Lsyncd as a Linux alternative to Resilio Sync
Updated
Our verdict
Lsyncd is not a direct replacement for Resilio Sync in peer-to-peer or multi-device sync scenarios. It works well if you need real-time syncing from one Linux machine to another over SSH using rsync, but lacks Resilio’s decentralized, cross-platform P2P model. It's a solid choice for system administrators managing Linux servers or workstations where controlled, scriptable, one-way or bidirectional sync over secure channels is needed. However, users relying on Resilio for easy, automatic syncing across Windows, Mac, and mobile devices without central servers will find Lsyncd too limited and Linux-centric.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 2.3.1
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both sync folders in real time based on file changes
- Avoid central cloud servers, enabling direct transfers
- Support syncing over networks to remote systems
- Efficient: only transfer changed parts of files
- Can secure transfers using SSH or other encrypted channels
What is different
- Lsyncd uses rsync over SSH, not P2P or BitTorrent protocols
- No native cross-platform support — Lsyncd is Linux-only, Resilio runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile
- Lsyncd requires manual setup and scripting; no GUI
- No sharing links or device pairing like Resilio
- Lsyncd typically does one-way sync by default; bidirectional requires extra tooling
Opening your Resilio Sync files
Lsyncd does not use Resilio Sync's file format or metadata, and cannot directly read or import Resilio-synced folders. Files synced by Resilio are regular files on disk, so Lsyncd can sync them if they're in a monitored directory, but it won't preserve Resilio-specific sync states, conflict resolution, or history. You can copy the actual files, but not the sync configuration or peer relationships.
Switching from Resilio Sync to Lsyncd, step by step
- Install Lsyncd using your package manager (e.g., apt install lsyncd on Debian/Ubuntu)
- Ensure rsync and SSH access are set up between source and target machines
- Create a configuration file in /etc/lsyncd/ or ~/.lsyncd/ defining source and target paths
- Use inotify + rsync in the config to mirror changes in real time
- Start lsyncd service or run manually, then monitor logs for errors
Key features of Lsyncd
- Real-time sync via inotify
- Uses rsync for efficient transfers
- Supports local and remote targets
- Configurable via Lua or shell
- Minimal resource usage
- Can run multiple instances
- Logs and error handling
- Supports SSH for secure transfers
How to install Lsyncd on Linux
sudo apt install lsyncdsudo apt install lsyncdsudo dnf install lsyncdsudo zypper install lsyncdFrequently asked questions
Can Lsyncd sync two ways like Resilio?
No, Lsyncd is primarily one-way (mirroring). Bidirectional sync requires external tools like unison or custom scripts; it’s not built-in.
Does Lsyncd work on Windows?
No, Lsyncd is a Linux-only tool. It relies on inotify and rsync, which are not native to Windows.
Is Lsyncd secure?
Yes, when using SSH as the transport, data is encrypted in transit. Access control depends on SSH keys and user permissions.
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