Best Photo Book Printing Services in 2026 (Top 11 Compared)

Key Takeaways

Photo books transform digital images into tangible keepsakes worth displaying on coffee tables and bookshelves. With dozens of services competing for attention in 2026, choosing the right one depends on budget, print quality, creative control, and how much time a person wants to spend designing. Here are the top picks:

• Mixbook — Best overall for design flexibility and print quality
• Shutterfly — Best for frequent sales and variety of templates
• Artifact Uprising — Best premium option with eco-conscious materials
• Printique — Best for professional photographers
• Blurb — Best for creative professionals and portfolio books
• Nations Photo Lab — Best pro lab with affordable photo books
• Snapfish — Best budget-friendly option
• Picaboo — Best value for layflat books
• Chatbooks — Best for automatic, hands-off photo books
• PastBook — Best AI-powered mobile photo book app
• Walgreens — Best for same-day pickup convenience

How to Choose a Photo Book Service

Before diving into individual reviews, it helps to understand what separates a mediocre photo book from one that genuinely impresses. Here are the key factors to consider:

Print Quality

The most important factor. Services using professional-grade presses with high DPI output produce sharper images with more accurate colors. Look for services that offer color calibration or proofing options, especially for photography portfolios. Layflat binding is essential for panoramic shots that span two pages without a gutter crease.

Paper Options

Paper stock dramatically affects how photos look and feel. Glossy paper delivers vibrant, punchy colors ideal for travel and event photos. Matte paper reduces glare and fingerprints, giving a more artistic feel. Lustre sits between the two with a subtle sheen. Premium services offer archival-quality paper rated to last 100+ years without yellowing.

Ease of Use

Some editors are drag-and-drop simple, while others offer granular control over every element. Beginners benefit from auto-fill features and pre-designed templates. Advanced users want the ability to adjust margins, opacity, and layer elements freely. Mobile app availability matters for those who primarily shoot on smartphones.

Pricing and Value

Photo book prices range from under $10 for basic softcovers to over $100 for premium hardcover albums. Pay attention to the base price versus what is included — some services charge per additional page while others include generous page counts. Factor in shipping costs, which can add $5–$15 depending on speed and location.

Layout Flexibility

The best services allow full customization of page layouts, backgrounds, text placement, and photo arrangement. Some even support uploading custom PDF designs or integrating with professional tools like Adobe InDesign or Lightroom. For maximum creative freedom, look for services with blank canvas options alongside themed templates.

1. Mixbook

Best for: Overall design flexibility and print quality

Mixbook consistently earns top marks for its intuitive drag-and-drop editor combined with professional-grade output. The editor allows complete creative freedom — every element on every page can be moved, resized, rotated, and layered without restriction. Unlike many competitors that lock users into rigid templates, Mixbook treats each page as a blank canvas.

The service supports books up to 400 pages, which is twice the capacity of most competitors. Paper options include everyday semi-gloss, fingerprint-resistant matte, and archival-quality lustre rated to last 200+ years. Most papers are FSC-certified, and all packaging is 100% curbside recyclable.

Pricing: Softcover books start at $14.99 (6×6″). Hardcover books start around $29.99. Layflat premium books start around $69.99.

Sizes available: 6×6″, 8×6″, 8.5×8.5″, 8.5×11″, 11×8.5″, 10×10″

Pros:

• Fully customizable drag-and-drop editor
• Up to 400 pages per book
• Archival lustre paper option (200+ year rating)
• Free digital backups of all designs
• FSC-certified sustainable materials
• Frequent 40–55% off sales

Cons:

• Full retail prices are above average
• No desktop software — browser-based editor only
• Shipping can take 7–10 business days with standard delivery

Design your photo book on Mixbook

2. Shutterfly

Best for: Frequent promotions and massive template library

Shutterfly is one of the most recognizable names in photo printing, and for good reason. The platform offers an enormous selection of templates across every occasion imaginable — weddings, travel, baby milestones, yearbooks, and more. The editor is user-friendly for beginners while still offering decent customization options.

Shutterfly runs aggressive promotions year-round, frequently offering free 8×8″ photo books (just pay shipping) or 40–50% off sitewide. This makes it one of the most affordable options when timing purchases around sales. All printing is done in the USA with a 100% happiness guarantee.

Pricing: 8×8″ hardcover starts around $29.99 at full price. 11×14″ premium layflat books start around $79.99. Frequent promotions bring costs significantly lower.

