Syncthing Review, Pricing & Features

Syncthing is a free, open-source, peer-to-peer file synchronization tool. See features, platforms, pricing, pros, cons, and FAQs.

Researched and fact-checked by Bartu Cavusoglu · Updated July 19, 2026

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Category
File Management
Pricing
free/open-source, from Free
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 19, 2026
Founded
2013
Free PlanOpen SourceSelf-Hosted

What Is Syncthing

Syncthing is an open-source, continuous file synchronization program that keeps folders in sync across two or more devices in real time. Unlike cloud storage services, it transfers files directly between devices peer-to-peer, with no central server storing user data.

Syncthing's inception dates to December 15, 2013, and it reached its 1.0 release in 2019 after about five years of beta development. It is maintained by the Syncthing Foundation, a Swedish nonprofit organization, with Kastelo Inc. providing commercial support and additional funding from sponsors such as Mobius Sync and REEF Solutions.

Key Features

Syncthing is built around privacy and security: all data transfers are encrypted with TLS and include perfect forward secrecy, and devices authenticate one another using cryptographic certificates rather than relying on a shared password or central account.

The protocol and source code are fully open and documented on GitHub, and the tool is managed through a browser-based, local web interface designed to require minimal configuration. It runs across a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, OpenBSD, Android, and iOS.

Pricing

Syncthing is completely free and open-source software with no licensing fees or commercial tiers for the core product. Kastelo Inc. offers separate commercial support services for organizations that want professional assistance, but running Syncthing itself costs nothing.

Key Features

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Completely free and open-source with no paid tiers
  • True peer-to-peer design with no central server storing data
  • Strong encryption and certificate-based device authentication
  • Wide platform support across desktop and mobile operating systems
  • Backed by a nonprofit foundation with commercial sponsor support

Cons

  • No built-in cloud backup, since it syncs between devices rather than to a remote server
  • Initial setup of device pairing can be less intuitive than consumer cloud sync tools
  • Relies on devices being online simultaneously for real-time sync between them
  • No official enterprise-managed dashboard beyond community and Kastelo support offerings
  • Conflict resolution for simultaneous edits requires manual review

Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Syncthing free

Yes, Syncthing is completely free and open-source software with no paid tiers.

Does Syncthing use a central server

No, Syncthing synchronizes files directly between devices using a peer-to-peer protocol, with no central server storing data.

What platforms does Syncthing support

Syncthing runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, OpenBSD, Android, and iOS.

Who maintains Syncthing

Syncthing is maintained by the Syncthing Foundation, a Swedish nonprofit, with commercial support from Kastelo Inc. and other sponsors.

When was Syncthing created

Syncthing's inception dates to December 15, 2013, with its 1.0 release arriving in 2019.

Is Syncthing secure

Yes, all data transfers are encrypted using TLS with perfect forward secrecy, and devices authenticate using cryptographic certificates.

What language is Syncthing written in

Syncthing is written in Go.

Can Syncthing sync files over the internet, not just a local network

Yes, Syncthing can sync files between devices on a local network or remotely over the internet.

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