Syncthing: sync folders between computers, without a cloud.
Syncthing continuously syncs folders between your computers, directly from device to device. Files live only on your own devices, and the connection is encrypted. Free, open source and available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
How it helps day to day
- Office PC and laptop should have the same filesSyncthing keeps the project folder up to date on both devices, in the office and on the road.
- Data should not sit with a cloud providerFiles travel directly between your devices; no third-party storage is needed.
- Several sites work with the same documentsA folder is synced between sites, and changes arrive continuously.
What is inside Syncthing
Syncs any files and folders, regardless of format.
- Device to device
- Data lives only on your own devices; there is no central server storing your files.
- Encrypted connection
- Transfers use TLS. Only devices you explicitly approve can connect.
- Continuous
- Changes are transferred continuously, in the office network and over the internet, without setting up port forwarding.
- Versions if you want
- Replaced or deleted files can be kept as a trash can or as versions. This is off by default.
- Browser interface
- Syncthing is set up and monitored through an interface in your web browser.
Syncthing compared with Dropbox
Like Dropbox, Syncthing keeps folders up to date on several devices. The difference: Syncthing has no central provider storage; data lives only on your devices. In return it lacks features such as share links for customers or web access from other computers.
| Syncthing | Dropbox | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | free, also for business | paid subscription, prices from the vendor Source |
| Licence | open source (MPL 2.0) | commercial software |
| Systems | Windows, macOS, Linux | see vendor |
| Shared files | any files and folders | |
| Maturity | stable, version 2.1.7 | on the market for years |
Dropbox is a trademark of Dropbox, Inc.. It is named for orientation only; there is no connection between Dropbox, Inc. and the maker of Syncthing.
Our assessment
Syncthing has been established for years and is a good choice for syncing folders without a cloud provider. It does not replace a backup, though: whatever is deleted on one device disappears everywhere. A program such as Kopia belongs alongside it.
Already useful for
- Syncing folders between your own devices
- Working without a cloud provider
- Several sites with the same data
Better wait for now
- As a replacement for backup
- Several people editing the same file at once
- Encrypted storage on third-party servers (still beta, according to the project)
Frequently asked questions
Does Syncthing replace a backup?
No. If you delete a file or ransomware encrypts it, that change goes to all devices. For backup you also need a program such as Kopia.
Can Syncthing replace Dropbox?
Syncthing has been established for years and is a good choice for syncing folders without a cloud provider. It does not replace a backup, though: whatever is deleted on one device disappears everywhere. A program such as Kopia belongs alongside it.
May I use Syncthing commercially?
Yes. The MPL 2.0 licence allows business use without a licence fee. It does not require you to publish your own files or data. Licence notices only apply if you redistribute or modify the program itself.
What does Syncthing cost?
Nothing. Syncthing is open source under the MPL 2.0 licence and may also be used in a business free of charge.
How do I install it?
The vendor’s page offers installers for Windows, macOS and Linux. In businesses with several workstations, new programs should be approved and monitored centrally; we can help with that.
Related
Sources: vendor page and source code on GitHub, accessed 25 Oct 2026. We have tested the program ourselves and rated it worth a look. We have no business relationship with the vendor.
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