Can I open-source Obsidian Sync?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. Syncthing (87k stars), AppFlowy (75k stars), AFFiNE (71k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Obsidian Sync — self-host in one command and stop paying $5/mo.
They pay for no-drama sync across devices while keeping Obsidian's local-first model.
xofficial mobile sync polish
xconflict handling
xversion history UI
xencrypted vault workflow
xObsidian support
These projects already replace it, free.
SSyncthingSyncs the vault directly between computers; iPhones remain the awkward relative.open source↗SSiYuanPrivacy-first block-based personal knowledge management with bidirectional linksopen source↗NNextcloudYour own cloud, complete with the privilege of maintaining your own cloud.open source↗What each one is, in full: Syncthing · SiYuan · Nextcloud
all 8 open-source alternatives to Obsidian Sync →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Obsidian Sync pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| obsidian app | $0 | $0 | Free local Markdown app; 0 GB of hosted Sync storage included. |
| sync standard | $5/user | $4/user | 1 synced vault, 1 GB storage, 5 MB maximum file size, 1-month version history and unlimited devices. |
| sync plus | $10/user | $8/user | 10 synced vaults, 10 GB storage, 200 MB maximum file size, 12-month version history and unlimited devices. |
free tierno free Sync tier; the Obsidian app itself is free and stores local Markdown files
billingmonthly + annual (20% off); 7-day refund window
hidden costsEvery collaborator on a shared vault needs their own Sync subscription. Optional storage above 10 GB costs extra, but the current public amount was not found.
verified 2026-08-11 · source ↗
Is Obsidian Sync free?
Sync itself has no free tier, though the Obsidian app is free. Paid is Sync at $5/mo (checked 2026-08-07).
Can I open-source Obsidian Sync?
Yes. Syncthing replaces Obsidian Sync today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does Obsidian Sync cost?
Obsidian Sync costs about $5/month (Sync, checked 2026-08-07), which is $60 per year. That's what you save by replacing it with open source.
What do I lose by replacing Obsidian Sync?
Honestly: official mobile sync polish; conflict handling; version history UI; encrypted vault workflow; Obsidian support. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Obsidian Sync?
Yes: Syncthing (Syncs the vault directly between computers; iPhones remain the awkward relative.) SiYuan (Privacy-first block-based personal knowledge management with bidirectional links) Nextcloud (Your own cloud, complete with the privilege of maintaining your own cloud.) All 8 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/obsidian-sync/alternatives.