Photos capture our most cherished memories and turning them into tangible prints allows us to decorate our homes and gift them to loved ones. When it comes to printing services, Mpix and Bay Photo are two of the most popular options.
But which one offers better overall quality and value? This comprehensive guide examines the key features, pros and cons of Mpix and Bay Photo to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table:
| Feature | Mpix | Bay Photo |
| Founded | 2005 | 1976 |
| Print Quality | Excellent, OAuth printing tech | Excellent, Fuji Crystal Archive paper |
| Print Sizes | Wallet to 60″ prints | Wallet to 48″ prints |
| Paper Selection | Multiple lustre, metallic, matte | Fuji papers only |
| Print Products | Photos, books, canvas, cards, calendars, wall art | Photos, books, canvas, metal/acrylic prints |
| Order Minimums | No minimums | Minimums on some products |
| Pricing | 4×6 from 29¢, volume discounts | 4×6 from 33¢, volume discounts |
| Turnaround Time | 2-3 days standard | As fast as next day |
| Customer Service | Phone, email, chat | Email, chat |
Overview Of Mpix
Mpix is a premium online photo printing service owned by Miller’s Professional Imaging, an American company known for professional photo printing.
Some key facts about Mpix:
- Founded in 2005 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Offers photo books, canvases, cards, calendars, wall art and photo prints.
- Print sizes from wallets to 60″ large format prints.
- Selection of paper types like lustre, metallic, matte and glossy.
- OAuth photo printing technology for high quality prints.
- Order photos online and get them delivered directly.
Pros
- Convenient online ordering and fast delivery.
- Wide selection of print and gift options beyond just prints.
- Numerous paper types, surfaces and finishing options.
- Ability to order just 1 print unlike some other services that have minimums.
- Offers volume discounts for large orders.
- Frequent sales and promotions.
Cons
- Premium pricing – can be more expensive than drugstore prints.
- Upcharges for certain extras like expedited shipping.
- Lacks some 99 cent promotional deals other sites offer.
Overview Of Bay Photo
Bay Photo is another popular online printing lab based out of California.
Some key facts:
- Founded in 1976 in Point Reyes Station, CA.
- Offers prints, photo books, cards, calendars, canvas, metal prints, acrylic and wood mounts.
- Professional printing on Fuji crystal archive paper.
- Order digitally online, via mobile app or upload at retail kiosks.
- Caters to both consumers and professional photographers.
Pros
- High quality pro-grade printing.
- Broad range of print products beyond just standard prints.
- Volume discounts available for large orders.
- Fast turnaround time – many products ship next business day.
- Mobile app makes ordering and tracking easy.
Cons
- Minimum order quantities on some products.
- Premium pricing – can be costlier than discount services.
- Limited to Fuji paper only.
- Smaller selection of print sizes and paper finishes compared to Mpix.
Detail Comparison Of Mpix And Bay Photo
- Print Quality Comparison
One of the most important factors when choosing a photo printing service is print quality. Both Mpix and Bay Photo use professional grade printers and paper to produce gallery-quality prints.
Mpix utilizes proprietary OAuth printing technology for accuracy and vibrancy. Prints are color-corrected and balanced for vivid hues and true skin tones. The range of lustre, metallic and matte paper surfaces also allow customized looks.
Bay Photo exclusively uses Fuji Crystal Archive paper in a digital C-type process for archival prints with deep blacks and brilliant colors. The paper features nanotechnology for stunning detail and gamut.
Most users of both services praise the overall high print quality. Mpix may have a slight edge for everyday printing needs with a wider variety of paper options. But Bay Photo delivers excellent quality using Fuji’s professional paper. For the highest end fine art reproduction, Bay Photo may be preferable.
- Print Products and Sizes
When moving beyond standard prints, the two services start to diverge in their offerings.
Mpix provides a full spectrum of photo gift and wall art options – photo books, cards, calendars, canvases, metal and acrylic prints, wood prints, photo panels and more. Print sizes range from wallets up to 60 inch large format prints. This extensive selection makes Mpix a versatile choice for all printing needs.
Bay Photo also offers many options like press printed cards, calendars, photo books, canvas gallery wraps, and metal and acrylic wall displays. But the selection is not quite as extensive as Mpix. One advantage of Bay Photo is an array of fine art and specialty options like photo prints on bamboo, birch, glass and customized wood plus float mounting and face mounting for acrylics. But print size choices max out at 48 inches.
For everyday printing needs, Mpix provides more well-rounded choice while Bay Photo excels for fine art reproduction and specialty mediums.
