Pixloud vs a photo booth

1The short answer

Looking for a photo booth alternative? A photo booth takes posed photos of the guests who queue for it. Pixloud turns every guest's phone into the camera and puts the whole event on the big screen while it's happening, after you approve each post. Plenty of events use both.

2Who takes part

With a booth, it's the guests who walk over and wait their turn. With Pixloud, anyone with a phone can join from their seat, the dance floor or the back of the room, by scanning a QR code. There's no app and no sign-up.

Guests can share photos, short video clips, voice notes and written messages, depending on what you switch on.

3What the room sees

Booth photos are usually printed or shown at the booth itself. Pixloud shows approved posts on a live wall on any screen you already have: a projector, a TV or a laptop plugged into one. New posts appear within seconds of your approval.

4Setup and space

A booth needs floor space, power and delivery, and usually an attendant. Pixloud needs a screen with a web browser, an internet connection and a printed QR code. Setup takes a few minutes from your phone or laptop.

5What it costs

Pixloud is paid once per event, with no hardware to rent: Essential is $79 and Signature is $149. You can try it free with up to 25 photos. Photo booth rentals are usually priced by the hour, so ask your vendor for a quote that includes delivery and an attendant.

6Afterwards

Every approved photo, clip, voice note and message stays in your event album. You can download everything as one zip, make a Moments recap video on Signature, and keep the photos online for 1 or 3 more years if you want them longer.

7When a photo booth is the better choice

Choose a booth if you want printed photo strips for guests to take home, props and studio lighting, or a staffed station that becomes part of the decor.

8Using both

Many hosts put the Pixloud QR code next to the booth, so the booth photos and everyone else's moments end up on the same big screen. Booth vendors can also partner with Pixloud and offer a live wall to their own clients.