If Apple Shared Albums already works well for your family, you may not need another app. Our Family Album is an alternative for parents who want a separate home for their children’s photos and family conversations.
Disclosure: I make Our Family Album. This comparison explains when Apple’s existing option may be a better fit, as well as what our app offers. Apple’s linked support pages were checked on October 8, 2026.
At a glance
- Apple Shared Albums is built into Photos and supports shared photos and conversations.
- Apple’s sharing options and storage rules depend on the software version.
- Our Family Album separates family updates from your general photo library.
- Try the option you already have before paying for another service.
When to keep using Apple Shared Albums
Apple Shared Albums lets chosen people share photos, videos and comments. If your family already knows Photos and has a working album, familiarity is a strong reason to stay.
Apple documents broader web participation for albums created with version 27 or later. Storage rules differ between older and newer albums, so check its setup guide and storage limits for your devices before deciding.
When Our Family Album may fit better
Our Family Album gives your family a dedicated app for posts, albums, reactions and comments, rather than placing the shared story inside your general Photos library. Parents create and manage albums on iPhone or iPad.
You can choose everyone in the family or selected people as an album’s audience. Version 1.5 adds separate read-only browser links for relatives who do not want to install an app. Each recipient link can have an expiry or be revoked; anyone holding an active link can view its album.
Compare the family experience
| Question | Apple Shared Albums | Our Family Album |
|---|---|---|
| Where does the family story live? | Apple Photos | A separate family app |
| Can relatives participate? | Shared photos, videos and comments; options depend on version | Posts, comments and reactions in the iPhone/iPad app, subject to permissions |
| What should browser users check? | Web sharing differs by software version | Version 1.5 browser links are read-only |
| What should I check before paying? | Your album version and applicable iCloud storage rules | The family photo allowance and Premium options |
Understand our free and paid plans
Our Family Album is free to download and includes 20 photo uploads per family each calendar month, with no ads. Premium adds unlimited photos and video uploads. One subscription covers the whole family, so grandparents do not need their own paid plan.
Check current local prices in the app. See Free and Premium. Do not assume that moving to a new app automatically imports your old albums or preserves every comment; test with a small set of photos first.
Make a small trial before moving everyone
Choose one album and two relatives. Ask them to open an invitation, find a photo and tell you how easy the experience feels. Test any browser sharing with the actual device your relative uses.
If Apple already meets your needs, keep it. If a separate family space is what you want, try creating an Our Family Album. For more options, read our wider comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is Our Family Album made by Apple?
No. It is an independent app. Apple and iCloud are trademarks of Apple Inc.
Does Our Family Album automatically import an iCloud shared album?
We do not promise automatic migration. Start with photos available on your device and test a small album before deciding what to move.
Is the Our Family Album browser link collaborative?
No. Browser sharing in version 1.5 is read-only. Posting, comments and reactions require the iPhone or iPad app and appropriate album permissions.
