10 Best Shutterfly Alternatives for Print on Demand in 2026

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Article Summary

This guide reviews the 10 best Shutterfly alternatives for print-on-demand (POD) in 2026, comparing platforms suitable for both personal use (photo books, gifts) and business owners (e-commerce sales). The alternatives often offer better pricing, faster shipping, and greater product variety. Top competitors include Printify (best for business/variety), Gelato (ideal for global sellers with local printing), and Mixbook (best for high-quality, customizable photo books). The key advice is to select a partner based on your specific needs, prioritizing print quality, platform integrations, and customer support, and to always order samples before committing.

Shutterfly alternatives often cost less. Some even offer faster delivery and more products for print-on-demand users.

If you’re searching for companies like Shutterfly in 2026, you have many options. Some focus on photo books and personal gifts. Others help creators sell custom products online.

As such, the best alternatives to Shutterfly depend on your needs. Personal users might want clear prints and good prices. Business owners need strong integrations, product variety, and solid profits.

This guide lists the top ten sites like Shutterfly to try. You’ll see how they compare in pricing, print quality, and features.

What to Look for in Shutterfly Competitors

Not all Shutterfly competitors offer the same value. Here’s what to check before choosing one.

  • Print quality and materials matter. Pick Shutterfly alternatives that use thick paper and strong inks. Read Shutterfly’s print-on-demand reviews to see how prints last over time. Some tools even send free samples to help you choose.
  • Product variety plays a big role. The best Shutterfly alternatives sell photo books, wall art, and custom gifts. For business use, look for clothes, accessories, and home decor. More products mean more ways to serve your audience.
  • Check for the prices and the value you get. Compare product prices and shipping costs. Watch for extra fees like design charges or rush orders. Some Shutterfly alternatives offer discounts or monthly plans to lower costs.
  • Look for quick shipping times. Fast production is key for both gifts and business orders. Local printing helps shorten delivery times. Some Shutterfly alternatives even offer same-day or express options.
  • Choose the ones with good design tools and ease of use. Simple editors save time. Look for Shutterfly alternatives that provide drag-and-drop tools, templates, and mobile access.

Top 10 Shutterfly Alternatives Compared

These alternatives to Shutterfly serve both personal and business needs. Each one offers unique features that make it stand out.

1. Printify — Best for Product Range

Image via Printify

Printify helps you offer 1,300+ products through a wide network of print shops. You can design and sell custom products without keeping stock. It manages everything from printing to delivery. So, you can scale your business quickly.

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop mockup tool for quick design setup
  • Automatic order fulfillment through print providers
  • Global routing and Printify Choice for faster shipping
  • Express delivery on select items in the US

Pros

  • Free plan with no time limit
  • Global coverage with 90+ providers
  • Easy integrations with Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon

Cons

  • Product quality can vary by provider
  • Branding options are a bit limited

Best For

  • Ecommerce sellers who want wide product choices and low upfront costs.

Also Read:

2. Gelato — Global Print Network Leader

Image via Gelato

Gelato operates in 32 countries. This means faster local delivery and less shipping waste. The platform offers strong print quality and automation.

Key Features

  • Automated fulfillment for orders
  • Real-time order tracking for you and your buyers
  • AI tools and custom branding
  • 24/7 customer support

Pros

  • Local printing means faster global delivery
  • No upfront costs or stock
  • AI tools make branding easy

Cons

  • Some premium tools cost extra
  • No warehouse storage for bulk stock
  • As compared to Prinitfy, Gelato offers fewer items

Best For

  • It’s good for brands that sell globally and need fast delivery options.

3. Mixbook — Best for Photo Books

Image via Mixbook

Mixbook focuses on premium photo books with flexible design options. You can upload images from social media or cloud storage and create custom keepsakes.

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop editor for simple layouts
  • Uploads from Facebook, Google Photos, or Instagram
  • Templates for books, cards, and wall art
  • Upload from mobile devices via QR codes

Pros

  • Simple, user-friendly design editor
  • Great photo quality and sturdy materials
  • Integrates with popular photo platforms

Cons

  • Larger formats can get costly
  • Fewer features for businesses

Best For

  • People who want custom photo books or personal gifts.

4. Snapfish — Budget-Friendly Option

Image via Snapfish

It keeps pricing low and runs regular discounts. This Shutterfly alternative is a great choice for users who want fast, affordable prints.

Key Features

  • Simple photo book and gift editor
  • Uploads from mobile, desktop, or social media
  • Free monthly 4x6 prints via mobile app
  • Same-day pickup at Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart

Pros

  • Free monthly photo prints
  • Same-day pickup for quick orders
  • Broad product selection

Cons

  • Higher base price outside discounts
  • Limited options for business users

Best For

  • Budget-minded shoppers who want low-cost photo gifts.

Also Read:

5. Vistaprint — Professional Business Printing

Image via Vistaprint

It’s known for marketing materials, branded merch, and reliable printing. It suits small businesses that need a polished look. For personal use, look for other tools like Vistaprint that cater to your needs.

