Cvs vs Walgreens Photo Printing: Which Prints Best?
Need to print photos quickly and easily? You’re likely considering CVS and Walgreens, two of the most popular choices for on-demand photo printing. Both offer convenient services, but which one is the better option for your precious memories? This comparison dives deep to help you decide.
We’ll explore the key factors that matter most, from print quality and pricing to ease of use and available services. Whether you’re looking to create prints for your albums or personalized gifts, knowing the strengths of CVS Photo and Walgreens Photo is crucial. Get ready to find out which photo printing service reigns supreme!
This detailed comparison of CVS vs Walgreens photo printing will equip you with all the information you need. We’ll analyze everything from the print quality to the overall user experience. Let’s find out which service is the perfect fit for your photo printing needs.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | CVS | Walgreens |
|---|---|---|
| Print Sizes Offered | Various | Various |
| Photo Paper Types | Glossy, Matte | Glossy, Matte, Others |
| Online Ordering | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App Ordering | Yes | Yes |
| Same-Day Pickup | Yes | Yes |
| Photo Editing Tools | Basic | Basic |
| Print Finishing Options | Standard | Standard, Custom |
| Photo Gifts | Yes | Yes |
| Canvas Prints | Yes | Yes |
| Photo Books | Yes | Yes |
| Poster Prints | Yes | Yes |
| Shipping Options | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Print Quality
- Cvs: CVS generally offers good print quality, using dye-sublimation or inkjet printers. Prints are typically vibrant and suitable for everyday photos. However, quality can vary depending on the specific location and printer maintenance.
- Walgreens Photo Printing: Walgreens also provides decent print quality, often utilizing similar printing technologies. They typically offer a wider range of paper types. Print consistency may vary slightly across different Walgreens locations.
- Winner: Tie
Print Options & Customization
- Cvs: CVS provides a selection of print sizes, including standard and custom sizes. They offer various photo products, like cards, canvas prints, and photo books. Customization options are often readily available online and in-store.
- Walgreens Photo Printing: Walgreens has a broad array of print sizes, paper types, and photo gifts. They excel in offering same-day prints and a wide variety of customization options through their website and mobile app.
- Winner: Walgreens
Pricing
- Cvs: CVS pricing is competitive, often with promotional offers and discounts. Prices vary based on print size, paper type, and quantity. It’s wise to compare prices before ordering.
- Walgreens Photo Printing: Walgreens frequently has sales and coupons, making their pricing very attractive. They often offer discounts on same-day prints. Prices are generally comparable with CVS, and sometimes lower.
- Winner: Walgreens
Turnaround Time
- Cvs: CVS offers same-day print options for many products, and often has fast turnaround times for standard prints. Availability depends on the specific store and order volume.
- Walgreens Photo Printing: Walgreens is known for its quick turnaround times, with same-day print options for many products. This is a major advantage for urgent photo needs.
- Winner: Walgreens
Ease of Use (Ordering Process)
- Cvs: CVS offers a user-friendly online ordering system and in-store kiosks. The process is generally straightforward and easy to navigate.
- Walgreens Photo Printing: Walgreens provides a very user-friendly online ordering system, mobile app, and in-store kiosks. The ordering process is designed for ease of use and speed.
- Winner: Walgreens
Photo Products & Gifts
- Cvs: CVS offers photo prints, cards, calendars, and some photo gifts. The selection is good, but may be slightly less extensive than Walgreens.
- Walgreens Photo Printing: Walgreens has a wide range of photo products, including prints, cards, calendars, photo books, and various gift options. They have a greater variety of products.
- Winner: Walgreens
Mobile App & Online Ordering
- Cvs: CVS has a mobile app and online ordering platform that allows for easy photo uploads and print ordering. Functionality is generally good.
- Walgreens Photo Printing: Walgreens has a well-regarded mobile app and online platform, known for its ease of use and features.
- Winner: Walgreens
Availability & Location
- Cvs: CVS has a large number of retail locations across the US, making it easily accessible for many customers. Availability of services depends on the specific store.
- Walgreens Photo Printing: Walgreens also has a significant number of locations, making it a convenient option. They have a comparable number of locations to CVS.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Print Sizes Offered | Tie |
| Photo Paper Types | Walgreens |
| Online Ordering | Tie |
| Mobile App Ordering | Tie |
| Same-Day Pickup | Tie |
| Photo Editing Tools | Tie |
| Print Finishing Options | Walgreens |
| Photo Gifts | Tie |
| Canvas Prints | Tie |
| Photo Books | Tie |
| Poster Prints | Tie |
| Shipping Options | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Online Ordering: Both CVS and Walgreens offer convenient online photo printing services, allowing you to upload photos and place orders from the comfort of your home.
- Same-Day Pickup: Both retailers provide same-day photo printing pickup, making it easy to get your prints quickly.
- Mobile App Ordering: Both CVS and Walgreens offer mobile apps, allowing you to order prints directly from your smartphone or tablet.
- Photo Gifts: Both stores provide a variety of photo gift options, such as mugs, blankets, and calendars, allowing you to personalize gifts with your photos.
- Print Finishing Options: Both CVS and Walgreens offer standard print finishing options.
Cvs Vs Walgreens Photo Printing Buying Guide
Print Quality and Paper Options
Both CVS and Walgreens offer decent print quality for everyday photos, but the specifics can vary. CVS generally uses Fuji Crystal Archive paper, known for its vibrant colors and longevity. Walgreens often utilizes Kodak paper, which also produces good results. When considering paper options, CVS usually provides a more limited selection, primarily focusing on standard glossy or matte finishes. Walgreens, on the other hand, might offer a slightly wider array, including metallic or textured papers, allowing for more creative choices. Consider the type of paper and finish that best suits your photos.
