Mixbook vs Shutterfly Review

About Mixbook 

Sometimes, the story of our lives gets a little lost in the ten billion pictures we take on our phones. While you find yourself reaching for photo albums and scrapbooks from the past, it takes time to create them, which is something we don’t always have (and not all of us have that creative touch, either). 

Luckily, Mixbook and Shutterfly make it easy to set up a tangible collection of your favorite memories in unique and artsy photo books. Ideal for resting on coffee tables, organizing on bookshelves, and flipping through on cozy evenings spent with loved ones, these books become physical copies of our most precious moments. 

Mixbook came to life in 2006 when Andrew Laffoon and Aryk Grosz recognized a gap in the market for a company that would help high school students create their own yearbooks. With a vision “to empower every person to tell their story and express what they care about most,” the brand quickly started to provide outlets for people to develop personalized photo books.

Today, shoppers can also find canvas prints, calendars, and more at Mixbook. While the brand is based in California, the products are available internationally. 

About Shutterfly 

Shutterfly is also headquartered in California, though it has deeper roots dating back to 1999. It was actually designed to allow users to publish their own prints and let out their creativity, which still rings true today, though in a more specific way. 

In 2000, the brand partnered with Kodak so customers could develop and scan their own film, implementing it into their creative projects. Today, it’s a bit of a simpler process since images can be directly uploaded from phones, but the product selection has also seen some updates.

On a mission “to share life’s joy by connecting people to what matters,” it only makes sense that hoppers all over the globe can shop Shutterfly. That being said, they are able to choose from a wide range of personalized products to add a unique touch to their homes and gift literal memories to loved ones. 

With that being said, you may be a little torn between these two brands. Luckily, this Mixbook vs Shutterfly review is here to help you decide! I’ll cover all the top things you need to consider, including the product range and customization options, a comparison of some top sellers, price and value, customer testimonials, and more.

What to Consider

Product Range

Both Mixbook and Shutterfly offer plenty of personalized products—including photo books, calendars, cards, and prints. The latter offers a few extras, though, with options for unique pieces like ornaments, mugs, phone cases, puzzles, and even blankets. 

Customization Options

When you’re looking to put together your photos in a fun and artistic way, it’s important to have options. While all photos are completely personalized, there are different levels of customization available on each website.

Shoppers can choose from a variety of themes and templates, including wedding, family, memorial, baby, seasonal, and more! At Mixbook, shoppers can choose from completely blank canvases for all products and there is also a wider variety of templates.

On top of that, users can select sizes, finishes, shapes, and covers to design the products exactly as they would like them to look!

DIY Resources

If you’re looking for a few DIY resources, Mixbook has an ‘Inspirations’ tab, and Shutterfly has an ‘Ideas’ tab under ‘More.’ Essentially, customers will find a list of articles chock full of ideas for uses and designs of products. From recipe book ideas to inspo for Christmas cards, there’s lots to look at to spark that creative bug in anyone!

Accessibility

Both brands are accessible via websites and apps so orders can be placed the second inspiration strikes. The prices are also reasonable and range depending on the level of customization. That being said, Shutterfly tends to be more on the affordable side.

Mixbook’s website is easier to navigate since there’s a less overwhelming amount of options to choose from, though both are organized with dropdown menus to find what you’re looking for. 

With all that in mind, you might be wondering a little more about the details of the different products. To help narrow down which brand might be the best choice for you, this Mixbook vs Shutterfly review will delve into the bestsellers down below!

Mixbook Simple White Wedding Photo Book vs Shutterfly Simple Elegant Wedding Photo Book Review: 

There are so many days you may want to commemorate forever, but there’s one that often stands out, deserving an entire album dedicated to every little detail: your wedding day. Luckily, both Mixbook and Shutterfly offer personalized and elegant albums that you can fill with every special moment. Let’s take a look at how they compare down below.

Mixbook Simple White Wedding Photo Book:

• Landscape, square, or portrait
• 8”x6”, 11”x8.5”, 14”x11”
• Semi-gloss, pearl, premium lustre lay flat, or premium matte lay flat finishes
• Softcover, glossy hardcover, matte hardcover, hardcover with dust jacket, or leather with dust jacket
• Completely customizable interior with comments

Shutterfly Simple Elegant Wedding Photo Book:

• 8”x8”, 8”x11”, 10”x10”, 11”x8”, 11”x14”, or 12”x12”
• Soft cover, hard cover, or premium leather cover
• Standard pages, standard layflat, or deluxe layflat
• Completely customizable interior with comments

Both books feature a white exterior with a photo of the couple as well as the option for a title, making them simple and stunning options for all different wedding themes. While these books are quite similar, if you want to change the orientation, Mixbook is the better option, while Shutterfly has a few extra size options. 

