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 0.2399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375 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)
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
