The Best Photo-Printing Services

The best photo-printing services deliver quality photo prints, a variety of custom print choices, and easy-to-use upload options.

By Katie Flannery | Updated Dec 9, 2022 2:08 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more.

The Best Photo-Printing Services Options

Photo: depositphotos.com

Capturing an image on a screen is more convenient than ever, but what if a customer wants a tangible photograph to display in their home? At-home printing is an option, and an at-home printer can be a good tech gift, but the best photo printers that produce high-quality prints can be pricey—even before the customer buys the ink cartridges. Ordering photo prints online can be a nerve-racking experience since the customer can’t be sure of exactly how the finished products will look when they arrive at their home. Online photo-printing services are plentiful, but which are the best? The best online photo-printing sites deliver consistent professional-quality photos with every order, offer a variety of custom print choices, and provide an easy-to-use platform. Customers looking for photo albums, books, mugs, framed prints, or to print an image on metal, wood, acrylic, linen, or canvas, need look no further. Before searching online for the “best online picture printing,” customers can consider our recommendations for the best photo-printing services.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Printique
  2. BEST FOR GIFTS: Shutterfly
  3. BEST FOR FILM: Mpix
  4. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Snapfish
  5. ALSO CONSIDER: Nations Photo Labs
The Best Photo-Printing Services Options

Photo: depositphotos.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Photo-Printing Service for You

There are a few factors for customers to consider when choosing the best online photo printing with professional quality. These can include custom print and photo upload options, film processing, framing options, selection of other custom printed items, pricing, discounts, and delivery options.

Custom Print Options

Almost every online photo-printing service will be able to print standard-size photos that will fit in traditional frames. But some photo-printing services offer custom print options beyond the traditional. Depending on the photo resolution, some photo services can print large-format posters or small wallet-size prints.

There are also options to print images on materials other than photo paper. Printing on alternative surfaces, such as metal, wood, canvas, linen, or acrylic, adds a variety of textures and depth that a standard printed photograph doesn’t have. Printing on metal offers vibrant colors and brilliant contrast, while printing on wood allows the grain to shine through for a more rustic effect. While some photo-printing services don’t offer printing images directly on metal, they do offer a metallic print option on paper with a similar effect. Customers who want their photos printed on a unique surface will want to check each company’s offerings to see whether it fits the bill.

Photo Upload Options

Photo upload options range from using a computer or phone or printing straight from a social media app. Users will want to weigh the convenience of uploading from a social media platform against the lower quality of compressed photos from those sites. While less convenient, the quality of the photo prints will be better if the images are uploaded directly from a phone or computer. Many of the photo-printing sites offer uploading from Google Photos, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, Dropbox, and Amazon Cloud. Some offer uploading options from separate downloadable software, a convenient drag-and-drop option from a computer, or via the service’s own mobile app. Customers can review the available options while doing their research to determine which company best meets their requirements.

Film Processing

Many photographers love shooting on film, but it’s not always easy to find a reliable service to develop the rolls. Luckily, some online photo printing sites offer film-processing services. The service may have restrictions on which types of films it is able to develop, so film photographers will want to check these limitations. Customers will typically mail in their rolls of film, and the service will mail negatives back to the customer. Physical prints of these film photos will generally be an additional charge, so customers will want to look into this if having physical prints is a priority.

Framing Options

Framing options are available at many of the online printing services. There is a wide array of frame colors and mat options available with a choice of photo paper to make a print a distinctive work of art. While framing and matting can add cost to the order, the look of a professionally matted and framed print is second to none. Customers can choose from no glass, clear glass, and non-glare glass options for a tabletop or wall-mounted frame. The best online framing services will advertise their offerings on their website so customers can determine if they have what they need.

Selection of Other Custom Printed Items

Many people go to an online photo-printing site just to order 4- by 6-inch photos, but there are many more options for custom printed items. Other items that can be custom printed are books, mugs, throw pillows, calendars, key chains, mouse pads, puzzles, blankets, clothing attire, drink coasters, and more. Some users decide to put their photos on these items for gifts for friends and family for a sentimental and lasting present.

