Lychee

At a glance

• Editor score
  8.0 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Self-hosters wanting structured photo albums
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Hierarchical, tag-based, and smart albums support varied photo organization
  • Permissions, sharing, thumbnails, and REST API endpoints cover core workflows
  • Docker deployment and optional facial recognition extend self-hosted flexibility

• Where it doesn't

  • Requires a web-based self-hosting environment rather than a hosted service
  • Storage and bandwidth depend on the operator's infrastructure
  • Server administration is part of running the photo library

Our verdict on Lychee

Lychee is free, open-source photo-management software for people who want to run an image library on their own server or web space. It supports photo uploading, management, browsing, and sharing through a web interface, with hierarchical regular albums, tag-based albums, and smart albums for different organizational needs. Access permissions help control album visibility, while generated image size variants and thumbnails support image delivery. The product is aimed at self-hosters who want direct control over storage, hosting, and the way their photo collection is organized.

Its strongest fit is structured library management rather than a narrow upload-only workflow. Albums can be arranged hierarchically, grouped by tags, or generated as smart collections. Sharing and album permissions provide options for private or selective access, and REST API endpoints can support connections to other workflows. Docker deployment is available, with MariaDB and MySQL listed among the ecosystem components. Background worker processing and optional facial recognition integration add depth for operators who want more automated processing alongside manual organization.

Lychee's trade-off is operational responsibility. Because it runs on web self-hosting infrastructure, the operator manages the environment where photos, generated variants, and thumbnails are stored. Storage capacity and bandwidth therefore depend on that infrastructure rather than a vendor-operated storage quota. Docker can make deployment more consistent, but the product still suits users comfortable managing a server or web space. Choose Lychee if structured albums, permissions, sharing, API access, and ownership of the hosting environment matter most. Choose another option if you want a vendor-hosted image library with infrastructure handled for you.

Your product? Our editors can test Lychee in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Lychee pricing

Lychee fact sheet

Lychee integrations

Lychee lists 3 integrations on its own site.

• Docker
• MariaDB
• MySQL

Alternatives to Lychee

• Google PhotosA flexible photo backup service with strong search, editing, and sharing tools.9.4
• ImmichA capable open-source photo library for people who want to manage their own infrastructure.9.2
• PhotoPrismA capable open-source photo library for self-hosters who want deep organization tools.9.0

See all Lychee alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Lychee is listed in our Image Hosting directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update