Should you build your own Obsidian Sync?
Paid sync service for a local-first Markdown knowledge base
If you already accept local Markdown files, syncing folders across devices is a solved problem; the hard part is not the app, it is conflict-free convenience.
ENOriginal research content in English. Original prompt preserved in English.
Build me a sync setup for my Obsidian vault to replace Obsidian Sync. Requirements:
- This is plumbing, not an app: the vault is a folder of Markdown files, sync it with
git. Syncthing is the zero-history alternative; use git here because I want history.
- A small watcher (Node + chokidar + simple-git, or a plain bash script on a
systemd/launchd timer, pick the simpler) that debounces 30 seconds after the last
change, commits with an auto message, and pushes to a private GitHub repo.
- On start and every 5 minutes: pull with rebase. On conflict, never lose data: write
the incoming version as <name>.conflict-YYYY-MM-DD.md, keep mine in place, and log it.
- .gitignore for .obsidian/workspace* and .trash so device-local state does not ping-
pong between machines.
- A `vaultsync status` command showing last push/pull time and any outstanding conflict
files.
- Mobile: point a git client (Working Copy on iOS, MGit on Android) at the same repo.
Document that in the README, do not build mobile anything.
- The repo stays private; token in .env or the system git credential helper. No accounts
beyond GitHub, no telemetry, notes stay plain Markdown on disk.
- Out of scope: an encrypted-vault workflow and a version-history UI. git log is the
history.
- README: second-machine setup steps and the conflict-file convention.The prompt opens pre-filled in your agent. Review it before running. · this prompt is generated from the build plan · improve it via PR
What would building your own look like?
Use a local Markdown folder, git/Syncthing/iCloud/Drive for sync, and optional scripts for backlinks/search.
What you will need
- local Markdown folder
- Syncthing, Git, iCloud, Dropbox, or similar
- optional mobile file access
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
Prefer something ready-made?
SyncthingSyncs the vault directly between computers; iPhones remain the awkward relative.Open source↗
NextcloudYour own cloud, complete with the privilege of maintaining your own cloud.Open source↗
iCloud DriveFive free gigabytes and excellent Apple plumbing; everyone else gets a side door.Free↗View all 3 alternatives to Obsidian Sync →· Licença, instalação e limitações em cada alternativa.
How much does Obsidian Sync cost?
- Monthly billing
- $5/mo$5/mo · per person
- Per year
- $60/yr$60/yr
- Annual billing
- $48/yr20% cheaper than paying monthly
- On a Brazilian card, with 3.5% IOF
- R$26.13/moR$251/yr
Saved to My list. You will see a notice on this site when the price changes.
You complete the purchase on Obsidian Sync’s site. Vibe Radar does not handle payments.
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | What is included |
|---|---|---|---|
| obsidian app | $0 | $0 | Free local Markdown app; 0 GB of hosted Sync storage included. |
| sync standard | $5/user≈ $5 | $4/user≈ $4 | 1 synced vault, 1 GB storage, 5 MB maximum file size, 1-month version history and unlimited devices. |
| sync plus | $10/user≈ $10 | $8/user≈ $8 | 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
Billing termsmonthly + annual (20% off); 7-day refund window
Additional 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 2026-10-20 · source ↗
Is it cheaper to build or buy Obsidian Sync?
Adjust the numbers: hours to build, your hourly rate, running costs and the subscription price.
Over 24 months, subscribing is cheaper.
Starting hours estimated from the analysis (one sitting). Does not price what you give up (support, integrations, security).
Is Obsidian Sync free?
Sync itself has no free tier, though the Obsidian app is free. The paid plan is Sync at $5/mo (checked 10/20/2026).
Can I rebuild Obsidian Sync?
Yes. A competent AI coding agent (Claude Code, Codex, Cursor) can build a usable personal Obsidian Sync replacement in one session with the prompt on this page. It runs on your own machine or server with no subscription.
How much does Obsidian Sync cost?
Obsidian Sync costs about $5/mo (Sync, checked 10/20/2026), which is $48 per year. That’s what you save by replacing it with one prompt.
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.) Nextcloud (Your own cloud, complete with the privilege of maintaining your own cloud.) iCloud Drive (Five free gigabytes and excellent Apple plumbing; everyone else gets a side door.) All 3 curated free alternatives are at https://viberadar.si/obsidian-sync/alternatives. The prompt is for when you want it exactly your way.