CVS Photo Local Pickup vs
parabo Review
We're crazy about printed photos!
We ordered the same 10 photos from CVS Photo and parabo, scanned them all in, and created this guide just for you.
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
parabo (Test: Matte (cardstock))
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
parabo (Test: Matte (cardstock))
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. | Parabo Press produces nice quality prints on a thick cardstock. However, there's a 20-photo minimum with each print being $0.50. The lab for Parabo appears to be the same as Chatbooks, but unlike Chatbooks Parabo prints are 4x6 prints with a full bleed. In addition, the paper seems like a close match to Artifact Uprising and in comparison, Parabo is noticibly less vivid. |
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: $13.00 $0.50 4x6s + $8.00 to ship 14-17 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 | $0.50 |
Formats available online |
4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 8x10, 5x5, 6x6, 8x8, 4x6 Wallet |
4x6, 5x7, 4x4, 5.5x5.5 |
Finishes available online | Glossy (Same-day pickup), Matte (5-9 days) | Matte |
Paper type for online orders |
Fujicolor Crystal Archive 22 millimeters thick |
Unbranded, uncoated cardstock 49 millimeters thick |
Cheapest shipping option |
$1.48 To ship 10 photos
|
$8.00 To ship 10 photos
|
Delivery speed for cheapest shipping option | 5-9 days | 14-17 days |
Order online | Order online |
CVS Photo vs
parabo
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 2/14/20, we ordered the same photos from parabo.
We scanned in both sets of prints without color correction.
Here's how CVS Photo compares to parabo.
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
parabo (Test: Matte (cardstock))
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
parabo (Test: Matte (cardstock))
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
parabo (Test: Matte (cardstock))
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
parabo (Test: Matte (cardstock))
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
parabo (Test: Matte (cardstock))
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
parabo (Test: Matte (cardstock))
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
parabo (Test: Matte (cardstock))
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
parabo (Test: Matte (cardstock))
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
parabo (Test: Matte (cardstock))
CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)
parabo (Test: Matte (cardstock))
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