Mixbook vs Blurb vs Shutterfly vs Photobook America - Ultimate Photo Book Comparison

[@placeb0fication]

Super helpful video! I just wish you indicated somewhere on screen which brand was currently being discussed (e.g. currently talking about shutterfly) because I found myself forgetting as the video went on.

[@jillrivers6886]

if you used CC you can see what he is saying too - that helped me.

[@alohaleslie9407]

So timely...I'm in the beginning process of creating a photo book and was beginning the investigation into each of these companies. You made my job much easier and less stressful!! Thanks so much for your exhaustive research.

[@cmair77]

I like how your neutral about what people should choose, rather you focus on the pros and cons and stress the importance of each person choosing based on ones needs and circumstances, thanks

[@ThomasPipinou]

Great reviews! I've been looking for a comparison video exactly like that. It helped a lot.

[@oreoourcat]

Thank you for this detailed excellent review. I've been trying to create a 90th Birthday book for my Mom's over the top Party! She will love it!

[@187KK]

Thank you !! I’m currently creating my wedding album and your video was very helpful !

[@seizethedayandlive]

It's been 2 years since you created this very useful video and I wonder if your assessment has changed? Nothing stays the same and perhaps one company has gotten better while another has lost its edge? Your thoughts?

[@kagezen]

I really appreciate you taking your time to make this video and to go in so much details. You've made me understand the inner works of these photobook companies and made my ordering decision easier. Thank you for providing us such valuable information.

[@Charlotte-bc7vj]

Omg I'm only 5 mins into the video and I am in LOVE with how you are analysing this! I just found youtube gold wooohoo

[@PhotoBookGuru]

Wow, thank you!

[@eriknashawaty3719]

A Photobook America warning between using Photobook online editor and their offline Photobook Designer app. When using the online editor, they block use of placing items on the inside front and inside back covers. But the offline Designer app allows printing on inside front and back covers. So if you use the offline app, and you don't want to place photos on the inside covers (who would?), you will lose 2 pages in the page count whereas you will gain 2 extra pages of use if you lay your book out with the online editor. Not sure why the two programs don't match, but they don't!

[@stephaniestaton-young8221]

Thank you for this very useful comparison. I’ve just made my first photo book with a European company CEWE - end result was good but I have nothing with which to compare. I use a lot of text - my books are family history books with photos to illustrate the text - sometimes an entire page of text.. Would you say one of the companies you reviewed is better for text? also I like the idea of the inside of the cover/s having a theme or a background or a photo. I have bought souvenir books with this feature but cannot find a provider to do this for non-commercial books. Ideas? Finally. CEWE only keep your order for 6 months…it is in an mcf file format - not sure how to store a digital copy of my book - is there a provider that has got this sorted?

[@snowbunny1001]

Omg I am sooooo overwhelmed!! Lol. I don’t know who to go with! This video was very helpful though. Thank you! 8)

[@dx-dragon4399]

Great video looking at getting my first book and your videos are the best I've watched on photo books

[@mje1625]

I appreciate the examination of the various options offered by each company. But it would be nice to have a comparison of the quality of each company's product.

[@jeanniesmith3405]

Thank you for this very thorough comparison of the various photobook companies. I just finished my first one on Blurb and am familiar with Shutterfly but not the two others. I will have to check the others out.

[@bubbajones5905]

I had a lot of questions on this subject, this is a very helpful start. I'm going to "Like" then watch all your other videos. Thanks.

[@DanM_Photography]

Thanks for the helpful breakdown! I have only tried Blurb and have been happy with the books, but have not heard of Photobook WW. Will check them out.

[@led6244]

So helpful! Thank you, hoping one of these companies can ship me my photo book intime, but your tips were exceptionally helpful in making a decision. Very grateful

[@smedina146]

a FANTASTIC run down of all 4!! VERY helpful! I have gotten 3 Mixbooks and they are nice. Ive seen a friend's Shutterfly photobook at is was very nice as well. Since I will lbe looking into SelfPublishing my children's book Im writing and illustrating for a friend, It sounded like Blurb would be best choice.... I will be creating the pages in Photoshop Elements and then uploading the spread as one image. Thank you for your help

[@photo7839]

Good presentation.. thank you. A lot of material to cover. Thank you for putting it together.

