Zenfolio vs SubHub: Final verdict
Zenfolio and SubHub both offer specialized platforms, but they cater to different audiences with distinct needs.
-
Zenfolio (Overall Grade: 6.4/10)
is tailored for professional photographers and visual artists, providing a comprehensive suite of tools for showcasing, sharing, and selling their work online. It excels in offering customizable templates, integrated ecommerce capabilities, and robust security features. When comparing Zenfolio vs SubHub, Zenfolio stands out for its specialized focus on photography, making it an ideal choice for users in the visual arts industry. -
SubHub (Overall Grade: 5.6/10)
is designed for creating and managing membership sites, offering tools tailored for content creators and entrepreneurs. It simplifies the process of setting up subscription models and managing member access, making it a great option for those looking to build a community and monetize their content. Considering Zenfolio vs SubHub, SubHub is the preferred choice for users who prioritize ease of use and efficient management of membership-based businesses.
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Design functionalities & templates |
6.8 |
6.8 |
|
Ease of use |
6.3 |
7.7 |
|
Ecommerce |
6.3 |
5.9 |
|
Website Editors |
7.6 |
6.9 |
|
Product testing options |
8.4 |
7.0 |
|
Price |
8.2 |
6.8 |
|
Hosting quality |
5.7 |
5.5 |
|
Website speed optimization |
5.2 |
5.6 |
|
Plugins and integrations |
6.5 |
5.7 |
|
Marketing features |
6.1 |
5.7 |
|
Customer support |
6.7 |
6.3 |
|
Security |
8.0 |
4.0 |
|
AI capabilities |
2.4 |
0 |
|
User Management |
2.8 |
5.2 |
Which one is the best for ecommerce: Zenfolio or SubHub?
6.3
5.9
Verdict
: Zenfolio and SubHub cater to different ecommerce needs, with Zenfolio being more suited for photographers and visual artists, while SubHub is ideal for membership-based businesses.
-
Zenfolio
: Zenfolio is tailored for professional photographers and visual artists, offering integrated ecommerce capabilities for selling prints, digital downloads, and other products. It provides customizable templates, multiple currency support, and essential tools like discount coupons and order management. With a score of 6.3, Zenfolio stands out for its specialized ecommerce features, making it a strong choice for creatives looking to monetize their work online. -
SubHub
: SubHub focuses on creating and managing membership sites, supporting ecommerce features such as sales of physical goods, digital products, and pay-per-view content. It integrates with PayPal and Stripe for payment processing and offers tools for managing member access and exclusive content. With a score of 5.9, SubHub is ideal for content creators and entrepreneurs aiming to build a community and monetize their content through subscriptions and memberships.
Which one is the best for informational and business websites?
6.9
7.2
Verdict
: When comparing Zenfolio vs SubHub, SubHub slightly edges out Zenfolio for informational and business websites due to its ease of use and better speed optimization.
-
Zenfolio
: Zenfolio is tailored for photographers and visual artists, offering elegant, mobile-friendly templates and integrated e-commerce capabilities. While it excels in showcasing and selling visual work, its design flexibility and ease of use are somewhat limited for general informational websites. Zenfolio’s strong points include its specialized tools for photographers and robust security features, making it a solid choice for those in the photography business. -
SubHub
: SubHub is designed for creating and managing membership sites, making it ideal for content creators and entrepreneurs looking to monetize their content. It offers a user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and efficient tools for managing subscriptions and member access. SubHub’s focus on ease of use and website speed optimization makes it a better choice for general informational and business websites compared to Zenfolio.
Zenfolio vs SubHub: Detailed comparison
Design functionalities & templates
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
6.8
6.8
Winner: Tie.
Both Zenfolio and SubHub offer a range of design functionalities and templates, but they cater to different needs.
Zenfolio offers a variety of customizable templates and features specifically tailored for photographers, with a focus on showcasing and selling their work. While it provides several customization options, including blocks for different layouts and styles, it may not offer as much versatility outside of photography-specific needs.
On the other hand, SubHub offers a variety of customizable membership website templates designed to cater to different needs and themes. These templates are fully customizable, allowing users to modify layouts, add or remove sections, and tailor content to fit their brand, ensuring flexibility in the design process.
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Ease of use
Ease of useReflects the platform’s overall user-friendliness.Score
Components:
- Learning curve (40%): Quickness and ease of getting started.
