Best Self-Hosted Alternatives to Google Photos
prices verified
Google Photos costs about $24/year and keeps your data on its servers. These researched, open-source alternatives give you the same workflow on hardware you own — here's what each needs to run.
The alternatives
ImmichAGPL-3.0
CategoryPhoto backup & galleryStackTypeScript · Node.jsMin RAM4096 MBDockerYesDifficulty3 / 5
PhotoPrismAGPL-3.0
CategoryPhoto backup & galleryStackGo · JavaScriptMin RAM2048 MBDockerYesDifficulty2 / 5
Head-to-head
Common questions
Are these Google Photos alternatives really free?
The software is open-source and free to run. Your only cost is the server it runs on — often a few dollars a month, less than most SaaS subscriptions.
How much server do I need to self-host one?
Most of these run comfortably on a small VPS — 1–2 GB of RAM is enough for a single-user or small-team setup. Each app's page lists its minimum RAM.
Will I lose features by leaving Google Photos?
It depends on the app. The alternatives below cover the core workflow; polish and integrations vary, so check each one's stack and difficulty before you commit.