Quick Overview
- 1#1: SmugMug - Professional platform for photographers to create stunning galleries, sell prints, and manage client deliveries with unlimited storage.
- 2#2: Pixieset - Elegant client gallery software that enables photographers to showcase, share, and sell images with beautiful mobile-optimized designs.
- 3#3: Zenfolio - All-in-one solution for building photography websites, online galleries, and stores with integrated booking and blog features.
- 4#4: ShootProof - Client gallery and proofing tool with contract signing, invoicing, and marketing automation to streamline photographer workflows.
- 5#5: Pic-Time - Premium gallery platform offering customizable designs, client print sales, and advanced marketing tools for professional photographers.
- 6#6: PhotoShelter - Secure image management and gallery software for creating professional portfolios, archiving photos, and delivering to clients.
- 7#7: CloudSpot - Modern proofing and delivery platform with beautiful galleries, custom branding, and integrated sales for photographers.
- 8#8: Pass - Simple and affordable online photo gallery service focused on easy sharing and client delivery for photographers.
- 9#9: Lightfolio - Unlimited client galleries and storage with password protection and slideshow features for efficient photo delivery.
- 10#10: Format - Creative portfolio website builder with responsive gallery templates designed specifically for visual artists and photographers.
We evaluated tools based on features like customization, client management, and scalability, alongside ease of use, security, and value, ensuring they cater to the diverse needs of photographers and visual artists.
Comparison Table
Discover the right gallery software for your needs with this comparison table, including tools like SmugMug, Pixieset, Zenfolio, ShootProof, and more. Explore features, pricing, and ideal use cases to make an informed choice for your photography business or portfolio.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SmugMug Professional platform for photographers to create stunning galleries, sell prints, and manage client deliveries with unlimited storage. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Pixieset Elegant client gallery software that enables photographers to showcase, share, and sell images with beautiful mobile-optimized designs. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Zenfolio All-in-one solution for building photography websites, online galleries, and stores with integrated booking and blog features. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | ShootProof Client gallery and proofing tool with contract signing, invoicing, and marketing automation to streamline photographer workflows. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Pic-Time Premium gallery platform offering customizable designs, client print sales, and advanced marketing tools for professional photographers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | PhotoShelter Secure image management and gallery software for creating professional portfolios, archiving photos, and delivering to clients. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | CloudSpot Modern proofing and delivery platform with beautiful galleries, custom branding, and integrated sales for photographers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Pass Simple and affordable online photo gallery service focused on easy sharing and client delivery for photographers. | specialized | 1.0/10 | 0.2/10 | 5.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Lightfolio Unlimited client galleries and storage with password protection and slideshow features for efficient photo delivery. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Format Creative portfolio website builder with responsive gallery templates designed specifically for visual artists and photographers. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
Professional platform for photographers to create stunning galleries, sell prints, and manage client deliveries with unlimited storage.
Elegant client gallery software that enables photographers to showcase, share, and sell images with beautiful mobile-optimized designs.
All-in-one solution for building photography websites, online galleries, and stores with integrated booking and blog features.
Client gallery and proofing tool with contract signing, invoicing, and marketing automation to streamline photographer workflows.
Premium gallery platform offering customizable designs, client print sales, and advanced marketing tools for professional photographers.
Secure image management and gallery software for creating professional portfolios, archiving photos, and delivering to clients.
Modern proofing and delivery platform with beautiful galleries, custom branding, and integrated sales for photographers.
Simple and affordable online photo gallery service focused on easy sharing and client delivery for photographers.
Unlimited client galleries and storage with password protection and slideshow features for efficient photo delivery.
Creative portfolio website builder with responsive gallery templates designed specifically for visual artists and photographers.
SmugMug
specializedProfessional platform for photographers to create stunning galleries, sell prints, and manage client deliveries with unlimited storage.
Lifetime unlimited storage and bandwidth with full user ownership—no ads, watermarks, or compression on premium plans
SmugMug is a professional-grade photo hosting and gallery platform tailored for photographers, enabling users to create customizable portfolio websites, client proofing galleries, and online stores for selling prints and downloads. It offers unlimited storage and bandwidth with no image compression, ensuring high-fidelity displays across devices. Advanced features include privacy controls, Lightroom integration, and mobile apps for seamless management.
Pros
- Unlimited high-quality photo and video storage with no compression
- Robust e-commerce tools for selling prints and digital files
- Advanced customization and client proofing galleries
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic hosts
- Steeper learning curve for full customization
- No free plan, only paid tiers
Best For
Professional photographers and serious enthusiasts needing a branded, monetizable online gallery with unlimited storage.
Pricing
Plans from $7/mo (Basic) to $51/mo (Business), billed annually with up to 20% discounts; no free tier.
Pixieset
specializedElegant client gallery software that enables photographers to showcase, share, and sell images with beautiful mobile-optimized designs.
