Self-Hosted File Syncing Made Easy with Syncthing

Syncthing is a peer-to-peer file syncing app that allows you to sync files across multiple devices without relying on a central server or third-party cloud service. Unlike Nextcloud, which can be overkill for just a handful of files, Syncthing provides an efficient and private way to keep your essential documents and data accessible on all your devices.

Syncthing’s key features include encrypted transfers, block-based file scanning, and automatic versioning. When you make changes to a synced folder, only the modified blocks are sent to other devices, saving time and data. The app also retains both versions of conflicting files, ensuring no data loss.

To set up Syncthing, start by installing the app on your desired devices and setting up a local web server. You’ll need to create a username and password for the GUI settings and add the app to your computer’s startup list. Linking devices is done via device IDs or QR codes.

Adding folders to sync involves granting permission to access the desired folder, ticking shared devices, and setting file versioning options. Syncthing offers multiple versioning options, with staggered file versioning considered the best for most users.

While Syncthing is a popular choice, other peer-to-peer file syncing tools like Resilio Sync, Librevault, and Rclone are also available. The right tool depends on your syncing needs, platforms used, and feature requirements.

Source: https://www.makeuseof.com/free-tool-keeps-my-files-synced-everywhere-without-cloud