Stingle Photos
BeginnerStingle Photos is a solid Google Photos alternative. Encrypted photos with cloud backup. Simple and private, for those who want the basics.
Information verified on July 7, 2026
This topic is chapter 8 of the book
Leaving Google Photos
Here, the big picture. In the book: the full method and the detailed walkthrough.
Description
Stingle Photos encrypts your photos end-to-end with included cloud backup. The app is simple and lightweight, with no unnecessary features. Less complete than Ente or Immich (no face recognition or smart search), but encryption is solid. Open source, free. For those who just want a private photo backup without hassle.
Key features
- End-to-end encryption
- Open source
- Ultra-lightweight
- Automatic backup
- Encrypted shared albums
- 1 GB free
Strengths
- + Simple interface
- + Photo encryption
- + Focused on mobile use
Weaknesses
- − Fewer features than Google Photos or Ente
- − Smaller community and slower development
Recommended for
- Users wanting basic encrypted photo backup
- Minimalists who need simple, private photo storage
Stingle Photos vs Google Photos: the comparison
| Criterion | Stingle Photos | Google Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (1 GB). 100 GB at $2.99/month, 1 TB at $11.99/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
Stingle is the simplest for hassle-free encrypted photo backup. Ente looks nicer and has more features. Immich is the most complete for self-hosting.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Stingle Photos cost?
Free (1 GB). 100 GB at $2.99/month, 1 TB at $11.99/month.
How do you switch from Google Photos to Stingle Photos?
Estimated difficulty: Easy (2/5). Export Google Photos then upload. Basic interface, few advanced features. Limited free tier.
Who is Stingle Photos for?
You want an ultra-lightweight, encrypted alternative to Google Photos, for secure storage without frills.