Last year, to cut through the marketing noise, I embarked on a secret shopper experiment, pitting three canvas print companies against each other to find the champion. CanvasHQ emerged as the clear winner in that initial $100 comparison. But in the quest to definitively name the Best Rated Canvas Prints provider of 2020, I knew I needed to raise the stakes.
This time, the competition expanded from three to seven contenders, and the testing methodology became even more rigorous. For a comprehensive visual comparison of each canvas print, you can watch my detailed review in the PhotographyTalk video below:
[PhotographyTalk Video Link – Placeholder, as no link was provided]
To maintain complete impartiality, my sister-in-law placed each order. This ensured that the canvas print companies remained unaware they were part of a critical evaluation.
Adding another layer to the challenge, I deliberately included a prominent, unattractive logo in the image file. This was a crucial test to see if these top canvas print companies would proactively contact my sister-in-law to address the logo issue or take the initiative to correct it themselves. As revealed in the video, not every company rose to the occasion. Let’s delve into the detailed comparisons to uncover the best rated canvas prints of 2020!
CanvasPop
Alt text: CanvasPop 12×24 canvas print with a noticeable floating frame, indicating potential quality concerns in this best rated canvas prints comparison.
My experience with CanvasPop in the search for the best rated canvas prints of 2020 was, unfortunately, underwhelming.
The 12×24 print I received fell short of expectations in terms of overall quality.
As you can observe in the image above, a “floating” frame surrounds the canvas. This frame was unexpected, as I did not request it during the ordering process, leading to initial confusion.
Upon closer examination, it became apparent that this frame is likely intended to create the illusion of a taut and high-quality canvas. While it might superficially mask the issue, the underlying canvas remains flimsy and lacks genuine quality. This shortcut detracts from CanvasPop’s standing in the best rated canvas prints category.
Alt text: Close-up detail of CanvasPop canvas print showing overprocessed colors and reused frame holes, highlighting areas for improvement in best rated canvas prints.
The color reproduction, while not the worst in the test, was far from impressive. The print exhibited an overprocessed look, diminishing the nuances of the original image.
Further scrutiny revealed imperfections in the frame itself. It appeared to be reused, with visible, poorly filled holes. The intentionally added logo remained unaddressed, further indicating a lack of attention to detail. Numerous other quality issues, detailed in the comprehensive CanvasPop review, contributed to its lower ranking in this best rated canvas prints evaluation.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost for this CanvasPop print:
- Print: $62.50 (after applying Cheerful50 discount code)
- Shipping: $14.00
- Tax: $5.55
- Total: $82.05
CanvasChamp
Alt text: CanvasChamp canvas print showcasing coarse canvas texture and flat colors, revealing shortcomings in the quest for best rated canvas prints.
The testing process didn’t improve significantly with the arrival of the CanvasChamp print. It quickly became a contender for the least impressive print in this best rated canvas prints comparison.
Initially, the CanvasChamp print seemed promising. However, a closer look at the finer details revealed that this initial impression of quality was misleading.
The canvas material itself is notably coarse to the touch. Color reproduction is flat, and the green tones in the image appear to have lost their vibrancy. These factors significantly impact the visual appeal and reduce CanvasChamp’s score in the best rated canvas prints assessment.
Adding to the disappointment, CanvasChamp made no attempt to correct the large logo, nor did they reach out to my sister-in-law to inquire about it. This lack of proactive customer service is a notable drawback.
Alt text: CanvasChamp print back view showing sloppy corners, excessive canvas overlap, and pressed wood backing, indicating subpar construction in best rated canvas prints.
The craftsmanship further deteriorated upon inspecting the back of the print. The corners were carelessly finished with excessive canvas overlap, demonstrating poor stretching technique.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect was the backing material. The canvas was mounted on what appeared to be pressed wood, seemingly used to mimic the tautness of a properly stretched canvas. The frame lacked essential center and corner supports, compromising its structural integrity. This combination of issues positions CanvasChamp poorly in the search for best rated canvas prints. The cost breakdown for this CanvasChamp print is as follows:
- Print: $28.03 (after a $1.48 discount)
- Shipping: $14.99
- Tax: No tax
- Total: $43.02
Canvas on Demand
Alt text: Canvas on Demand print displaying flimsy canvas and muted colors, failing to meet expectations for best rated canvas prints quality.
To put it bluntly, the print from Canvas on Demand was among the worst canvas prints I have ever encountered. Unsurprisingly, Canvas on Demand will not be contending for the title of best rated canvas prints company of 2020.
My disappointment was amplified by the fact that Canvas on Demand is a relatively well-known name in the canvas printing industry. I had anticipated that their brand recognition would translate to a higher quality product. Unfortunately, this assumption proved incorrect.
The canvas itself is noticeably thin and flimsy. Instead of a traditional wooden frame, the print utilized a frame constructed from folded hard cardboard, resembling a pizza box. This inadequate framing material raises serious concerns about long-term durability and resistance to sagging, further diminishing Canvas on Demand’s standing among best rated canvas prints.
