Skip to content
INDEXSuggest a site
Back
Syncthing

Syncthing

Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesPrivate Cloud Storage
FreeWebDesktop
Visit site

Verified working Sep 21, 2026

Peer-to-peer file syncing that keeps your data off central servers.

Syncthing is an open-source file synchronization tool for keeping folders updated across two or more computers. It syncs directly between approved devices, secures connections with TLS, and avoids storing your files on a provider-run server.

Why it stands out

  • No central storage server is required, reducing exposure to provider-side breaches or account lock-in.
  • Each device must be explicitly approved before it can connect, rather than relying only on a shared login.
  • The protocol, code, bug tracker, and development discussions are public, making the project unusually auditable.
  • Works across many desktop and server operating systems, including less common Unix-like platforms.
  • Can sync over both local networks and the internet without requiring users to manage IP addresses manually in typical setups.

Good to know

  • Requires Syncthing to be installed and running on the computers that participate in syncing.
  • It is not a hosted cloud drive; Syncthing itself does not keep an always-available copy of your files on a provider server.
  • Initial sharing is more hands-on than account-based cloud storage because devices and folders must be approved explicitly.

Photos

Illustration for Syncthing