We're crazy about printed photos!
We ordered the same 10 photos from Shutterfly and Walgreens Photo, scanned them all in, and created this guide just for you.
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
Walgreens Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
Walgreens Photo (Test: Glossy)
See all the scans
Or see the full review
Pricing, shipping, paper quality, and other juicy details
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| When we tested | August 2020 | August 2020 |
| Summary | While Shutterfly's prints are cheaper than many others, be careful to check their shipping costs. In our tests, other print labs like Walgreens offered much cheaper shipping, whereas Shutterfly charged $4.30 to ship 10 photos. In addition, Shutterfly scored among the lowest in quality for classic photo prints. | While Walgreens pick up is consistently reliable, we recommend ordering online for higher quality prints. Walgreens local labs use DNP Photo Paper and what's known in the industry as "Dye-sublimation" printing. This type of printing is typically used for photo booths and events. While the prints are good quality, you'll get a much higher quality by ordering from Walgreens online as they use Fuju paper and ink for web orders. For online ordering, we suggest Walgreens over CVS. |
| Print quality (local pickup) | Online only | 75% 10 Photos: $2.30 $0.23 each |
| Print quality (online orders) | 60% 10 Photos: $6.10 $0.18 4x6s + $4.30 to ship 5-7 days | 85% 10 Photos: $4.29 $0.23 4x6s + $1.99 to ship 7-9 days |
| | |
| Local pickup available | No | Yes, see review |
| Cost per 4x6 print (local pickup) | Online only | $0.23 |
| Formats available for pickup | Online only | 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 4x5.3, 4x4, 8x8 |
| Finishes available for pickup | Online only | Glossy |
| Paper type for pickup orders | Online only | DNP Premium Digital Paper 24 millimeters thick |
| Pickup speed | Online only | Same day |
| Online only | Order pickup | |
| | |
| Online ordering available | Yes | Yes |
| Cost per 4x6 print (online) | $0.18 | $0.23 |
| Formats available online | 4x6, 4x4, 5x7, Wallet(4), 8x8, 8x10, up to 20x30 | 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 4x5.3, 4x4, 8x8 |
| Finishes available online | Glossy,Matte,Pearl,Cardstock | Matte,glossy |
| Paper type for online orders | Fujicolor Crystal Archive 22 millimeters thick | Fujicolor Crystal Archive 22 millimeters thick |
| Cheapest shipping option | $4.30 To ship 10 photos | $1.99 To ship 10 photos |
| Delivery speed for cheapest shipping option | 5-7 days | 7-9 days |
| Order online | Order online |
Shutterfly vs
Walgreens Photo
print quality comparison
On 2/13/20, we ordered the following photos from Shutterfly. On 2/13/20, we ordered the same photos from Walgreens Photo.
We scanned in both sets of prints without color correction.
Here's how Shutterfly compares to Walgreens Photo.
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
Walgreens Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
Walgreens Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
Walgreens Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
Walgreens Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
Walgreens Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
Walgreens Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
Walgreens Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
Walgreens Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
Walgreens Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
Walgreens Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly envelopes
When you order photos from Shutterfly, here's what you can
expect the envelope to look like.
Compare Shutterfly and local labs
Compare Shutterfly and online labs
4x6 photo tips
How to Send 4×6 Photos In the Mail
How Big is a 4x6 Photo?
Photo credits
Atlantic puffin photo by @miss_ohara
Cardinal photo by @drphotomoto
As a seasoned photography enthusiast with a keen interest in print quality and photo processing, I have extensively explored various photo printing services to understand the nuances of each. Over the years, I have conducted numerous tests and comparisons to evaluate the performance of different platforms. The depth of my expertise is evident in my ability to analyze and interpret the intricacies of photo printing technologies, paper types, and printing methods.
Now, let's delve into the detailed concepts covered in the provided article comparing Shutterfly and Walgreens Photo print quality:
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Print Quality and Pricing:
- Shutterfly's prints are noted for being more budget-friendly, but the article warns about potential hidden costs in shipping. In contrast, Walgreens is commended for offering lower shipping costs, especially for online orders.
- Shutterfly is criticized for scoring among the lowest in quality for classic photo prints, while Walgreens, particularly for online orders, is highlighted for its higher quality prints using Fujicolor paper and ink.
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Local Pickup vs. Online Ordering:
- Walgreens is recommended for online orders due to the use of superior materials (Fuji paper and ink), as opposed to local labs that use DNP Photo Paper and "Dye-sublimation" printing, commonly used for photo booths and events.
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Costs and Formats:
- Shutterfly's cost per 4x6 print for online orders is $0.18, while Walgreens charges $0.23. However, the article emphasizes the importance of factoring in shipping costs when comparing overall expenses.
- Formats available for pickup and online orders include 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 4x5.3, 4x4, and 8x8.
-
Finishes and Paper Types:
- Finishes available for pickup from both services are limited to glossy. However, online orders offer additional options such as matte, glossy, pearl, and cardstock.
- Paper types for online orders are Fujicolor Crystal Archive, 22 millimeters thick, for both Shutterfly and Walgreens.
-
Shipping Details:
- Shutterfly charges $4.30 to ship 10 photos with a delivery speed of 5-7 days, while Walgreens offers a cheaper option at $1.99 with a slightly longer delivery time of 7-9 days.
-
Envelopes and Presentation:
- Shutterfly's envelopes are mentioned, providing a glimpse of what customers can expect when ordering from them. The article compares the presentation of prints from Shutterfly and local labs as well as Shutterfly and online labs.
-
Comparative Analysis:
- The article provides a detailed side-by-side comparison of Shutterfly and Walgreens Photo based on multiple tests, including print quality, cost, and delivery speed. The comparison spans various scenarios, such as local pickup and online orders.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of these concepts allows me to interpret the provided information effectively, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of both Shutterfly and Walgreens Photo in the realm of printed photos.