Price and Value Comparison
Pricing structures at CVS and Walgreens are often competitive, but promotions and discounts can significantly impact the overall value. Both retailers regularly offer deals on prints, especially for large orders. CVS’s pricing might be slightly lower for standard prints, but Walgreens frequently has sales and coupons. It’s crucial to compare current promotional offers before placing your order. Think about the quantity of prints you need and factor in shipping costs if you’re not picking up in-store. Look out for bulk discounts to maximize your savings.
Ordering Convenience and Options
Both CVS and Walgreens provide convenient online and mobile ordering platforms. Their interfaces are generally user-friendly, allowing you to upload photos, crop, and make basic edits. CVS and Walgreens also offer in-store kiosks for direct printing from your phone or memory card. Walgreens sometimes has an edge with a more streamlined mobile app experience. Both allow for a variety of print sizes, including standard sizes like 4×6, 5×7, and 8×10. Consider the platform’s ease of use and the available editing tools.
Turnaround Time and Pickup Speed
One of the key advantages of using CVS or Walgreens is the quick turnaround time. Both offer same-day or within-the-hour print options, making them ideal for last-minute needs. However, the speed can vary depending on the store’s workload and the size of your order. CVS and Walgreens typically have dedicated photo lab staff to fulfill orders. Consider the time of day and the store’s location when estimating pickup times. Be sure to check the estimated completion time during the ordering process.
Product Range and Additional Services
Beyond standard prints, both CVS and Walgreens offer a range of photo products, including photo books, canvas prints, mugs, and cards. Walgreens tends to have a slightly broader selection of these specialty items. CVS might focus more on traditional photo printing services. The availability of these extras can influence your decision if you’re looking for personalized gifts or larger-format prints. Compare the product catalogs of both retailers to find the items that match your needs. Both offer services like photo restoration and editing.
Customer Service and Support
Customer service experiences can vary by store location. Both CVS and Walgreens provide customer support through their websites and in-store staff. Read online reviews to gauge the experiences of other customers at specific stores. Consider the store’s responsiveness to any issues you might encounter with your prints or order. The ability to easily resolve problems and receive assistance is important. Check the return and refund policies of both retailers. Look for stores with helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy CVS If…
- You prefer a familiar retail environment.
- You are looking for convenience and quick turnaround.
- You want to combine your photo printing with other shopping needs.
Buy Walgreens If…
- You prefer a wider selection of paper types.
- You are looking for custom print finishing options.
- You want to utilize their photo gift options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What print sizes are available?
Both CVS and Walgreens offer standard print sizes, including 4×6, 5×7, and 8×10. Larger sizes, like 11×14 and 16×20, are often available too, but the selection might vary. You can typically find various square print sizes and other custom sizes for specific photo products. Check the online ordering platforms or in-store kiosks for a full list of available sizes before you submit your order. Some stores might have limitations on certain sizes.
Can I edit my photos before printing?
Yes, both CVS and Walgreens provide basic photo editing tools within their online and mobile ordering platforms. You can crop, rotate, adjust brightness and contrast, and sometimes apply filters. More advanced editing might require you to prepare your photos beforehand using a separate photo editing software. These platforms give you the ability to make simple adjustments to your images directly before you print them. For complex edits, it’s best to edit your pictures before uploading.
How long does it take to get my prints?
Both retailers offer same-day or within-the-hour print options, depending on the store’s workload and order size. Larger orders or specialty products might take longer. Check the estimated pickup time during the ordering process. The speed of processing can depend on the location’s staffing and the time of day. Consider the store’s hours when you are picking up. Contact customer service for specific time estimates.
What types of paper are used?
CVS generally uses Fuji Crystal Archive paper, known for its quality and longevity. Walgreens frequently uses Kodak paper, which also provides excellent results. Both offer glossy and matte finishes, and Walgreens may have additional options like metallic or textured paper. The paper type can impact the final look and feel of your prints. Check the available paper choices during the ordering process, and consider the best paper for your photos.
Do they offer any discounts or promotions?
Yes, both CVS and Walgreens frequently offer discounts and promotions on photo prints, especially for larger orders. Check their websites or mobile apps for current deals and coupons. These promotions can significantly impact the overall cost of your prints. Look for sales on specific print sizes or photo products. Sign up for email newsletters to stay updated on the latest offers and special deals for photo printing services.
Can I order prints from my phone?
Yes, both CVS and Walgreens have user-friendly mobile apps that allow you to order prints directly from your smartphone or tablet. You can upload photos, crop, edit, and select your preferred print sizes and finishes. This is a convenient option for printing photos from your phone’s camera roll or social media accounts. You can easily access your photos and order prints from anywhere. The apps often provide features such as order tracking and store location finders.
What if I’m not happy with my prints?
Both CVS and Walgreens have customer service policies to address issues with print quality. If you’re not satisfied with your prints, contact the store or their customer support team. They typically offer solutions like reprints or refunds, depending on the issue. Keep your original prints and proof of purchase. Review the store’s return policy. Contact customer service for assistance if there is a problem with the prints.
Final Verdict
Both CVS and Walgreens provide convenient photo printing services with competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. Walgreens may have a slight edge with a broader product selection and more frequent promotional offers. However, the print quality is consistently good at both stores. Consider your specific needs, the current promotions, and the convenience of the store location when making your decision.
Winner: Walgreens