Comparison Between CVS and Walgreens Photo Printing Services

We live in a world where photos of people, places, and events are found virtually everywhere from large billboards to personal albums and from traditional paper-and-ink format to digital format on storage devices and social media. Indeed, such is the wide array of choices in cameras, storage, and printing that you will be hard-pressed to choose the best ones according to your budget, skill level, and purposes.

In terms of printing photos, you have several choices including professional laboratories, drugstore chains with dedicated photo printing services like CVS and Walgreens, and online sites like Shutterfly and Snapfish. Of these options, the drugstore chains are among the most popular for several reasons including the fast, easy and convenient services, the affordable prices, and the professional quality of the photos, as well as the opportunity to shop while waiting for the photos to be printed.

Let’s take a look at two of the more popular drugstore stores where photos can be printed.

CVS

The drugstore chain is a preferred choice because it offers free same-day pick-up for photos including collages. You can get your printed photos in about an hour usually with satisfactory results in the quality of the prints. You may want to leave specific instructions in case you have specialized needs and wants, which may involve editing work.

You have to set realistic expectations, however, as the quality of the prints will vary from one CVS store to the next. In case you are a stickler for professional quality, you should take the job to the professional photo labs for best results. But if you want glossy prints that you must have within the hour, then CVS will suffice for the job.

Walgreens

The drugstore chain is one of the best places for printing photos as well as for buying many essentials. You will find that the clarity and color of the printed photos are usually better than can be expected, especially when you have taken great photos that require little editing. You will love that thick paper is used for the 11×14 enlargements, although all of the prints also have high-quality paper.

You must also set realistic expectations especially when your photos are not professional quality. Keep in mind that the Walgreens staff will only print photos, not wave a magic wand to transform them into works of art that will rival the works of Ansel Adams.

Which is the better choice? It all depends on your personal preference in terms of price, delivery or pick-up services, and proximity, among other factors.