I use Obsidian LiveSync
this post was submitted on 05 Apr 2025
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Look into syncthing. Not sure about encryption tho and I'm not in a position to check RN.
+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.
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.
iirc syncthing is encrypted, which matters because it will pass your data through a relay if it can't connect directly.
Why would you need Tailscale for syncthing?
For me it's never worked outside of my home
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:
- Installing Syncthing on all devices
- Connecting devices using their unique IDs
- Creating a shared folder for the Obsidian vault
- 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
Just set this up a month ago. Setting up syncthings is 100% the way to go.
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
Nextcloud + regular filesystem sync works great. I am just storing my vault in a synced folder.
But you would need to host it yourself if you cannot pay for a service like Hetzner Storage Share.
Tried doing this and albeit it works, I ended up going back to the NC Notes app, which granted, is not as good as Obsidian.
This is the way.
Why not use GitHub for notes storage? That's what I do
Not same as OP, but the reason why I do not use Github is because I do not want my data on what is essentially a Microsoft service. Especially, if I already self-host other services.
Although, I am aware not everyone can afford or wants to self-host, yet in my use case, it was just a matter of just installing NC on an already existing setup.
That's also an option of course. However, personally I wanted an option entirely outside of US big tech, so that ruled out GitHub.
Codeberg could be an option, but I didn't want to abuse their service for private, non-oss needs.
If you're not able to find an adequate solution for Obsidian, you may want to investigate TriliumNext Notes.