So we conducted our own test, uploading an identical set of image files to each service. We uploaded 20 images—shot with mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and smartphones—to each of our finalists. We included landscapes, a range of skin tones, neutral and tinted black-and-whites, low-light images, and photos with heavily saturated colors. When given the option, we had the images printed on luster paper and requested that the lab make no additional color adjustments.
For each service we ordered 4-by-6 prints or similar , a 5-by-5 square image, an 8-by black-and-white portrait, and an by color landscape. As a reference we used the Epson SureColor P inkjet printer our pick for the best photo inkjet printer to make our own identically sized prints from these same files. The P produced notably sharp prints that matched the colors we saw on our properly calibrated iMac inch monitor, providing a baseline by which we could evaluate results from the online print services.
After comparing the prints from each lab not just in image quality but also in how well they were packed for shipment, I whittled our list of contenders down to five finalists. I then set up a blind test with several colleagues in the Wirecutter office; some of the panelists were photo novices, and others owned DSLRs and took photographs on a regular basis. For each set of prints, I asked the testers to rate their first and second choices, as well as their least favorite prints.
Nations Photo Lab is the best choice for most people looking to order photo prints online. Its service is easy to use, with pricing and printing options clearly displayed on a single Web page. In our tests, turnaround was impressively fast: Our prints shipped out the same day we placed our order. The prints had pleasing contrast and detail, and they ranked among the most color-accurate across the services we tested. Nearly all of the services we tested delivered prints good enough to frame and put on the mantel.
To be honest, the differences in print quality that did exist were too subtle for us to show you via the Web. And all of the services we used had our orders ready to ship within three business days or less. Some shops are less expensive than Nations Photo Lab prices vary with print size and quantity. But each service we tested brings compromises of some sort. Nations Photo Lab gets the most important things right: color-accurate prints, packaging that avoids damage in transit, and a hassle-free ordering process.
As with other services, you begin the order process with Nations Photo Lab by creating an online account. The Web browser interface lets you drag and drop images to upload them from your computer.
At this point you can select an image to specify print size and select a paper type before manually cropping the image to taste, if necessary.
You can also choose to have your image mounted on foamcore for an additional fee or converted to black-and-white or a sepia tone. ROES is a third-party app that many photo labs license to use for their customer orders.
Though designed with the high-volume needs of wedding and portrait photographers in mind, the app is simple enough for just about anyone to use. Selecting a print size calls up a blank page onto which you simply drag an image. Add the image to your shopping cart, and then just drag the next image in its place. The standard 4-by-6 print has an aspect ratio of DSLRs and most mirrorless cameras still use that aspect ratio today.
But the image sensors in smartphone, point-and-shoot, and Micro Four Thirds cameras have a aspect ratio instead. Faced with this mismatch, you have two options. First, you can crop the digital file so that it fills the frame of a 4-by-6 print.
But as you can see below, this tactic risks cropping out important areas of your image. The second—and in this case preferable—option is to print the image at its native aspect ratio and leave a paper border on two sides of the print. Within hours of placing the order, we received an email saying the job was complete and ready to ship.
We need to stress, however, that ours was a very low-volume order placed well outside of the holiday-rush season. Your mileage may vary. Our prints arrived in perfect condition, which came as no surprise once we inspected the packaging. The prints were in transparent sleeves and taped down to an oversize sheet of thick cardboard with another laid on top so they were sandwiched in between. This bundle then went into a shallow but sturdy shipping box for maximum protection.
I ran a digital-printmaking service for almost 10 years, and we shipped high-end prints on a daily basis. This package could have taken a severe beating without any damage done to the prints. We think most folks will be very pleased with the image quality of prints from Nations Photo Lab. In our tests, the print contrast was pleasingly punchy without sacrificing image detail, and colors were reasonably accurate compared with the digital files.
The difference can be subtle for casual photographers who send only 4-by-6 holiday photos once a year, but is a worthwhile option for anyone making larger prints to hang on their wall. We use cookies to allow us and selected partners to improve your experience and our advertising. By continuing to browse you consent to our use of cookies. You can understand more and change your cookies preferences here. When you click on a retailer link on our site, we may earn affiliate commission to help fund our not-for-profit mission.
Find out more. In this article. Online photo printing services turn your treasured snaps into prints, photo books, calendars, canvases and gifts. Our expert lab tests and customer survey reveal which providers you should consider — and which you should avoid — when getting your photos printed.
