When you order a Walgreens matte photo print, a non-glossy, smooth photo finish designed to reduce glare and show true color tones. Also known as matte photo finish, it’s a popular choice for family albums, framed wall art, and gifts because it doesn’t reflect light like glossy paper. Unlike glossy prints that can stick to glass or show fingerprints, matte prints feel more like a fine art print—subtle, quiet, and built to last.
But here’s the thing: not all matte prints are made the same. The photo printing service, the process of turning digital images into physical prints using professional-grade printers and paper. Also known as photo lab printing, it’s what turns your phone pics into something you can hold at Walgreens uses inkjet technology with pigment-based inks, which means colors stay true longer and don’t fade quickly. Compare that to CVS, where the same matte option often feels thinner and less consistent. One user tested 20 prints from both chains—Walgreens showed better skin tone accuracy, sharper edges on text, and less banding in gradients. It’s not a huge difference, but if you’re printing wedding photos or portraits, you’ll notice.
Price-wise, a 4x6 matte print at Walgreens runs about $0.39 each when bought in bulk, with discounts for 100+ prints. That’s roughly the same as CVS, but Walgreens often has better color calibration out of the box. No need to tweak brightness or contrast before uploading—your photo looks closer to what you saw on screen. And if you’re printing 8x10s or larger, the matte option avoids the shiny look that makes some people feel like they’re staring into a mirror.
People often ask: is matte better than glossy? For portraits, yes. For travel photos with bright skies and water, maybe not. Matte handles shadows and dark tones better, so it’s ideal for indoor shots, black-and-white images, or anything with a lot of detail. Glossy wins for vibrant landscapes or kids’ photos where you want that pop. But if you’re putting prints in a frame behind glass, matte is the smarter pick—it won’t stick to the glass or glare under lights.
And don’t forget the paper weight. Walgreens matte prints use 220gsm paper—thick enough to feel substantial, not flimsy like budget prints from other apps. You can hold it, flip it, and it won’t curl at the edges. That’s why so many Indian families choose it for wedding albums and Diwali gift prints. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real comparisons, cost breakdowns, and tips from people who’ve printed hundreds of photos. You’ll see how Walgreens stacks up against CVS, what settings to use when uploading, why some prints come out too dark, and how to avoid the most common mistakes. No fluff. Just what works—and what doesn’t—when you’re trying to turn your memories into something you can touch.
Walgreens can print matte photos, but only through their online service-not in-store kiosks. Learn how to order matte prints, compare finishes, and get the best quality for photo albums at the lowest price.