Beautifully branded, mobile-first client galleries with built-in print lab fulfillment and digital delivery
Pixieset is a photographer-focused platform for creating stunning, customizable online galleries to deliver, proof, and sell images to clients. It offers mobile-responsive designs, client proofing tools, integrated print and digital sales stores, and a full website builder. The software streamlines workflows with Lightroom plugins, automated delivery, and robust client management features.
Pros
- Exceptional gallery designs with extensive customization and branding options
- Seamless integration for client proofing, downloads, and automated print/digital sales
- All-in-one solution including websites, email marketing, and Lightroom workflow tools
Cons
- Free plan severely limited in storage and features
- Higher-tier plans required for unlimited galleries and advanced selling tools
- Customization can have a slight learning curve for non-designers
Best For
Professional photographers seeking an elegant, all-in-one platform for client galleries, proofing, and online sales.
Pricing
Free limited plan; paid tiers from $8/mo (Starter) to $40/mo (Pro+), billed annually for discounts.
Zenfolio
specializedAll-in-one solution for building photography websites, online galleries, and stores with integrated booking and blog features.
Automated print fulfillment through partnerships with professional labs
Zenfolio is a photographer-focused platform that provides customizable websites, online galleries, client proofing, and e-commerce tools for selling prints, digital downloads, and services. It includes marketing features like email campaigns, SEO tools, and blog integration to help professionals showcase portfolios and grow their business. With seamless lab integrations for print fulfillment, it's tailored for streamlining the photography workflow from capture to sale.
Pros
- Robust photo-specific features like client galleries and proofing
- Integrated print lab fulfillment and e-commerce
- Mobile-responsive templates and strong SEO tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Higher-tier plans required for full features
- Limited flexibility for non-photography uses
Best For
Professional photographers who need an all-in-one solution for portfolios, client management, and print sales.
Pricing
Plans start at $7/month (billed annually) for basic portfolios, up to $52/month for ProSuite with unlimited storage and advanced sales tools.
ShootProof
specializedClient gallery and proofing tool with contract signing, invoicing, and marketing automation to streamline photographer workflows.
Automated print lab fulfillment that handles ordering, printing, and shipping directly to clients
ShootProof is a photographer-focused platform for creating secure online galleries, client proofing, and direct photo sales. It enables easy upload and sharing of images with password protection, automated delivery, and e-commerce tools for prints and digital downloads. The software streamlines client workflows with features like contracts, invoices, and mobile apps for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop gallery creation and client-friendly interface
- Seamless integration with Lightroom and automated print fulfillment
- Robust security features like password protection and client portals
Cons
- Transaction fees on sales reduce value for high-volume users
- Limited customization options for gallery designs
- Advanced features like video support require higher-tier plans
Best For
Professional photographers seeking an all-in-one solution for client proofing, delivery, and print sales without managing fulfillment.
Pricing
Starts at $10/month (billed annually) for basic Gallery plan; Store plans from $30/month; plus 5-15% transaction fees on sales.
Pic-Time
specializedPremium gallery platform offering customizable designs, client print sales, and advanced marketing tools for professional photographers.
Designer-quality gallery themes that double as portfolio showcases
Pic-Time is a premium online gallery platform tailored for professional photographers, enabling the creation of stunning, customizable client galleries for proofing, sharing, and sales. It features built-in e-commerce for digital downloads and prints with automated fulfillment through partner labs, plus tools for booking, blogging, and client communication. The platform emphasizes beautiful design and seamless mobile experiences to enhance client engagement.
Pros
- Stunning, highly customizable gallery templates that impress clients
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth on all plans
- Integrated print sales with no platform commissions on transactions
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for beginners or low-volume users
- Limited integrations with other photography tools
- Advanced customization requires some learning
Best For
Professional photographers who prioritize elegant, client-facing galleries and seamless sales over budget constraints.
Pricing
Starts at $7.25/month (billed annually) for Starter plan; Pro at $20.75/month and Ultimate at $39/month, with 14-day free trial.
PhotoShelter
enterpriseSecure image management and gallery software for creating professional portfolios, archiving photos, and delivering to clients.
Direct publishing from Lightroom and Capture One with automatic backups
PhotoShelter is a professional platform tailored for photographers, offering customizable websites, unlimited galleries, and robust image management tools. It enables seamless client proofing, secure delivery, marketing automation, and direct sales of prints through integrated labs. With strong integrations like Adobe Lightroom and Capture One, it serves as an all-in-one solution for building an online photography business.
Pros
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth on pro plans
- Built-in e-commerce with print fulfillment
- Advanced client proofing and collaboration tools
Cons
- Higher cost for full features
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Less flexible design customization than general builders
Best For
Professional photographers seeking a comprehensive tool for portfolio hosting, client management, and sales.
