Head-to-head · Photography Website Builders
SmugMug vs Arcadina
SmugMug leads on 0 checks, Arcadina on 1, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 8 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreSmugMug · 8.8/10
- Lowest starting priceArcadina · $8/mo
- Free trialboth
- Most featuresArcadina · 6 of 6
SmugMug scores higher on our rubric for photography website builders: 8.8 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.
Arcadina is cheaper to start at $8/mo against $20/mo.
SmugMug is the better fit for photographers needing storage plus a website. Arcadina is the better fit for full-service photography businesses.
- SmugMug fits best
Photographers needing storage plus a website
- Arcadina fits best
Full-service photography businesses
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | SmugMug 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Arcadina 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #4 in Photography Website Builders | #8 in Photography Website Builders |
| Best for | Photographers needing storage plus a website | Full-service photography businesses |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $20/mo | $8/mo (best) |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | 14 days | 14 days |
| Free trial length | 14 days · no card needed | 14 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Email, Docs · 24/7 | Live chat, Docs · 24/7 |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 12 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features SmugMug 0/6 · Arcadina 6/6 | ||
| Client galleries | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Print sales | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Proofing tools | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Digital downloads | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Booking forms | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Custom domain | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | SmugMug combines online photo storage, organization, sharing, delivery, and website publishing for photographers, families, hobbyists, and photography businesses. Its core offering includes unlimited full-resolution JPEG storage, folders… Read the review → |
Arcadina is a hosted web platform for professional photographers and videographers who want to bring their public website, client delivery, commerce, and business administration into one service. Its website and blog tools support… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
SmugMug — where it wins
- Unlimited full-resolution JPEG storage with automatic desktop and mobile uploads
- Professional templates, custom domains, galleries, and privacy controls
- Print, digital download, video, and Lightroom support
Where it doesn't
- No permanent free plan
- Starting price is $20 per month when billed annually
- Advanced sales tools are reserved for higher plans
Arcadina — where it wins
- Combines websites, galleries, proofing, downloads, and print sales
- Adds bookings, contracts, billing, quotes, and online stores
- Supports Lightroom, Instagram, WhatsApp, Stripe, PayPal, and more
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- The service is web-based rather than offered as a listed native app
- The broad feature set may exceed the needs of portfolio-only users
- SmugMug8.8/10 · From $20/mo (annual) · 14-day trial
A storage-first photography site builder with galleries, sales tools, and broad platform support.
Visit SmugMugFull verdict → - Arcadina7.9/10 · From $8/mo (annual) · 14-day trial
A broad web platform for photographers who need portfolios, delivery, sales, and business tools.
Visit ArcadinaFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Zenfolio vs SmugMug
- Zenfolio vs Arcadina
- Pixieset Website vs SmugMug
- Pixieset Website vs Arcadina
- Format vs SmugMug
- Format vs Arcadina
- SmugMug vs Pixpa
- SmugMug vs PhotoDeck
All photography website builders comparisons → · Full ranking →
Guides on photography website builders
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update