Which is Better: Walgreens or CVS Photo Services? A Comprehensive Comparison (2025)
In today's digital age, physical photo prints remain a cherished way to preserve memories despite the prevalence of smartphone galleries and social media albums. When it comes to convenient photo printing services, Walgreens and CVS stand out as two of the most accessible options with their widespread store locations and online ordering capabilities. But which drugstore chain offers the superior photo printing experience? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which service better suits your photo printing needs in 2025.
Why Choose Drugstore Photo Printing Services?
Drugstore photo services like Walgreens and CVS offer several advantages over home printing or professional photo labs. The convenience of same-day pickup, competitive pricing, and the ability to order from your phone or computer make these services particularly appealing for casual photographers and families looking to preserve memories.
Both chains provide quick turnaround times, with many orders ready within an hour, eliminating the wait associated with mail-order services. Additionally, their widespread store locations make them accessible options for most Americans, with pickup available during regular store hours.
Pricing Comparison: Walgreens vs CVS
When comparing costs, both services offer competitive pricing, but with notable differences. Walgreens charges approximately $0.39 per 4x6 print for the first 74 photos and $0.29 for additional prints beyond that number. CVS, meanwhile, charges about $0.42 per 4x6 print, making it slightly more expensive for standard prints.
However, CVS offers more substantial discounts for bulk orders. For example, an order of 100 4x6 photos would cost approximately $21.99 at Walgreens but only $13.99 at CVS, making CVS the more economical choice for larger orders.
For larger print sizes, both chains charge similar prices: $2.99 for a 5x7 and $4.49 for an 8x10 at both Walgreens and CVS. These prices are considerably higher than mail-order services like Snapfish ($0.09 per 4x6) or Amazon Prints ($0.17 per 4x6), but you're paying for the convenience of same-day pickup.
Print Quality: Which Delivers Better Photos?
Print quality is perhaps the most important factor when choosing a photo service, and there are noticeable differences between the two chains. According to comparative testing, Walgreens generally produces better quality prints than CVS, with more consistent results in terms of color accuracy and sharpness.
Walgreens uses Fuji paper and ink for their online orders, which typically results in higher quality prints than the DNP Photo Paper used in their local labs. CVS uses KodakMoments paper (0.21 millimeters thick) for their pickup orders, while Walgreens uses DNP Premium Digital Paper (0.24 millimeters thick), giving Walgreens a slight edge in paper quality.
Both services use different printing technologies: Walgreens local labs use "dye-sublimation" printing (typically used for photo booths and events), while their online orders use traditional photo processing methods. This difference explains why Walgreens online orders often produce better quality prints than their in-store prints.
Product Variety and Options
When it comes to product variety, CVS offers a more extensive range of photo products compared to Walgreens. Beyond standard prints, CVS allows customers to order photo books, cards, calendars, enlargements, and various photo gifts like mugs and keychains.
Walgreens primarily focuses on prints and photo books, with fewer specialty product options. However, both services offer a variety of print sizes, including standard 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10 prints, as well as square formats for social media photos.
For those looking to create more elaborate photo products beyond basic prints, CVS provides more options and customization features. This makes CVS the better choice for customers looking to create personalized gifts or specialty photo items.
Photo Editing Features and Mobile App Experience
Both Walgreens and CVS offer basic photo editing features through their websites and mobile apps, including cropping and red-eye removal. However, CVS provides more advanced editing capabilities, including filters, effects, and collage creation tools.
The mobile app experience is crucial for many users, as smartphone photography continues to dominate. Walgreens' mobile app allows users to upload images directly from their phone, Google Photos, or Dropbox accounts. The app is user-friendly and doesn't require login for basic functions, making it convenient for quick orders.
CVS's photo app similarly allows users to select photos from their device's camera roll, favorites, or social media accounts. It offers features like zooming, cropping, and resizing photos before ordering. Both apps notify users when their orders are ready for pickup.
Convenience Factors
Store Accessibility and Locations
Both Walgreens and CVS have extensive store networks across the United States, making them accessible options for most consumers. The convenience of having a nearby location is a significant advantage over online-only photo services.
Same-Day Pickup Availability
Both chains offer same-day pickup services, with many orders ready within an hour. However, CVS does not provide same-day pickup for online orders placed after 7 PM, while Walgreens typically offers more extended hours for photo services.
Walgreens' same-day pickup service is particularly efficient, with test orders ready in as little as nine minutes in some locations. This makes Walgreens the better option for last-minute photo needs.
Pros and Cons Summary
Walgreens Photo Services
Pros:
- Better overall print quality and consistency
- Faster pickup times, sometimes as quick as nine minutes
- More extended hours for same-day service
- Slightly lower prices for standard individual prints
Cons:
- Fewer product options compared to CVS
- More expensive for bulk orders
- Limited advanced editing features
CVS Photo Services
Pros:
- More extensive range of photo products and gifts
- Better pricing for bulk orders
- More advanced editing features and tools
- Better integration with cloud storage services
Cons:
- Slightly higher prices for individual prints
- Less consistent print quality
- Limited same-day pickup hours (not available after 7 PM)
Conclusion: The Better Choice for Your Photo Printing Needs
Ultimately, choosing between Walgreens and CVS photo services depends on your specific priorities. If print quality and speed are your primary concerns, Walgreens generally offers better results with faster pickup times. For those ordering large quantities of prints or seeking specialty photo products, CVS provides better bulk pricing and a wider range of options.
For casual photographers looking to print a few high-quality images quickly, Walgreens is likely the better choice. For event planners, small businesses, or those creating photo gifts and specialty items, CVS offers more options at better bulk prices.
Whichever service you choose, both Walgreens and CVS provide convenient, accessible photo printing options that deliver physical prints much faster than mail-order services, allowing you to hold your memories in hand within hours rather than days.