CVS Photo Local Pickup vs
Nations Photo Lab Review
We're crazy about printed photos!
We ordered the same 10 photos from CVS Photo and Nations Photo Lab (the highest quality lab in all our tests), scanned them all in, and created this guide just for you.
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Nations Photo Lab (Test: Lustre)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Nations Photo Lab (Test: Lustre)
Or see the full review
Pricing, shipping, paper quality, and other juicy details
When we tested | August 2020 | August 2020 |
Summary | CVS is convenient and quick for local photo printing. After Walmart, their photos scored the best quality for local pick up. Strangely, the quality for their online photos is slightly lower than ordering locally. For online ordering, we suggest Walgreens over CVS. | Nation's is the #1 lab for the highest quality prints. Their photos are obviously the highest quality among all the labs we tested. |
Print quality (local pickup) |
10 Photos: $2.30 $0.23 each |
Online only |
Print quality (online orders) |
10 Photos: $4.78 $0.33 4x6s + $1.48 to ship 5-9 days |
10 Photos: $7.15 $0.32 4x6s + $3.95 to ship 5-7 days |
Local pickup available | Yes | No |
Cost per 4x6 print (local pickup) | $0.23 | Online only |
Formats available for pickup | 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 8x10, 5x5, 6x6, 8x8, 4x6 Wallet | Online only |
Finishes available for pickup | Glossy | Online only |
Paper type for pickup orders |
KodakMoments 0.21 millimeters thick |
Online only |
Pickup speed | Same day | Online only |
Order pickup | Online only | |
Online ordering available | Yes, see review | Yes |
Cost per 4x6 print (online) | $0.33 | $0.32 |
Formats available online |
4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 8x10, 5x5, 6x6, 8x8, 4x6 Wallet |
Virtually all sizes 4x4 to 30x45 |
Finishes available online | Glossy (Same-day pickup), Matte (5-9 days) | Glossy,lustre,metallic,linen |
Paper type for online orders |
Fujicolor Crystal Archive 22 millimeters thick |
KodakProfessional Endura 24 millimeters thick |
Cheapest shipping option |
$1.48 To ship 10 photos
|
$3.95 To ship 10 photos
|
Delivery speed for cheapest shipping option | 5-9 days | 5-7 days |
Order online | Order online |
CVS Photo vs
Nations Photo Lab
print quality comparison
CVS Photo lets you order prints for local pickup and online for delivery to your door.
Check out our review for CVS Photo Online or compare CVS Photo Online vs. Local Pickup.
On 1/23/20, we ordered the following photos from CVS Photo. On 2/13/20, we ordered the same photos from Nations Photo Lab.
We scanned in both sets of prints without color correction.
Here's how CVS Photo compares to Nations Photo Lab.
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Nations Photo Lab (Test: Lustre)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Nations Photo Lab (Test: Lustre)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Nations Photo Lab (Test: Lustre)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Nations Photo Lab (Test: Lustre)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Nations Photo Lab (Test: Lustre)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Nations Photo Lab (Test: Lustre)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Nations Photo Lab (Test: Lustre)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Nations Photo Lab (Test: Lustre)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Nations Photo Lab (Test: Lustre)
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
Nations Photo Lab (Test: Lustre)
CVS Photo envelopes
When you order photos from CVS Photo, here's what you can
expect the envelope to look like.
Compare CVS Photo and local labs
Compare CVS Photo and online labs
4x6 photo tips
How to Send 4×6 Photos In the MailHow Big is a 4x6 Photo?
Photo credits
Atlantic puffin photo by @miss_oharaCardinal photo by @drphotomoto
Turn your phone into a disposable camera.
See your photos for the first time when
they show up in the mail in 7-9 days.
Talk to the hand