I Built an Open-Source Alternative to Browser Sync — Your Data, Your Server

I wanted to sync my bookmarks, browsing history, and open tabs across devices without depending on Google or another third-party sync service.

So I built HelixSync — an open-source, self-hosted solution that puts you in control of your browser data.

What is HelixSync?

HelixSync lets you sync your browsing experience across your devices using a server that you host yourself.

It works with Helium and Chromium-based browsers, including Chrome, Brave, Edge, and Vivaldi.

Here's what you can sync:

• 🔖 Bookmarks — Keep your bookmarks, folders, and changes in sync.
• 🕘 Browsing history — Access synced history across connected browsers.
• 📑 Open tabs and windows — Pick up where you left off on another device.
• 🎨 Tab groups — Sync group names, colors, and collapsed states.

Whether you're switching between computers or just want the same browsing setup everywhere, HelixSync helps keep everything in sync.

Your data stays yours

I wanted a solution where I could control where my browsing data is stored instead of handing it over to a third-party service.

With HelixSync, you run the server yourself, and your data is stored in your own PostgreSQL database.

HelixSync uses end-to-end encryption. Your synced browsing data is encrypted so the server stores ciphertext rather than readable bookmarks and history.

No Google account. No Microsoft account. No third-party sync service required.

You can also manage your connected devices through a web dashboard and revoke access whenever you want.

What about passwords?

HelixSync intentionally does not sync passwords. It focuses on browser data such as bookmarks, history, tabs, and tab groups.

For password management, I recommend Vaultwarden, a lightweight server compatible with Bitwarden clients that you can host yourself.

I prefer keeping these responsibilities separate: HelixSync handles browser synchronization, while Vaultwarden handles passwords.

Together, they can help you build a self-hosted setup without relying on a third-party cloud service for either purpose.

Easy to get started

You don't need a complicated infrastructure to run HelixSync.

With Docker Compose, you can get the server, database, and web dashboard running on your own machine or server.

The basic setup is straightforward:

1. Deploy HelixSync on your server.
2. Create your account and save your recovery code.
3. Install the browser extension.
4. Connect your browsers to your server.
5. Choose which data you want to sync.

Once everything is connected, synchronization happens in the background.

You can also run it behind your own domain with HTTPS and manage your connected devices through the dashboard.

Built for people who value privacy and self-hosting

HelixSync is open source and released under the MIT license.

The goal is simple: give people a way to sync their browser data without having to depend on someone else's infrastructure.

If you already run a home server, a VPS, or a collection of self-hosted applications, HelixSync might fit right into your setup.

Try HelixSync

🚀 GitHub: https://github.com/GhaziAlibi/helixsync

🌐 Chrome Web Store: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/helixsync/pkklkldoippchkhpokglpolepbcbjdfk

I'd love to hear your feedback, ideas, and suggestions. Contributions and bug reports are welcome!

A question for the community: Do you prefer using browser-provided sync services, or would you rather host your own? What features would you want from a self-hosted browser sync solution?