The Curious AI Guy

Library / Self-hosted

Syncthing

Sync files directly between your devices.

Replaces
LicenseMPL-2.0
GitHub stars89.3k
Last code update12 October 2026
SetupIntermediate about 10 minOur estimate
Paid version costs aboutnot verified

New to this? What open source means and how to read this page.

What it is

A continuous file synchronisation program that syncs folders between your own devices, with no central server.

Good for

Keeping folders in sync across your computers and phones privately.

The catch

There is no cloud copy, so at least one device must be on for syncing to happen. It also is not a backup. Deleting a file deletes it everywhere.

Syncthing versus

Syncthing
PriceFreePrice not verified
LicenseMPL-2.0Commercial license
Source codePublic, you can read and check itNot public
SetupIntermediate, about 10 minSign up and pay
Where it runsOn your own computerThe vendor's app or service, under their terms

The paid product's own plans and terms change. Check its site before you decide.

Install it with an AI assistant

Paste this into Claude, ChatGPT or another assistant that can work on your computer (Claude Code or Claude Desktop, for example). It is written from the project's official repository and tells the assistant to show you every command first. Setup time is our estimate: about 10 min.

I want to install and try Syncthing on my own computer.

Official repository: https://github.com/syncthing/syncthing
Official site: https://syncthing.net
License: MPL-2.0

Before you do anything:
1. Read the README and install notes in the official repository above, and nothing else. Do not follow third-party tutorials or mirrors.
2. Tell me in plain words what will be installed, what it needs (operating system, memory, graphics card, disk space, accounts) and what it will cost me, if anything.
3. Check my computer against those needs and tell me honestly if it will not work well.

Install it as a regular desktop app: download the latest release for my operating system from the official releases page or the official site, install it, and open it with me.

Rules:
- Show me each command before you run it, and say what it does.
- Ask before anything that deletes files, changes system settings, opens a network port or needs an administrator password.
- Never put my passwords or keys on a command line, or in a file I did not choose.
- When it is installed, help me check it with one small test, and tell me how to start and stop it.
- If something goes wrong, explain it in plain words and do not guess your way around it.

Good to know before you start: There is no cloud copy, so at least one device must be on for syncing to happen. It also is not a backup. Deleting a file deletes it everywhere.

We have not run this prompt ourselves yet. Read what the assistant plans to do before you say yes.

Facts checked on 12 October 2026. We have not yet run a hands-on test of this tool. When we do, it gets a "Tested" mark here. Approximate US list prices for an individual plan, from third-party price trackers checked on 12 Oct 2026. Monthly billing where it exists. Regions, taxes and promotions change them. Confirm at the vendor before you decide.

More in Self-hosted

Self-hostedOpen source

Your own photo library, on your own server.

Replaces:

Intermediateabout 30 min

saves ~$9.99/moDetails →
Self-hostedOpen source

Know when your website or service goes down.

Replaces:

Intermediateabout 15 min

saves ~$10/moDetails →
Self-hostedOpen source

Scan, tag and search all your paperwork.

Replaces:

Intermediateabout 30 min

saves ~$16/moDetails →