Run your own apps at home, without the guesswork.

Start here in 5 steps

1. 1

   Pick your box

   Choose a mini PC at home or a small VPS before installing anything.

   Best mini PC · Cheapest VPS

2. 2

   Install your first app

   Set up Immich with Docker Compose.

   Immich with Docker Compose

3. 3

   Bring your photos home

   Move your library out of Google Photos.

   Google Photos to Immich

4. 4

   Make it safe

   Back up Immich and test a restore before you rely on it.

   Immich backup and restore

5. 5

   Next project: media

   Pick a media server, then enable hardware transcoding.

   Jellyfin vs Plex · Jellyfin Quick Sync

Optional extra: Vaultwarden with Docker and HTTPS (internet-facing, so do it after step 4).

Or browse the beginner path.

Sections

• Apps
• Hardware
• OS
• Networking
• VPS

Newest guides

• Immich Docker Compose Setup (Version-Pinned, Update-Safe)Guide · Doc-based
• Move Google Photos to Immich with Google Takeout and immich-goGuide · Doc-based
• Immich Backup and Restore: A Doc-Based GuideGuide · Doc-based
• Jellyfin vs Plex in 2026: What You Pay for Remote StreamingComparison · Doc-based
• Jellyfin Intel Quick Sync Hardware Transcoding in DockerGuide · Doc-based
• Vaultwarden with Docker + HTTPS (Caddy)Guide · Doc-based
• Cheapest VPS for Immich or Nextcloud: Spec-Matched TableGuide · Doc-based
• Best Mini PC for Jellyfin: A Spec-Based ChecklistGuide · Doc-based
• Self-Hosting Starter Stack: First Apps on One Box (HomelabWise Hub)Hub · Doc-based

Comparisons and picks

Compare · Best