Chatbooks Reviews

With Chatbooks, it’s easy to create your book from the mobile-optimized web platform or dedicated Android and iOS apps. The platform allows you to upload photos directly from Instagram, Facebook, Google Photos, and the device you’re using. Oddly, there isn’t cloud storage, which is a feature present in most photo book providers on the market.

Still, there’s a contribution feature that lets users share a link to the book project with family and friends, so they can make modifications and create it together. Although highly convenient, this feature isn’t always available in other photo book services, such as Mixbook or Shutterfly.

As for the editing itself, once the pictures are auto-filled into the book, they can then be changed from the default chronological order by simply dragging and dropping them into different positions.

The layout options are limited to a standard style with a smaller photo on the page to also fit date, location, and caption, or adjust the photo to the whole page. However, the latter option doesn’t allow any text, so we missed being able to add overlapping captions to the full-page pictures.

Nevertheless, there are six patterns of photo collages to choose from, and you can have up to six pictures on the same page. Keep in mind that making a photo collage means you can’t add captions, dates, or locations.

No stickers, frames, or other embellishments are available, which adheres to the company’s goal of making the creation process as straightforward as it can be.

Since Chatbooks‘ main goal is to offer clients an option to create quality photo books without the time-consuming additional settings, there is little to discuss when it comes to the software’s designs.

All pages have blank backgrounds and photos are all aligned to the center of each page, with the only exception to this rule being the front cover. By default, one of your pictures automatically serves as the front cover, but you can change it or upload a new one.

Only when choosing a designer cover book will you be able to pick from 300 colorful covers created by professionals. The covers are stylish and there’s a wide range of themes available, such as family, kids, floral, travel, love, and holidays.

Chatbooks offers a broad catalog of photo book types. The company’s best sellers are the ‘mini’ and ‘monthbooks’ – which are available with monthly subscriptions – as well as the classic photo books.

The classic photo books are perfect single-purchase books for special occasions, as you can add up to 366 pages. They come in soft or hardcovers, and the sizes are limited to 6×6”, 8×8”, or 10×10”. The cover colors are white, navy, or gray, but designer cover options are also available.

As for the monthly subscriptions, there are the monthly minis and monthbooks. The minis are 5×5” softcover books that come all in one color or a different color per month and have 30 pages.

The monthbooks are 5×7” books with softcovers or hardcovers that you can choose to be multiple ombre color shades, single colors, or designer covers. Plus, the books can have from 30 to 60 pages.

One positive worth pointing out is that Chatbooks does deliver on high-quality photo books that don’t hurt your pocket. Subscription prices start at $8 per month for a 5×5” book with 30 pages and $12 for 5×7” book with 60 pages. Extra pages cost only $0.10 each, but the best part is that these monthly books come with standard free shipping not only within the U.S., but to Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

The classic single-purchase books start at $15 for a 6×6” softcover book with 30 pages and standard shipping from $5.99. Extra pages range from $0.30 to $1.20, depending on the size of the book. Moreover, the products take three to five business days to print and the time it takes to arrive depends on the shipping method chosen. Plus, worldwide shipping is available.

With such affordable prices, Chatbooks is hands-down one of the most cost-effective photo book builders on the market. It also stands out for its customer satisfaction policy. The company refunds you or reprints your book if you’re not happy with it. There’s even a toddler guarantee, which means your book is replaced if it was damaged in any way by your toddler. It’s valid once per book within one year of the order date.

Since the prices are kept as low as possible, Chatbooks doesn’t have many special offers and discounts. Even so, you can get 10% off if you subscribe to the email newsletter. Plus, those who commit to a whole year get 10% off the regular monthly price.

Chatbooks provides assistance via live chat and email, but it goes the extra mile with support via text message, which is a widely used channel that companies completely overlook when offering support.

There’s also a comprehensive FAQ, so it’s worth checking the page before contacting the staff, as you’re likely to find the help you need there.

Aside from these options, there are various articles to read on the blog, most of which are properly advertised on the company’s regularly updated Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Still, there’s a stellar mobile app to create your photo album directly from the device you usually store your photos in. This means crafting your book doesn’t have to be a time-consuming experience. However, it’s worth noting that the lack of cloud storage within the platform may delay the uploading process.

Even so, the company makes up for this downside. It couldn’t be easier to connect your social media account and create a new photo book every month that’s delivered to your doorstep for impressively low prices and free shipping.

The customer satisfaction guarantees, worldwide shipping, and a top-notch final product put Chatbooks in the running for the most straightforward photo book to make.

What’s more, the already low prices can even be reduced up to 10%, making it easier for you to relive your most special moments, as well as enjoy the pleasure of physically storing and eternalizing them.