Mixbook Black Watercolor Script Calendar vs Shutterfly Whimsical Watercolor Desk Calendar Review:

There’s nothing better than being organized with a calendar that’s marked with all your most important dates and helps you keep track of your busy schedule. Well, maybe there’s one thing that would make it better: some of your favorite pictures of all the people you love the most, reminding you of why you work so hard!

The Mixbook Black Watercolor Script Calendar is perfect for hanging on the wall, with a large photo and simple black and white days of the week. The month is printed in a cursive script at the top, though users can always add their own text and alter the layout. It’s available in a few different sizes in a square or landscape orientation.

The Shutterfly Whimsical Watercolor Desk Calendar measures 5”x11” to fit snugly on a desk and is made from thick cardboard with a built in easel. Every page features photos, the monthly calendar, and themed prints, including smiling pumpkins for October and raindrops for April. 

With both calendars, users can choose the start month to enjoy it for the next full year, featuring their fav photos with every flip of the page! The dates on the Mixbook calendar are larger, which is ideal for filling in busier schedules, while the Shutterfly calendar can rest easily on a desk so you can keep your goals right in front of you everyday!

Mixbook Canvas Prints vs Shutterfly Canvas Single Piece Wall Art Review:

Finding the perfect art to decorate your space with can be tricky. So why not hang large prints of the faces you love most or some of your fav snapshots from family vacations or solo trips along the east coast? With large canvas prints, you can do just that, donning your walls with only the best memories. 

With the Mixbook Canvas Prints, you’ll find high quality textured canvas in sizes from 10”x8” to 36”x24” that can be finished in espresso, black, or white frames. The backing also comes with mounting brackets for easy hanging! To build your canvas, follow these simple steps:

1. Choose your canvas size
2. Drag and drop the photo
3. Crop to your preference
4. Choose your frame (optional)
5. Checkout!

Shutterfly offers similar options, though there is a wider range of sizes and frames. Sizes range from 8”x10” to 36”x36” with different printing options including canvas, metal, wood, and acrylic, as well as 8 different frame colors and materials. 

If you’re looking for a simple framed canvas, then Mixbook has exactly what you’re looking for. But if you’re on the hunt for a more unique statement (like framed acrylic art), Shutterfly might be more up your alley!

Mixbook vs Shutterfly: Quality

When it comes to making memories last forever, the quality of the product itself is a necessity. Whether you’re choosing a calendar to be marked up over the year or a photo album for flipping through at family gatherings, the pages should hold up against the test of time. 

It’s always good to know that the pieces you have around your house were sustainable purchases. Luckily, Mixbook uses high quality, ethically sourced papers for their products. The brand is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance. 

The products are made using professional printers, but the brand states that there may be small variations in things like color and binding if orders are sent from different plants. This is minor though, and the brand strives for consistency. 

You might be wondering about the different paper options. Here’s a few of the different finishes:

• Semi-gloss paper: most common choice for its smooth, lustrous finish
• Pearl paper: shimmery pages ideal for celebration books and sparkly finishes and details 
• Lay flat photo book: super thick paper with a matte finish with no binding so the book lays completely flat when open
• Softcover book: smooth and durable with a tight binding for ultra flexibility, ideal for storing kids’ memories
• Hardcover book: glossy or matte hardcover that are fingerprint and scratch resistant, ideal for coffee table displays 
• Leather cover book: luxurious black leather protected by a personalized dust jacket

Shutterfly owns many manufacturing locations across the US and uses thick, high-quality paper and canvas to create perfect prints. So, what kind of different finishes does this brand offer? Shoppers can also choose from a standard or flat lay book, and a hard, soft, or leather cover, but there are some different papers available. Let’s take a look:

• Matte: no shine, best for photo displays
• Glossy: shiny finish that adds a little extra depth to the image
• Pearl: iridescent finish that is ideal for portraits and higher quality photographs
• Metallic: fingerprint resistant and brings out deeper contrasts in images
• Satin: slight shimmer that is perfect for framing and is a little more durable than other options

The brand also sells a collection of eco-friendly products to make good things even more fun and personal. You’ll find pieces like reusable bags and mugs that come with your own selection of photos and art 

For this Mixbook vs Shutterfly review, there’s a few key differences when it comes to quality. Mixbook is a little more transparent about where materials are sourced, meaning shoppers can feel great about what they are buying. But, there does appear to be a few inconsistencies when it comes to the final product(s).

