Syncthing or Resilio Sync - Self-Hosted File Syncing

Self-hosted file synchronization solutions offer a convenient way to keep your files organized across multiple devices. By hosting a solution yourself, you can maintain control over your data and ensure that it is accessible whenever and wherever you need it. In this comparison, we'll examine two popular options: Syncthing and Resilio Sync. Both solutions allow you to synchronize files between devices, providing a range of features and settings to tailor your experience.

Syncthing and Resilio Sync are two popular, self-hosted file synchronization applications. While they have their differences, they also share several similarities. Here are some common features they share:

• Decentralized architecture: Both Syncthing and Resilio Sync operate on a decentralized network, allowing users to synchronize files between devices without relying on a centralized server.
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) synchronization: Files are transferred directly between devices, reducing the need for central servers or intermediaries.
• End-to-end encryption: Both applications encrypt data in transit and at rest using strong cryptography, ensuring that only authorized devices can access and read your files.
• Self-hosted: You can install and run both Syncthing and Resilio Sync on your own server or device, giving you full control over your data and synchronization process.
• Two-way syncing: Both applications allow for bi-directional file synchronization, ensuring that changes made to files on one device are reflected on other connected devices.
• Block-level synchronization: Instead of transferring entire files, both Syncthing and Resilio Sync use block-level synchronization, which reduces the amount of data transferred and increases performance.
• Resilient and fault-tolerant: Both applications are designed to handle network disruptions, device failures, or other issues that might affect the synchronization process.
• Customizable: You can customize various settings, such as file filtering, exclusion lists, and synchronization intervals, to tailor the experience to your needs.
• Multi-platform support: Both Syncthing (with its WebUI) and Resilio Sync (with its Desktop App) offer cross-platform compatibility, allowing you to synchronize files across multiple devices and operating systems.
• Open-source: Both applications are open-source, which means that their code is freely available for modification, review, and contribution by the community.

Here are some of the key differences between Resilio Sync and Syncthing

• Protocol:
+ Resilio Sync uses the BitTorrent protocol to facilitate peer-to-peer file transfers
+ Syncthing uses its own proprietary protocol (based on libp2p)

• Encryption:
+ Both tools offer end-to-end encryption for secure data transfer, but:
- Resilio Sync uses AES-256-CBC encryption
- Syncthing uses AES-128-CBC encryption

• Scalability:
+ Resilio Sync is designed to handle large-scale file transfers and is more suitable for use cases involving thousands of files or a large number of devices
+ Syncthing is better suited for smaller-scale file synchronization needs

• Security features:
+ Resilio Sync includes advanced security features like:
- Mandatory encryption (default)
- Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) for added protection
- Support for self-signed certificates
- Integration with third-party authentication services (e.g., OpenID Connect)
+ Syncthing focuses on simplicity and ease of use, with:
- End-to-end encryption (AES-128-CBC)
- Optional password-based authentication

• User interface:
+ Resilio Sync has a more polished, user-friendly interface with features like:
- A centralized dashboard for monitoring synchronization activity
- Support for multiple devices and folders
- Automated folder creation and organization
+ Syncthing's interface is more command-line focused, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use

• Licensing:
+ Resilio Sync offers both free and paid versions (Resilio Sync Pro)
+ Syncthing is open-source software, released under the GNU Affero General Public License (AGPL)

Final Notes and Thoughts

Personally, I've found that Syncthing suits my needs perfectly because of its simplicity and ease of use. As someone who values control over their data, I appreciate that Syncthing doesn't rely on any centralized servers or cloud services. The lack of complexity in the interface makes it easy for me to quickly set up and manage my file synchronization without feeling bogged down by a plethora of features. Additionally, the optional password-based authentication provides an added layer of security, giving me peace of mind knowing that only authorized devices can access my files. Overall, Syncthing's minimalist approach has made it a reliable choice for keeping my data in sync across multiple devices.

Lawrence Systems did a fantastic video tutorial on setting up Syncthing and I highly recommend checking it out.

At first glance, Syncthing's setup may seem intricate, with multiple configuration steps to complete. However, once all your devices are connected and the initial setup is done, you'll find that using Syncthing is surprisingly simple, allowing you to easily manage your file synchronization.