Pricing
Plans from $9.99/mo (Archive, storage-focused) to $49.99/mo (Business, full sites and sales), billed annually with 14-day trial.
CloudSpot
specializedModern proofing and delivery platform with beautiful galleries, custom branding, and integrated sales for photographers.
Direct plugin automation from Lightroom for instant gallery publishing without manual uploads
CloudSpot is a cloud-based gallery platform tailored for photographers, enabling seamless delivery of high-quality client galleries with proofing, sales, and sharing capabilities. It integrates directly with Lightroom and Capture One for automated uploads, offers customizable designs, and supports print lab fulfillment and digital downloads. The software emphasizes elegant, mobile-responsive presentations to enhance the client experience.
Pros
- Stunning, customizable gallery templates that rival portfolio sites
- Automated workflows via Lightroom and Capture One plugins
- Robust e-commerce with print lab integrations and client favorites
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter hobbyists or small studios
- Storage limits on entry-level plans require upgrades
- Advanced custom branding locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Professional photographers, especially wedding and portrait specialists, who prioritize visually impressive client galleries and streamlined sales.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Basic, 10GB storage), $59/month (Pro, 100GB), $99/month (Unlimited), with annual discounts and 14-day free trial.
Pass
specializedSimple and affordable online photo gallery service focused on easy sharing and client delivery for photographers.
GPG encryption for individual password files with optional git-based synchronization
Pass (pass.us) is an open-source, command-line password manager that securely stores passwords in GPG-encrypted individual text files. It supports standard Unix password store operations like adding, editing, retrieving, and optionally syncing via git. However, it provides zero features for image gallery management, photo organization, viewing, sharing, or any visual media handling, rendering it entirely unsuitable as gallery software.
Pros
- Free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Extremely lightweight and secure for password storage
- Integrates seamlessly with Unix tools and git for versioning
Cons
- Lacks any image gallery, photo, or media management capabilities
- Command-line interface only, no GUI for visual tasks
- Irrelevant and unusable for gallery software purposes
Best For
Terminal-savvy Unix users needing a password manager, not anyone requiring gallery or photo management tools.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source.
Lightfolio
specializedUnlimited client galleries and storage with password protection and slideshow features for efficient photo delivery.
Seamless client proofing galleries that allow secure sharing, feedback collection, and downloads directly from the portfolio.
Lightfolio is a specialized portfolio builder designed for photographers and creatives, offering customizable gallery websites to showcase high-resolution images professionally. It features drag-and-drop editing, client proofing galleries, and integrated blogging for a complete online presence. The platform emphasizes minimalist, fast-loading designs that are mobile-responsive and SEO-optimized.
Pros
- Stunning, photographer-focused templates with infinite scroll galleries
- Intuitive drag-and-drop builder with no coding required
- Client proofing and password-protected galleries for easy approvals
Cons
- Limited advanced customization options compared to full website builders
- No free plan; requires subscription for full access
- Blogging features are basic and lack extensive plugins
Best For
Photographers and visual artists seeking an elegant, hassle-free portfolio site to display their work and manage client approvals.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (billed annually) for the Basic plan, up to $49/month for Pro with more storage and features.
Format
creative_suiteCreative portfolio website builder with responsive gallery templates designed specifically for visual artists and photographers.
Professionally curated templates designed specifically for showcasing high-resolution photography portfolios with flawless image optimization.
Format (format.com) is a specialized website builder tailored for photographers, artists, and creatives to create stunning online portfolios and image galleries. It provides drag-and-drop tools for uploading high-resolution images, organizing them into customizable galleries, and sharing password-protected client proofs. Additional features include integrated e-commerce for selling prints, blogging capabilities, and mobile-responsive designs, making it a comprehensive solution for visual storytelling.
Pros
- Stunning, photography-optimized templates that look professional out-of-the-box
- Seamless client proofing and password-protected galleries
- Integrated online store for selling photos and downloads
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to general website builders
- No permanent free plan, only a 14-day trial
- Slower load times with large image libraries
Best For
Emerging photographers and visual artists seeking an easy-to-use, design-focused platform for portfolios and client galleries without coding expertise.
Pricing
Plans start at $7/month (billed annually) for Lite, $12/month for Pro, and $23/month for Pro Plus, with a 14-day free trial.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top gallery software tools reveals a mix of strengths: SmugMug leads with its robust professional features and unlimited storage, Pixieset impresses with elegant mobile-optimized designs, and Zenfolio stands out as an all-in-one solution with booking and blog capabilities. At the pinnacle, SmugMug shines as the clear top choice, though Pixieset and Zenfolio are strong alternatives for those prioritizing client experience or integrated workflow management. Regardless of the selection, these tools streamline the process of creating, sharing, and monetizing galleries, making professional delivery more accessible.
Explore the ease of stunning, client-ready galleries—start with SmugMug to transform your photography business with seamless management and growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison