Deploy and Host Managed Syncthing Service with One Click on Railway

Syncthing is a free, open-source file synchronization tool available on GitHub. It allows you to securely sync files between computers, mobile devices, or servers without relying on third-party cloud storage. With Syncthing Docker, you can easily deploy and manage your own secure file-sync service across platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Whether you want to sync your notes between Obsidian, back up project files across devices, or run a Syncthing setup for teams, Railway makes deployment painless. With just one click, you can host a managed Syncthing service that scales automatically and stays online 24/7.

About Hosting Syncthing on Railway (Self Hosting Syncthing Docker on Railway)

Self-hosting Syncthing with Docker gives you full control over your file synchronization setup. You decide where your data lives, which devices can connect, and how traffic flows. Unlike centralized file-sharing services, Syncthing uses peer-to-peer connections with encryption for maximum privacy.

Why Deploy Managed Syncthing Docker Service on Railway

Running Syncthing in Docker locally works, but it comes with challenges, manual setup, keeping the container running, dealing with NAT/firewall issues, and ensuring uptime. Deploying Syncthing Docker on Railway solves these pain points.

Railway provides:

• Instant setup: Click and deploy Syncthing without editing Docker Compose or YAML.
• Scalable infrastructure: Handles growing file sync needs automatically.
• Managed networking: No need to expose sensitive Syncthing ports manually.
• Cross-platform syncing: Works seamlessly with Syncthing Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS clients.

Railway vs DigitalOcean

DigitalOcean requires spinning up a VPS, installing Docker, opening ports, and keeping the system updated. Railway eliminates this by offering instant Syncthing Docker deploys without sysadmin overhead.

Railway vs Linode

Linode is powerful but expects you to manage OS updates, configure security patches, and monitor uptime. On Railway, Syncthing runs inside managed containers with automatic updates and zero manual patching.

Railway vs Vultr

On Vultr, you handle networking and disk setup yourself. Railway simplifies this with built-in storage management, making Syncthing setup smooth and beginner-friendly.

Railway vs AWS Lightsail

AWS Lightsail requires custom networking rules, scaling decisions, and IAM setup. Railway hides this complexity and provides a streamlined Syncthing install that just works.

Common Use Cases for Syncthing Docker

Here are 7 popular ways people use Syncthing:

1. Cross-Device File Sync – Keep your documents and media in sync between Windows, Linux, and macOS.
2. Mobile Backup – Automatically sync files from Android or iOS to your Railway instance for secure backups.
3. Team Collaboration – Share folders securely between team members without relying on Dropbox or Google Drive.
4. Obsidian Sync – Use Syncthing as a backend to sync your Obsidian vault across devices, avoiding paid sync services.
5. Git Alternative – Some developers use Syncthing for lightweight syncing of code across devices as a git alternative.
6. IoT & Remote Devices – Deploy Syncthing in Docker to sync data logs from IoT devices into the cloud.
7. Personal Cloud – Run your own Syncthing fork to have Dropbox-like functionality but under your full control.

Dependencies for Syncthing Docker on Railway

To run Syncthing Docker on Railway, you need:

• Docker image: Official Syncthing Docker image from Syncthing GitHub.
• Persistent storage: To store configuration and synced files.
• Exposed ports: Typically 22000/TCP (sync), 21027/UDP (discovery), and 8384/TCP (web GUI).

Deployment Dependencies on Railway

On Railway, you don’t need to worry about OS setup. Just configure:

• STNODE_NAME – your Syncthing node name.
• STGUI_ADDRESS – GUI port (default 0.0.0.0:8384).
• Storage volume /var/syncthing.

Implementation Details for Syncthing Setup

When deploying Syncthing on Railway, you’ll:

1. Launch the Syncthing Docker template.
2. Configure environment variables.
3. Mount persistent storage for Syncthing config and data.
4. Access the Syncthing Web GUI via Railway’s public URL.
5. Pair devices by scanning a QR code or entering the Device ID.

This setup works seamlessly with Syncthing Windows, Android, and iOS clients.

How Does Syncthing Compare to Alternatives?