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Shutterfly isn’t clear on where the paper products come from, but it does offer a selection of eco-friendly pieces that may lessen the consumer’s carbon footprint. 

Overall, both brands carry a wide selection of high quality paper options that are long lasting and beautiful – two necessary components of the best scrapbooks. So, no matter where you choose to shop, you’ll still end up with a stunning and memorable final product!

Mixbook vs Shutterfly: Price & Value

All things considered, it’s pretty easy for this Mixbook vs Shutterfly review to say that each brand offers great quality finishes. But the total price also ends up playing a role in that value, so it’s important to consider where both brands are sitting. So, let’s jump right into how some comparable items are priced!

Mixbook:

• Wedding photo book: $37–$182
• Watercolor calendar: $29–$38
• Canvas print: $50–$165

Shutterfly:

• Wedding photo book: $13–$155
• Watercolor calendar: $30
• Canvas print: $110–$270

There’s a lot to choose from at Shutterfly, but that can also mean added expenses. Mixbook offers more transparency when it comes to ethical and sustainable manufacturing, which may play a role in the slightly higher price point. 

In the end, while Shutterfly is more affordable for the base piece, there are plenty of add-ons with Mixbook that are super appealing and make the end result a bit more pricey. That being said, there is also a lot more to choose from when it comes to the medium at Shutterfly. 

Mixbook is easy to create, fully customizable, and comes from sustainable sources. But, there are reports of inconsistencies, which the brand seems to be aware of. Shutterfly also offers plenty of unique options, though there isn’t as much customization available. 

So, for this Mixbook vs Shutterfly review, the former is ideal for someone who is willing to spend a little more for some extra customization, while the latter offers a more affordable and simple to create, yet still beautiful, wider range of options.

Mixbook vs Shutterfly: What Do Customers Think?  

I’ve covered some of the top selling items, the price ranges, and the overall quality of each brand – but what do customers really have to say? This Mixbook vs Shutterfly review is here to find out. So, I sourced testimonials from SiteJabber, Trustpilot, Consumer Affairs, Reseller Ratings, and Influenster. Before we jump in, let’s take a look at how both brands are rated.

Mixbook: 

• SiteJabber: 4.2/5 stars out of 52 reviews
• TrustPilot: 4.8/5 stars out of 30583 reviews
• Reseller Ratings: 3.8/5 stars out of 3275 reviews

Shutterfly:

• SiteJabber: 3/5 stars out of 1093 reviews
• Consumer Affairs: 3.8/5 stars out of 671 reviews
• Influenster: 4.5/5 stars out of 417 reviews

Overall, it’s clear that the two companies have garnered plenty of high ratings over the years, but what makes their products so special? Down below, I’ll fill you in on the details with some highlights for each brand.

Mixbook: 

• Easy to use and customize
• High quality photo album
• Fast shipping
• Lots of discounts
• Wide variety of templates to choose from

One buyer explains the process of creating their wedding album, appreciating the detailed touches and beautiful result:

“I had an amazing experience creating my Wedding photo book at Mixbook. I was not very confident in what I was doing, but I followed Mixbook directions and my album came out great! The book is very professional looking, the pages are thick and the closed captions added a special touch; I want to show it to everyone!”

Another customer also opted for a wedding album and had a wonderful experience with both the customer service and the final result:

“I ordered a wedding album for our daughter’s first wedding anniversary. Very fast efficient service (6 days from order to delivery. The album is everything I wanted it to be – it’s absolutely beautiful! Staff is very helpful and friendly when using the chat feature.”

I found a few complaints of inconsistencies or deficiencies when it comes to printing and binding. Luckily, both brands offer some pretty stellar happiness guarantees, so customers can opt for money back or a replacement. 

Shutterfly: 

• Helpful customer service
• Easy to create
• High quality, thick pages and clear prints
• Affordable prices
• Plenty of different products to customize 

After a few calls with helpful customer service for this shopper’s first experience creating a photo album, they were elated to discover the beauty of the book, writing: 

“Once my 66-page, 10×10 hardback book was completed, I submitted it for production and nervously waited for its arrival. I was so afraid that I did something wrong or that the finished product wouldn’t meet my expectations when it arrived. Well, it arrived today and it exceeded my expectations in every possible way!”

