Immich vs Google Photos
Self-host swap-in for Google Photos. · Self-host Google Photos · Immich on os-alt
Immich is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Google Photos — license AGPL-3.0, 15min docker-compose to stand up, and $5-10 vps for the app; storage cost dominates — a 1tb block-storage volume runs $5-10/mo on hetzner or do. Compare against Google Photos's $1.99-9.99/mo for 100GB-2TB on Google One — bills jump fast once a family shares a plan below.
| Immichopen-source | Google Photospaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Photo backup / library / face search | Photo backup / library / face search |
| License / pricing | AGPL-3.0 | $1.99-9.99/mo for 100GB-2TB on Google One — bills jump fast once a family shares a plan |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $1.99/user/mo |
| GitHub | immich-app/immich | closed source |
| Setup time | 15min docker-compose | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $5-10 VPS for the app; storage cost dominates — a 1TB block-storage volume runs $5-10/mo on Hetzner or DO. | from $1.99/user/mo ($1.99-9.99/mo for 100GB-2TB on Google One — bills jump fast once a family shares a plan) |
Switching from Google Photos to Immich
Use Google Takeout to export your library (Settings → Data & privacy → Download your data → Photos). Takeout produces a folder of `.zip` archives with photos + sidecar `.json` per file. Run `immich-go` (community CLI) against the unzipped folder; it preserves album structure, timestamps, and GPS metadata from the JSON sidecars. Mobile app handles ongoing backup like Google Photos.
- Good fit for
- Anyone wanting a near-feature-for-feature Google Photos clone — auto-backup, face search, shared albums, fast timeline.
- Weak at
- AGPL spooks some employers; the project is moving fast and minor versions occasionally need re-deploys with breaking schema changes.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Google Photos
In a terminal? npx os-alt google-photos prints Google Photos's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Immich a free alternative to Google Photos?
Yes — Immich is open source under AGPL-3.0. Self-host cost: $5-10 VPS for the app; storage cost dominates — a 1TB block-storage volume runs $5-10/mo on Hetzner or DO.. Google Photos starts at $1.99/user/mo ($1.99-9.99/mo for 100GB-2TB on Google One — bills jump fast once a family shares a plan).
How long does Immich take to set up vs Google Photos?
Self-hosting Immich: 15min docker-compose. Google Photos is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Immich good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Anyone wanting a near-feature-for-feature Google Photos clone — auto-backup, face search, shared albums, fast timeline.. Weak at: AGPL spooks some employers; the project is moving fast and minor versions occasionally need re-deploys with breaking schema changes..