rsync as a Linux alternative to Resilio Sync
Updated
Our verdict
rsync is not a direct replacement for Resilio Sync, but it excels at one-way, controlled file synchronization over SSH or network paths where you have shell access. It’s ideal for users who prioritize automation, scripting, and full control over their sync process, such as system administrators or users with trusted networks. However, it lacks peer-to-peer discovery, real-time syncing, and multi-device mesh networking. If you need decentralized, always-on syncing across untrusted or dynamic devices like Resilio Sync provides, rsync won’t fit. For scheduled, secure, and efficient file updates between known endpoints, it’s reliable and mature.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.5.1
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both sync files efficiently using delta encoding to minimize data transfer
- Support syncing over network connections without requiring a central server
- Can handle large directories and resume interrupted transfers
- Preserve file metadata such as timestamps and permissions (rsync with flags)
- Work across Linux, Windows, and macOS platforms
What is different
- rsync is not real-time; it runs on-demand or via cron, unlike Resilio’s continuous sync
- No built-in peer discovery or encryption layer—requires SSH or secure network setup
- No web or mobile UI; entirely command-line driven
- Does not support torrent-style seeding or multi-source downloads
- No automatic conflict resolution or versioning for concurrent edits
Opening your Resilio Sync files
rsync does not read or export Resilio Sync folders directly. Resilio Sync uses its own proprietary format and peer-tracking system, so files synced by Resilio are just regular files on disk—rsync can copy them once they’re available locally. However, rsync won’t replicate Resilio’s metadata, shared links, or access controls. You can use rsync to back up or mirror files originally synced by Resilio, but not to join or replace an existing Resilio sync group.
Switching from Resilio Sync to rsync, step by step
- Install rsync: use 'sudo apt install rsync' on Debian/Ubuntu or equivalent for your distro
- Set up SSH keys between devices for passwordless authentication
- Identify the source and target directories to sync
- Run 'rsync -avz --progress /source/ user@remote:/target/' to test a transfer
- Add the command to a script or cron job for regular syncs
- Use '--exclude' patterns to filter files if needed
Key features of rsync
- Efficient delta syncing reduces bandwidth use
- Supports local and remote transfers over SSH
- Preserves permissions, symlinks, and timestamps
- Can resume interrupted transfers
- Filter rules for include/exclude patterns
- Scriptable and ideal for cron automation
- Works over any shell-accessible connection
How to install rsync on Linux
sudo apt install rsyncsudo apt install rsyncsudo dnf install rsyncsudo pacman -S rsyncsudo zypper install rsyncFrequently asked questions
Can rsync sync two folders in real time like Resilio?
No, rsync is not real-time. Use inotifywait with rsync or tools like lsyncd if you need automatic triggering on file changes.
Do I need a central server to use rsync?
No, but you need SSH or shell access between devices. One device initiates the sync to another.
Can rsync sync multiple devices automatically like Resilio?
Not inherently. You must script and schedule each sync pair manually or with tools like Ansible.
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