Pricing and Discounts

Photo prints are usually charged per print, but there may be discounts for ordering multiples of the same image. Many online photo-printing services offer discounts and have seasonal promotions, so it’s recommended that customers check their websites for sales and deals. Customers can also sign up for emails or text messages from the best photo printing service so they’re notified of sales in advance.

Delivery Options

While some photo-printing sites will ship photo prints with standard shipping options, others allow customers to pick up select print sizes in about an hour at a local Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart. Some local stores will also print photo magnets, panels, and calendars. Customers who need photo prints in a hurry will want to check for these local printing options, while those who can wait may prefer to have their photos printed and shipped.

Mobile App Availability

Many photo-printing services have the option for customers to upload photos directly from their iOS and Android phones to a mobile app. This makes it highly convenient for customers to take photos they’ve snapped on the go and transform them into physical prints. Customers will need to keep in mind that some apps do not have a print or gift ordering option via the mobile app—just the ability to upload photos.

Cloud Storage

It’s beneficial if a photo-printing service stores photo uploads. This saves the customer from having to reupload the same images in the event that they need to reorder prints. Some photo-printing services provide free unlimited cloud storage for uploaded images, and others have a gigabyte limit for a specific amount of time. Some sites offer free unlimited storage if the customer orders at least once in a 12- to 14-month time span. Customers will want to double-check and see what type of cloud storage is available, because some sites don’t offer it at all, which could be a dealbreaker for some people.

Our Top Picks

We researched photo-printing services and narrowed our list down to five of the best offerings. The following are our choices for the best photo-printing services.

Best Overall

Photo: printique.com

Why It Made the Cut: Printique’s high-quality photo papers, variety of print sizing, and high-quality printing options make it a clear choice for customers looking to print photos.

Formerly known as AdoramaPix, Printique is the online photo printing arm of Adorama, one of the most notable camera stores in New York City. And as such, customers can expect this service to stand out. Printique offers six photo paper options and custom printing choices on canvas, metal, giclee, wood, and acrylic. Prints are available in 20 standard and 16 large-format sizes, so there’s sure to be an option that perfectly fits a customer’s needs. Pricing for 4-by 6-inch prints starts at $0.32 per print, but standard photo prints have a relatively long 5-day processing time.

Printique offers a wide selection of custom printed items, such as framed photos, albums, books, cards, calendars, and wall decor. It provides detailed and express printing options where customers can choose to edit each photo individually or apply the same edits to every photo. Customers interested in compiling an album of all their favorite photos can choose from softcover, fabric, leather, or hardcover options. Professional photographers can select the Pro Service membership to make ordering easier with priority processing, White Label packaging, and Client Gallery stores to showcase and sell photographs. Printique also offers 100 GB (gigabytes) of storage for 2 years for standard accounts and 1 TB (terabyte) of storage for 2 years for professional accounts.

Specs

  • Custom print options: Standard, large-format, wallet, collage, acrylic, metal, canvas, giclee, wood
  • Selection of other custom printed items: Books, framed photos, albums, wall decor, gifts, cards, calendars
  • Pricing for 4×6 prints: Starting at $0.32 per print
  • Cloud storage: 100 GB of storage for 2 years for standard accounts; 1 TB of storage for 2 years for pro accounts

Pros

  • 6 unique photo paper options
  • 20 standard-size and 16 large-format print options
  • Detailed and express printing options
  • Extensive range of photo book and album options: choice of leather, hardcover, softcover, and fabric
  • Service plan options for both consumers and photography professionals that meet a wide range of needs

Cons

  • Relatively long 5-day processing time for standard prints

Best for Gifts

The Best Photo-Printing Services Option Shutterfly
Photo: shutterfly.com

Why It Made the Cut: Shutterfly has an extensive variety of gifts, including personalized storybooks, puzzles, playing cards, jewelry, apparel, and much more.

