I’ve been using photo storage and management apps since 2007, starting with Picasa Web Albums. Over the years, I’ve tested many platforms—cloud-based, self-hosted, and NAS-based solutions. Based on long-term, real-world usage, these are my personal top 3 photo storage apps, ranked by overall experience, performance, and control.
🥇 1. Synology Photos — Best Overall (With Proper Hardware)
Synology Photos is my number one choice for photo storage and management—as long as your hardware is capable.
With 4GB RAM or higher, the experience is excellent. Personally, I’m running it on a system with 16GB RAM and an Intel Core i5, and performance has been smooth and reliable. Features like facial recognition, object detection, timeline view, and tight NAS integration make it a powerful all-in-one solution.
✅ Pros
Full control over your data (self-hosted)
Excellent AI features (face & object recognition)
Seamless integration with Synology NAS
No subscription fees
❌ Cons
Very slow on low-spec hardware
Entry-level NAS models struggle with indexing and AI tasks
Verdict:
If you have decent hardware, Synology Photos is one of the best photo management systems available today.
🥈 2. Immich — Best for Power Users & Homelabs
Immich is an impressive open-source alternative, especially for those running Proxmox, ZimaOS, or other container-based environments.
It offers a Google Photos–like experience with modern UI and strong AI features. However, it’s not as beginner-friendly, and file management can be confusing for users who prefer traditional folder structures.
✅ Pros
Open-source and actively developed
Excellent performance on Proxmox / Docker
Google Photos–like interface
No cloud dependency
❌ Cons
File management is harder to understand
Requires technical knowledge to maintain
Not ideal for casual users or NAS beginners
Verdict:
Perfect for homelab enthusiasts and advanced users, but not the easiest solution for everyone.
🥉 3. Google Photos — Best Convenience, Limited Free Storage
Google Photos is still one of the most convenient photo storage platforms available. The AI, search, and automatic organization are top-tier.
However, the biggest downside is the 15GB free storage limit, which is shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and other Google services. For long-term photo storage, a paid plan becomes almost unavoidable.
✅ Pros
Best-in-class AI and search
Extremely easy to use
Accessible anywhere
❌ Cons
Only 15GB free
Requires monthly subscription for large libraries
No full control over your data
Verdict:
Great for casual users, but not ideal for large photo collections without paying.
Final Thoughts
Each of these platforms excels in different areas:
Synology Photos → Best overall with good hardware
Immich → Best for self-hosting enthusiasts
Google Photos → Best for simplicity and AI, but limited free storage
Your ideal choice depends on whether you prioritize control, performance, or convenience.