Unison File Synchronizer

Unison File Synchronizer

Unison is an open source file synchronization tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows two replicas of a collection of files and directories to be stored on different hosts, modified separately, and then brought up to date by propagating changes in both directions.
Unison File Synchronizer image
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Unison File Synchronizer: Open Source File Sync for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Get the best file synchronization tool with Unison, allowing replicas of files and directories on different hosts to be updated in both directions.

What is Unison File Synchronizer?

Unison is an open source file synchronization and data replication tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. It allows two replicas of a collection of files and directories to be stored on different hosts (or different disks on the same host), modified separately, and then brought up to date by propagating changes in both directions whenever the user requests it.

Key features of Unison include:

  • Open source with GUI and command-line interfaces
  • Bi-directional synchronization to merge updates between two replicas
  • Detects and reconciles conflicts automatically using custom rules
  • Keeps multiple versions of changed files for backup purposes
  • Supports different storage devices/protocols like filesystems, FTP, SSH, WebDAV
  • Compatible with Windows, Linux and macOS platforms

Unison is well-suited for syncing documents, remote backups to local storage, mirroring across devices etc. It's useful for individuals and teams needing to collaborate by syncing files across different systems. The official version runs on the command line making it fast and portable, while third-party GUIs are also available.

Unison File Synchronizer Features

Features

  1. Two-way sync
  2. Detects conflicts and prompts user
  3. Supports permissions, symlinks, hardlinks
  4. Cross-platform - Windows, macOS, Linux
  5. Command line and graphical UI
  6. Selective sync
  7. Fast transfer of incremental changes

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Reliable syncing

Handles conflicts gracefully

Preserves file permissions and metadata

Lightweight and fast

Cons

Steep learning curve

Command line only on Linux

No cloud sync or mobile app

No versioning

Limited reporting/logging


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