Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SideStore VS Synaptic

Compare SideStore VS Synaptic and see what are their differences

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SideStore logo SideStore

An alternative app store that aims to make sideloading apps as seamless as possible.

Synaptic logo Synaptic

Please take a minute to watch our video, it gives an overview of Synaptic's role in financial services.
  • SideStore Landing page
    Landing page //
    2026-06-26
  • Synaptic Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-10-03

SideStore features and specs

  • No computer required for refreshing
    SideStore leverages a minimized VPN and WireGuard to refresh app signatures directly on-device, eliminating the need to connect to a computer every 7 days like traditional sideloading tools such as AltStore.
  • Free and open source
    SideStore is a community-driven, open-source project available on GitHub. Users can inspect the code, contribute to development, and use the tool completely free of charge without any premium tiers or subscriptions.
  • No jailbreak required
    SideStore works on non-jailbroken iOS devices, making it accessible to a much wider audience who want to install apps outside the official App Store without compromising their device's security through jailbreaking.
  • Support for multiple sideloaded apps
    SideStore allows users to install and manage multiple sideloaded apps (within Apple's free developer account limits of typically 3 active apps), providing a convenient interface for managing these installations.
  • Community-driven source repositories
    SideStore supports community source repositories, allowing users to browse and install apps from curated lists shared by the community, making it easier to discover and install third-party apps.

Possible disadvantages of SideStore

  • Initial setup requires a computer
    Despite not needing a computer for ongoing refreshing, the initial installation of SideStore still requires a Mac or Windows PC to sideload the app onto the device for the first time, which can be a barrier for some users.
  • Apple developer account limitations
    Users are still bound by Apple's free developer account restrictions, which limit them to only 3 active sideloaded apps at a time and require app signatures to be refreshed every 7 days to keep apps functional.
  • WireGuard VPN dependency
    SideStore requires a local WireGuard VPN connection to function for on-device signing. This can conflict with other VPN apps the user may want to run simultaneously and may cause confusion or connectivity issues.
  • Potential instability and bugs
    As a community-developed project that is still actively evolving, SideStore can experience bugs, crashes, or compatibility issues with newer iOS versions, and updates may not always be released promptly.
  • Risk of Apple crackdowns
    Apple has historically taken steps to limit or block sideloading tools. SideStore users face the ongoing risk that Apple could patch the methods SideStore relies on, potentially rendering installed apps non-functional or blocking future installations.

Synaptic features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Synaptic provides a graphical user interface that simplifies the process of managing software, making it accessible even to users who might not be comfortable with command-line tools.
  • Comprehensive Package Management
    It allows users to install, remove, upgrade, and configure software packages, offering a comprehensive solution for package management on Debian-based systems.
  • Dependency Management
    Synaptic automatically handles dependencies, ensuring that all necessary additional packages are installed or updated along with the desired software.
  • Advanced Search Capabilities
    The tool offers advanced search features, making it easier for users to find specific packages or groups of packages.
  • Preview Package Changes
    Users can preview package changes before they are applied, helping to avoid unintended modifications or removals.

Possible disadvantages of Synaptic

  • Linux Specific
    Synaptic is only available for Debian-based Linux distributions, limiting its use for those on other operating systems.
  • Outdated Interface
    While functional, the graphical user interface may appear outdated compared to more modern package management tools, potentially affecting user experience.
  • No Native Support for All Package Formats
    Synaptic primarily manages Debian packages (DEB) and might not be suitable for systems or environments that use other package formats like RPM without additional configuration.
  • Requires Graphical Environment
    As a GUI-based tool, Synaptic requires a graphical environment to run, making it less useful for servers or systems without a graphical desktop environment.
  • Potential Redundancy
    There may be redundancy in functionality for users who are comfortable with command-line tools like apt-get, making Synaptic unnecessary.

Analysis of SideStore

Overall verdict

  • SideStore is a solid, actively developed solution for sideloading iOS apps without needing to reconnect to a computer every 7 days, making it a strong choice for users who want more freedom on non-jailbroken devices.

Why this product is good

  • Allows sideloading of apps on iOS without a jailbreak, using your own Apple ID and developer certificate
  • Refreshes app signatures over Wi-Fi via a background process, so you don't need to plug into a computer weekly
  • Open-source fork of AltStore, benefiting from community development and transparency
  • Works independently after initial setup using a paired device and WireGuard-based connection
  • Free to use, offering an alternative to paid or complex sideloading methods

Recommended for

  • Users who want to sideload apps on iOS without jailbreaking
  • People who dislike reconnecting their device to a computer every 7 days to re-sign apps
  • Tech-savvy iOS users comfortable with a slightly involved initial setup process
  • Fans of open-source software seeking an AltStore alternative
  • Those wanting to run emulators, custom apps, or tools not available on the App Store

Analysis of Synaptic

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Synaptic is generally considered to be a reliable and effective tool for managing software packages on Linux systems.

Why this product is good

  • Synaptic is a powerful and user-friendly graphical package manager for APT-based distributions like Debian and Ubuntu. It offers a comprehensive range of features, including package installation, upgrade, removal, and detailed package information. Its GUI provides an intuitive interface for managing software, which can be especially beneficial for users who prefer not to use the command line.

Recommended for

  • Linux users who prefer a graphical user interface over command-line for software management.
  • Users of APT-based distributions such as Debian, Ubuntu, and their derivatives.
  • Individuals seeking a comprehensive and detailed package manager that offers extensive information and control over installed software.

SideStore videos

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Synaptic videos

Is Synaptic Drive a Worthy Custom Robo Successor? | Synaptic Drive Review

More videos:

  • Review - A look at the Synaptic 2 0 Waist Pack
  • Demo - Synaptic Amps Demo/Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SideStore and Synaptic)
App Store
100 100%
0% 0
Front End Package Manager
Software Marketplace
100 100%
0% 0
Windows Tools
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing SideStore and Synaptic, you can also consider the following products

Altstore - A home for apps that push the boundaries on iOS

Chocolatey - The sane way to manage software on Windows.

Apple App Store - Install apps on your iDevice via the App Store.

Homebrew - The missing package manager for macOS

Cydia - An alternative app store for jailbroken devices.

Ninite - Ninite is the easiest way to install software.