When it comes to managing images and videos, two popular tools that have gained attention are Ente and Immich. While they share similar functionalities, their approaches differ in significant ways. In this article, we'll delve into the key differences between these two AI-powered image and video management systems, focusing on their self-hosting capabilities.

Principles

One of the primary differences lies in data security. Immich stores files in an unencrypted form, allowing users to access them even if the software breaks. In contrast, Ente encrypts all files, making them more secure but also dependent on its implementation. This means that if the software experiences issues, accessing the files might not be straightforward.

Another distinction is the way they handle file storage. Immich stores files in a directory of your choice, whereas Ente requires actual S3 storage, which can lead to additional administrative work.

Installation

Installing Immich is a relatively straightforward process with no major questions left unanswered. However, setting up Ente requires a deeper understanding of its system components and how they interact, especially for users like myself who self-host on TrueNAS Community systems. This difference in installation complexity might be a consideration for some users.

Import

When importing large quantities of images and videos, both systems had to handle the task. Immich provides notification when files are excluded, but doesn't specify why. I assume it was due to duplicate files imported from multiple devices. Neither app handled the import process smoothly, with Ente's upload speed significantly faster but also consuming more power and resources.

Mobile iOS App

In general, the Ente app outperforms Immich in many areas. Background syncing is faster, and viewing stored files on my NAS is noticeably quicker, especially when connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The Ente app also uses device images to display thumbnails locally, even without an internet connection. Immich only stores thumbnails locally and doesn't access locally stored images if there's no connection.

Server Resources

Ente can run efficiently with minimal server resources, making it suitable for embedded devices or low-end hardware. In contrast, Immich requires 4 GiB of RAM (recommended 6 GiB) and 2 CPU cores (4 cores recommended). My TrueNAS Community system running Ente apps consumed around 130-150 MiB RAM and nearly no CPU usage while viewing videos.

Machine Learning

Both Ente and Immich employ machine learning for features like face recognition and natural language search. They correctly use the term "machine learning" instead of "AI." However, Ente's machine learning processes occur on-device, whereas Immich handles them server-side. I prefer this approach since it keeps resource usage low on mobile devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both Ente and Immich have their strengths and weaknesses, they cater to different needs and preferences. If you prioritize data security and don't mind the additional administrative work, Ente might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value ease of installation and a more straightforward file management experience, Immich could be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific requirements and priorities in AI-powered image and video management.