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Synchronizes files between two or more computers in real time, safely protected from prying eyes. Your data is your data alone and you deserve to choose where it is stored, whether it is shared with some third party, and how it’s transmitted over the internet.

Our take

Continuous file sync between your own devices with no cloud and no account anywhere in the middle, which is exactly what you want if a third-party server is the thing you are trying to avoid. The trade is setup and topology: you connect devices yourself, both ends need to be online to sync, and there is no provider to fall back on. Excellent for people who want to own their sync entirely; not for those expecting cloud-style always-available access from anywhere.

GitHub at a glance
syncthing/syncthing
Stars
85,538
+ 348 this week
Last commit
4d ago
healthy
License
MPL-2.0
Latest release
v2.1.1
17d ago
Stars, last 10d

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Syncthing alternatives

Syncthing license, in plain English
MPL-2.0
Weak copyleft

Use it freely, even commercially. Changes to the project's own files must stay open, but you can combine it with closed-source code.

Permits

  • Commercial use
  • Modification
  • Distribution
  • Patent use
  • Private use

Requires

  • Disclose source of modified files
  • Same license on those files
  • License and copyright notice

Does not provide

  • Trademark use
  • Liability cover
  • Warranty

Why it matters: Weak copyleft protects the project's own files: improvements to them stay open, while the code can still sit alongside closed-source software.

Plain-language summary of the project's license, not legal advice. Read the full text for the exact terms.