- Interface design (30%): Simplicity and intuitiveness of layout.
- User guidance (20%): Quality of tutorials and support.
- Flexibility (10%): Adaptability to various user skills.
6.3
7.7
🏆 Winner: SubHub
. With a score of 7.7, SubHub is designed for ease of use, making it simple for users to create and manage membership sites. Zenfolio, scoring 6.3, offers a specialized platform for photographers, but with limitations in design flexibility and a more complex dashboard.
Learning Resources
🏆 Winner: SubHub
. SubHub offers a range of learning resources, including video guides and tutorials, complemented by a comprehensive FAQ section and accessible customer support. Zenfolio, on the other hand, offers a set of tutorials and articles, but users have expressed a desire for more comprehensive learning resources.
For ecommerce
EcommerceMeasures the platform’s effectiveness in supporting online business activities.Score Components:
- Ecommerce themes and templates (20%): Variety and design of templates.
- Product management (25%): Ease of managing and organizing products.
- Payment options (25%): Variety and convenience of payment methods.
- Ecommerce features (20%): Features for managing an ecommerce store.
- Integration (10%): Compatibility with external e-commerce tools and services.
6.3
5.9
Zenfolio and SubHub both offer ecommerce capabilities, but they cater to different needs. Zenfolio is designed for photographers and visual artists, offering integrated ecommerce capabilities for selling prints, digital downloads, and other products directly through their website. SubHub, on the other hand, is designed for creating and managing membership sites, supporting various ecommerce features including sales of physical goods, digital products, and pay-per-view content.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Ecommerce themes and templates |
7.0 |
3.0 |
|
Product page customization |
7.2 |
6.5 |
|
Payment processing and commissions |
6.5 |
7.0 |
|
POS capabilities |
3.0 |
0.0 |
|
Payment gateways |
6.8 |
6.0 |
|
Product numbers |
5.0 |
5.0 |
|
Additional ecommerce features |
6.5 |
4.5 |
Zenfolio ecommerce features:
- Multipe Currency Support
- Discount Coupons
- Order management
- Gift Certificates
- Tax management
SubHub ecommerce features:
- Paypal and Stripe integration
- Physical and Digital product listings
- Pay-per view products
Ecommerce themes & templates
Zenfolio provides customizable website templates with integrated ecommerce features for photographers, designed to showcase and sell their work across various genres. These templates include essential online selling tools such as secure payment options, product management, and marketing integrations. On the other hand, SubHub does not have ecommerce specific templates.
Product page customization
Zenfolio allows users to detail their product pages with descriptions, images, and options such as size or color. This allows for each product page to be adjusted to clearly display its unique attributes. Placing products in specific galleries or categories helps organize the site and improve navigation. The platform also supports customization in pricing and shipping settings, allowing sellers to cater to various needs effectively.
SubHub offers a range of product page customization options, allowing for the addition of physical items, digital downloads, and pay-per-view content. Features include the ability to manage product variants, upload images, and set visibility preferences. Users can also implement SEO strategies through meta tags and manage tax settings. Additional functionalities include member-specific discounts, image carousels, and individualized shipping costs.
Payment processing
Zenfolio supports Stripe and PayPal for payment processing, integrating them seamlessly into its platform designed for photographers to sell their work online. The platform charges a commerce fee of 7% per order (excluding tax and shipping) and a payment processing fee for transactions through Stripe or PayPal.
SubHub supports two main payment gateways: Stripe and PayPal. These integrations allow for secure payment processing for subscriptions and store items using debit or credit cards. The platform itself does not charge commissions on transactions.
Website Editors
Website EditorsEvaluates the platforms’ website building and editing capabilities.Score Components:
- Customization tools (40%): Range and power of editing features.
- Editor usability (30%): User experience within the editor.
- Design flexibility (20%): Freedom in layout and design changes.
- Update and maintenance ease (10%): Simplicity of updating and maintaining the site.
7.6
6.9
🏆
Winner: Zenfolio
. Zenfolio, with a score of 7.6, offers an intuitive, no-coding-required website builder tailored for photographers, featuring drag-and-drop customization, a wide array of templates, and a powerful Custom Layout block for personalized designs. Its integrated eCommerce capabilities enable selling both digital and physical photography products, supported by comprehensive security features for protecting photographers’ work. Additionally, Zenfolio provides tools for SEO, marketing, photo and video hosting, client booking, and management, backed by award-winning customer support.