Our testing really gets to grips with print quality, and our survey captures aspects of photo printing services that matter to you, such as delivery and customer service. To find out which brands offer the best quality prints, we put prints from 13 leading services through our lab tests.
We rated a range of prints across a number of factors, such as colour, contrast and paper quality, to uncover which brands produce the best prints. We covered all the major providers that offer online photo printing services, so if you're interested in print quality, check out the table below and find out which produce the best prints. Some of the brands have also been rated by customers for things such as ease of editing, delivery, customer service and value for money, so check the table below to see what people thought.
Only logged-in Which? If you're not yet a member, you can get instant access by joining Which? In addition to our lab testing, we also asked customers about the online printing services they use. To calculate customer scores, we surveyed more than customers who had bought printed photos online. We asked them about various aspects of their experiences, including how easy it was to upload photos, value for money, and more.
Table notes: WRP stands for Which? Recommended Provider. Customer score combines satisfaction and likelihood of recommending each service. This survey was done in Below, you'll find information on some of the most popular photo printing services to help you compare pricing and key features.
It sells square prints and wallet-sized prints as well as its 5x7-inch photos, but you won't find the standard 6x4 or 10x8-inch sizes offered by many other services in the UK.
Aldi Photos does offer photo gifts including aluminium wall art and snow globes for those looking for a less conventional way of sharing their treasured photos.
Head over to the Aldi Photos website to order your prints. Bonusprint has been around for more than 50 years and continues to offer a variety of products, from canvases to personalised mugs. Bonusprint is currently based in The Hague, Netherlands, and all prints are sent from there. But don't worry, they should take between four and six working days to arrive.
Head over to the BonusPrint website to order your prints. Digitalab is a family-run photography lab based in Newcastle, celebrating more than 70 years as a photo printing business. The company has won multiple awards for its printing services, and its newly upgraded online photo printing services allow customers to have prints sent to their home. In-store pick-up is also available for those based near Newcastle.
Print prices vary, dependent on the number of photos you order. Head over to the Digitalab website to order your prints. Jessops offers a Fujifilm-backed product, including its quality stamp, for peace of mind.
You have the option to pick up your printed photos in store if you live near one free of charge, and there's an express option to get them in just two hours. You can order your prints online or via the Jessops Photo App, if you'd rather submit photos straight from your phone. Head over to the Jessops website to order your prints.
This one slightly bigger than the others. The saturation and details in this acrylic from Nevada Art Printers is breathtaking.
The greens look more natural showing all the different shades from the tree tops to the fields below. The image has so much more depth to it. I can not stress to you enough how beautiful acrylics are in person! I will not be ordering a canvas, metal, or acrylic from them anytime soon. I was happy with the acrylic from Bay Photo and may be ordering from them again. This review was written and conducted by Brian McGuckin. I always hear that Pro DPI is the best, for mostly if not all printing….
I am considering ordering one from them and was anxious to see the results, just wondering if there was a particular reason or you decided to leave them out?
Otherwise great article! I really appreciate this article. Do you know if these companies offer sample pricing to photographers? I know Bay Photo does but not sure about the others. Just another place to check out! Brian, What options did you select for your Nevada Art Print acrylic? I have Simply Color Lab in my back yard, and I would like to compare apples to apples when I order samples. Great article! There is one site I think you need to add to your metal comparison. Maybe as a follow up.
I have completely been sold their work and customer service. Jesse are the acrylic prints mounted or did they print directly on the acrylic? Direct to acrylic prints are a pretty low quality print compared to just about anything.
You really should look at Printpictures. Their packaging is superb, I did have a issue with a dimple in the metal print. Customer service was fairly prompt and sent me another print no problem. I also ordered another metal print which had a similar problem with a dimple in the metal.
The way they attach the hanging frame to the back of the print seems to affect the face of the print. Its unfortunate as their prices were good and customer service did respond, but every print so far to date has had issues. Was not at all surprised by your Mpix acrylic.
I was getting the same result from them last year with Metal Prints. Made me jump to BayPhoto for all my metal work. Great article!! Thank you for your insights on printing on Metal and Acrylic…you saved me time in researching for a project!!! Thanks for your article and the info on the different companies.
I am an enthusiastic hobby photographer. Your article really helps answer my questions. Tons of great comments here! They are currently the only licensed provider of the Diasec acrylic process.
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