[@anaiyahluther]

Thank you so much for this! My trying to make a children’s book using my digital illustrations for my baby cousins who are all under 5 years old. I think I’ll check out mixbook and photo book for what I need especially when it comes to thicker pages that can stand up to babies and I really like that there’s covers for that extra protection

[@sandraangelo8778]

Tx for thorough review- Do you have a spreadsheet comparison between companies - i.e. page count, covers, bindings, etc.? Also, I recommend that you label video screen - what company you are discussing so if one missed it, at the first mention, one can still tell what one you are discussing.

[@jennifercole9476]

Oh wish I'd seen this a few days ago, very informative thanks you! just sent something to Blurb, will see what results are!

[@jillrivers6886]

Thank you! Huge time saver on my part as I am giving a workshop on how-to use Blurb (as that is what I have used for over 10 years) but I wanted to give participants a good matrix comparing popular companies. (I will give you credit of course).

[@MdWahidurRahmanOvi]

Thank you Guru :) subscribed !!

[@PhotoBookGuru]

You're most welcome

[@hrbohman]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review!

[@dd_zzero6827]

I think I have asked you this before but I forget. lol! How is the security with these companies? If I upload the pics, will they be erased or are they going to keep them in their databases? Thank you

[@dd_zzero6827]

Awesome comparison video. Thank you very much for the details on every company.

[@crystalwrightlive]

This was VERY, VERY helpful. Thank you!

[@helencogan2187]

This is great information, Thank you... but did Photobook America close their doors??? I went to the site and it looks not like a site...

[@PhotoBookGuru]

Try Photobookworldwide.com

[@helencogan2187]

@@PhotoBookGuru Just an FYI..I love your channel...I had a dissatisfying experience with PB America/World..they need to fix the issues with their site.. I went with Blurb. which has been a great experience.

[@TheGoodContent37]

So, Blurb for my kickstarter photo book project? I'll check PBWW aswell due to the better printing quality. Thank you very much for this amazing video. It was very useful! One thing that would had been useful to add would be the worldwide shipping and ease of work.

[@PhotoBookGuru]

It is very difficult to calculate shipping because it's different for every product and country and very often they offer free shipping too

[@rstein0202]

Thank you for this side-by-side comparison! I've watched it a couple of times now. I have used Shutterfly several times, and feel comfortable, and happy with the results. I started a photo book, only to find they only go up to 110 pages, and I have a 218 page book I want to print. So I chose Blurb, since they have the InDesign plug-in available. I downloaded it, and started a new 10" x 8" book. So far so good. Until this ... Their 10 x 8 template is only 9.5 x 8. I've contacted them via the Help button, but have not heard back. Their 8 x 10 template is actually 8 x 10 as advertised. Have you ever noticed this? I have a 218 page 8 x 10 book built in InDesign, any ideas what to do? Thanks for any help in advance, Rick

[@kunalmj]

This was such a great comparison! Thank you for all the work you put into this. For Photobook WW (America) how much do they charge additionally for the Flush Lay-Flat Canon dreamlabo printer upgrade? Is the difference between the regular HP printing and the Canon dreamlabo printing noticeable and worth it in your opinion?

[@PhotoBookGuru]

The price difference in complex, depends on lots of options so best thing is to check on their website. Also, prices are slightly different in certain countries. Yes, the Dreamlabo is substantially better. If you have good quality photos, then it's worth it.

[@karynhonor6639]

thanks for all the work on this. It was very helpful

[@veronicah93]

Thank you for all the information! IF you had to pick one photo book for wedding prints which would you go with? I watched a couple of your videos. Im leaning toward lay flat mix book!

[@jennylim9183]

Hi! At 9:53 could you please tell me which book that is you purchased Blurb softcover is it 120 pages? Looks like more thank you!

[@maryrogowsky3673]

I have a request from you how can I order your products.

[@Jan-lp9uw]

I will need acid free paper for my book. Is that only offered from Photobook America?

[@PhotoBookGuru]

no, most companies offer it, it's just not stated, but you can always ask customer service

[@SatisfyingMedia313]

THANK YOU! Appreciate this content.

[@1duesy]

Very helpful video. However, the rating graph top right of screen doesn't match up numerically to the points earned by category. Must be cumulative but very confusing.

[@chikitka15]

Your videos are very helpful. do you have any experience with bonusprint photobooks? if yes, would you please make a video about this one too?

