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Free photo print apps let you print a set number of standard prints each month without paying for the prints themselves. The catch is postage and upsells. FreePrints, one of the best-known apps, offers up to 45 free 6x4 prints a month. Here's how these apps work, what you actually pay, and how to keep costs down.
Key takeaways
- FreePrints offers up to 45 free 6x4 prints a month, capped at 500 a year.
- You pay delivery, which FreePrints says starts at £1.49 and is capped at £3.99 per order.
- Larger sizes, extra prints and extras cost more.
- Batch orders each month to get the most free prints for one delivery charge.
The offer
Apps like FreePrints give a set number of standard prints free each month. According to FreePrints, you can order up to 45 free 6x4 prints a month, up to 500 a year. Unused free prints don't roll over to the next month.
What you pay
Postage, and extra for larger sizes or more prints. FreePrints says delivery starts from £1.49 and is capped at £3.99, depending on the number of prints. Larger sizes, such as 7x5 or 8x6, and prints beyond the free allowance are charged.
| Item | Cost on FreePrints |
|---|---|
| Up to 45 6x4 prints a month | Free (up to 500 a year) |
| Delivery | From £1.49, capped at £3.99 |
| Extra 6x4 prints | Charged per print |
| Larger sizes | Charged per print |
| Faster delivery or extras | Optional, charged |
Prices and allowances can change, so check the app before ordering.
Step by step: order free prints
- Download FreePrints from the App Store or Google Play.
- Create an account.
- Select up to 45 photos from your phone, Google Photos or other sources.
- Keep the size at 6x4 for free prints.
- Review your basket: remove any paid upgrades you don't want.
- Pay the delivery charge and submit.
Tips
Batch orders to save on postage. Ordering 45 prints at once means you pay one delivery charge for the whole month's allowance, which lowers the cost per print. - Watch for upsells: check the basket for paid add-ons before paying. - Choose good-quality photos: low-resolution images may print blurry. - Crop carefully: 6x4 prints have a 3:2 ratio, so phone photos may be cropped. - Plan ahead: use the monthly allowance for birthdays, albums or gifts.
Other ways to print photos cheaply
- Supermarket photo kiosks and online services: often charge per print, with occasional promotions.
- High-street photo services: convenient for same-day prints, though usually more expensive.
- Free photo book promotions: some apps offer free photo books, but delivery and extra pages cost money.
Is it really free?
The prints are free, but you'll always pay something for delivery. With FreePrints' delivery capped at £3.99, 45 prints cost at most about 9p each. That's still good value compared with paying per print, as long as you avoid extras.
Privacy
Photo apps need access to your photo library. On iPhone, you can choose Limited Access to share only selected photos. Read the app's privacy policy before uploading.
More free things in the UK
For other ways to save, see free things in the UK worth knowing about.
Who these apps suit
Free print apps work best for people who print regularly, like parents filling albums or anyone who likes sending printed photos to family. If you only print a few photos a year, a one-off order from any service may be just as cheap once delivery is included.
Quality expectations
Free prints are standard 6x4 photo prints on photographic paper. They're fine for albums, fridges and frames. For special photos, or larger prints, consider a paid service where you choose the paper and finish.
Getting good results from phone photos
Modern phone cameras produce plenty of detail for 6x4 prints. For the best results, use original photos rather than images saved from social media or messaging apps, which are often compressed. Check that faces aren't too close to the edge, since automatic cropping can cut them off. Some apps let you choose between filling the print and fitting the whole photo with white borders.
Ideas for your monthly prints
- A monthly family album, printed regularly so it never becomes a big job.
- Photos for grandparents and relatives who don't use social media.
- Printed photos for school projects or noticeboards.
- Holiday highlights, sorted into a box or album by trip.
How long delivery takes
Standard delivery usually takes a few working days, depending on postal times. If you need prints for a specific date, allow extra time or pay for faster delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Are FreePrints really free?
The prints are free up to 45 6x4 prints a month, up to 500 a year. You pay delivery, which FreePrints says starts at £1.49 and is capped at £3.99.
How many free prints can I get a month?
FreePrints offers up to 45 free 6x4 prints a month, with a yearly cap of 500.
Do unused free prints roll over?
No. Unused free prints from FreePrints don't carry over to the next month.
How do I avoid paying extra on free print apps?
Stick to 6x4 prints, stay within the monthly allowance, and check your basket for paid add-ons before paying.
Sources
Official sources this article relies on, checked October 15, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm details at the source.