UnisonLinux
vs
Resilio SyncWindows
Unison as a Linux alternative to Resilio Sync
Updated
Our verdict
Unison is a solid replacement for Resilio Sync if you control both ends of the sync and prefer direct, secure, bidirectional synchronization without relying on P2P networks. It works well for users who need reliable, scriptable, and secure file updates between trusted machines, especially over SSH. However, it’s not designed for large-scale, decentralized sharing or syncing across untrusted or intermittently connected devices like Resilio Sync can. Unison suits system administrators and technical users comfortable with manual setup and configuration, not casual users wanting 'set-and-forget' syncing.
- License
- GPL-3.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 2.54.0 (June 13, 2026)
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
What works the same
- Both sync files between two locations reliably
- Support cross-platform syncing (Linux, Windows, macOS)
- Keep folders in sync without requiring a central server
- Preserve file metadata such as permissions and symlinks
- Allow configuration via profiles and scripts
What is different
- Unison uses SSH or local paths; no built-in P2P or NAT traversal like Resilio Sync
- No automatic device discovery or web-based sharing links
- Unison is manually triggered or scheduled, not real-time
- No mobile apps or background daemon by default
- Conflict handling is explicit, not automatic
Opening your Resilio Sync files
Unison does not read Resilio Sync configuration files or recognize its metadata format. There is no direct import or conversion tool. You must manually set up equivalent sync paths and permissions in Unison. Resilio Sync data folders are plain files, so the content itself is accessible and can be copied into Unison-managed directories. However, syncing the same folders with both tools risks conflicts or duplication.
Switching from Resilio Sync to Unison, step by step
- Install Unison on both Linux systems using your package manager
- Ensure SSH access is configured between the two machines
- Create a Unison profile specifying the local and remote paths
- Run Unison manually first to verify file transfer and conflict handling
- Set up a cron job or systemd service for regular synchronization
Key features of Unison
- Bidirectional file synchronization
- Supports local, remote (SSH), and network paths
- Detects and resolves two-way changes
- Cross-platform: Linux, macOS, Windows
- Preserves permissions, ownership, and symlinks
- Configurable conflict detection and handling
- Profile-based configuration system
- Runs in terminal or with GUI frontends
How to install Unison on Linux
flatpak install flathub io.github.bcpierce00.unisonsudo apt install unison-2.53sudo apt install unison-2.53sudo dnf install unisonsudo pacman -S unisonsudo zypper install unisonFrequently asked questions
Can Unison sync in real time like Resilio Sync?
No. Unison is not real-time; it synchronizes when manually run or triggered by a scheduler. For continuous syncing, you'd need to combine it with inotify or cron, but it won’t match Resilio’s instant P2P propagation.
Does Unison work without SSH?
Yes, but only locally or over supported network paths like NFS or SMB. The secure, remote use case typically relies on SSH for encryption and authentication.
Can I use Unison on Windows to sync with Linux?
Yes. Unison runs on Windows and can sync with Linux via SSH. You’ll need to install Cygwin or WSL for full compatibility, and configure paths carefully.
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