SmugMug vs Lightfolio: Which Client Gallery is Better in 2024?

Which Client Gallery is right for you — SmugMug or Lightfolio? In this SmugMug vs Lightfolio comparison we’ll go through their pricing, features and alternatives so you can make the right decision.

SmugMug

SmugMug is a comprehensive image sharing, hosting, and online video platform, catering mainly to amateur and professional photographers. It provides a robust package for growing a photography business, with features like ironclad security, set-and-forget sales tools, unlimited storage, and custom website tools. SmugMug stands out with its integrated e-commerce capabilities, allowing photographers to sell digital and print media, and offers a user-friendly site-building experience, making it a competitive option against platforms like Flickr and Instagram.

Best SmugMug Alternative

Lightfolio

Lightfolio is an online platform for photographers and to showcase their work. It offers customizable templates and gallery options. With client gallery features, Lightfolio facilitates client interactions by allowing photographers to share, sell, and deliver photos directly through the platform. It's a tool that enhances the client experience and streamlines the business side of photography.

Best Lightfolio Alternative

Compare
Features

Essentials

Unlimited Galleries

Video Upload

RAW Photo

Add-On

TIFF Upload

Email Notifications

Unlimited Images

Custom Domain

Feature Requests

Sharing & Security

Private Galleries

Watermarking

Track Activity

Password Protection

Embed Gallery

Collaborators

Team Members

Proofing & Workflow

Track Activity

Version Control

Favorites

Comments

Annotations

Approval Status

Approval Limits

Color Labels

Custom Labels

Review Filter

Pricing Comparison

SmugMug Pricing

Pricing details and plans of SmugMug (smugmug.com)

SmugMug offers 3 pricing plans to cater to various photography needs, from basic storage to advanced business tools:

Power Plan ($15/month): Essential features include unlimited storage and lightroom integration.
Portfolio Plan ($31/month): Adds sales and marketing tools, perfect for growing your online presence.
Pro Plan ($45/month): Advanced business features for professional photographers.

Lightfolio Pricing

Pricing details and plans of Lightfolio (lightfolio.com)

Lightfolio's pricing plans offer a range of features to suit your needs. Each plan is designed to provide the tools necessary for photographers at any stage of their career, from free options for those just starting out to premium services for top-tier professionals.

Free Plan: Ideal for beginners, offering 1 GB of storage, proofing, and online sales with a 15% commission on sales. It also allows you to upload your logo.
Lite Plan ($10/month): A step up, this plan offers 30 GB of storage and includes 20 minutes of video uploads while eliminating commission fees.
Starter Plan ($18/month): This plan provides 100 GB of storage and 1 hour of video uploads. It also lets you remove the Lightfolio branding.
Pro Plan ($28/month): Suited for professionals with a large portfolio, offering 1000 GB of storage, 3 hours of video uploads, and priority support.
Premium Plan ($50/month): The most expensive plan provides unlimited storage and 8 hours of video uploads. It carries over all the Pro features with the addition of priority support.