How to keep iTunes libraries in sync?

Solution 1:

This answer is obsolete. myTuneSync has since been declared end-of-life and is no longer available to download from the developer. Please see the other answers in this question for up-to-date answers.

myTuneSync will synchronize files, metadata, and playlists between multiple iTunes libraries. It uses the iTunes APIs to update your library so you don't run the risk of corrupting your library file.

There is a 15 day free trial if you only need to synchronize once, and a 3-pack of licenses is only $30.

Solution 2:

Update iTunes to 9.0. It let's you sync up to 5 computers in your home.

Solution 3:

I'm pretty sure you can use DropBox for this. Dropbox is free, and will allow all your computers to share your files, and file structure. Changes are made, almost at the same time, and you can even access your files over the web.

The only problem is that you can only share 2GB of files, before you need to upgrade (for a fee).

More info and discussion on DropBox can be found at this question.

Solution 4:

Try rsync

rsync -a -v --progress --block-size=15000 othermachine:/Path/To/Music/ /Local/Path/To/Music/

Solution 5:

This may sound simplistic but I use Sync Toy from Microsoft.

It only has to run on one system, your main one usually, and as long as the Mac is reachable by UNC it will push the files there.

It can run on demand on on a schedule. Even if you buy music on your Mac it can keep them all in Sync.

Just make sure that the iTunes music folder is shared out with proper permissions.

Has worked for me for years.

Let me know if you have any questions on my experience.