Why I Ditched OneDrive for Ente Photos: A Privacy-Focused Photo Storage Switch
Switching photo storage services can feel daunting, especially when you have years of memories tied up in one platform. I recently moved over 200 GB of photos and videos from Microsoft OneDrive to Ente Photos, an open-source, end-to-end encrypted alternative. Here’s a breakdown of the key questions I had during the transition and what I learned.
Why did you decide to leave OneDrive for a different photo service?
I’ve used OneDrive for years because it integrated well with Windows and offered ample storage. But lately, Microsoft has been aggressively pushing its Copilot AI features across its products. I became concerned that soon, a Copilot-powered feature could tamper with my images or videos without my consent. I value control over my data, and I didn’t want my private photos to be potential grist for an AI model. I needed a service that respects privacy and doesn’t treat your media as a resource to be mined. That fear of invasive AI features was the primary push to start looking for alternatives. I initially considered Proton Drive, but I wanted something outside the Proton ecosystem, which led me to Ente Photos.
What exactly is Ente Photos?
Ente Photos is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted photo and video storage service launched in 2020. The team’s mission is to let you preserve your memories privately, without relying on companies that monetize your data. The service uses strong encryption so that only you can access your files. It's worth noting that Ente is not just about photos—they also offer Auth, a cross-platform two-factor authentication app that securely backs up your 2FA secrets, and Locker, a tool for storing sensitive documents. I spoke with Vishnu Mohandas, the founder, in 2024, and he emphasized building a privacy-respecting alternative to Google Photos and iCloud Photos. The mascot, Ducky, is a fun touch, but the serious tech behind it is what convinced me.
How did you migrate over 200 GB from OneDrive to Ente Photos?
Migration was the trickiest part. First, I needed to get my files out of OneDrive. The web version zips folders before downloading, which was painfully slow for 200 GB. So I installed the OneDrive client on Windows 11 and set it to keep a local copy of all files. That downloaded everything in a few hours. Then I separated photos and videos into a dedicated folder. I already had an Ente account, so I logged in and selected the 200 GB paid plan. The Ente upload tool handled the rest, though I chose to upload in batches to avoid overwhelming my connection. The process took a couple of days, but it was mostly hands-off. The key was getting files out of OneDrive efficiently—the web interface would have taken weeks.
What does Ente Photos cost, and is it worth it?
I opted for the 200 GB plan, which costs me ₹4,788 annually (roughly $57 USD), but note that Ente charges in USD/EUR globally, so your local price depends on conversion rates and payment method. There’s also a free tier offering 10 GB, which is great for trying it out. For me, the cost is comparable to OneDrive’s Microsoft 365 Basic plan (100 GB for $2/month), but I get end-to-end encryption and no AI scanning. I feel it’s worth the peace of mind knowing my photos aren’t being analyzed for ad targeting or AI training. Plus, the service is open source, so anyone can verify the security claims. If you’re privacy-conscious, the small premium over big tech services is a worthwhile investment.
What benefits have you noticed since switching to Ente Photos?
Three big benefits stand out. First, true privacy: my photos are encrypted before they leave my device, and only I hold the keys. Second, open-source transparency: I can inspect the code to ensure no backdoors exist. Third, no feature creep: Ente focuses on storing memories, not building AI tools that might misuse my data. The app also supports automatic uploads from my phone, and I can share albums securely with others via encrypted links. The web interface is clean and fast, but the mobile app needs some polish. Overall, I sleep better knowing my family photos aren’t part of some machine learning dataset. The switch felt empowering, like taking back control of my digital life.
Are there any downsides to Ente Photos compared to OneDrive?
Yes, a few. OneDrive’s deep integration with Windows and Office makes it very convenient—Ente doesn’t have that. You also miss out on automatic integration with things like Microsoft Photos or direct editing in Office apps. The Ente web uploader isn't as fast as OneDrive’s native sync client for heavy use, but it's improving. Additionally, OneDrive offers collaborative features like shared albums with link sharing—Ente has that but it's simpler. The biggest downside for many might be the lack of a robust search feature that uses AI (e.g., searching for “dog on beach”). Ente relies on manual tagging. But for me, privacy outweighs these conveniences. If you are a heavy Office user or need advanced AI search, OneDrive may still be better. For pure photo backup with privacy, Ente wins.
Any advice for someone considering a similar switch?
Definitely. Start by auditing your current storage—figure out what you truly need to keep. Use the free tier of your target service (e.g., Ente’s 10 GB) to test uploads and app behavior before committing. For large migrations, never rely on web download for >50 GB—use a desktop client to pull files locally first. Also, check if your new service supports direct import from Google Photos or OneDrive—Ente does offer import tools, but I found it smoother to do it manually. Finally, keep an external hard drive backup as a safety net during the transition. Once you’ve migrated, disable automatic uploads on the old service to avoid duplication. The switch takes effort but is totally doable over a weekend.