§
NOTES-WIKIS
Should I self-host Obsidian Sync?
$5/mo · Sync Standard per seat · alternative: Obsidian LiveSync
RATING
KINDAOUTLOOK
NOT ASSIGNEDRATIONALE
The LiveSync community plugin against your own CouchDB replaces the $5/mo sync — end-to-end encrypted, works well once set up. It's the setup that's fiddly, and $5 also funds Obsidian itself. Worth it if you already run a server; guilt-free either way.
WHAT YOU LOSE
01
Zero-config official sync and version history
02
Funding the app you presumably love
WHAT YOU'RE PAYING FOR
encrypted vault sync · multi-device notes · version history
Self-Hosting Facts
1 app per panel · Obsidian Sync
Assumes 1 seat on 1 always-on box you already run
Amount per month% of sub *
Subscription$5.00
VPS share0.306%
Storage + backup0.000%
Your hours · 15 min @ $205.00100%
Self-hosted all-in5.30106%
Effective markup0.9×
Setup · 15 min measured$5.00 once
Break-evennever
VERDICT
KINDA
OUTLOOK
NOT ASSIGNED* Percent of the subscription price. Your time is priced at the slider's rate — $0/h ("my homelab time is free and I love it") is a legitimate position. Every number is derived from the record, never hand-written. Price source, checked 2026-08-06.
Runs comfortably on a Raspberry Pi.
01
ALTERNATIVES
Ranked alternatives
01
Obsidian LiveSyncYour Obsidian vault syncs through a CouchDB you run, end-to-end encrypted, with the server storing nothing it can read.
vrtmrz/obsidian-livesync · ★ 11,970 · 46d
02
EVIDENCE
PROTOCOL
v1
VERIFIED BY
zernonia
REVIEWED
10 AUG 2026
SETUP MEASURED
15 MIN
AI ASSISTANT
CLAUDE-CODE · STATED
FULL TIMED LOG
# Obsidian Sync — verdict log - **Date:** 2026-08-10 - **Verdict:** KINDA — worth it if… - **Protocol:** v1 (2GB reference env, Docker preinstalled, AI assistant: claude-code) ## Why no compose file - This verdict is decided by economics/capability, not setup effort — the rubric doesn't require a timed install to conclude the subscription should stay (or that the replacement's cost lives elsewhere, e.g. GPUs, egress, or an installer script). ## The call The LiveSync community plugin against your own CouchDB replaces the $5/mo sync — end-to-end encrypted, works well once set up. It's the setup that's fiddly, and $5 also funds Obsidian itself. Worth it if you already run a server; guilt-free either way.
03
HISTORY
10 AUG 2026UNRATED → KINDAInitial verdict: The LiveSync community plugin against your own CouchDB replaces the $5/mo sync — end-to-end encrypted, works w.