Can I open-source Pixieset?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. Darktable (11k stars), GIMP (5k stars), Lychee (4k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Pixieset — self-host in one command and stop paying $8/mo.
People still pay for Pixieset because photographers pay because image quality, catalog safety, and fast handling of huge libraries matter more than cloning sliders. The recurring cost buys raw codecs, color management, metadata, previews, face models, GPU support, storage, backups, sync, and export fidelity, not just the visible interface.
xgallery hosting, proofing, downloads, store, mobile apps, and photographer workflow
xproprietary raw-processing quality
xcloud sync and sharing
xlarge AI models
xcamera and print ecosystem
These projects already replace it, free.
LLycheeA clean self-hosted gallery with password-protected albums, downloads, metadata, and Docker deployment; no built-in storefront.open source↗PPiwigoPrivate users and albums, passworded access, downloads, themes, and storage you own; less glossy, vastly less hostage-like.open source↗DDarktableRAW photo workflow and non-destructive editing — the open Lightroom.open source↗What each one is, in full: Darktable
all 4 open-source alternatives to Pixieset →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Pixieset pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| free | $0/workspace | $0/workspace | 3 GB storage; unlimited galleries; up to 3 mobile gallery apps; 15% store commission. |
| basic | $10/workspace | $8/workspace | 10 GB storage; 30 minutes HD video; 100 email sends per month; unlimited mobile gallery apps; 0% Pixieset store commission. |
| plus | $20/workspace | $16/workspace | 100 GB storage; 500 email sends per month; unlimited galleries and mobile apps; 0% Pixieset store commission. |
| pro | $30/workspace | $24/workspace | 1 TB storage; RAW-file support; unlimited galleries and mobile apps; 0% Pixieset store commission. |
| ultimate | $50/workspace | $40/workspace | Unlimited standard photo storage; 1,000 GB RAW-file cap; 10,000 email sends per month; 0% Pixieset store commission. |
free tier3 GB storage, unlimited galleries, up to 3 mobile gallery apps and a 15% store commission
billingmonthly + annual (-20%)
hidden costsThe Free store takes 15% of sales; extra video storage is $5/month per additional hour; Photo Editor is a separate $12/month add-on.
verified 2026-08-14 · source ↗
Can I open-source Pixieset?
Yes. Lychee replaces Pixieset today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does Pixieset cost?
Pixieset costs about $8/month (Basic, checked 2026-07-31), which is $96 per year. That's what you save by replacing it with open source.
What do I lose by replacing Pixieset?
Honestly: gallery hosting, proofing, downloads, store, mobile apps, and photographer workflow; proprietary raw-processing quality; cloud sync and sharing; large AI models; camera and print ecosystem. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Pixieset?
Yes: Lychee (A clean self-hosted gallery with password-protected albums, downloads, metadata, and Docker deployment; no built-in storefront.) Piwigo (Private users and albums, passworded access, downloads, themes, and storage you own; less glossy, vastly less hostage-like.) Darktable (RAW photo workflow and non-destructive editing — the open Lightroom.) All 4 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/pixieset/alternatives.