Free and familiar, or built for the event?
Google Photos and WhatsApp cost nothing and everyone knows them. They just weren't designed to collect photos from a whole guest list.
For a small group that already shares a chat, WhatsApp or a shared Google Photos album is free and works. Both struggle with a whole guest list: a WhatsApp group only reaches the people in it and sends photos in standard quality unless HD is chosen, and adding photos to a Google Photos shared album needs a Google account, even though anyone with the link can view it. JoinAlbum gives every guest one QR code and asks only for a name, keeps the album private while you collect, and stores videos as recorded and photos up to 2,560 px. It's free with up to 10 files and €49 once for unlimited.
JoinAlbum
Google / WhatsApp
What guests need
Built for one event
Private while collecting
Photo quality
QR sign designer
Price
Already on every guest's phone
JoinAlbum publishes this comparison. Everything said about the other service comes from its own pages, linked below; plans change, so check them before you choose.
Sources, checked on
When to choose which
Stay with them if…
It's a small event and everyone is already in the same chat.
Choose JoinAlbum if…
You want photos from guests outside the group, at high resolution, in one private album.
Or use both
Share the JoinAlbum link in your WhatsApp group: the chat stays a chat, the photos go to the album.
Ready to organize your event?
Create your free album and test it out right now. No credit card required.
Start your free album