Immich
Replaceable in one session with an AI coding agent.
Self-hosted photo and video backup with mobile apps that upload automatically, plus search, albums and face grouping — built as a replacement for cloud photo services.
Run it, and plan the storage before the migration. WHY THIS IS ON THE LIST - It is free. The entry is here because leaving a cloud photo service is the migration, not the software BEFORE YOU START - Measure your library size and multiply by three: originals, thumbnails, and a backup copy - Storage is the cost, and it only grows RUNNING IT - Docker Compose with Postgres and the machine-learning container - The mobile apps upload in the background; check that on iOS specifically, where background execution is limited THE MIGRATION - Export with metadata, import, then verify a sample of dates and locations by hand - Keep the original service until you have verified. Deleting early is how libraries are lost BACKUPS - Three copies, two media, one off-site. The index rebuilds; the photos do not Include the compose file, the storage calculation and the verification step.
What you lose
- Nothing in fees, since it is free; what you take on is the server, the storage and the backups
- The reliability of a large provider never losing your photos
- Sharing links that people outside your network can open easily
If you would rather not build
- A synced folder plus a backup, which is the minimum that works
The escape hatch
open source · no votes, no paid placement
PhotoPrism
$0A lighter self-hosted photo library with local recognition.
photoprism/photoprismfree · open source
Why this verdict
our own opinion · changed only by a person
88/100
Verdict yes at 88, and it costs nothing. The honest caveat is that you are taking on the responsibility of not losing irreplaceable files.
History
tracked since 10 Aug 2026 · nothing is ever overwritten
Questions about Immich
answered from the record above
Is Immich free?
No — the plan we track is $0 a month. Free and open source; there is no paid tier, so the cost is the server you run it on.
Can you replace Immich by building your own?
YES. Replaceable in one session with an AI coding agent. Replacement score 88 out of 100, build time one session. Read what you lose before you decide.
How much does Immich cost?
$0 a month on Free — $0 a year. Recorded 10 Aug 2026.
What do you lose by replacing Immich?
Nothing in fees, since it is free; what you take on is the server, the storage and the backups; The reliability of a large provider never losing your photos; Sharing links that people outside your network can open easily. If any of those carry weight for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Immich?
Yes: Immich, PhotoPrism. The prompt on this page is for when you want it your way instead.
Related entries
same category first, most replaced first
TransferNow
Twilio Authy
WeTransferEvery week, something stops being worth paying for.
New verdicts, prices that moved, entries added. One email a week. Unsubscribe in one click.
free forever · no tracking pixel · every prompt stays free on the site