At a Glance:
Ente is a fully open-source, end-to-end encrypted cloud platform with client apps for Photos, 2FA authenticator (Auth), and secure document storage (Locker), available on mobile, desktop, and web with a self-hosting option.
Overview:
Ente is a cloud storage platform providing end-to-end encrypted applications for photos, two-factor authentication codes, and sensitive documents. The project is structured as a monorepo containing the source code for three main products: Ente Photos, Ente Auth, and Ente Locker, along with the server that powers them. Its fully open-source code and cryptographic architecture have been externally audited by Cure53, Symbolic Software, and Fallible. Client applications are available for iOS, Android, F-Droid, Web, Linux, macOS, and Windows. While Ente Photos operates as a paid service with a free 10GB tier, the entire platform can be self-hosted by cloning the repository. Ente Auth is offered as a free service with no plans for monetization.
Key Decision Points:
Fully open-source monorepo: The entire platform—client apps for all supported operating systems and the server—is available in a single repository, with external security audits from Cure53, Symbolic Software, and Fallible.
Self-hosting option: Users can clone the repository and self-host the platform, though Ente Photos is also available as a paid cloud service with a free 10GB storage tier.
End-to-end encryption across all apps: All data, whether photos, authenticator codes, or stored documents, is encrypted before leaving the device, removing the need to trust the service provider.
Platform and app store availability: Native clients are provided for iOS, Android, F-Droid, Web, Linux, macOS, and Windows, covering the three distinct applications.
Separate applications with distinct free tiers: Ente Auth is completely free, Ente Locker is free for up to 100 items (1000 for Photos subscribers), and Ente Photos offers 10GB of complimentary storage.
Core Features:
End-to-end encrypted storage: Data is encrypted on the client side before being uploaded, ensuring the service provider cannot access user content.
Ente Photos: Includes 3x data replication, face detection, semantic search, private sharing, collaborative albums, family plans, and background uploads with import and export tools.
Ente Auth: A free, end-to-end encrypted two-factor authentication app presented as an alternative to the deprecated Authy.
Ente Locker: Provides encrypted vault storage for important documents, credentials, and notes with private sharing and emergency access settings.
Multi-platform clients: Applications are built for iOS, Android, F-Droid, Web, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Use Cases:
Users seeking an open-source, end-to-end encrypted alternative to Apple Photos or Google Photos for storing and sharing personal media libraries.
Developers and privacy-conscious individuals looking for a self-hosted cloud platform for encrypted data storage, including photos, documents, and 2FA codes.
Individuals migrating from Authy who need a free, end-to-end encrypted authenticator application with mobile and desktop support.
Users who need a secure digital vault for sensitive documents and credentials that supports private sharing and emergency access configurations on mobile devices.
Open-Source Alternative Value:
Ente provides a fully open-source, externally audited alternative for cloud data storage that includes photo management, two-factor authentication, and secure document vaulting under a single platform. The availability of the entire monorepo means users are not limited to the hosted service; they can clone the code and self-host the platform. The combination of end-to-end encryption, multi-platform client support, and the presence of a free authenticator app creates a unified approach to personal data management, with Ente Auth explicitly positioned as an alternative to the deprecated Authy.
