Head-to-Head Comparison
Two gallery-first platforms that both added studio tools. The differences hide in commissions, storage math, and which tier unlocks the CRM. Verified August 2026 pricing.
CloudSpot ($7-50/mo; genuinely free forever tier with 3 galleries and 5 GB) undercuts on paid pricing and unlocks its Studio Manager — contracts, invoicing, scheduling — from the $17/mo Lite plan, with 0% print commission and 2.5% payment processing on Lite and up. Pixieset (galleries $8-40/mo billed yearly; Suite $28-55/mo) counters with the more mature ecosystem: client apps, store, website builder, and a deeper Studio Manager in its Suite.
Watch CloudSpot's low tiers: Free and Entry are gallery-only (no CRM), JPEG-only, and take 15% store commission. Price-shoppers who'll land on Lite/Pro get a lot from CloudSpot; brand-experience shoppers usually still pick Pixieset.
Full disclosure: this page is published by Fstop CRM, a competitor to both. We keep the comparison factual and tell you when one of them is the better pick — and both get a fair shake below.
TL;DR
Price
Free tier; paid $7-50/mo
vs
Galleries from $10/mo; Suite with CRM from $35/mo
Built for
Photographers (galleries & print sales)
vs
Photographers (galleries first)
Free trial / free tier
Free plan forever
vs
Free gallery tier, upgrade when ready
Top value: CloudSpot · Bottom value: Pixieset
Side by Side
| CloudSpot | Pixieset | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free tier; paid $7-50/mo | Galleries from $10/mo; Suite with CRM from $35/mo |
| Built for | Photographers (galleries & print sales) | Photographers (galleries first) |
| Contracts & e-signatures | Lite plan and up (Studio Manager) | Suite / Studio Manager only |
| Invoicing & payments | Lite plan and up (2.5% processing) | Suite / Studio Manager only |
| Scheduling / booking | Lite plan and up (Studio Manager) | Suite / Studio Manager only |
| Client galleries | Yes, core product (15% commission on Free/Entry) | Yes, core product (free 3GB tier) |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial / free tier | Free plan forever | Free gallery tier, upgrade when ready |
Pricing checked against each vendor's published pricing page, August 2026. Plans and prices change — always confirm on their site.
Who Should Pick Which
Both platforms grew business tools out of galleries. Fstop CRM grew galleries out of a business tool: pipeline, contracts with e-signature, invoices, booking pages with deposits, questionnaires, and timelines came first, from $19.99/mo billed yearly with every feature on every plan.
If print sales are a core revenue line, the gallery specialists earn their keep. If admin is what's eating your evenings, come at it from our side.
Common Questions
Generally yes at matching capability: CloudSpot Lite ($17/mo) includes 100 GB plus Studio Manager CRM tools, vs Pixieset needing the Suite ($28/mo billed yearly) for equivalent business features. CloudSpot also runs promos (currently $3/mo for the first 3 months).
It's gallery-only: 3 galleries, 5 GB, JPEG-only, 15% commission on store sales, no Studio Manager. It's a genuine free tier, but the business tools start at Lite ($17/mo).
Pixieset's Suite covers more ground (invoicing, contracts, booking, session types) with longer track record. CloudSpot's is newer but cheaper to access and pairs with its 2.5% processing. Neither matches a dedicated CRM's pipeline and automation depth.
Fstop CRM is built for photographers and videographers — contracts, invoices, booking, galleries, and client management in one place. 7-day free trial, from $19.99/mo after.