Google Photos

Google's photo backup and library, with strong search, editing tools and Android integration.

Free plan + paidPhoto storage and management apps

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 7
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About Google Photos

Google Photos backs up pictures and videos from phones and computers into your Google account and organises them automatically. Its search is the standout: you can type a place, a person, a pet, a document or a thing in the picture and it usually finds it, and recent AI features let you ask questions about your library in plain language. Built-in editing covers quick fixes up to generative tools such as Magic Editor on supported devices, and it creates albums, collages, highlight videos and memories on its own. Shared albums and partner sharing make it easy to swap photos with family. Storage is shared with Gmail and Drive, so once the free allowance runs out you pay for a Google One plan. Apps run on Android, iOS and the web, and it is preinstalled on most Android phones. The downsides are privacy and lock-in: photos are not end-to-end encrypted and are analysed by Google's systems.

Best for: Android and iPhone users who want the best automatic search and organisation.

What works

Excellent search by people, places and objects
Strong built-in and AI editing tools
Easy shared albums and partner sharing

Why people leave

Not end-to-end encrypted
Free storage is shared with Gmail and Drive
Exporting a large library through Takeout is clumsy

Top Google Photos alternatives

See all 7

1
iCloud Photos
The default for iPhone owners, with full-resolution originals and a shared family library.
66.5
2
Amazon Photos
Unlimited full-resolution photo storage included with Amazon Prime.
62.6
3
Ente Photos
End-to-end encrypted and open source, with a Google Photos-like experience.
59.6
4
Immich
Self-hosted near-clone of Google Photos, with mobile backup and face search.
57.2
5
Synology Photos
Keep the library on your own Synology NAS with mobile backup.
55.3

Why people left Google Photos

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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Google Photos: common questions

Is Google Photos free?

Google Photos has a free plan and paid plans.

Is Google Photos open source?

No, Google Photos is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Ente Photos and Immich.

What platforms does Google Photos run on?

Google Photos is available for Web, iOS and Android.

What are the best alternatives to Google Photos?

The highest-ranked Google Photos alternatives right now are iCloud Photos, Amazon Photos and Ente Photos. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 7 Google Photos alternatives

Google Photos facts

4 of 4 verified

Free storage: 15 GB, shared with Gmail and Drive; Checked Oct 25, 2026google.com(opens source in a new tab); “Unlock even more You get 15 GB of storage, so you can back up and keep your memories safe automatically – at no cost.”
Storage counting: Original and Storage saver both count; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.google.com(opens source in a new tab); “Photos and videos backed up in Original quality count toward your Google Account storage.”
Pre-2021 uploads: High quality uploads before June 2021 do not count; Checked Oct 25, 2026support.google.com(opens source in a new tab); “before June 1, 2021 don't count toward your Google Account storage.”
Paid storage: Google One plans up to 5 TB; Checked Oct 25, 2026one.google.com(opens source in a new tab); “5 TB total storage for Google Photos, Drive & Gmail”