Side by side
Mpix vs Pixellu SmartAlbums
Both stand on photo book software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Paid AndroidiPhoneWeb
Choose Mpix if you want photo books with multiple binding and cover options, or need a lab for prints and other photo products. Look elsewhere if you need a free plan or want additional pages and add-ons included in the starting price.
Visit Mpix
Free trial MacWindows
SmartAlbums combines automatic layout building, detailed editing, client proofing, and print-lab specifications for album production. Its trial is accessible without a card, while ongoing use requires a paid license and supported desktop hardware.
Visit Pixellu SmartAlbumsThe facts
| Mpix | Pixellu SmartAlbums | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Classic Photo Book: $37.99, paid once | Not published |
| Plans published | 3 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | mpix.com | smartalbums.com |
| On photo book software | #21 of 32 | #25 of 32 |
Mpix: what it does well
- Create books on the website or Android and iOS apps.
- Builder supports photo placement, captions, cropping, and rearranging.
- Premium Hardcover offers layflat pages and customizable linen covers.
- Free standard shipping on orders of $45 or more.
- Product page states a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
What to know first
- Mpix has no free plan; photo books are paid.
- Additional pages and add-ons cost extra.
- Premium Hardcover processing takes 1–2 business days, plus shipping.
Pixellu SmartAlbums: what it does well
- Automatic album layouts from photo metadata
- Timeline-based story planning
- Cloud client proofing and revisions
- Exports PSD and IDML files
- Specifications for over 170 print labs
What to know first
- Paid software with watermarked trial exports
- License activation limited to two computers
- Requires macOS Big Sur or Windows 10
- Needs 8 GB RAM and compatible graphics
Alternatives to Mpix Alternatives to Pixellu SmartAlbums The whole list