SHSelfHostIndex

Shotwell Server 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?
SH Shotwell Server Digital photo organizer with tagging and event grouping VS ST Stingle API Server Self-hostable backend for the Stingle encrypted photo apps
FeatureShotwell ServerStingle API Server
Deploy effortRead-the-docs projectUnder-an-hour setup
CategoryPhoto ManagementPhoto Management
LicenseLGPL-2.1AGPL-3.0
LanguageValaPHP
Setup difficultyEasyHard
Min. RAM256 MB1,024 MB
Deploymentbare-metal, binarydocker, bare-metal
GitHub stars★ 400★ 15
First released20092020
ReplacesGoogle Photos, Apple PhotosGoogle Photos

What are Shotwell Server and Stingle API Server?

Shotwell Server

Shotwell is a digital photo organizer that imports, tags, rates, and lightly edits photos, grouping them automatically by event. While desktop-focused, its library folders can be shared and backed up centrally.

  • Event-based grouping
  • Tagging and ratings
  • Basic editing tools
  • Direct import from cameras

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

Shotwell Server vs Stingle API Server: key differences

Shotwell Server is written in Vala, while Stingle API Server is built with PHP. Licensing differs — LGPL-2.1 for Shotwell Server versus AGPL-3.0 for Stingle API Server. Shotwell Server is the lighter option, starting around 256 MB of RAM against 1,024 MB for Stingle API Server. Shotwell Server is the more established project (first released 2009), while Stingle API Server arrived in 2020. Shotwell Server has the considerably larger community, at 400 GitHub stars versus 15. Stingle API Server lists first-class Docker deployment; Shotwell Server does not.

Why pick each one

Choose Shotwell Server if…

  • Fast and stable
  • No accounts

Watch out for

  • Desktop only
  • No web interface
Shotwell Server 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 Shotwell Server or Stingle API Server better?

Shotwell Server 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 Shotwell Server and Stingle API Server free and open-source?

Yes. Shotwell Server is licensed under LGPL-2.1 and Stingle API Server under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.

Can I run Shotwell Server and Stingle API Server with Docker?

Shotwell Server: check the project docs for container support. Stingle API Server: yes.

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

Shotwell Server 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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