Choose CoveSync if you want the simplest setup possible
Pair devices with a 6-digit PIN, firewall rules configured automatically, and a web UI that lets you browse and open files. It costs $27 on Windows and macOS (free on Linux). Best for home users and small teams who want LAN sync without becoming a sysadmin.
Choose Syncthing if you need free, open-source, or internet sync
Syncthing is completely free and supports syncing over the internet. It has more advanced features like versioning and untrusted devices, but setup is more complex: device IDs, manual firewall config, and configuration files. Best for users who need maximum flexibility and don't mind the learning curve.
Side-by-side
| CoveSync | Syncthing | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | ~2 minutes | ~15–30 minutes |
| Pairing method | 6-digit PIN | Device ID (long string) |
| Auto firewall config | ✓ | ✗ manual |
| Web UI | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clipboard sharing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Folder browser in web UI | ✓ | ✗ |
| Files stay on LAN | ✓ enforced | ✓ configurable |
| Internet sync | ✗ | ✓ |
| Encryption in transit | ✓ mTLS | ✓ TLS |
| File versioning | ✗ | ✓ |
| Conflict handling | ✓ .conflict files | ✓ configurable |
| Android support | ✓ companion, coming soon | ✓ full peer |
| Linux support | ✓ free | ✓ free |
| Windows & macOS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price | $27 one-time (Win/Mac) | Free open source |
| License verification | Offline no phone-home | — |
What sets them apart
Setup simplicity
CoveSync pairs devices with a 6-digit PIN. Open the web UI on both devices, enter the code, done. Syncthing uses device ID strings (longer and harder to transcribe) and typically requires editing XML config files to share folders. CoveSync also configures firewall rules automatically on all supported platforms, while Syncthing requires you to open ports manually or use UPnP.
Internet sync
Syncthing can sync across the internet using global discovery servers and optional relay servers. CoveSync is LAN-only. Devices must be on the same local network. This is intentional: CoveSync enforces private network isolation at the connection level. If you need internet sync, Syncthing is the right choice.
Pricing model
Syncthing is fully free and open source. CoveSync is free on Linux but costs $27 one-time for Windows and macOS (no subscription). The Linux version has zero feature restrictions. CoveSync's license verification is fully offline. No activation server, no phone-home.
Android approach
Syncthing's Android app is a full sync peer that can talk directly to other Android devices. CoveSync's Android companion app is coming soon and will sync with a PC on the same network, but will not support Android-to-Android direct sync. This is a trade-off: Syncthing's approach is more capable but uses more battery, while CoveSync's approach is simpler and lighter.
Extra features
CoveSync includes clipboard sharing between devices and a folder browser in the web UI, features Syncthing doesn't have. Syncthing offers file versioning, untrusted devices, and relay connections, which CoveSync doesn't. Both handle sync conflicts with conflict files.
Decision guide
Choose CoveSync if:
- You want the simplest possible setup: install and sync in minutes
- You only need LAN sync (all devices on the same network)
- You want automatic firewall configuration
- Clipboard sharing between devices sounds useful
- You prefer a polished, browser-based management UI
- You're willing to pay $27 for a no-hassle experience on Windows or macOS
Choose Syncthing if:
- You need free, open source software
- You need to sync over the internet
- You need Android-to-Android sync
- You want file versioning
- You need advanced configuration options
- You're comfortable with a more technical setup process
You can use both. There's no conflict between running CoveSync and Syncthing on the same machine. Some users run Syncthing for internet sync and CoveSync for faster, simpler LAN sync between their home devices.
Common questions
Is CoveSync faster than Syncthing?
Both run at LAN speed with no artificial throttling. On a gigabit network, there's no meaningful speed difference for most use cases. CoveSync's pull-based model means each device fetches only what it needs, which can be more efficient on networks with mixed device types.
Does Syncthing collect data?
Syncthing is open source and collects no data by default. However, it uses global discovery servers to help peers find each other (which can reveal IP addresses to the discovery servers unless you disable them). CoveSync uses only local multicast discovery. No external servers at all.
Can I migrate from Syncthing to CoveSync?
Yes. CoveSync syncs existing folder contents without re-downloading. Just point a share at your existing folder and CoveSync will compare remote and local files, only transferring what's missing or newer.
Which is better for a home user?
For most home users, CoveSync offers the simpler experience: PIN pairing, auto firewall, and a clean web UI. Syncthing is more powerful but requires more setup. If you just want your laptop and desktop to stay in sync without tinkering, start with CoveSync.