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Stingle Photos
What it is
Stingle Photos is a gallery and camera app that backs up and syncs photos and videos across devices signed in to the same account. It backs up files in the background, and supports video recording and playback. Before files go to cloud storage, they are encrypted locally. Stingle names XChaCha20 with Poly1305 for file data, X25519 for public-key cryptography, and Argon2 for key derivation; it also says sensitive photo and video metadata is encrypted in the file header. Albums can be shared with other Stingle users using encrypted album keys. The app is open source under GPLv3, and listed platforms include Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, alongside API access and self-hosting. The free plan includes 1 GB. Paid storage starts at $2.99/mo for 100 GB, with larger monthly and yearly options. Users can host their own API server, but the provider says it cannot recover or change a forgotten password; it recommends saving the recovery phrase.
For and against
For
- Background photo and video backup
- Local encryption before cloud transfer
- Shared albums use encrypted keys
- Open source under GPLv3
Against
- Free plan includes 1 GB
- Provider cannot recover a forgotten password
- Self-hosting lists Linux, S3-compatible storage, a domain, and Git as prerequisites
The verdict
Stingle Photos combines gallery and camera functions with encrypted backup, sync, and shared albums. The 1 GB free tier and paid storage options offer different capacities, while account recovery depends on keeping the recovery phrase.
Who it suits
Stingle Photos suits people who want photo and video backup with local encryption, or who want to host their own API server. Shared albums are available for users sharing with other Stingle users.
Plans and prices
1 GB
1 GB cloud storage
Read 15 Oct 2026 · stingle.org
100 GB monthly
100 GB cloud storage
Read 15 Oct 2026 · stingle.org
300 GB monthly
300 GB cloud storage
Read 15 Oct 2026 · stingle.org
1 TB monthly
1 TB cloud storage
Read 15 Oct 2026 · stingle.org
100 GB yearly
100 GB cloud storage
Read 15 Oct 2026 · stingle.org
3 TB monthly
3 TB cloud storage
Read 15 Oct 2026 · stingle.org
300 GB yearly
300 GB cloud storage
Read 15 Oct 2026 · stingle.org
5 TB monthly
5 TB cloud storage
Read 15 Oct 2026 · stingle.org
1 TB yearly
1 TB cloud storage
Read 15 Oct 2026 · stingle.org
On the record
- Account recovery
- The FAQ says the provider cannot recover or change a forgotten password and recommends saving the recovery phrase.stingle.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Albums
- Albums use separate encryption keys so collections can be shared without reuploading the underlying files.stingle.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Albums and sharing
- Albums can be shared with other Stingle users using encrypted album keys.stingle.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Algorithms
- Its security page names XChaCha20 with Poly1305 for file data, X25519 for public-key cryptography, and Argon2 for key derivation.stingle.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- API extensibility
- The API server supports addons that can add packages, configuration, controllers, views and scheduled jobs without changing core code.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- API licence
- The public Stingle API server repository is licensed under AGPL-3.0.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Background backup
- Photos and videos can upload in the background and synchronize to other devices on the same account.stingle.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Browser client
- The public web repository describes a browser client that can browse galleries, albums and trash and upload encrypted media.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Client licence
- The Android client repository identifies GPL-3.0 as its licence.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company profile
- LinkedIn lists Stingle Inc. as a privately held software company headquartered in Middletown, Delaware, founded in 2020, with 2–10 employees.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Cryptography
- The security design uses Libsodium, XChaCha20-Poly1305, X25519 and Argon2.stingle.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Desktop downloads
- Native desktop packages are offered for Windows, macOS and Linux; the listed desktop version is 0.1.8.stingle.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- Files are encrypted on the device before storage or transmission, including their cloud copies.stingle.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Hosting
- The FAQ identifies DigitalOcean for hosting and Wasabi for encrypted-file storage.stingle.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent review
- Ars Technica characterized Stingle as a minimalist FOSS mobile app that encrypts media before uploading and offers a simple album-like experience.arstechnica.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- iOS
- The maker’s August 2026 blog post says the iOS app is available on the App Store and has a built-in camera.blog.stingle.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Limit: Apple reviews
- The US App Store review page shows complaints about unstable syncing, failed downloads or decryption, lack of a web interface and lost photos.apps.apple.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: Google Play organization
- A reviewer noted the absence of keyword-based AI search and asked for more free storage, while viewing the lack of AI positively for privacy.play.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
