, with no cloud in the middle. It's free, open source, and your files never sit on anyone else's server. The flip side: there's no cloud copy either, your devices only sync when they're online at the same time, and there's no official iPhone app.
Who Syncthing is for
- Great if you want folders in step between your own computers with no cloud provider involved
- Good for privacy-minded people who want open source software they can read for themselves
- Handy when you keep a home server and want your desktop backed up to it
Who Syncthing is not for
- Skip it if you want your files on your iPhone, as there are no plans for an official iOS app
- Not for you if you want a cloud copy, since files live only on your own devices
- Not for you if a command-line program with a browser settings page sounds like hard work
Why Syncthing gets a 3.2
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyIt's free software with no paid plans at all, and the project runs on donations. If you want commercial support, a separate company called Kastelo sells it.
- AFree plan and trialThe whole program is free on every operating system it supports, with the source code on GitHub. There's no paid tier to hold anything back.
- BFeaturesIt does one job and does it fully: continuous sync of as many folders as you need, over encrypted connections, at home or across the internet. But it's sync, not storage. There's no cloud copy, and devices only swap files when both are online.
- CEase of useThe base download is a command-line program you set up through a page in your browser. Tray icons and file browser integration are separate downloads. Devices do find each other by ID with no network fiddling, but it's not install and go.
- BPlatforms and integrationsMac, Windows, Linux and several BSD systems. No phone apps are listed, and the team says it has no plans to officially support iOS.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Syncthing's own pages on 5 October 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
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<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/syncthing#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/syncthing.svg" alt="Syncthing: 3.2 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>What is Syncthing?
Syncthing is an open source program that continuously synchronizes files between two or more computers. There is no central server: data is stored only on your own devices and travels between them over encrypted connections. It is configured through a browser-based interface, runs on macOS, Windows, Linux and several BSD systems, and is funded by donations rather than paid plans.
Syncthing is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- Syncing folders between your own computers without a cloud provider
- Privacy-minded users who want open source software
- Keeping a desktop in sync with a home server for backup
Worth knowing
- 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.
Key features
- Continuous synchronization
- Folders are kept in sync between two or more computers in real time. You can sync as many folders as you need, with other people or only between your own devices.
- No central server
- Data is never stored anywhere other than on your own computers, so there is no cloud account or third-party server holding the files.
- Encrypted, authenticated connections
- All communication is secured with TLS and perfect forward secrecy. Each device has a cryptographic certificate, and only devices you explicitly allow can connect.
- Browser-based interface
- Syncthing is configured and monitored through a responsive web interface served by the program and opened in a browser.
- Works over LAN and Internet
- Devices find each other by ID without IP addresses or advanced configuration. UPnP is used where available, and relays carry traffic when no direct connection is possible.
- Open protocol and source
- The sync protocol is a documented specification and all source code is public, with development and bug reports open for anyone to read.
Syncthing pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- Syncthing is free software with no paid plans. The project's servers and development grants are funded by donations.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Syncthing | Free | The full program for every supported operating system, with source code available on GitHub. |
Read from syncthing.net on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Syncthing before you buy.
Works with
- syncthing-macos
- SyncTrayzor
- Syncthing Windows Setup
Syncthing alternatives
- Syncthing vs Nextcloud
Free plan · from €71.29/yr
- Syncthing vs Dropbox
Free plan · from $9.99/mo
- Syncthing vs Proton Drive
Free plan · from $3.99/mo
- Syncthing vs Filen
Free plan · from €11.99/yr
Common questions
Is Syncthing free?
Yes. Syncthing is free to use. Syncthing is free software with no paid plans. The project's servers and development grants are funded by donations.
How much does Syncthing cost?
Syncthing lists one plan. Syncthing: Free. Prices were read from syncthing.net on Oct 5, 2026.
What platforms does Syncthing work on?
Syncthing is available on macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does Syncthing have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Syncthing is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does Syncthing have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Syncthing is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Is Syncthing open source?
Yes. Syncthing is open source, according to its own site.
What does Syncthing integrate with?
Syncthing's listing names syncthing-macos, SyncTrayzor and Syncthing Windows Setup. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Syncthing?
Syncthing is made by The Syncthing Foundation.
What are the alternatives to Syncthing?
The closest alternatives to Syncthing in our directory are Nextcloud, Dropbox, Proton Drive and Filen. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Syncthing.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026.