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Google Photos Takeout Helper vs Stingle API Server

A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted photo management options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.

Not the right match-up?
GO Google Photos Takeout Helper Organizes Google Photos Takeout exports into a clean library VS ST Stingle API Server Self-hostable backend for the Stingle encrypted photo apps
FeatureGoogle Photos Takeout HelperStingle API Server
Deploy effortRead-the-docs projectUnder-an-hour setup
Health score22 · At risk57 · Fair
CategoryPhoto ManagementPhoto Management
LicenseApache-2.0AGPL-3.0
LanguageDartPHP
Setup difficultyMediumHard
Min. RAM256 MB1,024 MB
Deploymentbinary, sourcedocker, bare-metal
GitHub stars★ 5,915★ 15
First released20192020
ReplacesGoogle PhotosGoogle Photos

What are Google Photos Takeout Helper and Stingle API Server?

Google Photos Takeout Helper

Google Photos Takeout Helper is a command-line tool that processes a Google Photos Takeout archive and reconstructs a properly organized, metadata-correct photo library. It is widely used when migrating from Google Photos to self-hosted services like Immich.

  • Processes Google Takeout archives
  • Restores correct EXIF dates
  • Organizes into albums
  • Migration aid for self-hosting

Read the full Google Photos Takeout Helper guide →

Stingle API Server

Stingle API Server is the self-hostable PHP backend for Stingle Photos, an end-to-end encrypted photo and video backup app. Running your own server lets the Stingle mobile clients back up encrypted media to infrastructure you control.

  • End-to-end encrypted photos
  • Self-hostable API server
  • Stingle mobile clients
  • Private backup

Google Photos Takeout Helper vs Stingle API Server: key differences

Google Photos Takeout Helper is written in Dart, while Stingle API Server is built with PHP. Licensing differs — Apache-2.0 for Google Photos Takeout Helper versus AGPL-3.0 for Stingle API Server. Google Photos Takeout Helper is the lighter option, starting around 256 MB of RAM against 1,024 MB for Stingle API Server. Google Photos Takeout Helper has the considerably larger community, at 5,915 GitHub stars versus 15. Stingle API Server lists first-class Docker deployment; Google Photos Takeout Helper does not.

Why pick each one

Choose Google Photos Takeout Helper if…

  • Essential for migration
  • Actively maintained

Watch out for

  • One-time use tool
  • Command-line oriented
Google Photos Takeout Helper details

Choose Stingle API Server if…

  • Released under the AGPL-3.0 license
  • First-class Docker support for quick deployment
  • Written in PHP

Watch out for

  • Setup is involved
  • Smaller ecosystem
Stingle API Server details

Frequently asked questions

Is Google Photos Takeout Helper or Stingle API Server better?

Google Photos Takeout Helper is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler medium setup. Consider Stingle API Server if its specific feature set fits your needs better.

Are Google Photos Takeout Helper and Stingle API Server free and open-source?

Yes. Google Photos Takeout Helper is licensed under Apache-2.0 and Stingle API Server under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.

Can I run Google Photos Takeout Helper and Stingle API Server with Docker?

Google Photos Takeout Helper: check the project docs for container support. Stingle API Server: yes.

Which is lighter on resources, Google Photos Takeout Helper or Stingle API Server?

Google Photos Takeout Helper has the smaller minimum footprint at 256 MB of RAM, compared to about 1,024 MB for Stingle API Server. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.

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