Immich vs Google Photos: Self-Hosted Photo Storage

Immich vs Google Photos comparison. Self-hosted AI photo management vs cloud storage. Features, cost, privacy, and migration guide.

Immich is the best self-hosted Google Photos replacement with AI-powered face recognition, map view, and mobile app. Google Photos is easier but costs monthly and gives Google access to your photos.

Features Compared

FeatureImmichGoogle Photos
Face Recognition✓✓
Map View✓✓
Albums & Sharing✓✓
Mobile Auto-Upload✓✓
AI SearchCLIP modelGoogle AI
Free StorageUnlimited*15GB
End-to-End Encryption✗✗
Data Privacy✓✗
Video Transcoding✓✓
Raw Photo Support✓Limited

Immich Pros

  • Your photos stay on your server — no one else can access them
  • No storage limits (limited by your hardware)
  • No monthly subscription fees
  • Raw photo support for photographers
  • Active development with frequent updates

Immich Cons

  • Requires server setup and maintenance
  • Uses significant RAM and disk space
  • No web sharing links like Google Photos
  • Backup is your responsibility

Google Photos Pros

  • Zero setup — works immediately
  • Excellent AI search and organization
  • Easy sharing with family and friends
  • Reliable with Google infrastructure
  • Works on all devices seamlessly

Google Photos Cons

  • Google scans your photos for advertising
  • Only 15GB free storage shared with Drive/Gmail
  • Costs add up: $9.99/month for 2TB
  • No self-hosting option
  • Deleting your Google account loses all photos

Winner: Immich — For privacy-conscious users, Immich is the clear winner. It replicates most Google Photos features while keeping your photos on your own server. The cost savings are significant over time.

FAQ

  • Can Immich really replace Google Photos?

    Almost. Immich has face recognition, map view, search, and mobile auto-upload. It lacks some Google Photos features like animations and shared albums, but the core experience is very similar.

  • How much storage do I need for Immich?

    Depends on your photo library. A typical family generates 20-50GB/year. A 1TB drive covers most families for several years.

  • Can I migrate from Google Photos to Immich?

    Yes. Use Google Takeout to export your photos, then upload to Immich. Immich preserves timestamps and metadata.

  • Does Immich work on mobile?

    Yes. Immich has official iOS and Android apps with auto-upload, just like Google Photos.