For customers looking to print their photos on something other than photo paper, Shutterfly is the site to visit. Shutterfly has an expansive selection of gifts, decor, and other customizable items. Customers can select books, playing cards, puzzles, jewelry, apparel, pillows, blankets, and much more. Customers can also order photo prints and custom books, although the book design interface can be clunky and not the most intuitive. Pricing for 4-by-6-inch prints starts at $0.20 per print, and Shutterfly regularly has sales with significant discounts of 50 to 70 percent. The site offers free unlimited cloud storage for all customers, and in-store pickup options are available for specific print sizes at local Walgreens or CVS stores.

Specs

  • Custom print options: Standard, large-format, wallet, collage, canvas, acrylic, metal, wood
  • Selection of other custom printed items: Books, framed photos, wall decor, gifts, cards, calendars
  • Pricing for 4×6 prints: Starting at $0.20 per print
  • Cloud storage: Free unlimited storage

Pros

  • Wide selection of gifts, decor, and other customizable items
  • Frequent discounts and sales
  • Free unlimited cloud storage
  • In-store pickup options for select print sizes at CVS and Walgreens

Cons

  • Photo upload and book design processes are not intuitive

Best for Film

The Best Photo-Printing Services Option Mpix
Photo: mpix.com

Why It Made the Cut: Mpix processes 35mm film, disposable cameras, and medium-format color film for prints or digital download, making it a convenient online developing choice for film photographers.

Film photographers know it can be difficult to find a trustworthy place to develop film. But Mpix is an excellent option for film processing. Customers can send in their 35mm film, medium-format film, and disposable cameras, and Mpix will develop the photos and upload them online so customers can order prints. Customers can also upload digital images (only JPEG, no TIFF or PNG files) and order prints as well. Photos can be printed on gifts, cards, and wall decor, or customers can order custom photo books. The relatively high price of $0.36 for each 4-by-6-inch print is offset by free shipping for orders over $35. Free unlimited storage is available with at least one order every 14 months.

Specs

  • Custom print options: Standard, large-format, wallet, collage, acrylic, metal, canvas, giclee, wood, standout
  • Selection of other custom printed items: Books, framed photos, wall decor, gifts, cards
  • Pricing for 4×6 prints: Starting at $0.36 per print
  • Cloud storage: Free unlimited storage with at least 1 order per 14 months

Pros

  • Relatively fast 1- to 2-day processing of disposable cameras, 35mm film, and medium-format film
  • Relatively fast 1-day print-processing time
  • Free shipping on orders over $35

Cons

  • Relatively high price of $0.36 per print
  • TIFF and PNG uploads not supported

Best Bang for the Buck

The Best Photo-Printing Services Option Snapfish
Photo: snapfish.com

Why It Made the Cut: Snapfish is one of the best photo-printing websites for budget-conscious customers, with low print prices that don’t compromise quality.

Photo prints can get pricey, but they don’t have to be. That’s where Snapfish comes in. Snapfish offers books, framed photos, gifts, cards, wall decor, and a variety of custom print options that start at $0.10 per 4-by-6-inch print.

Snapfish also has in-store pickup options for select print sizes at local Walgreens or CVS stores. Photos can be uploaded from the easy-to-use website or directly from social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and Google Photos (although TIFF uploads are not supported). Snapfish provides free unlimited image storage with at least one order per year.

Specs

  • Custom print options: Standard, large-format, wallet, collage, canvas
  • Selection of other custom printed items: Books, framed photos, wall decor, gifts, cards
  • Pricing for 4×6 prints: Starting at $0.10 per print
  • Cloud storage: Free unlimited storage with at least 1 order per year

Pros

  • Relatively affordable price of $0.10 per print
  • In-store pickup options for select print sizes at CVS and Walgreens

Cons

  • TIFF uploads not supported

Also Consider

The Best Photo-Printing Services Option Nations Photo Labs
Photo: nationsphotolab.com

Why It Made the Cut: With its wide selection of print sizes and sophisticated photo book options, Nations Photo Lab has some of the best prints online.

Nations Photo Lab allows customers to order photo prints online or via a mobile app. The site has a selection of custom printed items, including books, albums, framed photos, gifts, cards, wall decor, and more. The website doesn’t provide cloud storage, so if customers want to order repeat prints, they’ll have to upload the photos again. Nations’ simple and sophisticated photo books make exceptional gifts, and 4-by-6-inch prints start at $0.36 per print. Customers will be happy to see their prints arrive in secure, professional packaging.

