Finding the right Picture Print Service can be challenging, especially with numerous options available online. While services like Mpix are popular and offer convenient smartphone apps for ordering prints, user reviews and tests reveal significant differences in print quality, cropping capabilities, and packaging. This article dives into a comparison of several picture print services, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision for your photo printing needs.
Mpix, despite its popularity and user-friendly app, received the lowest ratings in panelist preferences due to its inflexible cropping when printing smartphone photos. This can be a major drawback if you value the original composition of your images. Unlike services like EZprints and RitzPix, which offer smartphone-friendly print sizes with a 4:3 aspect ratio, or Printique and Nations Photo Lab, which allow uncropped printing regardless of aspect ratio, Mpix lacks these options. For photographers who pay close attention to image composition, this limitation can be a deal-breaker when selecting a picture print service.
A close-up of the edge of a rolled-up print from Snapfish showing damage from shipping.
Snapfish, known for its budget-friendly prices, unfortunately, delivered subpar print quality in tests. Both 8×10 and 4×6 prints exhibited harsh contrast, resulting in loss of detail in shadows and highlights. Additionally, portrait photos displayed undesirable orangish skin tones. Packaging also proved inadequate, with smaller prints shipped in flimsy cardboard envelopes lacking padding. Larger 11×14 prints, while shipped in tubes, lacked internal padding, leading to bent edges during transit, as shown in the image above of a damaged Snapfish print.
RitzPix also faced packaging issues, resulting in damaged prints upon arrival. Their 11×14 prints were shipped in flat envelopes with thin backing boards, which proved insufficient protection. The envelope’s small size relative to the print led to corner damage when crushed during shipping. This is particularly disappointing given RitzPix’s high shipping fee of $14.95. Better packaging, like larger envelopes or boxes used by competitors, could easily prevent such damage.
A close-up of a damaged corner on a RitzPix photo print against a green backdrop.
EZprints, similar to Snapfish, stood out for its disappointing print quality. Prints consistently appeared hazy and washed-out, lacking sharpness and exhibiting a mottled tone in clear areas. These issues position EZprints as a less desirable picture print service if high-quality output is a priority.
Shutterfly, despite being one of the more expensive services tested, provided only average print quality. The primary concern with Shutterfly was its packaging. Smaller prints arrived in thin envelopes, while 11×14 prints were shipped in tubes, causing them to curl significantly. While curling can be remedied by flattening, it adds an extra step and potential risk of damage.
A curled photo print from Shutterfly, shipped in a tube, laying on a table.
Zazzle offers picture print services but is better suited for single, customized orders due to its user interface. Selecting print sizes involves a tedious drag-and-drop process for each image on individual order pages, making it inefficient for larger batches of prints. Paper options are also limited, making Zazzle less ideal for general picture printing needs.
Coffee table books flattening a photo print, illustrating a method to uncurl shipped photos.
Winkflash faces significant negative customer reviews, including reports of lost photo access and poor customer service. Customer support is limited to a web form, lacking phone or email options, making Winkflash a risky choice for your picture print service needs.
FreePrints attracts users with its offer of up to 1,000 free 4×6 prints annually (excluding shipping costs). However, information about the company and its services is scarce on their website, and ordering is app-exclusive. This lack of transparency and limited information raises concerns about the service’s reliability and quality, suggesting caution.
Amazon Prints offers competitive pricing for 4×6 prints and integrates seamlessly with Amazon Prime Photos. While print quality is mid-range, with slightly orange skin tones, it’s not among the worst. However, packaging is basic, leading to occasional damage during shipping. Amazon Prints provides a reasonably convenient but not exceptional picture print service.
Walmart offers a 4×5.3-inch print size that accommodates smartphone 4:3 aspect ratios without cropping. However, their overall print size selection is less extensive compared to top-rated services. Walmart can be a viable option for specific smartphone print sizes but may lack versatility for broader picture printing requirements.
In conclusion, when choosing a picture print service, consider factors beyond just price and convenience. Print quality, cropping options, and reliable packaging are crucial for ensuring your photos are printed beautifully and arrive safely. While some services may appear appealing due to low costs or ease of use, user reviews and test results highlight significant differences in overall satisfaction. Carefully evaluate your priorities and choose a service that balances quality, features, and reliability to best meet your picture printing needs.
