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.
Look into syncthing. Not sure about encryption tho and I’m not in a position to check RN.
+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.
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.
iirc syncthing is encrypted, which matters because it will pass your data through a relay if it can’t connect directly.
Why would you need Tailscale for syncthing?
For me it’s never worked outside of my home
Just set this up a month ago. Setting up syncthings is 100% the way to go.
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].
I use Obsidian LiveSync
I’ve been using this for 2 years. Rock solid with no issues.
Sync is so fast I can see myself typing if implement the same document on different computers. No issues with windows, Linux and android clients
It has been a long time since you all have been here. I have tried many different means over time since then. I am now using a combination of Self-hosted LiveSync and fly.io.
If you’re not able to find an adequate solution for Obsidian, you may want to investigate TriliumNext Notes.
Thank you all for your consultation. For now, I have installed Self-hosted Livesync. I will use it for a while and give it a try.
