Find the rightObsidian sync method
Filter your sync options
Based on Windows、macOS · Paid is fine · Keep it simple: 4 options
All options →
Obsidian Sync
Best matchThe easiest official paid option for people who do not want to spend effort maintaining sync.
Paid · Difficulty: Low · Official sync
Why this fits：No extra prerequisite；Good for a lightweight start
Remotely Save + OneDrive
Uses free OneDrive storage as the backend and syncs through the Remotely Save plugin.
Free · Difficulty: Low · Plugin + cloud
Why this fits：Good for a lightweight start
Nutstore Sync + Nutstore
Recommended for paid Nutstore users or users starting with a new vault containing few files. Bulk initial sync of an existing vault can hit request limits, causing 503 errors and failed syncs.
Free for new vaults / paid · Difficulty: Low · Plugin + cloud
Why this fits：Good for a lightweight start
Baidu Netdisk Sync Space
A convenient desktop sync option for China-based users on Windows and macOS.
Membership · Difficulty: Low · Cloud-drive sync
Why this fits：Good for a lightweight start
Four sync routes
The table groups the tutorials into official sync, direct cloud-drive sync, plugin plus cloud storage, and self-hosted routes.
| Option | Cost | Platform | Difficulty | Version history | Best fit | E2EE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01Official syncPaid official sync from Obsidian1 options | ||||||
| Obsidian Sync | $4-8/month | All platforms | 1-12 months | Pay for the lowest maintenance path | ||
| 02Direct cloud-drive syncPut the vault directly inside a cloud-drive sync folder2 options | ||||||
| iCloud | Free (5 GB) | Apple ecosystem | Apple-first users | |||
| Baidu Netdisk | Membership required | Win + Mac | Baidu member, desktop-only sync | |||
| 03Plugin + cloud storageUse an Obsidian plugin with a third-party cloud backend2 options | ||||||
| Remotely Save + OneDrive | Free (5 GB) | All platforms | Already uses OneDrive | |||
| Nutstore Sync + Nutstore | Free for new vaults / paid | All platforms | Paid users or new vaults with few files; bulk sync of existing vaults risks 503 errors | |||
| 04Self-hosted routesFor users who can maintain a NAS, server, or object storage6 options | ||||||
| Remotely Save + Feiniu NAS | NAS cost | All platforms | Requires backend versioning | Owns a NAS or understands WebDAV | ||
| LiveSync + Feiniu NAS | NAS cost | All platforms | NAS or Docker user who can troubleshoot | |||
| Fast Note Sync + Feiniu Docker | NAS cost | All platforms | NAS users who want a web console and exclude rules | |||
| Syncthing | Free | All platforms | Free cross-platform sync with some setup | |||
| Git | Free | All platforms | Developers comfortable with Git | |||
| Remotely Save + COS | Low usage-based cost | All platforms | Requires backend versioning | Already uses Tencent Cloud COS | ||
Read the full setup guides
The sections above compare the routes. This index keeps the full tutorial links in one place.
iCloud
The simplest free option inside the Apple ecosystem, best for Mac, iPhone, and iPad users.
Cloud-drive sync · Free · File sync
Remotely Save + OneDrive
Uses free OneDrive storage as the backend and syncs through the Remotely Save plugin.
Plugin + cloud · Free · Plugin sync
Obsidian Sync
The easiest official paid option for people who do not want to spend effort maintaining sync.
Official sync · Paid · End-to-end encryption
Baidu Netdisk Sync Space
A convenient desktop sync option for China-based users on Windows and macOS.
Cloud-drive sync · Membership · File sync
Nutstore Sync + Nutstore
Recommended for paid Nutstore users or users starting with a new vault containing few files. Bulk initial sync of an existing vault can hit request limits, causing 503 errors and failed syncs.
Plugin + cloud · Free for new vaults / paid · File sync
Syncthing
A free, peer-to-peer, cross-platform option for users willing to configure and troubleshoot.
Self-hosted / advanced · Free · Peer-to-peer sync
Git / Obsidian Git
A version-history and backup route for advanced users, not the easiest daily sync path.
Self-hosted / advanced · Free · Version commits
Fast Note Sync + Feiniu Docker
A self-hosted sync option with a Chinese web console, version history, and exclude rules.
Self-hosted / advanced · NAS cost · Self-hosted service
Self-hosted LiveSync
A self-hosted real-time sync option for NAS and Docker users.
Self-hosted / advanced · NAS cost · Real-time database
Remotely Save + WebDAV / S3
Connects Remotely Save to WebDAV, S3, or object storage for users who already have a backend.
Self-hosted / advanced · Own storage · WebDAV / S3
Common questions
Most problems come from running multiple sync tools, ignoring mobile limits, or treating a backup tool as real-time sync.
Do I have to pay for Obsidian sync?
No. iCloud, OneDrive, Syncthing, and Git can all form free or low-cost routes. We recommend Nutstore for paid users or users starting with a new vault containing few files. WebDAV allows 600 requests per 30 minutes for free users and 1500 for paid users. Bulk initial sync of an existing vault can trigger 503 errors and failed syncs, even on a paid plan. Paid options mostly save maintenance time and reduce troubleshooting.
What is best for Apple-only devices?
For Mac, iPhone, and iPad only, start with iCloud. Let Obsidian on iPhone or iPad create the dedicated iCloud folder first, then open or move the vault from your Mac.
Can I run two sync tools at once?
Avoid it. Two tools editing the same vault can create duplicate files, overwrite new settings with old ones, or conflict inside plugin data.
Why do normal cloud drives cause Obsidian sync issues?
An Obsidian vault has many small files, attachments, themes, plugin settings, and caches. A normal cloud drive syncs folders, but may not handle note-app editing patterns well.
What matters most for mobile sync?
Check whether the route has a stable mobile client, background behavior, and conflict handling. A desktop-only workflow may not work well on iPhone or Android.
Can Baidu Netdisk sync desktop vaults?
Yes, if your account has Sync Space access and both computers open the same vault inside that space. It is better for Windows and Mac desktop sync than for mobile sync.
What should I do before moving an existing vault?
Make a full backup first, then place a copy in the new sync location. Confirm notes, attachments, and settings appear on every device before you stop using the original local vault.
Can sync replace backup?
No. Sync also spreads deletions and bad edits. Important vaults still need separate backups, ideally in another location or with version history.
Is Git good for daily Obsidian sync?
It fits people who already understand version control. Git gives clear history and rollback, but mobile use and conflict handling are harder.
How do I know sync is working?
Create a test note on one device, wait for sync, then check another device. Edit the note there and confirm the change comes back to the first device.
Help improve this sync guide
If a tutorial is wrong or you know another sync method worth adding, send it through the feedback form.