Same-basket provider comparison
ScanMyPhotos vs ScanCafe: Cost, Formats and Turnaround
Source records verified 2026-08-31 and 2026-08-31
The short verdict
ScanMyPhotos has the lower known estimate in all four loose-photo baskets, but its modeled base service is 300 DPI while ScanCafe’s recorded base photo scan is 600 DPI. Neither provider has a complete shipping total in these scenarios. Choose by the resolution, turnaround, album or carousel handling, and final shipping quote you actually need—not the lowest table value alone.
At a glance
| Detail | ScanMyPhotos | ScanCafe |
|---|---|---|
| Published turnaround | Individual photo orders are typically completed within 3-6 weeks of receipt; express scanning is available. | Photo scanning page says 3-4 weeks standard and as little as 10 business days expedited. Gift box page says about 6-8 weeks. Video timing depends on media and ScanCafe provides an updated estimate when received. |
| Download | Available | Available |
| USB | Available | Available |
| Provider confidence | Partial estimate | Partial estimate |
Same-basket price comparison
Known estimates request digital download. Promotional totals are shown only when the provider record contains a distinct documented promotion.
100 loose photos
OpenPlus unpriced inbound shipping
Plus unpriced inbound and kitOutbound and return shipping
500 loose photos
OpenPlus unpriced inbound shipping
Plus unpriced inbound and kitOutbound and return shipping
1,000 loose photos
OpenPlus unpriced inbound shipping
Plus unpriced inbound and kitOutbound and return shipping
2,000 loose photos
OpenPlus unpriced inbound shipping
Plus unpriced inbound and kitOutbound and return shipping
How the known price gap changes with volume
The difference grows with quantity because the current calculator records different per-image base prices. These are not final delivered totals, and the base scan resolutions are not equivalent.
100 loose photos
$8.05 lower at ScanMyPhotos
Both rows still require a shipping or checkout check before treating the difference as final.
500 loose photos
$120.05 lower at ScanMyPhotos
Both rows still require a shipping or checkout check before treating the difference as final.
1,000 loose photos
$260.05 lower at ScanMyPhotos
Both rows still require a shipping or checkout check before treating the difference as final.
2,000 loose photos
$540.05 lower at ScanMyPhotos
Both rows still require a shipping or checkout check before treating the difference as final.
The quoted scans are not the same specification
| Decision factor | ScanMyPhotos | ScanCafe |
|---|---|---|
| Modeled base loose-photo scan | 300 DPI | 600 DPI |
| Higher photo tier captured | 600 DPI at $0.50 per scan | 1200 DPI for +$0.20 per scan |
| Published standard turnaround | 3-6 weeks for individual photo orders | 3-4 weeks for photo scanning; gift box about 6-8 weeks |
| Special handling captured | Loose photos, slides, and negatives; product-specific selection for film images | Album and carousel catalog options; express and Pro Resolution add-ons |
| Modeled shipping completeness | Partial | Unknown fixed total |
ScanMyPhotos may fit when
- You want the lowest known base estimate in these loose-photo baskets.
- A 300 DPI base scan meets your intended use.
- You are comparing a straightforward loose-print order.
ScanCafe may fit when
- You want a 600 DPI base scan or a recorded 1200 DPI upgrade.
- Your order needs album, carousel, or expedited options.
- You value the shorter published standard photo turnaround.
Shared format coverage
Both provider records cover 3 of the same modeled formats. Confirm the exact cassette, film, or photo type on each provider profile before ordering; similar-looking media can have different support.
Important uncertainties
A known estimate is not a final checkout total when inbound shipping, originals return, cloud access, output media, or special handling lacks a published amount. The scenario cards keep those gaps visible rather than selecting a winner from a partial total.
Sources (14)
Provider facts use official provider pages; technical guidance uses identified institutional or authoritative sources.
- ScanMyPhotos homepageChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanMyPhotos blog and help contextChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanMyPhotos product and shipping contextChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanCafe homepageChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanCafe pricingChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanCafe pro optionsChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanCafe movie servicesChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanCafe video how it worksChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanCafe photo scanning serviceChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanCafe gift boxChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanCafe terms and conditionsChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanMyPhotos photo scanning FAQsChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanMyPhotos package shipping detailsChecked 2026-08-31
- ScanMyPhotos — Pay-Per-Photo Scan Service, Pro (DPI resolution options)Checked 2026-08-31