Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Possibly—for managing and backing up photos and videos, not for replacing everything Google Drive does. Immich is a self-hosted photo and video library with a documented backup workflow, but it is not established here as a general file-storage, document-editing, or collaboration replacement. And installing it is not the same as having a disaster-recovery backup: you must separately protect both the media and the database.
What can Immich replace?
If your main use of Google Drive is keeping a personal photo and video library, Immich may fit that narrower job. It is a self-hosted photo and video management solution, so you operate the service and arrange where its data is stored. The Immich project describes the app in its official overview.
That scope matters. The available documentation does not establish Immich as a substitute for general-purpose file storage, document editing, or collaborative work. If your Drive routine includes sharing folders for team projects or editing documents together, those requirements need separate solutions; a photo library alone does not cover them. A third-party article poses the question “What is the closest self-hosted alternative to Google Drive?”, but that phrasing does not demonstrate that any one app matches Drive feature for feature: StackPicks’ 2026 alternatives overview.
Why an Immich library needs two kinds of backup
Immich’s backup instructions distinguish between uploaded media and the database. The database contains file paths and user metadata; a database dump does not contain the photos or videos themselves. Immich also says it does not scan the library folder to rebuild the database. Consequently, keeping only the media or only a database dump is not a complete backup of the library.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
The project’s Backup and Restore documentation explains how to prepare an instance for backup, but it does not perform the backup for you. Immich explicitly recommends: “A 3-2-1 backup strategy is recommended to protect your data.” Treat that as project guidance, not proof that a particular arrangement is safe. You still need a backup tool, additional copies, and a destination independent enough to help if the server or its storage fails.
How to plan a backup instead of just installing an app
- Identify what must survive. Include the uploaded photo and video files and an Immich database backup. Keep track of the locations used by your deployment so that the backup actually covers both.
- Choose a backup tool and destinations. Restic is one open-source option. Its project site says it can back up files from Linux, BSD, macOS, and Windows to local, self-hosted, or online storage, and describes the program as a single executable without a server or complex setup. Those capabilities do not configure a backup for you; choose a destination and set up the process yourself. See the Restic project site.
- Keep copies beyond the live server. An external drive could be one physical destination, but one extra drive by itself does not establish a complete plan. Apply the project’s 3-2-1 recommendation to your own storage choices rather than treating the number as a guarantee.
- Verify recovery. A successful backup run is not evidence that you can restore the library. Confirm that the media and database copies are usable and that you know how to restore them together, following Immich’s current instructions.
What hosting Immich requires
Immich is self-hosted, so you need a machine to run it and responsibility for its storage and maintenance. The project’s Quick start lists at least 6 GB of RAM and 2 CPU cores for its “test drive” setup. That is the documented requirement for that setup, not a universal minimum for every deployment. Check the current requirements before installing, since project instructions can change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #4
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Rank #3
- All-in-One Design: 1TB external hard drive, multi-port hub and SD/TF card reader combine to provide ample storage and comprehensive connectivity in a single device for seamless multi-device connectivity to enhance your productivity.
- Multiple Interface Support: The product has a built-in 1TB hard disk and supports USB-C, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, SD card slot and TF card slot, which meets the needs of daily work. The product connects to the computer via data cable to realize multi-device interoperability.
- Dual Socket Data Connection Cable: Equipped with USB 3.2 and USB-C dual socket data connection cable, suitable for more models.
- Wide compatibility: Supports Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS （iPhone 15 and Later） and other operating systems. Support Desktops, Laptops, SmartPhones, Tablets, TVs and other devices.
- Note: This is only compatible with Apple devices that have a USB‑C port (including iPhone 15 and later, as well as all iPads with USB‑C). Using a Lightning to USB‑C adapter will not resolve the compatibility issue.
Rank #2
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Decide whether it fits your Drive use
- Consider Immich if your target is a self-hosted photo and video library and you are prepared to manage storage, database backups, and restore testing.
- Do not treat it as a full Drive replacement if you also depend on general file storage, document editing, or collaboration; those capabilities are not established by Immich’s photo-management documentation.
- Keep the distinction between service and backup clear. A running self-hosted library is the working copy. Protecting its media and database elsewhere, then verifying recovery, is a separate task.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
