If you are looking for a reliable, user-friendly photo book builder, you will eventually come across two very similar and equally renowned solutions: Mixbook and Shutterfly. Despite having a 7-year difference between each other regarding foundation, both companies focus on one thing only: total customer satisfaction. Seemingly endless customization options, a decent amount of sizes, covers and paper types, unique solutions on computer and mobile platforms, affordable pricing policies, various coupons and discounts, and stellar customer support are the traits of these leaders of the market. One might say they would be considered identical twins if we removed their names…
This is why we let you be the judge to decide which of these two photo book builders is better: Mixbook or Shutterfly?
Main Features |
Mixbook |
Shutterfly |
Logo | ||
Rating | ||
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Visit | Visit Site | Visit Site |
Coupons | Coupons | Coupons |
Online Editor | ||
Downloadable Software | ||
Mobile-Friendly Editor | ||
iOS App | ||
Android App | ||
Windows App |
Book Editor Features |
Mixbook |
Shutterfly |
# Designs | 700+ | 283 |
# Pages | 10-399 pages | 20-111 pages |
Autofill | ||
Layout Personalization | ||
Collaboration | ||
Online Storage | ||
Album Sharing | ||
Social Media Import |
Book Sizes, Covers, Shapes |
Mixbook |
Shutterfly |
# Sizes | 8 | 6 |
5x5 | ||
8x8 | 8.5x8.5 | |
8.5x11 | 8x11 | |
10x10 | ||
12x12 | ||
11x15 | 11x14 | |
# Cover Types | 4 | 5 |
Softcovers | ||
Hardcovers | ||
Leather Covers | ||
Fabric Covers | ||
Layflat Covers | ||
Linen Covers | ||
Square Shapes | ||
Landscape Shapes | ||
Portrait Shapes | ||
Flyleaf |
Shipping Time & Options |
Mixbook |
Shutterfly |
Processing Time | 3-4 business days | n/a |
Overnight Shipping | ||
International Shipping | ||
Store Pickup |
Pricing & Discounts |
Mixbook |
Shutterfly |
8x8 Softcover Price | $19.99 | $18,74 |
Standard Shipping Cost | $4.99 | $4.99 |
Extra Page Cost | $1.39 | $1,25 |
Money Back Guarantee | n/a | 60 days |
Bulk Discounts | Upon request | |
Gift Certificates | ||
Refer a Friend Rewards |
Available Payment Methods |
Mixbook |
Shutterfly |
Visa | ||
PayPal | ||
Mastercard | ||
American Express | ||
Discover |
Customer Support |
Mixbook |
Shutterfly |
Live Chat | ||
Phone | ||
Community | ||
Videos |
About |
Mixbook |
Shutterfly |
Headquarters | California, U.S. | California, U.S. |
Founded | 2006 | 1999 |
Languages | EN | EN |
Mixbook
Mixbook, the same company behind the unique iOS-only Mosaic app and Montage, is the definition of the phrase “simple but effective.” The online editor is almost pitch-perfect and it gives you complete freedom regarding customization. You can create books alone or with the help of contributors from scratch, or from the over 300 themes which you can change retroactively during the editing process. Your photos can be stored on your Mixbook account for later use, auto-filled in all books you make and be adjusted in various ways. Layouts can be modified in any way you want and backgrounds can be applied without deleting the theme settings of the photo book.
Mixbook also provides an auto-save feature, low resolution warnings and a spell-checker in its editor to make sure you won’t order a faulty product. Once you are done, you can order your book in 3 shapes, 7 sizes, 5 cover types and regular or layflat pages, most of which can be freely combined with each other. Although the company has an average pricing policy and provides rather fast shipping all over the world, you can still enjoy the benefits of many coupons and discounts on bulk orders, first time shopping and gift cards.
Shutterfly
With Shutterfly you not only have the option to choose between a computer, mobile browser and an iPad app, but you can create your books using 2 different methods as well or even have it created by the company. Even though the app is slightly better, the online editor is also a decent product; you are absolutely not limited in anything which means you can change the layouts, backgrounds and over 200 themes (including the free and the payable ones) the way you want.
Furthermore, Shutterfly allows you to modify the book’s size and/or cover retroactively should you change your mind during the editing process. Speaking of these, the company offers a slightly limited cover–size–paper type pairing option by providing 2 shapes, 6 sizes, 2 paper types, a layflat upgrade and 6 covers, including such rarities as cloth, genuine leather and ivory crushed silk. Shutterfly‘s pricing and shipping policy is almost an exact copy of Mixbook’s with regards to its average nature, but if you are not satisfied with the prices, you can reduce them with discounts by referring friends, accepting free samples or the offer for newcomers and using the bulk order shipping discount.
Conclusion
We are not going to lie, this choice will be super hard for you, because these two photo book builders are proven to be the best of the market for very good reasons. The simple and user-friendly Mixbook is a prime example of how to effectively provide complete freedom to customers regarding photo book personalization. Moreover, Mixbook also has other innovative photo book solutions such as the Mosaic iOS app. The “old nemesis” Shutterfly, on the other hand, has strong presence on both computers and mobile devices and offers its customers various ways to create their own photo books. And, as you would expect from a company existing since 1999, it provides quality services by barely limiting its users in customization options.
So in conclusion, no matter which photo book builder you choose in the end, we guarantee you will not be disappointed at all.
Maggie Ogilvie says
I have made several books with MIXBOOK and have been totally satisfied! Their products are beautiful and since I have professional journalism experience and training, I believe I can judge the product effectively. It’s been fun, easy to use, and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone! (: