Overview:
Ente is an open source platform for end-to-end encrypted cloud storage. It enables users to store data without needing to trust the service provider with the decryption keys. On this platform, Ente has released three applications: Ente Photos (an alternative to Apple and Google Photos), Ente Auth (a 2FA authenticator, alternative to Authy), and Ente Locker (for storing sensitive documents, credentials, and notes). The project’s source code is published in a single monorepo and has been externally audited by Cure53, Symbolic Software, and Fallible.
Core Features:
End-to-end encryption: All data is encrypted before leaving the client, and only the user holds the decryption keys.
Multi-platform client apps: Supported on iOS, Android (including F-Droid), Web, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
3x data replication: Ente Photos replicates user data three times for durability.
Face detection and semantic search: Ente Photos includes machine learning features for organizing and finding photos.
Private sharing and collaborative albums: Photos can be shared with controlled access, and albums support collaboration.
Background uploads: Automatic uploads happen in the background on mobile devices.
Use Cases:
Individuals switching from Apple or Google Photos: Ente Photos provides a similar feature set (face detection, semantic search, background uploads) but with full end-to-end encryption.
Users seeking a self-hosted authenticator: Ente Auth is a free, end-to-end encrypted 2FA app that replaces deprecated services like Authy.
Storing sensitive documents and credentials: Ente Locker lets users encrypt important files and share them with trusted contacts, including emergency access setup.
Developers or self-hosters: The entire source code is available in a monorepo, and users can clone it to run their own instance.
Why It Matters:
Ente offers a practical open source alternative for photo storage, 2FA authentication, and credential management—all under a single encryption platform. The codebase has been independently audited by multiple security firms. Ente Photos requires a paid subscription, but 10GB of free storage is included; Ente Auth is free forever; and Ente Locker is free for up to 100 items. For users prioritizing data control without relying on proprietary cloud services, Ente provides a transparent, audited foundation that can also be self-hosted.
