Ente Photos
Beginner RecommendedThe best Google Photos alternative is Ente Photos. Your photos encrypted in the cloud, with an app as smooth as Google Photos. Open source.
Information verified on July 22, 2026
Description
Ente stores your photos in the cloud with end-to-end encryption: even Ente can't see them. The mobile app is smooth, with automatic backup and shared albums. Open source since 2023. The free plan includes 10 GB. It's the closest alternative to Google Photos in experience, without the tracking.
My take
If you don't want to run a server, Ente is what I recommend: it has the easiest migration from Google Photos. As for me, my photos live at home. Chapter 8.
Key features
- End-to-end encryption
- Unlimited auto-upload
- Private face recognition
- Encrypted shared albums
- Native apps
- Open source
Strengths
- + Even the provider can't read your data
- + Simple mobile and desktop apps
- + Migration tools from Google Photos
Weaknesses
- − Smaller feature set than Google Photos
- − No built-in photo editing
Recommended for
- Leaving Google Photos
- Backing up family photos
- Beginners looking for a simple solution
Ente Photos vs Google Photos: the comparison
| Criterion | Ente Photos | Google Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (10 GB). 50 GB at $2.49/month, 200 GB at $4.99/month, 1 TB at $9.99/month. | 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 | Easy (2/5) | — |
Comparison
Ente is the closest thing to Google Photos with end-to-end encryption: the recommended choice if you don't want to run a server. Immich does more, but on your own hardware and with some technical work. Stingle stays more basic.
This topic is chapter 8 of my book
It answers these questions, among others:
- in what order do you migrate twenty years of photos without losing a single one?
- what do you do about the dates and duplicates the export damages?
- and how long does it really take, once you get started?
Forthcoming 22/10/2026 from Éditions Eyrolles
Frequently asked questions
How much does Ente Photos cost?
Free (10 GB). 50 GB at $2.49/month, 200 GB at $4.99/month, 1 TB at $9.99/month.
How do you switch from Google Photos to Ente Photos?
Estimated difficulty: Easy (2/5). Export Google Takeout then import into Ente. Allow time depending on volume. Different interface from Google Photos, adaptation needed.
Who is Ente Photos for?
Google Photos users seeking an end-to-end encrypted alternative. Ideal for keeping family photos private.
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