Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Obsidian Sync · 🧠 notes & knowledge
Obsidian Sync vs Syncthing
Syncs the vault directly between computers; iPhones remain the awkward relative. Here is how Syncthing ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Obsidian Sync ($5/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Syncthing
$0.00/mo · MPL-2.0
Obsidian Sync vs Syncthing Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-11
| Dimension | Obsidian Sync (Paid) | Syncthing (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $5 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $60 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $60) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $600 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $600) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source MPL-2.0 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopclione-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 87k (active aug 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Obsidian Sync to Syncthing
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
It has no central always-available history or recovery service, devices need overlapping availability to propagate changes, and iPhone/iPad support depends on third-party clients.
How to deploy Syncthing
Install a native package or binary on every device, exchange device IDs, and share the vault folder
What it takes to run
Every device needs a client and pairing, at least one peer must be online to receive changes, and there is no official iOS client
Where your data lives
The original Markdown files and attachments remain as normal files in selected folders on each peer; Syncthing keeps its configuration and index database locally
Why fork Syncthing instead of vibe-coding a Obsidian Sync clone?
If you already accept local Markdown files, syncing folders across devices is a solved problem; the hard part is not the app, it is conflict-free convenience.
Obsidian Sync vs Syncthing FAQ
Is Syncthing a good free alternative to Obsidian Sync?+
Yes. Syncthing is a verified open-source (MPL-2.0) replacement for Obsidian Sync. Syncs the vault directly between computers; iPhones remain the awkward relative.
What is the catch when switching from Obsidian Sync to Syncthing?+
It has no central always-available history or recovery service, devices need overlapping availability to propagate changes, and iPhone/iPad support depends on third-party clients.
How much do you save switching from Obsidian Sync to Syncthing?+
Obsidian Sync costs $5/mo ($60/yr) per seat, whereas Syncthing is $0/mo. Switching saves $60/yr for a solo user, $300/yr for a 5-person team, and $600/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Syncthing instead of Obsidian Sync?+
Install: Install a native package or binary on every device, exchange device IDs, and share the vault folder. Setup: Every device needs a client and pairing, at least one peer must be online to receive changes, and there is no official iOS client
