Syncthing

Syncthing

Syncthing is an open-source peer-to-peer file synchronization tool that keeps your files synchronized between multiple devices without requiring a central server. It provides secure, private, and decentralized file sync with end-to-end encryption.

Similar self-hosted alternatives:
Repository activity:
Stars
72,021
Forks
4,594
Watchers
1,021
Open Issues
340
Last commit
about 23 hours ago
Details:
Estimated Popularity
299
Pricing Model
Free
Hosting Type
Self-Hosted
License
MPL-2.0
Deployment Difficulty
Easy
Language
Go

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

Help improve this content

Found an error or want to add more information about Syncthing? You can edit this page directly on GitHub.

Project Categories

Click on a category to explore similar projects