[@loveanimals-0197]

Can someone do a TLDW. Which is better?

[@krisian1223]

this video was so so helpful! thank you 💗

[@lucky_8054]

That’s a really good review thank you!!!

[@AlexSchmittCinematography]

Thank you for doing this!

[@hafunny694]

Does Photobook has swatch kits, that I can order?

[@PhotoBookGuru]

I don't think so

[@xgtz4378]

Thank you for this review.

[@ssd1453]

Which phonebook do you recommend for photos only? I want to make a birthday photo album- NO TEXT. Thanks so much

[@Win-Naing]

well explained! thanks

[@patrickbaitmen9290]

I'm so happy you exist :)

[@emmanuelikazoboh6837]

How do I Bind synthetic photo book?

[@SteveSSBB]

Great comparison. Thanks!!

[@alanamuzzy8801]

This was super useful!! How do you go about publishing/selling a photo book?

[@PhotoBookGuru]

Blurb has that service. It's an add on when you finish a photo book and want to order it.

[@LSD209]

Great presentation!

[@PhotoBookGuru]

Glad you liked it!

[@daveemery12]

Great review!

[@tonybevan3932]

Thanks for the comparison on the photobooks. I was wondering whether any photobook producer has an option to load a photo as a background that can be reduced in opacity and then able to layer other photos on to of the background photo. This provides a great theme for the book. Cheers Tony

[@vickiking8276]

I just did this with Zno. Ordered the album yesterday so we will see how it turns out.

[@tonybevan3932]

@@vickiking8276 thanks Vicki. Interested on the outcome. Cheers

[@randatadros4274]

I know you can do this in Mixbooks as I know someone who does this all the time. You can upload backgrounds in Mixbooks so she might create the background in Photoshop and then uploads it, not quite sure about the process.

[@tonybevan3932]

@@randatadros4274 Thanks for the reply. I'm keen to find out more I'll review further.

[@With-one-wing]

I have about 25 pictures that I want to put in a small simple book. I am finding this might be too complicated for me to do. Overkill for a simple basic book. Can you tell me the best way to make a small simple book? Best/cheapest company for this small project?

[@PhotoBookGuru]

Cheapest is FreePrint. It's free, you only pay for shipping. Most phone apps are very easy and quick.

[@ahmedb2559]

Thank you !

[@michaelcabrera794]

Are the discounts a one time use only? Or can you use the discounts repeatedly? I was interested in creating a book for the purpose of selling on Blurb.

[@PhotoBookGuru]

You can use them multiple times except for the "new customers only" deals

[@egestroem]

Didn’t blurb have an exclusive site for fine art books only at some point?

[@TheTiredmamaof5]

Very helpful! Thank you.

[@robertwarner9951]

Great presentation, thanks. RSW

[@PhotoBookGuru]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Obeijin]

No mention of costs ?

[@bmask4731]

Which one if any gives the option to leave off their logo, and without paying a fortune to do so?

[@PhotoBookGuru]

Blurb and Shutterfly I think charges around $5

[@bmask4731]

@@PhotoBookGuru sounds good. Thanks.

[@deannasheppard6110]

More details on each editor would also be helpful. We used Shutterfly for our first book and learned the hard way you have to save as you go. Mixbook autosaves, what about the other ones?

[@RaihanJamil]

Summary: PhotoBook :) Thank you 🙏

[@aQubaisi]

I’ve recently digitized all my old family photos. I’m thinking about making a photo book as a gift for some family members. What worries me is that the old photos are dating back to late 70s and 80’s so some of the pictures don’t look great. Wonder what it will look like printed on a book like this

[@PhotoBookGuru]

Similar to the actual photos. You can probably have them enhanced slightly or use Remini, that's great for retouching old photos

[@aQubaisi]

@@PhotoBookGuru thanks for the reply, but even if I did enhance them do you think they’d look good printed in a photo book ?

[@jeanniesmith3405]

I've just finished a family photos book with photos dating from 1864 to 1943, so except for a few most are faded or poor resolution. But the print (on Blurb) came out to look just like the photos I scanned, and I've printed copies for 12 people so they can all share with families. Certainly not comparable to photos taken today, but evocative of the era. Blurb has an enhancement choice with photos, which sharpens them slightly. I am very satisfied with the results.

