# Ente: Free Open Source Alternative to Apple Photos, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/ente
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Ente (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Apple Photos, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Tresorit. End-to-end encrypted cloud storage for photos and videos, offering privacy, security, and seamless cross-device syncing.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Ente
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://ente.io/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/ente-io/ente
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 29.9k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/ente-io/ente or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apple Photos.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (4)
Replacing these paid tools with Ente saves up to $95/mo ($1,140/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Apple Photos](https://caniforkit.com/apple-photos) | [audio & video](https://caniforkit.com/category/audio-video) | $20/mo | [Compare Apple Photos vs Ente](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-photos-vs-ente) |
| [Dropbox](https://caniforkit.com/dropbox) | [cloud storage](https://caniforkit.com/category/cloud-storage) | $25/mo | [Compare Dropbox vs Ente](https://caniforkit.com/vs/dropbox-vs-ente) |
| [Microsoft OneDrive](https://caniforkit.com/microsoft-onedrive) | [cloud storage](https://caniforkit.com/category/cloud-storage) | $25/mo | [Compare Microsoft OneDrive vs Ente](https://caniforkit.com/vs/microsoft-onedrive-vs-ente) |
| [Tresorit](https://caniforkit.com/tresorit) | [cloud storage](https://caniforkit.com/category/cloud-storage) | $25/mo | [Compare Tresorit vs Ente](https://caniforkit.com/vs/tresorit-vs-ente) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Ente free and open source?
Ente is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. End-to-end encrypted cloud storage for photos and videos, offering privacy, security, and seamless cross-device syncing.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Ente?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apple Photos.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)