Specs

  • Custom print options: Standard, large-format, wallet, collage, mounting
  • Selection of other custom printed items: Books, framed photos, albums, wall decor, gifts, cards
  • Pricing for 4×6 prints: Starting at $0.36 per print
  • Cloud storage: Not available

Pros

  • Selection of simple and sophisticated photo books
  • 58 standard and large-format print sizes

Cons

  • No cloud storage available
  • Relatively high price of $0.36 per print

Our Verdict

Based on high-quality photo papers, variety of print sizing, easy-to-use app, and sturdy delivery packaging, Printique is our top pick for the best place to get photos printed. For the best photo prints for those on a budget, Snapfish makes the list with its 4-by-6-inch prints starting at $0.10 per print.

How We Chose the Best Photo-Printing Services

To choose the best online photo printing and framing services, we considered various factors to determine our top picks. We focused on photo paper options and quality, custom print choices, pricing, variety of custom printed items, availability of cloud storage, and photo upload options. We thoroughly examined the ease of use of each service’s website and app. We considered customer reviews, but we did not factor any specific praise or complaints into our decision-making process since these can be very subjective, and customers are more likely to write a review after a poor experience than after a good one. Our final list consists of the companies we felt stood out amount the competition in these areas to provide the best photo-printing services for a wide variety of customers.

Before You Use the Best Photo-Printing Service for You

Customers may be looking for the best photo album or the best photo storage available for all of their digital images. But before they decide that digital images are enough and having them on their phone is an adequate keepsake, there are a few ideas to consider. Printing digital photos makes them tangible and is the best way to make memories come to life. And on the off chance that something happens to a customer’s phone or computer, they’ll have physical backups of those precious memories.

Once a customer decides to print those abstract digital memories, selecting the right photo-printing service for them may come down to price, photo paper options, custom printing choices, or even convenient cloud storage availability. Knowing how they want to memorialize those special life moments—whether it be a personalized gift, a framed print ready to be hung on a wall, or an image printed on an alternative medium, such as metal or wood—customers can use the information here as a guideline to choose which service is right for them.

It’s important for customers to have realistic expectations when they upload images to a photo-printing service. Customers will want to keep in mind that prints from an online photo-printing service will not look exactly how they do on a phone or computer screen.

Cost of Using the Best Photo-Printing Service for You

For the photo-printing services on our list, the cost of 4-by-6-inch prints ranges from $0.10 to $0.36 per print. The prices of photo albums and books depend on the size and unique customizations chosen. They can start as low as $12.99 and range upward to $314.99 and more. Adding more photo pages and ordering premium-quality cover materials can also increase the price of photo books and albums. Many online photo-printing sites have discounts and coupons available so customers can save on the custom print options they want. Ultimately, there are ways  for customers to use the best photo-printing services and not break the bank. There are options to pick up photos at a local store for no extra charge for those in a hurry.

The Advantages of Using the Best Photo-Printing Service for You

Photo-printing services can provide basic photo prints, unique gifts, and various photo paper options. What follows are a few additional advantages of using the best photo-printing services.

  • Use of professional equipment.
  • Retouching services.
  • Access to custom printed items for gifts.
  • Variety of framing and matting choices.
  • Typically less expensive than printing photos at home.
  • Extensive selection of print sizes.
  • Ease of use.

FAQs

Q. Can I order photo prints on matte paper?

Photo prints can be ordered on matte, high-gloss, and glossy paper from many photo-printing services. Customers can browse the options on their chosen photo printing service to make sure they meet their requirements.

Q: Does Amazon have a photo-printing service?

Amazon can print photos from your Amazon Photos collection and ship them directly to a customer’s home.

Q: Where is the best place to print photos?

The best place to print photos depends on what the customer is looking for. Some of the companies mentioned on this lists are ideal for customers on a budget, while others provide numerous options for customers looking to print a photo on a gift such as a mug, mouse pad, or blanket. Any of the photo-printing services on this list qualify as one of the best places to print photos.