PiGallery2
PiGallery2: A free, open-source gallery that keeps folders central while adding search, maps, metadata, and sharing. Ranked #31 of 37 in Photo Management Software by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for folder-first self-hosted browsing.
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFolder-first self-hosted browsing
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Face recognitionNo
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Preserves existing directory structures for straightforward browsing
- Adds metadata, location, Boolean, wildcard, and person search
- Supports Docker deployment, protected links, maps, and saved-search albums
Where it doesn't
- No built-in facial recognition or AI-powered search
- No vendor-hosted cloud service or cloud sync
- Requires self-hosted deployment and administration
Our verdict on PiGallery2
PiGallery2 is a self-hosted web photo gallery for people who want to browse photos and videos through their existing folder structure. Its directory-first approach keeps storage organization visible rather than replacing it with a purely library-based interface. The product is designed for low-resource servers, including Raspberry Pi devices, and supports responsive viewing on desktop and mobile browsers. It is free and open source under the MIT License, with Docker available for deployment instead of a vendor-hosted subscription service.
The feature set extends well beyond basic folder browsing. PiGallery2 displays EXIF information, supports slideshows, and offers Boolean, wildcard, metadata, date, rating, location, and person search. GPS maps can use OpenStreetMap, Mapbox, custom tile providers, and GPX paths. Saved searches can become logical albums, while password-protected links support controlled sharing. Adobe XMP face-region metadata can be displayed, but the product does not provide built-in facial recognition or AI-powered search. These capabilities make it a strong fit for organized personal archives where metadata and location matter.
Its ecosystem is centered on self-hosting: Docker, ffmpeg, MySQL, SQLite, OpenStreetMap, Mapbox, and ORCID are supported, and authentication can use built-in options or ORCID. On-demand thumbnail generation offers multiple sizes, which suits servers with limited resources. Choose PiGallery2 if preserving folders, controlling deployment, and avoiding subscription plans are priorities. Choose another product if you want cloud synchronization, automated face recognition, AI discovery, or a managed hosting experience.
Your product? Our editors can test PiGallery2 in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
PiGallery2 pricing
PiGallery2 fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Primary platform | Multi-platform |
| RAW photo support | Yes |
| Face recognition | No |
| AI-powered search | No |
| Metadata tools | Yes |
| Cloud sync | No |
| Included storage | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: OpenStreetMap, Mapbox, ORCID, MySQL, SQLite, Docker … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | bpatrik.github.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
PiGallery2 integrations
PiGallery2 lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- OpenStreetMap
- Mapbox
- ORCID
- MySQL
- SQLite
- Docker
- ffmpeg
Alternatives to PiGallery2
- Google PhotosA capable photo library for automatic backup, smart search, editing, and sharing.9.4
- Apple PhotosA capable Apple-centered photo library with flexible storage and family sharing.9.3
- Amazon PhotosA capable photo library for Prime members who want full-resolution storage and broad device access.9.2
See all PiGallery2 alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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