We're crazy about printed photos!
We ordered the same 10 photos from Shutterfly and CVS Photo, scanned them all in, and created this guide just for you.
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
CVS 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. | CVS is convenient and quick for local photo printing. After Walmart, their photos scored the best quality for local pick up. Strangely, the quality for their online photos is slightly lower than ordering locally. For online ordering, we suggest Walgreens over CVS. |
| Print quality (local pickup) | Online only | 90% 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 | 80% 10 Photos: $4.78 $0.33 4x6s + $1.48 to ship 5-9 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, 6x8, 8x10, 5x5, 6x6, 8x8, 4x6 Wallet |
| Finishes available for pickup | Online only | Glossy |
| Paper type for pickup orders | Online only | KodakMoments 21 millimeters thick |
| Pickup speed | Online only | Same day |
| Online only | Order pickup | |
| | |
| Online ordering available | Yes | Yes |
| Cost per 4x6 print (online) | $0.18 | $0.33 |
| Formats available online | 4x6, 4x4, 5x7, Wallet(4), 8x8, 8x10, up to 20x30 | 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 8x10, 5x5, 6x6, 8x8, 4x6 Wallet |
| Finishes available online | Glossy,Matte,Pearl,Cardstock | Glossy (Same-day pickup), Matte (5-9 days) |
| 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 | $1.48 To ship 10 photos |
| Delivery speed for cheapest shipping option | 5-7 days | 5-9 days |
| Order online | Order online |
Shutterfly vs
CVS Photo
print quality comparison
On 2/13/20, we ordered the following photos from Shutterfly. On 1/23/20, we ordered the same photos from CVS Photo.
We scanned in both sets of prints without color correction.
Here's how Shutterfly compares to CVS Photo.
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Shutterfly (Test: Glossy)
CVS 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