Sizes available: 5×7″, 8×8″, 8×11″, 10×10″, 11×14″, 12×12″

Pros:

• Massive template library with thousands of designs
• Frequent deep discounts and free book promotions
• 100% happiness guarantee
• Printed in the USA
• Mobile app with auto-design feature

Cons:

• Print quality is good but not best-in-class
• Editor can feel cluttered with upsells
• Full retail prices are high — wait for sales

Create your photo book on Shutterfly

3. Artifact Uprising

Best for: Premium quality with eco-conscious materials

Artifact Uprising occupies the premium end of the photo book market, and the quality justifies the price. Every book uses paper sourced from Mohawk — the longest-running family-owned paper mill in the nation — and is printed using an environmentally friendly press method rather than the traditional silver halide process.

The company offers several book styles including the compact Everyday Photo Book (7×7″), the Layflat Photo Album, and the Hardcover Photo Book. Cover options include premium linen with custom foil stamping, giving each book a gallery-worthy appearance. The warm color profile created by their custom press calibration gives photos a distinctive, pleasant aesthetic.

Pricing: Everyday Photo Book (7×7″) starts around $59. Hardcover Photo Book starts around $79. Layflat Photo Album starts around $149.

Sizes available: 7×7″, 8×8″, 8×11″, 10×10″, 10×13″

Pros:

• Exceptional print quality with custom color calibration
• Eco-conscious materials (Mohawk recycled paper, renewable energy)
• Premium linen covers with foil stamping
• Archival-quality pages that lie completely flat
• Beautiful, minimalist designs

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive than competitors
• Fewer template options than budget services
• Limited size options compared to Shutterfly or Mixbook
• Longer production and shipping times

Design your premium photo book

4. Printique

Best for: Professional photographers and serious hobbyists

Printique (formerly AdoramaPix) operates out of Brooklyn, New York, and is trusted by professional photographers for its exceptional color accuracy and print quality. The service offers both layflat photo books and premium albums, with all products crafted using professional-grade archival photo paper.

The layflat binding is particularly impressive — photos seamlessly span across two-page spreads without any visible crease or gutter, making it ideal for panoramic landscapes and group portraits. Printique also offers a Pro membership with exclusive perks and better pricing for working photographers.

Pricing: Photo books start around $49.99. Premium albums start around $99.99. Pro members receive additional discounts.

Sizes available: 6×6″, 8×8″, 8×10″, 10×10″, 8×12″, 10×13″, 12×12″

Pros:

• Outstanding color accuracy and print sharpness
• Professional-grade archival paper
• Seamless layflat spreads
• Made in Brooklyn, NY — supports local craftsmanship
• Pro membership with business perks
• Video tutorials for book creation

Cons:

• Higher starting prices than consumer-focused services
• Editor has a learning curve for beginners
• Fewer pre-designed templates than Shutterfly or Mixbook

Create your professional photo book

5. Blurb

Best for: Creative professionals and portfolio/coffee table books

Blurb stands apart from consumer photo book services by catering to photographers, artists, and authors who want maximum creative control. The platform integrates directly with Adobe InDesign, Adobe Lightroom Classic, and offers its own free BookWright desktop software — making it the only service that truly supports professional design workflows.

Paper options are extensive: Standard Semi Matte, Premium Lustre, Premium Matte, Mohawk Superfine Eggshell (uncoated), and Mohawk proPhoto Pearl (high-gloss). Books can contain up to 440 pages with standard paper. A unique feature is the ability to sell finished books through the Blurb bookstore or Amazon.

Pricing: 7×7″ hardcover starts at $32. 8×10″ hardcover starts at $38. 13×11″ large format starts at $68. Premium paper adds $4–$27 depending on size.

Sizes available: 5×5″, 7×7″, 8×10″, 10×8″, 12×12″, 13×11″

Pros:

• Adobe InDesign and Lightroom integration
• Free BookWright desktop software
• Five paper types including Mohawk proPhoto Pearl
• Up to 440 pages per book
• Sell books on Amazon and Blurb bookstore
• PDF upload option for complete design control

Cons:

• More complex than consumer-friendly services
• No layflat binding option
• Limited template selection in BookWright
• No mobile app

Build your portfolio book on Blurb

6. Nations Photo Lab

Best for: Professional lab quality at accessible prices

Nations Photo Lab bridges the gap between consumer photo book services and professional print labs. Originally serving professional photographers exclusively, the company now welcomes everyone while maintaining the color accuracy and paper quality that pros demand.

