Compare software

Ente Photos vs iCloud Photos: catalog facts
Ente PhotosiCloud Photos
Freemium

A small free tier is available. Paid plans add storage; self-hosting is free.

Freemium

Uses the storage in the user's iCloud plan.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web, Self-hosted macOS, iOS, Web
  • End-to-end encrypted with on-device face and object search
  • Open source clients and server, so self-hosting is a real option
  • Syncs automatically across Apple devices
  • Web access for viewing and sharing
  • Free storage is small; real use needs a paid plan or self-hosting
  • On-device indexing is slow on older phones
  • Tied to an Apple account
  • Closed source cloud service
Downloadable app, Hosted service, Self-hosted Web application, Hosted service
Open source Closed source
License: AGPL-3.0 License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed Account needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 22, 2026

Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.