Tips, updates, and guides from the JellyWatch team.
Four self-hosted photo platforms, four completely different philosophies. This in-depth comparison covers AI face detection, mobile auto-upload, RAW support, video handling, storage architecture, and which combination gives you the best Google Photos replacement in 2026.
Is self-hosting actually cheaper than paying for streaming services? This detailed financial analysis compares the 5-year total cost of a self-hosted media stack (Jellyfin + hardware + storage + electricity) against the combined cost of Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, YouTube Premium, and Google Photos. Includes hardware amortization, electricity costs, and the break-even point for different library sizes.
Jellyfin handles home videos and photo slideshows. Immich is a full Google Photos replacement with AI face detection, mobile auto-upload, and search by content. This comparison helps you decide which to use - or how to run both together pointing at the same files.
