Choosing the Best Photo Printing Service can be challenging with so many options available. Factors like print quality, pricing, shipping, and customer service all play a crucial role in the decision-making process. This review analyzes several popular photo printing services, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Evaluating Popular Photo Printing Services
Several well-known photo printing services were evaluated, including Mpix, EZprints, RitzPix, Bay Photo, Snapfish, Shutterfly, Zazzle, Winkflash, FreePrints, Amazon Prints, and Walmart. Each service was assessed based on various criteria, including print quality, packaging, shipping costs, and overall user experience.
Mpix, despite its popularity and convenient smartphone app, received low ratings from panelists due to forced cropping of smartphone photos and subpar print quality. Services like EZprints and RitzPix offer smartphone-friendly print sizes with a 4:3 aspect ratio, while Printique and Nations Photo Lab allow for uncropped printing. Bay Photo offers small print sizes for smartphone photos and robust packaging but delivered average print quality.
A large photo print that was shipped in a shipping tube and now has a very defined curvature, resting on a table.
Shipping tubes can protect prints during transit, but they often result in curled prints that need to be flattened before framing or display.
Snapfish offered the lowest prices but produced disappointing results with harsh contrast and inaccurate skin tones. Their packaging was also inadequate, leading to damaged prints. RitzPix also suffered from packaging issues, with a damaged print resulting from a too-small shipping envelope. Their high shipping costs further compounded the problem.
A close-up of the corner of a photo print from RitzPix that has been damaged, in front of a green background.
Insufficient packaging can lead to damaged prints, as seen in this corner damage from a RitzPix shipment.
EZprints produced hazy, washed-out prints with poor sharpness. Shutterfly offered average print quality but at a premium price, and their packaging choices resulted in curled prints. Zazzle’s user interface proved cumbersome for multiple print orders, while Winkflash’s negative customer reviews and lack of accessible customer support raised significant concerns. FreePrints’ limited information and reliance on a phone app without a robust web presence made it difficult to assess.
Two large coffee table books, placed on top of a couple pieces of cardboard that are being used to flatten an unseen photo print.
Flattening curled prints often requires placing them under weight for an extended period.
Amazon Prints offered a simple ordering process and average print quality, but their packaging was insufficient, leading to damaged prints. Walmart offered a limited selection of print sizes.
A close-up of the edge of a rolled-up print from Snapfish that was damaged during transport.
Damaged print edges, like this one from Snapfish, can occur due to inadequate padding during shipping.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Service
Finding the best photo printing service requires careful consideration of individual needs and priorities. While some services excel in affordability, others prioritize print quality or user experience. By weighing the pros and cons of each service, you can make an informed decision that ensures your precious memories are preserved in high-quality prints. Look for services that offer a balance of quality, affordability, reliable shipping, and excellent customer service to ensure a positive printing experience.
