I am currently using Obsidian and the Remotely-save plugin. However, I have a big problem with Remotely-save.
- Background synchronization is not possible in Android. The app must remain open until synchronization is complete.
- Unreliable. Errors such as “Faild to fetch” and “error while sync” are displayed and need to be reset periodically.
- End-to-end encryption must be available.
- I am poor (monthly income is less than 500 USD), so it must be available for free.
Given the technical limitations of the Obsidian plugin, I am guessing that I would need to have a file system level synchronization method rather than a plugin to achieve background synchronization.
In addition to this, I have used Joplin, which also has the problem of no background sync for Android. Also, Joplin’s desktop app is excellent, but the Android app is poor and impractical. I have also used Standard Notes, but it does not seem to be able to display dates in yyyy-MM-dd.
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)[1:1]
- Git-based solutions using Working Copy or iSH[1:2]
- Remotely Save plugin with cloud storage services[1:3]
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].
Just set this up a month ago. Setting up syncthings is 100% the way to go.
Look into syncthing. Not sure about encryption tho and I’m not in a position to check RN.
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.
Why would you need Tailscale for syncthing?
iirc syncthing is encrypted, which matters because it will pass your data through a relay if it can’t connect directly.
+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.
I use Obsidian LiveSync
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.
Why not use GitHub for notes storage? That’s what I do