Alt text: Corner detail of Canvas on Demand print highlighting sloppy corners and cardboard frame construction, underscoring poor quality in best rated canvas prints.
The print quality was equally disappointing.
Colors appeared muted and lacked vibrancy. The image also seemed to have lost sharpness, and there were indications of pixelation. These visual deficiencies significantly detract from the overall appeal and contribute to Canvas on Demand’s low ranking in this best rated canvas prints comparison.
Further compounding the issues were the poorly finished corners, off-center mounting hardware, and the lack of custom sizing options. Having to settle for a pre-made 14×20 size instead of the desired 12×24 added to the negative experience. The combination of these shortcomings firmly places Canvas on Demand among the lowest performers in this year’s best rated canvas prints shootout.
Here’s the pricing breakdown for the Canvas on Demand print:
- Print: $27.99 (with a substantial $158.01 discount)
- Shipping: $19.49
- Tax: $3.68
- Total: $51.16
Max Art Pro
Alt text: Max Art Pro canvas print showcasing good image quality and sharpness, a positive surprise in the best rated canvas prints competition.
Max Art Pro was a completely unknown entity to me prior to this test. Having never ordered from them before, nor even heard of the company, I approached their print with no preconceived notions in this best rated canvas prints evaluation.
I was pleasantly surprised by the image quality. While not topping the charts, it certainly ranked within the upper tier of the companies tested.
Although the green tones were slightly flat, the print demonstrated excellent overall detail and sharpness – significantly surpassing many of its competitors. This positive aspect enhances Max Art Pro’s position in the best rated canvas prints rankings.
While Max Art Pro didn’t resize the problematic logo (or contact me about its size), they did intelligently recenter the photo, completely removing the logo from the final print. This proactive approach is preferable to partially displaying the logo or wrapping it around the canvas edge, demonstrating a degree of quality control.
Alt text: Back of Max Art Pro canvas print with back cover and numerous staples but lacking center bracing, revealing mixed construction quality in best rated canvas prints.
The back of the Max Art Pro print initially made a very positive impression.
I appreciate canvas prints that include a back cover, and this one appeared well-finished.
However, upon closer inspection, peeling back the cover revealed a structural weakness. While the print utilized a generous number of staples to secure the canvas, it lacked both center and corner bracing. The effectiveness of numerous staples is limited if the underlying frame structure is insufficient to maintain its shape over time. This structural compromise slightly impacts Max Art Pro’s rating among best rated canvas prints.
On a positive note, the mounting hardware was of good quality and, unlike some other companies in the comparison, Max Art Pro correctly centered it. More details about Max Art Pro and the specific print I ordered are available in a separate, more in-depth review.
The cost breakdown for the Max Art Pro print is as follows:
- Print: $110.00
- Shipping: $23.00
- Tax: No tax
- Total: $133.00
Elephant Stock
Alt text: Elephant Stock canvas print showing flat colors and blurry edges, a disappointment in the search for best rated canvas prints.
I had high hopes for the Elephant Stock canvas print, fueled by their strong online reviews.
Unfortunately, this initial excitement quickly dissipated upon receiving the print.
The colors immediately struck me as flat and lacking vibrancy. Even more concerning was an unsightly blur along the outer edge of the canvas, as illustrated above. Adding to these issues, the print appeared pixelated to my eye, further diminishing its visual quality and impacting Elephant Stock’s position in the best rated canvas prints competition.
Compounding these problems, the canvas itself was among the thinnest and flimsiest of the entire test group, clearly disqualifying it from contention for best rated canvas prints of 2020.
Alt text: Elephant Stock print back view revealing cheap frame with gaps and minimal bracing, indicating poor construction quality in best rated canvas prints.
The frame supporting the print was equally subpar, constructed from cheap materials with only a single center brace. Critically, the frame corners lacked any support, an already significant flaw exacerbated by large gaps visible in the frame corners themselves. This inadequate frame construction raises serious concerns about the canvas’s longevity and durability, further harming Elephant Stock’s ranking among best rated canvas prints.
Another limitation with Elephant Stock is the absence of custom sizing options. As with Canvas on Demand, I was forced to select a pre-determined size instead of the standard 12×24 format used for most other companies in the test.
Like several others in this competition, Elephant Stock failed to address the obvious logo issue, allowing the prominent and unwanted graphic to be printed without intervention. More details about my disappointing experience with this print can be found in a dedicated review.
The cost breakdown for my Elephant Stock order was as follows:
- Print: $54.95
- Shipping: $9.95
- Tax: $3.98
- Total: $68.88
CanvasHQ
Alt text: CanvasHQ canvas print demonstrating excellent color accuracy and sharpness, reaffirming its status as a top contender for best rated canvas prints.
As mentioned in the introduction, CanvasHQ emerged as the victor in last year’s secret shopper canvas print shootout. Consequently, my expectations for CanvasHQ in this year’s best rated canvas prints competition were exceptionally high.
