Three platforms come up consistently when photographers look for client gallery software: Pixieset, ShootProof and Pic-Time. While all three let photographers deliver galleries online, each takes a different approach. Pixieset combines client galleries with website and business management tools. ShootProof combines client galleries with contracts, invoices, booking, online payments and print sales without platform commissions. Pic-Time focuses on premium gallery experiences and automated marketing designed to increase print and product sales.
While all three help photographers deliver and sell client galleries online, they differ significantly in their business tools, pricing and ideal users.

Quick Comparison: Pixieset, ShootProof and Pic-Time

What is Pixieset?

Pixieset has evolved from a client gallery platform into an all-in-one suite for photographers, combining client galleries, websites, online stores and business management tools. Photographers can deliver client photos, build a portfolio website, manage contracts and invoices and sell prints from a single platform. However, access to some of these features depends on your plan, with more advanced business tools available only on higher tiers.
Note: Pixieset's contracts, invoices, online booking, and other business management tools are available through Studio Manager, a separate product within the Pixieset ecosystem. Depending on your needs, it may require a separate subscription.

Pros

• Genuinely fewer logins to manage day to day.
• Easy enough that new photographers are productive within hours, not days.
• One account brings together galleries, a website and business management tools.

Cons

• The free plan's commission is easy to overlook at signup.
• Gallery customization trails behind Pic Time's.

What is ShootProof?

ShootProof positions itself as a practical, business-first platform. Beyond hosting client galleries, it includes contracts, invoices, online payments, bookings and print fulfillment, helping photographers manage much of their business from one place. Print orders route through its network of professional labs and the platform has built its identity around charging zero commission regardless of plan level.

Pros

• Zero commission on every plan, including free.
• Contracts, invoicing and booking included on every paid tier rather than gated by plan level.
• Reliable, well established print lab network.

Cons

• Photo count based pricing can be reached quickly with large files.
• Archive fees apply once a plan's limit is exceeded.
• Less marketing automation than Pic Time and more basic gallery presentation overall.

What is Pic-Time?

Pic Time skips the business administration side almost entirely and concentrates on two things: how the gallery looks and how well it sells on its own. Photographers get highly customizable, design-led galleries, a built-in print store and tools for slideshows and blog style gallery sharing, plus a dedicated Art Gallery setup for fine art sellers. Its biggest differentiator is built-in sales automation. Once configured, campaigns such as early-bird offers and abandoned cart reminders run automatically, reducing the need for manual follow-ups.

Pros

• Strong built in sales automation, including early bird offers and abandoned cart recovery.
• Premium, highly customizable gallery presentation.
• Built in blog and slideshow tools beyond the gallery itself.

Cons

• No native CRM, invoicing or contracts — requires pairing with a separate studio management tool.
• Steeper learning curve than the other two platforms.
• Some features like keeping blog posts live, require an add-on fee after downgrading.

The Costs That Don't Show Up on the Pricing Page

The number on the pricing page is rarely the full cost. A few things worth knowing before you commit to any of these three.

Pixieset's free plan commission disappears the moment you upgrade, but it's easy to stay on free longer than planned and not notice how much that 15% is quietly taking from your print sales.
ShootProof's photo count model means large RAW files or big wedding deliveries can push you past a plan's limit faster than the number implies and extra storage past that limit comes with an archive fee rather than being absorbed into the plan.
Pic Time's free plan storage is also worth watching closely: new accounts get an introductory 10GB, but that drops permanently to 3GB after six months and galleries over the limit get deleted. Downgrade terms can affect older content too and certain features like keeping blog posts live, need an add-on fee once you drop a tier. Read the current terms before assuming everything carries over cleanly.

None of these are dealbreakers by themselves. They're simply the kinds of details that often go unnoticed until you've already signed up, so it's worth understanding them before you choose a platform.

Which Platform Should You Choose?

If you're comparing Pixieset vs ShootProof vs Pic-Time, the right choice depends on your photography business, workflow and the features you value most.

Choose Pixieset if you:

• Are a beginner photographer
• Want an all-in-one platform with galleries, a website and business tools
• Prefer a simple, easy-to-use workflow

Choose ShootProof if you:

• Need contracts, invoices and online payments in one place
• Run a family photography business or a growing studio
• Want commission-free print sales

Choose Pic-Time if you:

• Want premium client galleries
• Sell prints and products as an important part of your business
• Need built-in marketing automation

Ultimately, the best platform is the one that best supports your workflow, business goals and client experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pixieset free?
Yes, Pixieset has a permanent free plan with 3GB of storage, which works out to roughly 300 to 500 full resolution photos depending on file size, something a single wedding shoot can use up on its own. Store sales on the free plan also carry a 15% commission, which goes away once you move to a paid tier.

Is ShootProof or Pixieset better?
It depends on what you need most. ShootProof charges zero commission on every plan, including free and leans on dependable lab fulfillment. Pixieset is cheaper to bundle with a website and invoicing tools but only drops its commission once you're on a paid tier.

Does ShootProof charge a commission?
No. ShootProof takes 0% commission on every plan, including the free tier — unlike Pixieset, which charges 15% on free-plan sales until you upgrade.

What are the alternatives to Pixieset?
Popular Pixieset alternatives include ShootProof, Pic-Time, Zenfolio and SmugMug. ShootProof is ideal for photographers who want built-in business tools, while Pic-Time focuses on premium client galleries and marketing automation. Zenfolio and SmugMug are strong options for photographers looking for gallery, portfolio and website features.

What's better than Pixieset?
It depends on your priorities. ShootProof is a strong choice for business management and print sales, while Pic-Time stands out for premium galleries and marketing automation.

Which platform is cheapest for a beginner photographer?
Pic-Time's Beginner plan technically starts lowest at around $7-8 a month, but Pixieset and ShootProof both offer more generous free tiers to start on before you'd need to pay anything at all.

Does Pic-Time offer free migration from Pixieset?
No. Pic-Time's migration from Pixieset is a paid service available with an active plan. It transfers your galleries and client contacts, making it easier to switch from Pixieset without manually moving your data.

Final Verdict

Pixieset, ShootProof and Pic-Time all help photographers deliver galleries online, but each is designed for a different workflow. Pixieset is well suited to photographers looking for an all-in-one platform. ShootProof focuses on business management and commission-free print sales, while Pic-Time stands out for premium client experiences and automated marketing. By understanding the differences between them, you can choose the platform that best fits your photography business.