My Experience with DAVx⁵ – CalDAV CardDAV WebDAV
I switched to this after getting fed up with a different sync app that kept crashing every time I tried to pull my iCloud calendar onto my iPhone 15 Pro. I needed something that could handle my self-hosted Nextcloud setup without me having to babysit it constantly. I set it up on a random Tuesday evening while waiting for my pizza to bake, and honestly it took maybe ten minutes. You put in your server URL, enter your username and password, and the app just figures out the rest. I tested it for weeks before deciding whether to keep it, and I was surprised—no surprise charges, no nagging popups to upgrade. The background sync is reliable too. I haven’t had a single duplicate contact or missed appointment since I started using it back in November. For a free app, I was expecting something half-broken, but nope.
Features Worth Noting
Two-way sync actually works both ways, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many apps mess this up. My work calendar updates from my server and any changes I make on my phone push back instantly. The battery usage is minimal—I checked my settings after a full day and DAVx⁵ only used 2%. That matters to me because I’m not plugging my phone in until bedtime. It also handles self-signed certificates, which I needed because my home server isn’t running a proper SSL cert. The app supports multiple accounts, so I have my personal calendar and my wife’s shared contacts all in one place. It integrates with the default iOS Calendar and Contacts apps, which is exactly what I wanted. No learning a whole new interface.
What Needs Work
The interface looks like it was designed ten years ago. It’s not ugly, but it feels basic and the text is a bit small on my Pro screen. Setting up advanced options like sync intervals or folder mapping takes some reading. I had to Google how to change the sync frequency because the setting was buried in a submenu. Also, the app only shows you a generic “sync error” message when something goes wrong. Last week my server had a permissions issue and I spent 20 minutes troubleshooting because the app wouldn’t tell me what exactly failed. A more descriptive error log would save people headaches. For WebDAV file syncing, it’s limited—don’t expect it to replace a proper file manager.
Pricing
It’s free. No trials, no in-app purchases to unlock core features, no subscription nag screens. I checked the app store page three times before believing it. There’s a companion app or paid version on some platforms for advanced features, but the basic DAVx⁵ gives you everything you need for personal use. I don’t feel pressured to pay for anything, and that’s rare. If you’re a cheap person like me, you’ll appreciate that the developer doesn’t hold basic sync functionality behind a paywall. I’d honestly donate a few bucks if there was an option, just because it works.
Developer Notes
The devs seem active. Since I downloaded it, there have been two updates that fixed small bugs. One update specifically improved sync reliability with iCloud, which I noticed immediately because my calendar stopped glitching. The changelogs are short and honest, which I like. No vague “performance improvements and bug fixes” nonsense. They also respond to reviews and bug reports on their GitHub, from what I’ve seen. I haven’t contacted support, but the fact that they’re still updating a free app after years is a good sign.
Security & Privacy
Everything is handled on your own terms. Your credentials go directly to your server, not through some third-party cloud. The app uses standard HTTPS encryption and supports OAuth if your server offers it. Since it’s open source, I felt okay trusting it with my calendar data and contacts. No ads, no trackers, no “we collect your data to improve your experience” nonsense. I ran it through a network monitor app and saw it only connects to my server and nothing else. That’s the way it should be. If privacy matters to you, this is a no-brainer.
How does DAVx⁵ handle two-way sync for calendars and contacts?
DAVx⁵ supports true two-way sync, meaning changes made on your server update on your phone and vice versa instantly. It integrates directly with the default iOS Calendar and Contacts apps, so you don't need to learn a new interface.
Can DAVx⁵ work with self-signed SSL certificates on a home server?
Yes, DAVx⁵ handles self-signed certificates, which is useful if your home server doesn't have a proper SSL cert. Just enter your server URL, username, and password, and the app will figure out the rest.
Why does DAVx⁵ show a generic 'sync error' message, and how can I troubleshoot it?
DAVx⁵ only displays a generic 'sync error' when something goes wrong, which can be frustrating. To troubleshoot, check your server's permissions or logs manually, as the app lacks a detailed error log. You may need to Google specific issues or adjust sync intervals in the submenus.
How do I change the sync frequency in DAVx⁵?
The sync frequency setting is buried in a submenu, so you'll need to navigate through the app's basic interface to find it. Look under account settings or advanced options, and adjust the interval there. If you can't find it, a quick online search for your specific device can help.
How does DAVx⁵ compare to other CalDAV/CardDAV sync apps for self-hosted setups like Nextcloud?
Unlike many alternatives that crash or require constant babysitting, DAVx⁵ is reliable and free with no nagging popups or subscription fees. It handles self-hosted Nextcloud setups easily, offers minimal battery usage (around 2% per day), and supports multiple accounts, though its interface is dated and WebDAV file syncing is limited compared to dedicated file managers.
