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PiGallery2 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?
PiGallery2 Fast directory-based photo gallery with search and maps VS ST Stingle API Server Self-hostable backend for the Stingle encrypted photo apps
FeaturePiGallery2Stingle API Server
Deploy effortUnder-an-hour setupUnder-an-hour setup
Health score82 · Excellent57 · Fair
CategoryPhoto ManagementPhoto Management
LicenseMITAGPL-3.0
LanguageTypeScriptPHP
Setup difficultyEasyHard
Min. RAM512 MB1,024 MB
Deploymentdocker, bare-metaldocker, bare-metal
GitHub stars★ 2,283★ 15
First released20162020
ReplacesGoogle PhotosGoogle Photos

What are PiGallery2 and Stingle API Server?

PiGallery2

PiGallery2 is a fast, directory-driven photo gallery server that does not move or modify your files. It supports faces, geolocation maps, and a powerful search syntax with a lightweight footprint.

  • Directory-based galleries
  • Geolocation maps
  • Powerful search syntax
  • Read-only on your files

Read the full PiGallery2 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

PiGallery2 vs Stingle API Server: key differences

PiGallery2 is written in TypeScript, while Stingle API Server is built with PHP. Licensing differs — MIT for PiGallery2 versus AGPL-3.0 for Stingle API Server. PiGallery2 is the lighter option, starting around 512 MB of RAM against 1,024 MB for Stingle API Server. PiGallery2 is the more established project (first released 2016), while Stingle API Server arrived in 2020. PiGallery2 has the considerably larger community, at 2,283 GitHub stars versus 15.

Why pick each one

Choose PiGallery2 if…

  • Does not touch your files
  • Runs well on a Raspberry Pi

Watch out for

  • No editing features
  • Limited multi-user support
PiGallery2 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 PiGallery2 or Stingle API Server better?

PiGallery2 is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Stingle API Server if its specific feature set fits your needs better.

Are PiGallery2 and Stingle API Server free and open-source?

Yes. PiGallery2 is licensed under MIT and Stingle API Server under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.

Can I run PiGallery2 and Stingle API Server with Docker?

PiGallery2: yes. Stingle API Server: yes.

Which is lighter on resources, PiGallery2 or Stingle API Server?

PiGallery2 has the smaller minimum footprint at 512 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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