Despite expanding the field of competitors to seven companies, I anticipated that CanvasHQ would maintain a leading position. My prediction proved accurate. Just as in 2019, CanvasHQ once again distinguished itself as significantly superior to the rest in 2020, solidifying its claim as offering some of the best rated canvas prints available.
Among all the prints in this year’s head-to-head comparison, the CanvasHQ print exhibited the most accurate and pleasing colors.
Alt text: Close-up detail of CanvasHQ print showcasing vibrant and accurate colors, a hallmark of best rated canvas prints quality.
The colors were vibrant, contrasty, and remarkably accurate – a testament to their superior printing process.
The print also displayed exceptional detail and sharpness, further enhancing its visual appeal and contributing to CanvasHQ’s top ranking among best rated canvas prints.
Notably, CanvasHQ was the only company in the entire competition to proactively address and rectify the intentionally problematic logo. They expertly resized it, seamlessly integrating it into the print as if it were a deliberate design element. This attention to detail and proactive customer service sets CanvasHQ apart in the best rated canvas prints market.
However, the impressive image quality and color accuracy were only part of the CanvasHQ story. The construction of the canvas itself was even more remarkable.
Alt text: Corner detail of CanvasHQ print showing super tight and neat corners, indicative of superior canvas stretching and construction in best rated canvas prints.
The corners were exceptionally tight, neat, and meticulously finished. The canvas was stretched taut as a drum, conveying a sense of lasting quality and resilience. This superior construction is a key differentiator for CanvasHQ in the realm of best rated canvas prints.
The abundance of staples securing the canvas to the frame ensures long-term tautness and prevents curling. The frame itself, constructed from high-quality, kiln-dried pine – unlike the pressed board used by many competitors – provides robust support and shape retention. This premium material choice further elevates CanvasHQ in the best rated canvas prints category.
Alt text: Back of CanvasHQ print demonstrating clean finish and robust frame construction, underscoring overall high quality of best rated canvas prints.
As you might surmise, a clear pattern emerged.
The CanvasHQ print stood out for its exceptional visual quality, superior construction, and use of premium materials. This winning combination solidifies its position as a repeat champion in the canvas print shootout and a top recommendation for best rated canvas prints.
Remarkably, despite its superior quality, the CanvasHQ print was among the least expensive in the test, an unexpected bonus:
- Print: $60.95 (after a 30% discount using the “Honey” promo code)
- Shipping: $0.00 (also included in the “Honey” promo code)
- Taxes: $0.00
- Total: $60.95
CanvasWorld
Alt text: CanvasWorld canvas print displaying flat colors and yellowish green tones, revealing color rendering issues in best rated canvas prints comparison.
My initial impression of the CanvasWorld print was dominated by its lackluster colors, which immediately stood out as flat.
Specifically, the rendering of green tones was problematic, appearing too yellow and unnatural.
This color inaccuracy resulted in a noticeable lack of vibrancy and contrast compared to other prints in the competition. These color issues detract from CanvasWorld’s appeal in the best rated canvas prints market.
However, an even more significant concern arose from the canvas material itself.
Alt text: Back of CanvasWorld print revealing cheap, thin canvas and lack of frame bracing, indicating subpar materials and construction for best rated canvas prints.
Among all the canvas prints in this year’s best rated canvas prints shootout, the CanvasWorld print felt the cheapest to the touch. Applying even light pressure with a finger left a noticeable indent in the canvas, highlighting its thin and low-quality nature.
The inexpensive frame on the back further compounded the quality concerns.
The frame lacked both center and corner bracing, essential structural elements needed to provide support and stability, particularly for a thin canvas prone to bubbling and sagging over time. This inadequate frame construction significantly impacts CanvasWorld’s standing in the best rated canvas prints category.
On a positive note, the canvas cuts on the back of the print were clean and well-finished. CanvasWorld also added rubber bumpers to the back, a thoughtful touch to prevent the print from directly contacting the wall.
However, these minor positives are overshadowed by the significant quality issues, limiting CanvasWorld’s accolades in this best rated canvas prints comparison. The cost analysis for the CanvasWorld print is detailed below:
- Print: $83 (after applying a 30% coupon)
- Shipping: $14.95
- Tax: $6.43
- Total: $104.38
Conclusion: CanvasHQ Reigns Supreme in Best Rated Canvas Prints
So, there you have it! Out of the seven companies rigorously tested, CanvasHQ emerged as the undisputed champion – a clear and decisive victory. Kudos to CanvasHQ for consistently delivering such an exceptional product and maintaining its position as a provider of best rated canvas prints!
While the CanvasHQ print impressed across the board, the majority of the other prints were, by and large, underwhelming. This is concerning, as many consumers may unknowingly be purchasing lower-quality canvas prints without realizing the significant differences in quality available.
Hopefully, this comprehensive canvas print comparison illuminates the varying levels of quality within the canvas printing industry. Equipped with this information, you can make more informed decisions and order truly high-quality canvas prints in the future, perhaps even choosing the best rated canvas prints from CanvasHQ!
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