Syncthing vs Dropbox

• Dropbox is centralized and convenient but stores data on third-party servers.
• Syncthing is decentralized, self-hosted, and privacy-first.
• Dropbox has easy sharing links and integrations, while Syncthing is more about direct device-to-device sync.

Syncthing vs Resilio Sync

• Resilio Sync is based on BitTorrent protocol, closed-source, and requires licenses for advanced features.
• Syncthing is fully open-source, free, and community-driven.
• Resilio has polished business solutions, while Syncthing is better for open, flexible, and private sync setups.

Syncthing vs Nextcloud

• Nextcloud is a full cloud suite with calendars, contacts, and collaboration tools.
• Syncthing focuses only on file syncing, making it lighter and faster.
• Nextcloud is ideal for teams needing a full replacement for Google Workspace, while Syncthing is best for pure sync.

Syncthing vs Git

• Git is version control, designed for developers to track changes in code.
• Syncthing is real-time sync—no commits or branches.
• Some developers use Syncthing as a Git helper to keep work-in-progress synced between machines.

Syncthing vs Google Drive

• Google Drive provides cloud storage with integrations, but files are controlled by Google.
• Syncthing ensures full privacy with no external servers.
• Google Drive is user-friendly for teams, while Syncthing requires a bit more setup but gives unmatched data ownership.

Syncthing vs Seafile

• Seafile is another self-hosted sync solution with versioning, but requires a full server setup.
• Syncthing runs lighter and doesn’t need a database backend.
• Seafile excels at enterprise features, while Syncthing is a simpler P2P sync tool.

Syncthing vs OwnCloud

• OwnCloud is similar to Nextcloud, offering collaboration beyond syncing.
• Syncthing avoids heavy database dependencies and sticks to efficient file sync.
• OwnCloud works well in large organizations, while Syncthing is great for individuals and small teams.

How to Use Syncthing

1. Download Syncthing – Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
2. Run Syncthing Install – On desktop or deploy via Docker.
3. Connect Devices – Each device has a unique ID; pair them through the GUI.
4. Select Folders – Mark which directories you want synced.
5. Start Syncing – Files are encrypted and synced automatically.

How to Self Host Syncthing on VPS (Other than Railway)

If not using Railway, here’s the manual way:

Clone Syncthing

git clone https://github.com/syncthing/syncthing.git

Run with Docker

docker run -d \
  --name=syncthing \
  -p 22000:22000 \
  -p 21027:21027/udp \
  -p 8384:8384 \
  -v /your/data:/var/syncthing \
  syncthing/syncthing

Access the Web GUI

Visit http://localhost:8384 to configure and pair devices.

Features of Syncthing

• Open-source, community-driven.
• Encrypted, peer-to-peer file syncing.
• Cross-platform support: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
• Web GUI for configuration and monitoring.
• Customizable Syncthing ports for networking.
• Runs in Docker with persistent storage.
• Lightweight and efficient.

Official Pricing

Syncthing itself is 100% free and open-source. There are no official paid plans. The only costs are hosting-related (if running in the cloud).

Monthly Cost of Self Hosting Syncthing on Railway

• Base Railway app: $5–$10/month.
• Storage add-ons for large data: extra depending on usage.
• Still cheaper than Dropbox Plus or Google One subscriptions.

FAQs

What is Syncthing?

Syncthing is an open-source file synchronization tool that lets you sync files securely across devices without cloud servers.

How do I install Syncthing Docker?

You can run Syncthing using the official Docker image. On Railway, simply deploy the template—no manual setup required.

Does Syncthing work on Windows?

Yes, there’s a native Syncthing Windows download, along with Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS versions.

What ports does Syncthing use?

Default ports are 22000/TCP (sync), 21027/UDP (local discovery), and 8384/TCP (GUI).

Can I use Syncthing with Obsidian?

Yes, many users sync their Obsidian vaults across devices with Syncthing, avoiding Obsidian Sync’s paid plan.

Is Syncthing an alternative to Git?

Not directly—it syncs files but doesn’t provide version control like Git. However, it can be a lightweight alternative for syncing projects.

Where can I download Syncthing?

You can get it from the official Syncthing download page or run via Docker.

Is there a Syncthing fork?

Yes, forks exist, but the main project on Syncthing GitHub is the most maintained.