Alternatives to Unison

Syncthing is a revolutionary peer-to-peer file synchronization tool that eliminates the need for centralized cloud storage. It creates a secure, private network between your devices, ensuring your data remains under your complete control while providing seamless synchronization across all your devices.

Key Features

• Peer-to-Peer Architecture:

  • No central server required
  • Direct device-to-device synchronization
  • Decentralized network topology
  • Automatic device discovery
  • Relay servers for NAT traversal
  • Local network optimization

• Security & Privacy:

  • End-to-end encryption (TLS 1.3)
  • Device authentication with certificates
  • No data stored on third-party servers
  • Open-source and auditable code
  • Privacy by design principles
  • Secure device pairing

• Synchronization Features:

  • Real-time file synchronization
  • Selective folder synchronization
  • Intelligent conflict resolution
  • File versioning and history
  • Bandwidth limiting and scheduling
  • Pause and resume capabilities

• Folder Management:

  • Flexible folder sharing
  • Read-only and send-only folders
  • Ignore patterns (.stignore files)
  • Folder labels and descriptions
  • Nested folder support
  • Custom folder paths

• Network Capabilities:

  • Automatic local device discovery
  • Global discovery service
  • Custom discovery servers
  • Relay server support
  • UPnP port forwarding
  • IPv6 support

• User Interface:

  • Clean web-based interface
  • Real-time status monitoring
  • Detailed synchronization logs
  • Performance statistics
  • Configuration management
  • Mobile-responsive design

• Advanced Features:

  • REST API for automation
  • Event-based notifications
  • Custom relay servers
  • Folder watchers
  • Delta synchronization
  • Compression support

Technical Specifications

• Language: Go (Golang)
• Protocol: Custom BEP (Block Exchange Protocol)
• Encryption: TLS 1.3 with ChaCha20-Poly1305
• Discovery: Local (UDP) and Global (HTTPS)
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, FreeBSD
• Architecture: Single binary, no dependencies
• API: RESTful HTTP API

Unique Advantages

• True Decentralization: No reliance on cloud providers or central servers
• Complete Privacy: Your data never leaves your devices except to go to your other devices
• Zero Configuration: Works out of the box with minimal setup
• Efficient Protocol: Only transfers changed blocks, not entire files
• Open Source: Fully auditable and community-driven development