Syncthing vs. iCloud: Experts Demand Local Control and Scorn Subscription Traps in Vault Management
For synchronization, the community strongly favors Syncthing, with reliability contingent upon local network access via Wireguard VPN or dedicated hardware like a Pi/NAS. Critical warnings are issued: synchronization does not equal backup; the industry standard remains the 3-2-1 rule, demanding manual copies to external media and separate cloud locations.
The debate splits over decentralized self-hosting versus established cloud vendors. While some advocate for convenience using services like Proton Drive, others push for pure local control. Specific recommendations target cross-platform syncing using KeePassXC, KeePassDX, and Strongbox, requiring a local Syncthing node. Conversely, some users like compactflax criticize paid options such as 1Password for what they label 'enshittification,' while electromental_soup_88 insists on rigorous, physical manual backups.
The weight of opinion settles on layered local infrastructure. The consensus mandates self-hosting sync solutions like Syncthing over reliance on singular cloud providers. The major fault line remains the tension between maximum convenience (paid cloud services) and absolute control (local, manual 3-2-1 adherence).
Key Points
Syncthing is the preferred syncing mechanism.
Multiple users point to Syncthing, often requiring Wireguard VPN or local NAS setup for dependable operation.
Synchronization is explicitly not a substitute for robust backup protocols.
Multiple sources mandate adherence to the 3-2-1 rule, emphasizing physical and separate cloud copies.
KeePassXC/KeePassDX combined with Syncthing is a recommended cross-platform setup.
captcha_incorrect specified this precise combination for iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux.
Paid password managers risk 'enshittification.'
compactflax criticized services like 1Password for forcing upgrades for basic functionality.
Self-hosting solutions offer better control than reliance on major cloud services.
Users advocate for self-hosting like Bitwarden via Vaultwarden on VPS providers like Hetzner.
Manual, rigorous backups are necessary regardless of sync status.
electromental_soup_88 recommended labeling and copying files to phone, thumb drive, and cloud when changes occur.
Source Discussions (3)
This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.