Head to head
SmugMug vs Pixieset
This is the archive-versus-delivery question. SmugMug is an unlimited-storage photo home that grew a client-gallery side; Pixieset is a client-delivery product that never tried to be an archive. Professional photographers ask about the pair because both can technically deliver a gallery, and only one of them is built around doing it.
The short answer
For a working photographer delivering finished galleries to paying clients, Pixieset is the better product: the client-facing experience is more polished and the plan ladder maps onto delivery volume. SmugMug wins on one axis that matters enormously to some people and not at all to others, which is unlimited storage on every tier. If your problem is "where does my life's work live", SmugMug. If it is "how do I hand this wedding over on Friday", Pixieset.
Side by side
| SmugMug | Pixieset | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | $20/mo | $8/mo |
| Free plan | None | 3 GB |
| Metered by | storage | storage |
| Platform fee on sales | Print and download sales available on Portfolio and above | 0% on paid plans; 15% on the free plan |
| Billing currency | USD | USD |
| Top tier | Unlimited | Unlimited |
SmugMug checked 2026-08-14 against its pricing page; Pixieset checked 2026-08-14 against its pricing page. Both platforms can change pricing at any time.
Choose SmugMug when
SmugMug is the better fit
- You want unlimited storage without thinking about tiers again.
- You are archiving a large back catalogue as well as delivering current work.
- You want one place that is both a website and a photo library.
- You are comfortable paying annually; SmugMug prices annually rather than monthly.
Choose Pixieset when
Pixieset is the better fit
- Client delivery is the main job and the gallery experience matters.
- You want a free tier to evaluate before committing.
- You want monthly billing rather than an annual commitment.
- You would rather buy delivery than buy storage.
What neither of them does
Neither includes booking, contracts or deposits, so a professional running the whole job is usually paying for a scheduling tool alongside whichever of these two wins.
For the record, we build Xposure, which bundles a portfolio, client galleries and a booking manager into one plan from €8/mo. That is the only mention it gets on this page. If you want it argued properly, read Xposure vs SmugMug or Xposure vs Pixieset.