Frame Focal vs SmugMug
Looking for a SmugMug Alternative?
Unlimited photo storage, portfolio website, and print sales for photographers. Here's how Frame Focal compares — and why photographers are making the switch.
Why photographers switch from SmugMug
No free plan — annual billing only, starting at $240/year
15% transaction fee on all print sales eats into profits
Only 26 website templates — limited design flexibility
Interface feels dated with a steep learning curve
Annual-only billing with reported year-over-year price increases
Feature Comparison: Frame Focal vs SmugMug
| Feature | Frame Focal | SmugMug |
|---|---|---|
| Client Proofing | ||
| Client favorites / selection tool | ✓ | Pro only |
| Password-protected galleries | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gallery expiration dates | ✓ | ✗ |
| Download tracking | ✓ | Limited |
| Gallery Design & Customization | ||
| Custom watermarks (position, opacity) | ✓ | Portfolio+ |
| White-label / remove branding | Pro+ | Portfolio+ |
| Modern gallery layouts | ✓ | Limited |
| Storage & Delivery | ||
| Global CDN delivery | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full-resolution downloads | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video hosting | Pro+ | ✗ |
| Unlimited storage plan | Studio (1 TB) | ✓ |
| Pricing & Plans | ||
| Free plan available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Monthly billing option | ✓ | ✗ |
| 0% commission on sales | ✓ | ✗ |
| E-commerce & Print Sales | ||
| Built-in print store | ✗ | ✓ |
| Mobile Experience | ||
| Mobile-responsive galleries | ✓ | ✓ |
| Branding & White-Label | ||
| Custom domain | Studio | ✓ |
| Portfolio website builder | ✗ | ✓ |
Frame Focal Pricing
Simple, transparent plans. Start free, upgrade when you're ready.
Free
- Unlimited photos per gallery
- Full-res downloads
- Password protection
- Global CDN delivery
Starter
- Text watermarks
- 90-day gallery expiration
- Download tracking
Pro
- Video support
- Client proofing
- White-labeling
- Custom watermarks
Studio
- Custom domain
- 4K video
- 5 team members with roles
- Priority support
SmugMug Pricing
Starting at $20/mo (annual billing only)
Three tiers from $20–$37/month, billed annually only. All plans include unlimited JPEG storage. 15% transaction fee on print sales. RAW storage is an additional $10/month per TB. No monthly billing option.
What makes Frame Focal different
Transparent, Storage-Based Pricing
No photo-count limits, no hidden commissions. You know exactly what you get at every tier.
Gallery Expiration Dates
Set galleries to expire automatically — keep your storage clean without manual cleanup.
Custom Watermarks with Full Control
Position, style, and opacity controls so your watermarks look intentional, not slapped on.
Global CDN Delivery
Your galleries load fast for clients anywhere in the world, not just in North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I migrate from SmugMug to Frame Focal?
Yes. SmugMug allows bulk downloads. Export your galleries and upload them to Frame Focal via our bulk uploader.
Why choose Frame Focal over SmugMug's unlimited storage?
If you need unlimited archive storage, SmugMug is hard to beat. But if you deliver galleries to clients and need proofing, watermarks, and expiration dates, Frame Focal is purpose-built for that workflow.
Does Frame Focal charge a transaction fee on sales?
Frame Focal does not currently have a print store, so there are no transaction fees. SmugMug charges 15% on all print sales.
Can I pay monthly with Frame Focal?
Yes. All Frame Focal plans are billed monthly with no annual lock-in. SmugMug requires annual billing.
Start delivering galleries your clients will love
Free plan includes 3 GB storage, 3 galleries, full-res downloads, and password protection.
Try Frame Focal Free