Immich (on NAS)
Intermediate RecommendedImmich (on NAS) is one of the best Google Photos alternatives. Google Photos on your NAS. Face recognition, search, auto-backup from your phone.
Information verified on July 22, 2026
Description
Immich installed directly on a Synology or Asustor NAS. Since the stable v2.0 release (October 2025), installation is reliable and semantic versioning simplifies updates. Your photos stay at home, with face recognition, smart search and mobile apps for the whole family.
Key features
- Face recognition
- Auto mobile backup
- Timeline & albums
- Object search
- Docker on NAS
Strengths
- + Modern interface close to Google Photos
- + Face recognition and object search
- + Mobile apps with automatic backup
- + Very active development
Weaknesses
- − Resource-hungry (RAM, CPU) for AI
Recommended for
- Quit Google Photos while keeping the comfort
- Store photos locally on a NAS
Immich (on NAS) vs Google Photos: the comparison
| Criterion | Immich (on NAS) | Google Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free and open source. Requires a NAS or server. | Free up to 15 GB, then Google One subscription |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Yes (Google ad profile) |
| Source code | Open (auditable) | Proprietary |
| Migration difficulty | Moderate (3/5) | — |
Comparison
Immich replicates the Google Photos experience on your NAS. It's the most complete self-hosted photo solution. Ente Photos is an encrypted cloud alternative without self-hosting.
This topic is chapter 6 of my book
It answers these questions, among others:
- how do you empty Google Drive without losing anything, Google Docs included?
- encrypted cloud, NAS or personal server: which one fits your profile?
- and what does a NAS at home really involve, day to day?
Forthcoming 22/10/2026 from Éditions Eyrolles
Frequently asked questions
How much does Immich (on NAS) cost?
Free and open source. Requires a NAS or server.
How do you switch from Google Photos to Immich (on NAS)?
Estimated difficulty: Moderate (3/5). Simple Docker installation, but importing large photo libraries can take time.
Who is Immich (on NAS) for?
Users wanting to quit Google Photos without sacrificing usability.
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Immich
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