Syncthing vs Unison: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the key differences between Syncthing and Unison. Both Syncthing and Unison are file synchronization tools that allow users to keep their files in sync across multiple devices or computers. However, there are distinct differences between the two.

1. Operating System Compatibility: Syncthing is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. On the other hand, Unison is primarily designed for Unix-like systems and may not be as compatible with other operating systems.

2. Synchronization Method: Syncthing uses a decentralized synchronization model, which means that files are synced directly between devices without relying on a central server. Unison, on the other hand, is a centralized synchronization tool that requires a central server to facilitate file synchronization between devices.

3. Conflict Resolution: When conflicts arise, Syncthing gives users the ability to manually resolve conflicts by choosing which version of the file to keep. Unison, on the other hand, provides automated conflict resolution, where it compares the modification times of files to determine the most recent version to keep.

4. User Interface: Syncthing provides a web-based user interface that allows users to easily manage their synced devices and folders from a browser. Unison, on the other hand, primarily relies on command-line interaction and may have a steeper learning curve for users who are not familiar with the command line.

5. Network Configuration: Syncthing uses a peer-to-peer network configuration, where devices directly communicate with each other without the need for port forwarding or complicated network configurations. Unison, on the other hand, requires manual network configuration and may require port forwarding or VPN setup to sync files over the internet.

6. Real-time Sync: Syncthing offers real-time synchronization, meaning that as soon as a change is made to a file, it is immediately synced to other devices. Unison, on the other hand, operates on a schedule and performs periodic syncs at predefined intervals.

In Summary, Syncthing and Unison differ in terms of operating system compatibility, synchronization method, conflict resolution, user interface, network configuration, and real-time sync capability.