The photo book lineup includes Buzz Books (compact, affordable at $19), Classic Photo Books, Lay Flat Photo Books, and Soft Cover options. Sizes range from 5×7″ to 12×12″, with multiple cover options including hardcover, softcover, and premium covers. The Picture Perfect Guarantee ensures satisfaction with every order.

Pricing: Buzz Books start at $19. Standard photo books start at $40.50. Lay flat and premium albums are priced higher. Free shipping on orders over $89.

Sizes available: 5×7″, 7×5″, 8×8″, 8.5×11″, 10×10″, 11×8.5″, 12×12″

Pros:

• Professional lab quality at consumer-friendly prices
• Wide range of sizes and book types
• Buzz Books offer an affordable entry point at $19
• Picture Perfect Guarantee
• Free shipping on orders over $89

Cons:

• Website navigation can be confusing
• Fewer pre-made templates than Shutterfly or Mixbook
• Editor is functional but not as polished as competitors

Create your photo book at Nations Photo Lab

7. Snapfish

Best for: Budget-conscious photo book buyers

Snapfish is a solid choice for anyone who wants a decent photo book without spending a fortune. The service offers a wide range of sizes from compact 5×7″ softcovers to large 11×14″ layflat albums, with pricing that undercuts most competitors — especially during frequent sales events.

The online editor provides a good balance of simplicity and customization, with hundreds of pre-designed templates, custom layouts, and the ability to add text and captions. Cover options include hardcover, softcover, leather, and linen. Books can contain up to 150 pages.

Pricing: Softcover books start around $9.99. Hardcover 8×8″ starts around $19.99. Larger formats and layflat books range from $39.99 to $79.99.

Sizes available: 5×7″, 6×8″, 8×8″, 8×11″, 10×10″, 11×14″, 12×12″

Pros:

• Competitive pricing with regular promotions
• Wide range of sizes including 11×14″ and 12×12″
• Leather and linen cover options
• Up to 150 pages per book
• Intuitive editor with good template selection

Cons:

• Print quality is adequate but not premium
• Paper stock options are limited compared to Blurb or Artifact Uprising
• Website can be slow to load

Start your photo book on Snapfish

8. Picaboo

Best for: Good value layflat books and variety of cover types

Picaboo has been in the photo book business for over a decade, building a loyal following with competitive prices and solid print quality. The service offers three main book types: Classic Hardcover (from $31.99), Seamless Lay-Flat (from $79.99), and Softcover Keepsake (from $9.99).

The Seamless Lay-Flat option is particularly appealing — ultra-thick pages lie completely flat with no visible seam, creating a premium album experience at a price point well below Artifact Uprising. The drag-and-drop editor works on any device and supports uploading from phone, cloud storage, and social media accounts.

Pricing: Softcover from $9.99. Classic Hardcover from $31.99. Seamless Lay-Flat from $79.99.

Sizes available: Multiple landscape, portrait, and square options

Pros:

• Affordable softcover option at $9.99
• Seamless layflat books at competitive pricing
• Works on any device
• Regular promotional discounts
• Long-standing company with loyal customer base

Cons:

• Editor feels dated compared to Mixbook
• Fewer paper quality options
• Website design could use modernization

Create your photo book on Picaboo

9. Chatbooks

Best for: Automatic, subscription-based photo books with zero effort

Chatbooks takes a fundamentally different approach to photo books. Instead of requiring users to design each book from scratch, the service connects to phone photo libraries, Instagram, or Facebook and automatically creates books as new photos accumulate. A subscription option sends a new book every time enough photos are collected — perfect for busy parents who never find time to sit down and design.

The “Series” feature automatically pulls photos from connected accounts and assembles them into 60-page softcover books. Users can also create one-off custom books with more design control. The quality is solid for the price, though it does not match the premium output of Artifact Uprising or Printique.

Pricing: 6×6″ softcover Series books start around $15. Custom hardcover books start around $30. Monthly subscription options available.

Sizes available: 6×6″, 8×8″, 11×8.5″

Pros:

• Automatic book creation from phone or social media photos
• Subscription model keeps photo books up to date effortlessly
• Very affordable starting prices
• Great for families and busy parents
• Simple, no-fuss mobile app

Cons:

• Limited customization compared to Mixbook or Blurb
• Print quality is good, not premium
• Fewer size and paper options
• Less control over layout and design

Start your automatic photo books

10. PastBook

Best for: AI-powered photo book creation on mobile

PastBook uses artificial intelligence to automate the most tedious part of photo book creation: selecting and arranging photos. The app analyzes a phone’s photo library, automatically picks the best shots, removes duplicates, and arranges them into a beautifully designed album — all with minimal user input.

