> Documentation index: https://rift.sh/llms.txt

# Rift vs Syncthing

Syncthing keeps whole folders identical across devices. Rift also shares part of a folder with an agent, as read or write, and keeps files available while your machines are off.

### What Syncthing is

Syncthing is open-source continuous file sync. Each device has its own key, there is no account, and files move between devices over encrypted connections. Nothing is stored anywhere except on the devices themselves. It is mature, and it works between devices that belong to different people.

### How they differ

Rift starts from the same idea, a key for each device and no account. Syncthing shares a whole folder with a device. Rift shares a folder, a subfolder or a file with a person or an agent, as read or write, and can keep the files available in Rift Cloud.

- Identity
  - Syncthing: A device key. No account.
  - Rift: A key that each machine and agent makes for itself. No account.

- Smallest share
  - Syncthing: A whole folder, for each device. Each device can set its copy to send only or receive only.
  - Rift: A folder, a subfolder or one file, as read or write.

- Who checks access
  - Syncthing: Each device, which accepts or rejects other devices.
  - Rift: Each machine that receives a file checks the grant itself.

- Who can read your files
  - Syncthing: Every device in the folder. A device you do not trust can hold ciphertext, in a mode its documentation calls beta.
  - Rift: Only the machines you shared with. Rift Cloud holds ciphertext.

- When your machines are off
  - Syncthing: Each device keeps its own full copy. Changes move only while two devices are on together.
  - Rift: Files stored in Rift Cloud stay available.

### Which to choose

Choose Syncthing when

- The machines are usually on and each can have the whole folder.
- You want software that is mature and in wide use today.
- You want no storage outside your own devices.

Choose Rift when

- You share less than a whole folder, or you want to set read or write for each recipient yourself.
- Files should stay available while your machines are off.

Based on Syncthing's documentation, read in October 2026. Sources: [untrusted devices](https://docs.syncthing.net/users/untrusted.html) , [syncing](https://docs.syncthing.net/users/syncing.html) , [folder types](https://docs.syncthing.net/users/foldertypes.html) , [home page](https://syncthing.net/).