# How to choose an Obsidian sync method Compare Obsidian Sync, iCloud, OneDrive, Nutstore, Syncthing, Git, Fast Note Sync, LiveSync, and Remotely Save by devices, cost, maintenance effort, privacy, and version history. Canonical: https://21obsidian.com/en/sync ## Find the right Obsidian sync method Filter Obsidian sync options by your devices, budget, maintenance preference, and privacy needs. ## Recommended options - 1. Hard requirements: Devices, budget, and required features decide what can be recommended. - 2. Existing setup: Git, NAS, cloud accounts, and memberships only raise related options. - 3. Preference order: Ease of use or control explains why options move up or down. ## Four sync routes The table groups the tutorials into official sync, direct cloud-drive sync, plugin plus cloud storage, and self-hosted routes. ### Official sync Paid official sync from Obsidian - Option: Obsidian Sync | Cost: $4-8/month | Platform: All platforms | Difficulty: Low | Version history: 1-12 months | Best fit: Pay for the lowest maintenance path | E2EE: Yes | Auto sync: Yes ### Direct cloud-drive sync Put the vault directly inside a cloud-drive sync folder - Option: iCloud | Cost: Free (5 GB) | Platform: Apple ecosystem | Difficulty: Low | Version history: No | Best fit: Apple-first users | E2EE: No - Option: Baidu Netdisk | Cost: Membership required | Platform: Win + Mac | Difficulty: Low | Version history: No | Best fit: Baidu member, desktop-only sync | E2EE: No ### Plugin + cloud storage Use an Obsidian plugin with a third-party cloud backend - Option: Remotely Save + OneDrive | Cost: Free (5 GB) | Platform: All platforms | Difficulty: Low | Version history: Yes | Best fit: Already uses OneDrive | E2EE: Yes - Option: Nutstore Sync + Nutstore | Cost: Free (1 GB) | Platform: All platforms | Difficulty: Low | Version history: Yes | Best fit: Already uses Nutstore | E2EE: No ### Self-hosted routes For users who can maintain a NAS, server, or object storage - Option: Remotely Save + Feiniu NAS | Cost: NAS cost | Platform: All platforms | Difficulty: Medium | Version history: Yes | Best fit: Owns a NAS or understands WebDAV | E2EE: Yes - Option: LiveSync + Feiniu NAS | Cost: NAS cost | Platform: All platforms | Difficulty: High | Version history: Yes | Best fit: NAS or Docker user who can troubleshoot | E2EE: Yes - Option: Fast Note Sync + Feiniu Docker | Cost: NAS cost | Platform: All platforms | Difficulty: Medium | Version history: Yes | Best fit: NAS users who want a web console and exclude rules | E2EE: No - Option: Syncthing | Cost: Free | Platform: All platforms | Difficulty: Medium | Version history: Yes | Best fit: Free cross-platform sync with some setup | E2EE: No - Option: Git | Cost: Free | Platform: All platforms | Difficulty: High | Version history: Yes | Best fit: Developers comfortable with Git | E2EE: No - Option: Remotely Save + COS | Cost: Low usage-based cost | Platform: All platforms | Difficulty: Medium | Version history: Yes | Best fit: Already uses Tencent Cloud COS | E2EE: Yes ## 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. Cost: Free. Devices: macOS, iOS / iPadOS, Windows. Method: File sync. - Remotely Save + OneDrive: Uses free OneDrive storage as the backend and syncs through the Remotely Save plugin. Cost: Free. Devices: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS / iPadOS, Android. Method: Plugin sync. - Nutstore + WebDAV / Remotely Save: A familiar cloud-drive route for China-based users, best for small vaults and light sync. Cost: Free. Devices: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS / iPadOS, Android. Method: File sync. - Obsidian Sync: The easiest official paid option for people who do not want to spend effort maintaining sync. Cost: Paid. Devices: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS / iPadOS, Android. Method: End-to-end encryption. - Baidu Netdisk Sync Space: A convenient desktop sync option for China-based users on Windows and macOS. Cost: Membership. Devices: macOS, Windows. Method: File sync. - Syncthing: A free, peer-to-peer, cross-platform option for users willing to configure and troubleshoot. Cost: Free. Devices: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS / iPadOS, Android. Method: Peer-to-peer sync. - Git / Obsidian Git: A version-history and backup route for advanced users, not the easiest daily sync path. Cost: Free. Devices: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS / iPadOS, Android. Method: Version commits. - Fast Note Sync + Feiniu Docker: A self-hosted sync option with a Chinese web console, version history, and exclude rules. Cost: NAS cost. Devices: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS / iPadOS, Android. Method: Self-hosted service. - Self-hosted LiveSync: A self-hosted real-time sync option for NAS and Docker users. Cost: NAS cost. Devices: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS / iPadOS, Android. Method: Real-time database. - Remotely Save + WebDAV / S3: Connects Remotely Save to WebDAV, S3, or object storage for users who already have a backend. Cost: Own storage. Devices: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS / iPadOS, Android. Method: WebDAV / S3. ## Common questions ### Do I have to pay for Obsidian sync? No. iCloud, OneDrive, Nutstore, Syncthing, and Git can all form free or low-cost routes. Paid options mostly save maintenance time, reduce troubleshooting, and improve mobile reliability. ### 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.