A photo book is a fun way to collect and display your favorite memories in one place. Luckily, it is easier than ever to create your own personal photo book with the help of an online design system.
Two of the most popular options in this space are Mixbook and Shutterfly.
Here is a comparison between these two options so that you can make the best decision for your personal needs.
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Print Quality
The most important element of your photo book should be the actual photos. This makes it important that you make photo print quality a priority when deciding what vendor to use for your book.
Shutterfly
Because Shutterfly started as a company dedicated to printing photos from digital cameras, it is no surprise that they boast a strong reputation for overall print quality. Shutterfly has been knocked by some reviews for text copy that is cut off the page. If you are working with text, you need to be careful to place your text with an extra margin to spare.
Mixbook
While Mixbook also received favorable reviews for photo quality, some customers noted that the paper did not appear as thick as what Shutterfly offers. This may be a deciding factor for customers who prefer a sturdier product. However, many reviews note that the Mixbook photos produce greater clarity and crispness than some of its competitors.
Size Options
When it comes to size options, both vendors are generally comparable.
Mixbook Sizes
Mixbook will ask you to first select the orientation from the choices of landscape, square, and portrait before deciding on up to four sizing options.
Shutterfly Sizes
Conversely, Shutterfly offers six sizes, ranging from 8×8 up to 12×12. Either provider gives you plenty of options to create the size and shape that best fits what you are looking for in a final product. In the end, it is doubtful that size options will be a deciding factor when choosing between these two photo gift providers.
Price Points
There is no doubt that Shutterfly is the more affordable option when comparing it to Mixbook.
However, it is important to go beyond the actual pricing and dig into the shipping and other associated costs.
Mixbook offers a number of styles and paper upgrades that could send the base price soaring even higher. In order to get the true cost of your book, you need to examine the final price for all of your options in addition to the shipping fees.
With all other options relatively comparable between the two vendors, most customers will use the price point as the delineating factor when making a final choice.
Theme Options
When it comes to theme options, nobody can touch Mixbook. While Shutterfly offers approximately 40 themes and styles, Mixbook boasts over 500 options. This includes unique options such as school yearbooks, adoption profile books, wedding guest books, business presentation books, and standard photo books.
Many customers swear by the specially curated Martha Stewart photo book themes available at Mixbook. This retailer also offers a special Disney design for all of your favorite vacation photos from your visit to the most Magical Place on Earth. While you can certainly create this type of theme with Shutterfly’s options, Mixbook makes it easier to use their templates.
FAQ
Why is Mixbook So Expensive?
As with most photo vendors, the price point of the Mixbook photo books is highly dependent on the current promotions and coupons available at the time of purchase.
While Mixbook may trend a little higher in price points, remember that their prices are still comparable to other photo print companies.
Why is Shutterfly So Expensive?
Like Mixbook, what you pay for your Shutterfly photo book will vary greatly depending on when you design and buy your item.
Be sure to shop around and compare the current prices of various vendors before making a final purchasing decision.
In general, you can expect to see the best deals during the holiday season as providers compete for those dollars during the busiest shopping time of the year.
The Bottom Line
When it comes down to it, you should go with the photo book vendor who is offering the best deal at the time that you are ready to pull the trigger.
Most vendors are comparable in terms of quality and breadth of offerings.
This makes price point, turnaround time, and shipping options the final deciding factors for most people.
However, if there is a specific theme that you are looking for, you may find more success in being able to create this unique book through Mixbook.
