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Nextcloud Photos 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?
NE Nextcloud Photos Photo timeline and album app for Nextcloud VS ST Stingle API Server Self-hostable backend for the Stingle encrypted photo apps
FeatureNextcloud PhotosStingle API Server
Deploy effortUnder-an-hour setupUnder-an-hour setup
Health score76 · Good57 · Fair
CategoryPhoto ManagementPhoto Management
LicenseAGPL-3.0AGPL-3.0
LanguageJavaScriptPHP
Setup difficultyMediumHard
Min. RAM1,024 MB1,024 MB
Deploymentdocker, bare-metaldocker, bare-metal
GitHub stars★ 721★ 15
First released20202020
ReplacesGoogle Photos, iCloud PhotosGoogle Photos

What are Nextcloud Photos and Stingle API Server?

Nextcloud Photos

Nextcloud Photos is the official photo management app for Nextcloud, offering a timeline view, albums, and tagging of images stored in your Nextcloud. It works alongside file sync to provide a self-hosted photo experience.

  • Timeline photo view
  • Albums and tagging
  • Nextcloud integration
  • Mobile auto-upload

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

Nextcloud Photos vs Stingle API Server: key differences

Nextcloud Photos is written in JavaScript, while Stingle API Server is built with PHP. Nextcloud Photos has the considerably larger community, at 721 GitHub stars versus 15.

Why pick each one

Choose Nextcloud Photos if…

  • Leverages existing Nextcloud
  • Official app

Watch out for

  • Requires Nextcloud
  • Fewer AI features than Memories
Nextcloud Photos 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 Nextcloud Photos or Stingle API Server better?

Nextcloud Photos 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 Nextcloud Photos and Stingle API Server free and open-source?

Yes. Nextcloud Photos is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and Stingle API Server under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.

Can I run Nextcloud Photos and Stingle API Server with Docker?

Nextcloud Photos: yes. Stingle API Server: yes.

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