mpix vs
CVS Photo Online Ordering Review
We're crazy about printed photos!
We ordered the same 10 photos from mpix and CVS Photo, scanned them all in, and created this guide just for you.
mpix (Test: E-Surface)

CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)

mpix (Test: E-Surface)

CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)

Or see the full review
Pricing, shipping, paper quality, and other juicy details
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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. | |
Print quality (local pickup) | Online only |
10 Photos: $2.30 $0.23 each |
Print quality (online orders) |
10 Photos: $6.35 $0.24 4x6s + $3.95 to ship 10 days |
10 Photos: $4.78 $0.33 4x6s + $1.48 to ship 5-9 days |
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Local pickup available | No | Yes, see review |
Cost per 4x6 print (local pickup) | Online only | $0.23 |
Formats available for pickup | Online only | 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 8x10, 5x5, 6x6, 8x8, 4x6 Wallet |
Finishes available for pickup | Online only | Glossy |
Paper type for pickup orders | Online only |
KodakMoments 0.21 millimeters thick |
Pickup speed | Online only | Same day |
Online only | Order pickup | |
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Online ordering available | Yes | Yes |
Cost per 4x6 print (online) | $0.24 | $0.33 |
Formats available online | 3.5x5, 4x4, 4x5.3, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, nearly all sizes from 1.75x2.5 to 24x36 |
4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 8x10, 5x5, 6x6, 8x8, 4x6 Wallet |
Finishes available online | E-Surface,Lustre,Linen | Glossy (Same-day pickup), Matte (5-9 days) |
Paper type for online orders |
KodakProfessional Endura 24 millimeters thick |
Fujicolor Crystal Archive 22 millimeters thick |
Cheapest shipping option |
$3.95 To ship 10 photos
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$1.48 To ship 10 photos
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Delivery speed for cheapest shipping option | 10 days | 5-9 days |
Order online | Order online |
mpix vs
CVS Photo
print quality comparison
On 2/13/20, we ordered the following photos from mpix. On 1/23/20, we ordered the same photos from CVS Photo.
We scanned in both sets of prints without color correction.
Here's how mpix compares to CVS Photo.
mpix (Test: E-Surface)

CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)

mpix (Test: E-Surface)

CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)

mpix (Test: E-Surface)

CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)

mpix (Test: E-Surface)

CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)

mpix (Test: E-Surface)

CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)

mpix (Test: E-Surface)

CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)

mpix (Test: E-Surface)

CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)

mpix (Test: E-Surface)

CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)

mpix (Test: E-Surface)

CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)

mpix (Test: E-Surface)

CVS Photo (Test: Glossy)

mpix envelopes
When you order photos from mpix, here's what you can
expect the envelope to look like.
Mpix sends your photos in a rigid, cardboard envelope mailer to reduce bent corners and warped photos. In our tests, Mpix's envelope and Amazon were tied for the most rigid, aside from those sent in cardboard boxes like Chatbooks and Office Depot. Additionally, your photos are enclosed in a secondary plastic envelope inside the rigid exterior envelope.
![This is a white catalog envelope vertically placed on a wooden surface. On the right side of the envelope, a large red text reads “PHOTOS ENCLOSED, DO NOT BEND” and it’s printed vertically. The left side has 3 white stickers, one sticker about 3cms long placed vertically at the top left corner with a blurred QR code. The second one placed horizontally—covering some part of the vertical sticker—also has a blurred out QR code, with a rectangular box that has a lot of lines and text in it. There is a prominent large number “11” in the box, and some other text like “11-CL,” “1-X,” “085,” 02350, “02”, “11-wG13,” “03,” “103”, “021320,” “4294224” and “M102045300793938.” And are all in different parts of the rectangle. The shipping label is just below these stickers. The top right corner has the return address: “PHOTO PRODUCTS, 610 E JEFFERSON, PO BOX 777, PITTSBURG, KS 66762.” In front of the address is the postage stamp in a rectangular box, the text in it reads “PS LIGHTWEIGHT, U. S POSTAGE PAID, UPS MAIL INNOVATIONS, eVS.” Below is some text that says “Forwarding Service Requested.” Right below that is a large “SHIP TO:” text. In front is a digitally blurred out shipping address. A box below the shipping address contains a blurred out QR code separated by a line with some text on the other side that says, “UPS MAIL INNOVATIONS, MMID # 802045304301939383, [Some blurred out text], COST CENTER #: PHOTO PRODUCTS.” Under the box, at the right corner, is the text: “CMU 13.6 WinImage.” Under the above text is a thick black line, under that you’d find the text “USPS TRACKING # eVS” with blurred out tracking barcode and tracking number. Below the tracking number is a text that says, “REF 1: A850713 - 00099999, REF 2: [Blank].” Envelope sitting on wood table top.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/herman-cat/photoprintingnearme/scans/envelopes/mpix_envelope_front.jpeg)

Compare mpix and local labs
Compare mpix 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


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