Also Read: Comparison Between Modalyst And Printful.
- Ordering and Pricing
Ordering digitally online is easy with both Mpix and Bay Photo. Mpix offers a simple upload interface to choose prints and check out. Bay Photo also has online ordering plus a mobile app for ordering on the go. One advantage of Bay Photo is ability to upload orders at retail kiosks if preferred over mailing in prints.
In terms of pricing, Mpix and Bay Photo come at a premium. They cost more than discount drugstore print prices but deliver higher quality. Mpix pricing starts at 29 cents for a 4×6 print up to $12 for an 8×10 print. Bay Photo pricing is comparable starting at 33 cents for a 4×6 and ranging from $10-15 for an 8×10 depending on paper used. For photo books and wall displays, prices vary based on size, volume and customization.
Both services offer volume discounts for large orders, allowing savings for professional photographers and special events. Bay Photo requires minimum order sizes for some products while Mpix does not. One benefit of Mpix is ability to order just 1 print if needed.
Overall there is no major price advantage of one over the other. Mpix runs frequent promotions for free gifts and discounts which Bay Photo does not, but this evens out over time.
- Turnaround Time
Speedy turnaround is important for getting your prints in hand promptly.
Most standard prints take 2-3 business days to deliver with Mpix and Bay Photo when using the standard delivery methods. Expedited shipping can cut this down to 1 day for a premium. Bay Photo notes that orders must be placed by 2 PM Eastern time to go out same day.
For photo books, regular turnaround runs 5-9 days for Bay Photo depending on the layflat or lustre type ordered. Mpix states 7-9 days for standard photo book delivery. Expedited shipping lops off several days for both providers.
Bay Photo prides themselves on rapid processing especially for everyday prints – as fast as next day in many cases. This makes them preferable for rush jobs. But Mpix’s delivery timeframes are competitive as well for most products.
- Quality Guarantee and Customer Service
One concern with online printing is receiving an order with any errors or print quality issues.
Mpix offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are unsatisfied for any reason after viewing your prints, you can get reprints or a full refund.
Bay Photo also guarantees your satisfaction. They offer to reprint or refund your order if there are any quality issues.
In terms of customer service, both companies receive positive feedback for responsive and knowledgeable support. Mpix offers phone, email and live chat support. Bay Photo provides email and chat support along with convenient online self-help resources.
For peace of mind when ordering online, Mpix and Bay Photo both provide assurance on quality and service. This gives confidence to click submit on that big photo book or wall art order.
Also Read: Comparison Between mpix Vs. Nations Photo Lab.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Mpix is known for producing high quality photo prints. They use professional grade printers and paper. The proprietary OAuth color technology helps ensure vivid, accurate colors. Users consistently rate the print quality from Mpix as excellent.
Mpix will provide superior photo print quality over Costco. As a premium service designed for photo printing, Mpix offers specialized processes like custom color correction. Costco uses more automated bulk printing workflows better suited for convenience over top-notch quality. Mpix also gives more customization options.
Services like Mpix, Bay Photo, White House Custom Color, and Miller’s Professional Imaging are regarded as printing the highest quality photos. Key factors are use of professional printers, quality paper, and color management expertise. Fine art photographers often use these specialty services over mass retailers.
Yes, Bay Photo is a legitimate and reputable photo printing company that has been in business for over 40 years. They are known for excellent quality and service especially for fine art photography printing. As an established professional lab, Bay Photo can be trusted for archival photo printing.
Also watch the video about mpix!
The Verdict
So, when it comes down to Mpix Vs. Bay Photo, which photo printing service reigns supreme?
For everyday printing like 4×6 snapshots and 8×10 enlargements, Mpix gets the edge for their broad selection of print sizes and surfaces paired with competitive quality and pricing. The ease of ordering even just 1-2 prints is a plus.
Bay Photo shines for professional photographers and fine art reproduction. The exclusive Fuji paper and specialty options like face mounted acrylics provide museum-grade quality. The volume discounts sweeten the value.
Mpix offers far greater variety across print products like cards, books, calendars etc. This makes them a versatile one-stop printing solution. Bay Photo provides more limited products yet excels in fine art prints.
Also Read: Comparison Between mpix And Mixbook.
Overall, both Mpix and Bay Photo produce stellar quality prints and offer convenient online ordering. Mpix provides robust options for everyday photo printing needs. Bay Photo brings expertise for fine art reproduction and pro photographers. Weigh their strengths against your specific needs to decide which service best fits your requirements.