Compare software

Unison vs rsync: catalog facts
Unison	rsync
Free The open-source application is available without a license fee.	Free Free and open source under the GPL.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
Handles updates made independently on both replicas	Transfers only the changed parts of files, so repeat syncs are fast Preserves permissions, links and attributes, which makes it safe for system trees
Conflicting edits may require a decision before synchronization.	No versioning or snapshots on its own; --delete destroys without warning Command-line only, with a long list of subtle flags
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-3.0	License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.