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Head-to-head · Photography Website Builders

Zenfolio vs SmugMug

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Zenfolio #1 in Photography Website Builders 9.3/10 From $9/mo ✓ 1 of 6 features Visit Zenfolio
SmugMug #4 in Photography Website Builders 8.8/10 From $20/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 6 features Visit SmugMug

Zenfolio leads on 1 check, SmugMug on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreZenfolio · 9.3/10
  • Lowest starting priceZenfolio · $9/mo
  • Free trialonly SmugMug
  • Most featuresZenfolio · 1 of 6

Zenfolio scores higher on our rubric for photography website builders: 9.3 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

Zenfolio is cheaper to start at $9/mo against $20/mo.

Zenfolio is the better fit for established photographers needing an all-in-one platform. SmugMug is the better fit for photographers needing storage plus a website.

  • Zenfolio fits best

    Established photographers needing an all-in-one platform

  • SmugMug fits best

    Photographers needing storage plus a website

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 Zenfolio 9.3/10 Visit ↗ SmugMug 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.8
Ranking #1 in Photography Website Builders #4 in Photography Website Builders
Best for Established photographers needing an all-in-one platform Photographers needing storage plus a website
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $9/mo (best) $20/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Email, Docs · 24/7 Email, Docs · 24/7
Integrations 4 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Zenfolio 1/6 · SmugMug 0/6
Client galleries Not checked yet Not checked yet
Print sales Not checked yet Not checked yet
Proofing tools Not checked yet Not checked yet
Digital downloads Not checked yet Not checked yet
Booking forms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Custom domain ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines websites, galleries, proofing, commerce, booking, and payments
  • Supports photo and video storage, streaming, and selling
  • Connects with analytics, social, payment, Lightroom, and print-lab tools
  • 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
Cons
  • No free plan is available
  • Advanced storage and workflow features require higher plans
  • Web-based platform with no listed native desktop or mobile app
  • No permanent free plan
  • Starting price is $20 per month when billed annually
  • Advanced sales tools are reserved for higher plans
Our verdict

Zenfolio is a web-based portfolio and business platform for photographers and videographers. It brings together customizable portfolio websites, custom domains, client galleries, photo and video storage, proofing, digital and print sales,…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. ZenfolioPhotography Website Builders 9.3From $9/mo
  2. SmugMugPhotography Website Builders 8.8From $20/mo (annual) · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Zenfolio — where it wins

    • Combines websites, galleries, proofing, commerce, booking, and payments
    • Supports photo and video storage, streaming, and selling
    • Connects with analytics, social, payment, Lightroom, and print-lab tools

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • Advanced storage and workflow features require higher plans
    • Web-based platform with no listed native desktop or mobile app

  • 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
  • Zenfolio9.3/10 · From $9/mo

    An all-in-one photography business platform with portfolio, client, commerce, and booking tools.

    Visit ZenfolioFull verdict →
  • 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 →

More comparisons

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