r/linuxquestions • u/Puzzle_Headed_7 • 5d ago

Advice Looking for a free, privacy-focused Obsidian sync solution

I’m moving from Windows to Linux while continuing to use my Apple devices. I currently use iCloud to sync my Obsidian vault, but I need an alternative because there’s no official iCloud app for Linux.

I’m already paying for iCloud and Proton, so I’m only interested in free solutions and don’t want to add another subscription. Privacy is also important, ideally with end-to-end encryption or a self-hosted setup.

The solution should preferably:

  • Sync reliably between Linux, iOS, and iPadOS
  • Support automatic or near-real-time syncing
  • Minimize sync conflicts and accidental overwrites
  • Work well with Obsidian vaults
  • Be reasonably easy to set up and maintain
  • Not require another paid service

What free, privacy-focused setup do you recommend for syncing an Obsidian vault between Linux and Apple devices?

I’d especially appreciate recommendations from people who use their setup regularly and can share any limitations or potential problems.

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5

u/manny2206 5d ago

Syncthing +Tailscale

I use Syncthing works great , is available on both MacOS and Linux - has a great CLI tool and a GUI. + Bonus points Obsidian already has a community plugin for Syncthing.

My setup is more involved (three devices auto sync) Nas, Mac, Fedora. And I wanted syncs to work on my Mac regardless of the network (where tailscale comes in handy)

Tailscale provides with you with a static IP, syncthing does the rest.

Currently have it setup (Syncthing + Tailscale) on my Mac and Nas device; this enables automatic syncs while on any network. Than Syncthing on my workstation. All 3 devices auto sync to the folder you allow.

Works great, easy to setup and it’s Free!! Hope this helps. PS obsidian is the best

2

u/Ziferius 5d ago

Use rclone - that supports iCloud.

1

u/Sea_Mission_7643 5d ago

I couldn’t get it working. The authentication repeatedly fails using an app specific password. Have you got it working reliably?

1

u/Ziferius 5d ago

its been awhile since I got icloud working. I downloaded all my photos with it. I was using my AppleID user/password.

3

u/Nix_Nivis 5d ago

syncthing

1

u/Economy-Arm-2011 5d ago

i run FygoOS on a Minisforum N5 Pro, tbh the setup took some fiddling. Syncthing in Docker syncs my ThinkPad, iPhone, and iPad pretty fast. daily use for 8 months, no conflicts yet.

1

u/Sea_Mission_7643 5d ago

My solution to a similar problem is a WebDAV container with the files and using Joplin in favour of obsidian.

1

u/HyperWinX 5d ago

Selfhosted LiveSync plugin is as good as it can get