# Syncthing

> Free, open source file sync directly between your own devices

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.

- **Category:** File Storage & Sync
- **Made by:** The Syncthing Foundation
- **Website:** https://syncthing.net
- **Runs on:** macOS, Windows, Linux
- **Facts last checked:** Oct 5, 2026

## Pricing

Syncthing is free to use.

- **Pricing model:** 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 https://syncthing.net/downloads/ on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Syncthing before buying.

## 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.

## 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.

## Works with

syncthing-macos, SyncTrayzor, Syncthing Windows Setup

**Tags:** Open source, File sync, Local-first

## Alternatives

- [Nextcloud](https://toolgpa.com/tools/nextcloud): Open source, self-hosted file sync and collaboration platform. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/nextcloud-vs-syncthing)
- [Dropbox](https://toolgpa.com/tools/dropbox): Cloud storage and file sync with transfer and signing tools. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/dropbox-vs-syncthing)
- [Proton Drive](https://toolgpa.com/tools/proton-drive): End-to-end encrypted cloud storage from the maker of Proton Mail. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/proton-drive-vs-syncthing)
- [Filen](https://toolgpa.com/tools/filen): End-to-end encrypted cloud storage from Germany with open source apps. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/filen-vs-syncthing)

## Sources

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026:

- https://syncthing.net/downloads/
- https://syncthing.net/
- https://syncthing.net/foundation/
- https://syncthing.net/donations/
- https://docs.syncthing.net/users/faq.html

Page: https://toolgpa.com/tools/syncthing
Listed by ToolGPA (toolgpa.com).