Mixbook Review 2026
#3
Our Verdict
- Mixbook is the best choice for creative freedom, offering 100% customizable layouts with an award-winning drag-and-drop editor.
- Premium paper options deliver impressive print quality, rivaling professional printing services.
- The higher starting price and smaller template selection may deter casual users looking for a quick, affordable album.
- Delivery is slower than most competitors, so plan ahead for time-sensitive projects.
About Mixbook
Mixbook is a US-based photo book company that has built its reputation on design flexibility. Unlike competitors that restrict users to preset templates, Mixbook allows full control over every element on the page -- photos, text, backgrounds, stickers and layouts can all be moved, resized and layered freely. The browser-based editor has won multiple awards for its intuitive design.
The company targets design-conscious customers who want their photo book to feel truly personal. Mixbook also offers premium paper upgrades including semi-gloss, matte and lustre finishes, positioning itself in the mid-to-premium segment of the market.
Pros
- 100% customizable layouts
- Award-winning drag-and-drop editor
- Premium paper options available
- Excellent print quality on upgrades
Cons
- Higher starting price
- Smaller template selection
- Slower delivery times
- Editor can feel overwhelming for beginners
Our Detailed Review
We created a Mixbook photo book in the 11x8.5 landscape format with the lustre paper upgrade. The creation experience is where Mixbook truly excels -- the editor gives you complete freedom to design each page from scratch or start from a template and modify everything. Moving photos, adding text overlays, changing backgrounds and adjusting opacity are all seamlessly integrated. It feels more like a light version of a professional design tool than a typical photo book editor.
Print quality on the lustre paper was outstanding. Colors were rich and accurate, details were sharp even on close-up inspection, and the paper had a satisfying weight and texture. The binding was well-constructed with no alignment issues. However, on the standard paper option, the results were noticeably less impressive -- closer to what you would get from budget competitors. The premium upgrades are where Mixbook justifies its pricing.
The main downsides are price and speed. A basic 20-page hardcover starts around $35, and by the time you add premium paper and extra pages, you are easily over $60. Delivery took 11 business days with standard shipping, which is on the slow side. For customers who value design control and print quality over speed and price, Mixbook is hard to beat. For everyone else, there are faster and more affordable alternatives.
Score Breakdown
Customer Testimonials
"The editor is incredible -- I could design every page exactly how I wanted. The lustre paper upgrade was worth every penny. Just wish shipping was faster."
- Amanda W., wedding album
"Great design tools but the starting price is steep. By the time I added premium paper and extra pages, it was over $70. The result was beautiful though."
- David H., travel album
"I switched from Shutterfly to Mixbook for more creative control and I am not going back. The quality difference is noticeable, especially on the paper."
- Lauren P., family album
See Our #1 Ranked Photo Album
Souvence takes the top spot with a score of 9.2/10 thanks to premium print quality and exclusive illustrated covers.
Read the Souvence Review →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mixbook worth it in 2026?
Mixbook is an excellent choice if you want full creative control over your photo book design. The editor is award-winning and allows 100% customizable layouts. However, the higher starting price and slower delivery make it less ideal for quick or budget projects.
What makes Mixbook different from other photo book services?
Mixbook's main differentiator is its fully customizable editor. Unlike most competitors that lock you into templates, Mixbook lets you move, resize and layer every element on the page. The premium paper options also set it apart in terms of print quality.
How long does Mixbook take to deliver?
Mixbook standard shipping takes 7 to 12 business days. Economy and rush options are available. Delivery tends to be slower than competitors, which is something to consider for time-sensitive projects.