[@leodoamaral9359]

Mans collected all self-publishing infinity stones

[@ktanderson1962]

I love your videos! Does it drive you crazy that all the photo books in your bookshelf are every size and shape under the sun? lol Comes with the “Photo book Guru” territory I suppose.

[@PhotoBookGuru]

It does. But I have a bookshelf with my OCD photo books. All my holidays in a series which are all the same size and colour and the spines match

[@ktanderson1962]

@@PhotoBookGuru I feel a bit better knowing you have an OCD book shelf too. Are those all done with Saal? (Me - trying to guess your favorite 😉)

[@GeorgeDonnelly]

Your presentation choices sadly make it very hard to visually identify which company you are talking about at any given moment.

[@haroldchester904]

Worth mentioning that overseas postage is astronomical.

[@rosalieb7909]

What happened to Snapfish?

[@PhotoBookGuru]

I just didn't think it compares well to these companies. They offer less variety

[@mobigbetta7106]

Excellent

[@joselliott6]

THIS VIDEO WAS AWESOME! Thank you!

[@PhotoBookGuru]

You are so welcome!

[@steenaagenielsen8798]

Use blurb because I can do it directly I LR RAW files. Do not need to convert to jpg

[@PhotoBookGuru]

true

[@mamdoohsalih]

Hey there! Thank you for all your valuable content. You are appreciated! One question please - is there a place to get bulk photo book orders for a discount? Like 100 or more photo books?

[@PhotoBookGuru]

Blurb has volume discounts. But to be honest, every photo book company will give you a big discount for 100+ photo books, you just need to email them.

[@mamdoohsalih]

@@PhotoBookGuru Great! Thanks for the reply =)

[@pedrorivera1892]

Great!

[@Mark_James_Hill]

U kept saying Photobook Worldwide ...is that Photobook America?

[@PhotoBookGuru]

Yes, they have a different name in every country, but it's the same website and company

[@kylaalpin4074]

I have one from mixbook i dont find its good, 3 from Photobook Canada, I ordered most from shutterfly..I find shutterfly is the best....

[@Hulafula88]

What made you enjoy shutterfly over photobook canada?

[@renae0007]

Thank you

[@tiffanydillard3260]

You didnt say anything about the quality of the photos! It doesnt make any difference if the book is lay flat or not, matte or glossy I want the memories to look good in whatever book I choose. I will say that Blurb pictures look better in print that Mixbook. I use to use shutterfly but Blurb Magazine is the best bang for your buck.

[@cristianchelaru141]

Dislike no 5 is from me. On editing, blurb only 4/5 even it offers you anything possible? Are you serious or you are missing the point?

[@GentlemanMasterclass]

In 2024, do you still think Photobook is better than Blurb?

[@andreiricafort3444]

Hi

[@zebunker]

Ah yes, the obligatory millennial pre-apology for stating an opinion. CLASSIC.

[@elmono3939]

I use Blurb for about 10 years, now. I published total of 8 large photo Art books through Blurb. I found Blurb's design software (BookWright) very easy to use, with just about every possible option you need to put together a professionally looking book. I don't really understand "quality" of paper. If I order highest quality paper, and then compare it with their lowest quality paper - they both feel the same to me. My very first B&W Art Photo Book I published in 2012 - is slowly changing colors. White's are turning yellow to light brown. Go figure. Besides that, there are few things I don't understand : 1. Why is Blurb so damn expensive ??? Unreal. My Photo Art books go for up to $178.00 a book. Such a price greatly limits my sales. My friends publish Art books in China and So.Korea,. For just about same book, with much (much) thicker pages, as well as overall quality - they pay only fraction of my cost. 2. Why does Blurb charges so much for (slow) shipping? If they shipped via USPO / 3-day priority mail (for 8x11 magazines) - shipping would be 60% cheaper and mags would arrive in 1-3 days. 3. Blurb is nowhere to be found. Wanna call Blurb to discuss an issue with your book? Good luck ! Blurb is a true internet company, that don't wanna talk to anybody. Not sure how they get away with it. Frustrating, just to say the least.

[@PhotoBookGuru]

If the whites are going yellow, that's acids in the paper, that's why acid free archival papers are best for longevity

[@Jan-lp9uw]

@@PhotoBookGuru which ones offers acid free? I will need this option. Is it only Photobook?

[@efraguerrero]

Thank you for this video. Very helpful.

[@PoetryETrain]

Thank you much!