The service specializes in specific book types: YearBooks (annual highlights), Travel Books, and Event Albums. Users can customize every detail after the AI does the initial work, including background colors, layouts, covers, and captions. All books are printed in premium quality. Note that PastBook is primarily an iOS app, which limits its audience.

Pricing: Photo books start around $24.99. Pricing varies by size and page count.

Pros:

• AI automatically selects best photos and removes duplicates
• Extremely fast book creation process
• Beautiful default layouts with full customization options
• Specialized book types for yearbooks, travel, and events

Cons:

• iOS only — no Android or desktop support
• Limited size options compared to desktop services
• Less control over fine design details
• Smaller company with less brand recognition

Try PastBook’s AI photo books

11. Walgreens

Best for: Same-day in-store pickup

Walgreens Photo offers a unique advantage that no online-only service can match: same-day pickup at thousands of retail locations across the United States. For last-minute gifts or time-sensitive projects, the ability to order a photo book online and pick it up at a nearby store within hours is invaluable.

The selection includes 12 different formats ranging from 4×6″ to 11×14″, with cover options including custom photo covers, hardcovers, softcovers, leather, and linen. Most books start at 20 pages with additional pages available at $1.99 per two-page spread. The layflat option ensures pages lie completely flat for a premium viewing experience.

Pricing: Small softcover books start around $9.99. 8×8″ hardcover starts around $24.99. Extra pages are $1.99 per two-page spread. Frequent coupons available.

Sizes available: 4×6″, 5×7″, 6×8″, 8×8″, 8×10″, 8×11″, 10×10″, 10×13″, 11×14″, 12×12″

Pros:

• Same-day in-store pickup at thousands of locations
• 12 different format options — widest size range available
• Layflat binding available
• Leather and linen cover options
• Mobile app, website, and in-store kiosk creation
• Regular coupon codes and promotions

Cons:

• Print quality varies by location
• Editor is basic compared to dedicated photo book services
• Same-day pickup books may have lower quality than shipped options
• Paper options are limited

Create your photo book at Walgreens

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best photo book service overall?

Mixbook is the best overall photo book service in 2026 for most people. It combines a powerful, fully customizable editor with high-quality printing, archival paper options, and competitive pricing during frequent sales. For premium quality, Artifact Uprising is the top choice, while Blurb is best for creative professionals who need Adobe integration.

How much does a photo book cost?

Photo book prices vary widely based on size, cover type, paper quality, and page count. Budget softcover books start as low as $9.99 (Picaboo, Snapfish). Mid-range hardcover books typically cost $30–$50. Premium layflat albums range from $70 to $150+. Most services run regular promotions offering 40–55% off, so timing purchases around sales can save significant money.

What is layflat binding and is it worth it?

Layflat binding allows pages to open completely flat without a raised center crease. This means photos can span across two pages seamlessly, which is essential for panoramic landscapes, group portraits, and any image that benefits from an uninterrupted view. Layflat books cost more (typically starting at $70+), but they are worth the investment for wedding albums, travel books, and professional portfolios.

Can I make a photo book from my phone?

Yes, most photo book services offer mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. Chatbooks and PastBook are specifically designed for mobile-first creation, with AI features that automatically select and arrange photos. Shutterfly, Mixbook, Snapfish, and Picaboo all have mobile apps as well. For the most design control, however, a desktop or laptop browser typically provides a better experience.

How long does it take to receive a photo book?

Production typically takes 3–7 business days, with shipping adding another 3–7 days for standard delivery. Expedited and rush shipping options can reduce total time to under a week. Walgreens offers same-day pickup for select formats, making it the fastest option. During peak holiday seasons (November–December), expect longer production times from all services.

What paper type should I choose for my photo book?

Choose glossy or lustre paper for vibrant colors and sharp details — ideal for travel, event, and family photos. Choose matte paper for a modern, artistic look with no glare, which also resists fingerprints. For maximum longevity, archival-quality paper (offered by Mixbook, Artifact Uprising, Printique, and Blurb) is rated to last 100–200+ years without yellowing or fading.