SyncThingyLinux
vs
Resilio SyncWindows
SyncThingy as a Linux alternative to Resilio Sync
Updated
Our verdict
SyncThingy is a good replacement for Resilio Sync if you're comfortable using Syncthing as the backend. It’s not a sync tool itself but a lightweight tray interface for managing Syncthing, which does the actual P2P syncing. Syncthing fills the same role as Resilio Sync—decentralized, direct folder syncing without central servers—but uses its own protocol. SyncThingy adds convenience for desktop users who want system-tray control. It's ideal for Linux users wanting an open-source, self-hosted sync solution with minimal UI clutter.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.0 (September 26, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both enable peer-to-peer folder syncing without central servers
- Support cross-device synchronization across multiple platforms
- Run as background services with optional GUI management
- Allow selective folder sharing and access controls
- Support end-to-end encryption and direct device connections
What is different
- SyncThingy is a tray controller for Syncthing, not a full sync application itself
- Syncthing uses its own protocol, not a modified BitTorrent like Resilio Sync
- Resilio Sync has built-in selective sync and advanced sharing options; Syncthing requires manual setup
- SyncThingy lacks mobile apps; Resilio Sync offers official mobile clients
- Syncthing is fully open-source (GPL), while Resilio Sync is proprietary
Opening your Resilio Sync files
Syncthing does not read Resilio Sync configuration files or folder metadata. You cannot directly import Resilio Sync folders or keys into Syncthing. Files synced by Resilio Sync can be copied manually to a Syncthing-managed folder, but syncing must be re-established from scratch. There is no automated migration path for data or device links. You’ll need to reconfigure shared folders and re-share them with devices using Syncthing’s device IDs and QR codes.
Switching from Resilio Sync to SyncThingy, step by step
- Install Syncthing and SyncThingy on your Linux system
- Start Syncthing via SyncThingy’s tray icon and open the web UI
- Set up folders to sync, pointing to your existing data directories
- Add devices by exchanging Syncthing device IDs or QR codes
- Copy data from Resilio Sync folders to Syncthing-managed folders if needed
- Verify sync and remove Resilio Sync when complete
Key features of SyncThingy
- Tray icon with status indicator
- Start/stop Syncthing daemon
- Open Syncthing web UI
- Built in C++ for low overhead
- Cross‑platform packaging (Arch, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE, Ubuntu)
- GPL‑3.0 license
- Simple configuration via system tray
How to install SyncThingy on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.github.zocker_160.SyncThingysudo apt install syncthingsudo apt install syncthingsudo dnf install syncthingsudo pacman -S syncthing-relaysrvsudo zypper install syncthingFrequently asked questions
Is SyncThingy the same as Syncthing?
No. SyncThingy is only a system tray icon that lets you control the Syncthing service. Syncthing does the actual file syncing.
Can I use SyncThingy without Syncthing?
No. SyncThingy requires Syncthing to be installed and running. It cannot function alone.
Does SyncThingy work on Windows?
Yes, but packaging is primarily Linux-focused. You can run it on Windows if built manually, but native Windows support is limited compared to Linux.
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