this post was submitted on 05 Apr 2025
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Do you have a recommendation for a free Obsidian synchronization method? (lemm.ee)
submitted 2 weeks ago by seabananateasquirrel@lemm.ee to c/technology@lemmy.ml
17 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I am currently using Obsidian and the Remotely-save plugin. However, I have a big problem with Remotely-save.

  • Background synchronization is not possible in Android. The app must remain open until synchronization is complete.
  • Unreliable. Errors such as “Faild to fetch” and “error while sync” are displayed and need to be reset periodically.
  • End-to-end encryption must be available.
  • I am poor (monthly income is less than 500 USD), so it must be available for free.

Given the technical limitations of the Obsidian plugin, I am guessing that I would need to have a file system level synchronization method rather than a plugin to achieve background synchronization.

In addition to this, I have used Joplin, which also has the problem of no background sync for Android. Also, Joplin's desktop app is excellent, but the Android app is poor and impractical. I have also used Standard Notes, but it does not seem to be able to display dates in yyyy-MM-dd.

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[–] seabananateasquirrel@lemm.ee 1 points 10 hours ago

Thank you all for your consultation. For now, I have installed Self-hosted Livesync. I will use it for a while and give it a try.

[–] Strayce@lemmy.sdf.org 10 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)

Look into syncthing. Not sure about encryption tho and I'm not in a position to check RN.

[–] idyllic_optimism@lemmy.today 4 points 2 weeks ago

+1 for Syncthing, been using it to sync a tablet, a phone and a pc without much problem. Obsidian usually makes a separate note when there is a synch issue, so at least you don't need to worry about losing your data.

[–] kambusha@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Perhaps with the addition of Tailscale if they need to sync while out & about too. E2E encryption shouldn't matter here, since these are p2p connections.

[–] wolo@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 2 weeks ago

iirc syncthing is encrypted, which matters because it will pass your data through a relay if it can't connect directly.

[–] ShortN0te@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Why would you need Tailscale for syncthing?

[–] kambusha@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 weeks ago

For me it's never worked outside of my home

[–] Vendetta9076@sh.itjust.works 5 points 2 weeks ago

Just set this up a month ago. Setting up syncthings is 100% the way to go.

[–] Zerush@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 weeks ago

Andi said Syncthing:

Based on recent sources, Syncthing emerges as the most recommended free solution for synchronizing Obsidian vaults across devices[^1][^2]. This open-source tool provides real-time syncing without third-party cloud storage, encrypts data end-to-end, and works across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android platforms[^3].

Key advantages of Syncthing for Obsidian sync:

  • Completely free with no storage limits
  • Direct device-to-device synchronization
  • No cloud storage required
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Cross-platform support (except iOS)
  • Real-time syncing capabilities

Setup involves:

  1. Installing Syncthing on all devices
  2. Connecting devices using their unique IDs
  3. Creating a shared folder for the Obsidian vault
  4. Accepting the shared folder on other devices

For iOS users, alternatives include:

  • iCloud sync (Apple ecosystem only)[^1]
  • Git-based solutions using Working Copy or iSH[^1]
  • Remotely Save plugin with cloud storage services[^1]

While Syncthing requires more technical setup than paid solutions, it offers the most robust free synchronization method with privacy protection and no recurring costs[^2].

[^1]: How to Sync Obsidian Across All Your Devices (Including Free Methods) [^2]: Free Obsidian Sync: The Best Way to Sync Your Notes Across Devices [^3]: You Can Sync Obsidian Notes Between Your PC and Phone for Free, Here's How

[–] priapus@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 weeks ago

I use Obsidian LiveSync

[–] Lem453@lemmy.ca 1 points 2 weeks ago

I've been using this for 2 years. Rock solid with no issues.

Sync is so fast I can see myself typing if implement the same document on different computers. No issues with windows, Linux and android clients

https://github.com/vrtmrz/obsidian-livesync

[–] ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

If you're not able to find an adequate solution for Obsidian, you may want to investigate TriliumNext Notes.