Syncthing review
Free, open-source peer-to-peer sync for people who want control over where files are stored.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Syncthing is free, open-source software that synchronizes chosen folders directly between connected devices. It is aimed at individuals and organizations that want files kept in sync across computers while deciding where the data is stored. Its peer-to-peer method avoids relying on a central cloud storage service, but it makes connected devices and configuration central to the way syncing works. Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android are supported, and a web-based management interface provides a way to manage the software.
Folder and device selection are core parts of Syncthing's approach: users choose which folders to share and which devices receive them. Transfers between devices are encrypted, and file versioning is supported. Version-history retention depends on configuration, rather than a published plan tier, so buyers should account for configuration when deciding whether its history behavior fits their needs. Encryption is specified for data in transit, not at rest; organizations that require at-rest encryption should consider that limitation alongside their own storage requirements.
There is no paid cloud storage plan or hosted sync service. Syncthing is self-hosted, with documentation and community support channels, so it is a better fit for people prepared to manage a device-to-device setup than for buyers seeking a vendor-hosted service. It can suit solo users through enterprise organizations, but suitability depends on the willingness to configure and maintain the arrangement. Choose Syncthing if direct synchronization, control over storage location, and an open-source model matter more than cloud convenience. Look elsewhere if you need a hosted file-sync service or encryption at rest.
Syncthing pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Syncs selected folders directly between connected devices
- Encrypts transfers and supports file versioning
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
- Where it doesn't
- No hosted file-sync service or cloud storage plan
- Devices must connect directly to synchronize folders
- No encryption at rest
Syncthing fact sheet, pricing and score →
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