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.

  • Zerush@lemmy.ml
    31·
    24 hours ago

    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:

    1. Installing Syncthing on all devices
    2. Connecting devices using their unique IDs
    3. Creating a shared folder for the Obsidian vault
    4. 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].

    1. How to Sync Obsidian Across All Your Devices (Including Free Methods) ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

    2. Free Obsidian Sync: The Best Way to Sync Your Notes Across Devices ↩︎ ↩︎

    3. You Can Sync Obsidian Notes Between Your PC and Phone for Free, Here’s How ↩︎

  • Strayce@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    9·
    2 days ago

    Look into syncthing. Not sure about encryption tho and I’m not in a position to check RN.

    • idyllic_optimism@lemmy.today
      4·
      2 days ago

      +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.

    • kambusha@sh.itjust.works
      21·
      2 days ago

      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.

  • guest@feddit.org
    41·
    2 days ago

    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.

    • FriendBesto@lemmy.ml
      1·
      1 day ago

      Tried doing this and albeit it works, I ended up going back to the NC Notes app, which granted, is not as good as Obsidian.

      • FriendBesto@lemmy.ml
        1·
        1 day ago

        Not same as OP, but the reason why I do not use Github is because I do not want my data on what is essentially a Microsoft service. Especially, if I already self-host other services.

        Although, I am aware not everyone can afford or wants to self-host, yet in my use case, it was just a matter of just installing NC on an already existing setup.

      • guest@feddit.org
        1·
        2 days ago

        That’s also an option of course. However, personally I wanted an option entirely outside of US big tech, so that ruled out GitHub.

        Codeberg could be an option, but I didn’t want to abuse their service for private, non-oss needs.