Alternatives to osync

Two-way file synchronization script built on rsync with fault tolerance and near real-time sync. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as osync.

  • Unison

    Synchronize two file collections while preserving changes from both sides.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Unison also syncs two file collections in both directions, adds Windows and macOS support, but may need a decision on conflicting edits.

  • Lsyncd

    A live syncing daemon that watches local directories and mirrors changes to remote targets with rsync.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxCommand line

    Lsyncd mirrors changes in near real time using rsync and SSH with Lua configuration, but only one way rather than bidirectional.

  • Syncthing

    Keeps folders identical across your own machines, directly between them, with no cloud account in the middle.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineSelf-hosted

    Syncthing replaces rsync scripts with continuous two-way sync, TLS encryption and versioning across Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD, but both devices must be online.

  • rsync

    The classic delta-transfer tool for copying and mirroring files.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line

    rsync is the underlying delta-transfer tool osync builds on, offering one-way copies without osync's bidirectional logic or fault tolerance.

  • FreeFileSync

    Compares two folders, shows exactly what differs, and copies only what changed.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    FreeFileSync adds a graphical interface with two-way, mirror and update modes and versioning on Windows, macOS and Linux, though its installer carries advertising.

  • Mutagen

    Open-source tool for real-time file sync and network forwarding between local machines and remote containers.

    FreeOpen sourceCommand line

    Mutagen provides two-way real-time sync with SSH and Docker container support, but it is aimed at developer code rather than general server files.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.