There were a few reports of slower shipping times, though the brand clearly outlines when orders need to be placed in order to receive them in time for the holidays. 

All things considered, it’s evident that both Mixbook and Shutterfly offer high quality prints and albums that are perfect for gifts and special occasions, documenting all the beautiful moments of life in a very special way. 

It seems that Shutterfly shoppers experience more consistency in the items, though shipping sometimes takes longer than expected, while Mixbook users experience the opposite! So if you’re looking for your item to arrive ASAP, Mixbook is worth a try, while Shutterfly seems to offer more consistency for larger orders.

Mixbook vs Shutterfly: Promotions & Discounts

If you’re looking for a steal of a deal on your personalized piece, you’re in luck! This Mixbook vs Shutterfly review found that both brands offer plenty of promos so you can save on these unique gifts—whether they’re for yourself or someone you love! Let’s take a look at what each brand has to offer down below:

Mixbook:

• Receive 50% off square books with code 15DAY6
• Take 24% off two times with code JOYMIX21
• Sign up for emails to receive access to exclusive offers

Shutterfly:

• Take up to 50% off everything on the website
• Gifts under $25
• Receive 50% off all foil and glitter cards
• Free shipping on orders over $89 with code SHIP89
• $10 expedited shipping on all cards

Every day you visit either site, you’ll find new coupons and deals to save money on your order. To keep on top of things, download the apps so you can check back on the daily to see what will be on sale next! 

While Mixbook is a bit more expensive, it does have some pretty great deals that cut back the cost exponentially. The same goes for Shutterfly, with constant savings on all different items. So, no matter which brand you choose, you’ll checkout with some affordable prices!

Mixbook vs Shutterfly: Shipping & Returns 

If you’re shopping for a gift, chances are you want it to arrive ASAP. And if you don’t love it, it’s important for each brand to have a good return and policy so you can be happy with your personalized piece. Fortunately, this Mixbook vs Shutterfly review is here with the breakdown so you know what the deal is before you buy!

Mixbook shipping costs range from $3 to $50 depending on the size and number of items, with  a clear breakdown of all the potential costs. Plus, the shipping estimator allows customers to punch in the details of their order so they can choose the shipping time and cost that works best for them, from budget to express.

Committed to providing customers with exactly what they’re looking for, Mixbook offers a 100% happiness guarantee. Once you’ve contacted the brand with your issue, they’ll try to fix it. And if they can’t? The order will be completely refunded in either the original form of purchase or a credit to use for future purchases.

Shutterfly shipping depends on how long it takes to create the custom piece. Standard shipping is free on orders over $89. There’s also a few tracked shipping options customers are able to choose from, though prices are calculated at checkout:

• Economy: 6–10 business days
• Standard: 5–7 business days
• Expedited: 4–5 business days
• Rush: 3–4 business days
• Super rush: 1–2 business days

When it comes to returns, Shutterfly operates similarly to Mixbook with a happiness guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, simply contact the brand, and they promise to “make it right.” Plus, any photos you have uploaded will be kept in the same quality and resolution so you can always access them for future projects.

Both brands offer happiness guarantees, so shoppers can rest easy knowing they’ll end up with a product they truly love. Shipping is pretty speedy on both ends, though Shutterfly does offer free standard shipping on some orders. 

That being said, Mixbook offers clearer guidelines when it comes to shipping times and costs using the estimator function, so it really depends on whether you want to save a little or receive your items sooner!

Who Will You Shop With?

As seen in this Mixbook vs Shutterfly review, the two brands can be said to be nearly identical. No matter which one you end up choosing, you’ll go home with some beautiful personalized pieces that capture all your favorite memories. The products make perfect gifts and home finishing decorations. 

Since Shutterfly is backed by years of experience, it does offer a few more mediums to present your photos (ornaments, photo tiles, phone cases, and more). Both brands offer plenty of deals and affordable prices, though Mixbook offers more specified shipping times and costs. 

Also, Mixbook’s wider selection of templates and completely blank pages is ideal for someone on the hunt for a completely custom piece. Shutterfly is the better option for anyone who likes simpler designs. There are still plenty of unique options to choose from, making it super easy to fill in the blanks and come up with a gorgeous final product.

To wrap up this Mixbook vs Shutterfly review, I believe that it depends on exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to determining the right brand for you. And if you’re like me and really can’t choose, why not try out both?

---

Check out related reviews you might find useful:

Collage.com Review

Alamy Review

Joy Wedding Planning Review

Shutterstock Review