Key Features

  • Templates and design tools for branding
  • Live proofing to avoid print errors
  • The product range covers cards, shirts, and banners
  • Order tracking from print to delivery

Pros

  • Great for personal and business products
  • Clear, high-quality printing
  • Trusted service with fast support

Cons

  • A bit higher prices than the budget options
  • Bulk orders may take longer to process

Best For

  • Small businesses that need custom branding and marketing materials.

6. Artifact Uprising — Premium Quality and Sustainability

Image via Artifact Uprising

It offers nice, eco-friendly products with premium finishes. It’s best for those who value artistry and detail.

Key Features

  • Web-based editor for photo books and prints
  • Uploads from devices or social accounts
  • Auto-fill layouts for faster creation
  • Protective packaging for safe delivery

Pros

  • Superior paper and print quality
  • Beautiful packaging that feels high-end
  • Good design tools

Cons

  • More expensive due to premium materials
  • Fewer templates than many other tools

Best For

  • Customers who want luxury photo books or eco-friendly gifts.

7. Zazzle — Creative Marketplace

Image via Zazzle

Zazzle gives artists and designers a place to sell their creations on custom products. It handles production, shipping, and support.

Key Features

  • Free to join with no setup fees
  • 1,500+ product types available
  • Handles shipping and delivery
  • Built-in traffic

Pros

  • Zero startup costs for creators
  • Huge audience for new designs
  • No handling of stock or shipping

Cons

  • High level of competition
  • Less branding control

Best For

  • Those looking for custom gifts.

8. Canva Print — Design-First Platform

Image via Canva Print

Canva Print lets you design and order products in one place. This Shutterfly alternative is fast, creative, and easy to use.

Key Features

  • Direct ordering from the Canva design editor
  • Over 4.5 million templates for any product
  • Automatic proofing for bleed and margins
  • Happiness Guarantee for reprints or refunds

Pros

  • Simple, all-in-one design and print process
  • Huge template library
  • Reliable quality guarantee

Cons

  • Small product catalog
  • Does not connect with online stores

Best For

  • Creators who want design and printing features on one platform.

Also Read:

9. Blurb — Professional Photo Books

Image via Blurb

Blurb focuses on high-quality books for photographers, designers, and publishers. You can create, print, and even sell your books online with this tool.

Key Features

  • Two editors: Bookify (web) and BookWright (desktop)
  • Print up to 440 pages per book
  • Six paper choices for different finishes
  • Sell directly through Blurb’s site

Pros

  • Full control over layout and design
  • Great for selling or self-publishing books
  • Premium paper quality

Cons

  • Slightly higher base prices
  • Fewer creative templates

Best For

  • Photographers and authors who want full design control and pro-quality printing.

10. PhotoBox — UK/Europe Favorite

Image via PhotoBox

This is popular across Europe and the UK. It’s known for its low-cost prints and quick delivery. This Shutterfly alternative uses AI tools to make design simple and fast.

Key Features

  • Online editor for books, prints, and wall art
  • AI layout suggestions to save time
  • Several editor modes for different skill levels
  • Options for borders, filters, and layouts

Pros

  • Easy to use, even for new users
  • Quick delivery across Europe
  • Wide range of products

Cons

  • Higher shipping costs outside the key regions
  • Serves mainly the UK and EU

Best For

  • European users who want less costly photo products.

Also Read:

Sites Like Shutterfly for Personal vs. Business Use

Shutterfly alternatives cater to many needs. Some are great for personal photo gifts, while others help you run a POD business. Knowing which to use saves time and money.

Best for Personal Photo Gifts

Here are the best Shutterfly alternatives for personal use.

  • Mixbook is good for family photo books and keepsakes. Its simple editor makes it easy to design wedding albums, baby books, and memory collections.
  • Snapfish is ideal for families who print photos often. The mobile app offers free monthly prints and same-day pickup at major retail stores.
  • PhotoBox is great for customers in Europe. It’s affordable and offers quick shipping. It uses AI tools to make photo book design faster and easier.

Best for Print-on-Demand Business

Below are the best Shutterfly alternatives for POD businesses.

  • Printify is best for trying different POD niches. With over 1,300 products, it helps new sellers test ideas quickly. It also connects to Shopify, Etsy, and other major stores.
  • Gelato is good for global sellers. It prints locally in 32 countries. So you can offer faster delivery and lower shipping costs.
  • Canva Print is ideal for businesses that already use Canva. You can print products directly from your Canva account in just a few clicks.

Conclusion

The right choice depends on your goals and budget.

Personal users want quality prints, simple tools, and variety. Business users should focus on profit margins, automation, and reliable shipping.

Before choosing a platform, order samples and compare. Pay attention to print color, delivery speed, and customer support. Testing helps you find a partner that fits your needs.

If you’re ready to start selling custom products, Podbase makes it simple. Sign up for free today.

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