SubHub’s editor, scoring 6.9, is tailored for creating and managing membership sites, catering to content creators and entrepreneurs aiming to monetize their offerings. Its features encompass customizable templates, diverse content publishing options, and flexible subscription plans with seamless integration for recurring revenue through payment processors. Additionally, SubHub supports online course creation, provides marketing tools like landing page builders, and offers detailed analytics for monitoring website metrics.
Mobile editor/app
8.5
4.0
🏆
Winner: Zenfolio
. Zenfolio and SubHub both offer mobile capabilities, but Zenfolio clearly outshines SubHub in this category. Zenfolio provides a dedicated mobile app that allows users to manage their websites and galleries directly from their mobile devices. It includes features for receiving notifications, managing galleries, handling sales-related tasks, and showcasing photos through a client presentation mode.
On the other hand, SubHub does not have a dedicated mobile editor app. Users can manage some content on their website using the mobile browser version, but it’s not possible to change the layout and design of the website on mobile. Therefore, Zenfolio is the clear winner in this category due to its comprehensive mobile editing capabilities.
Product testing options
Product Testing OptionsAssesses the options for trying out platform features before commitment.Score Components:
- Trial quality (40%): Extent and usefulness of the trial or free version.
- Feature accessibility (30%): How many features are available to test.
- Trial duration (20%): Length of the trial period.
- Ease of transition (10%): Smoothness of moving from trial to paid plans.
8.4
7.0
Overall Result
:
Zenfolio Wins
. Zenfolio scores 8.4 in product testing options, while SubHub scores 7.0. Both Zenfolio and SubHub offer a 14-day free trial, allowing users to test their platforms and premium features. However, Zenfolio provides a longer money-back guarantee period of 30 days compared to SubHub’s 7 days, offering a more risk-free testing experience.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Free Plan |
No | No |
|
Trial Duration |
14 days | 14 days |
|
Testing Premium Features |
During the free trial | During the free trial |
|
Money Back Guarantee |
30-day money back guarantee |
7-day money back guarantee |
Price
PriceLooks at the cost-effectiveness and value for money of each platform.Score Components:
- Plan value (40%): What each pricing tier offers.
- Transparency and clarity (30%): Clearness of pricing structures.
- Flexibility of plans (20%): Range of options to suit different budgets.
- Hidden costs (10%): Additional expenses not included in the plan.
8.2
6.8
Zenfolio and SubHub both offer different pricing plans with various features. Zenfolio, with a price score of 8.2, offers more value for money compared to SubHub, which has a price score of 6.8.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
$0-$10 |
Portfolio ($9.00/month): Basic entry-level with 15 GB photo storage, HD video, single-page website. Value for price: 6.0 |
No offering at this amount. |
|
$20-$30 |
PortfolioPlus ($23.00/month): Balanced features with 150 GB photo storage, HD video, single-page website. Value for price: 7.5 |
No offering at this amount. |
|
$40-$50 |
ProSuite ($40.00/month): Extensive features for photo and video, multi-page websites, blog, templates, and more. Value for price: 9.0 |
Starter ($47/month): Up to 500 members, 5 GB storage, secure payment processing, course builder, 5 landing pages, e-commerce. Value for price: 6.5 |
|
$90-$100 |
No offering at this amount. |
Pro ($97/month): Up to 2000 members, 50 GB storage, removes SubHub branding, 15 landing pages, along with Starter features. Value for price: 7.5 |
|
$100+ |
No offering at this amount. |
Premium ($147/month): Unlimited members, 200 GB storage, email white labelling, 30 landing pages, plus all Pro features. Value for Price: 8.5 |
location. As a result in rare cases the prices displayed here can differ from the ones you see on their
websites.
Hosting quality
Hosting
qualityExamines the reliability and performance of the hosting solutions.Score Components:
- Uptime (40%): Consistency and reliability of website availability.
- Speed (30%): Loading times and performance.
- Bandwidth and storage (20%): Sufficiency of resources provided.
- Data centers (10%): Quality and distribution of hosting infrastructure.
5.7
5.5
🏆
Winner: Zenfolio
Zenfolio and SubHub both offer cloud hosting with their website builders, but Zenfolio provides more storage options, ranging from 15GB to unlimited, and allows manual backups. Neither platform discloses uptime statistics or guarantees, and they do not provide information about their data center locations. However, Zenfolio’s more flexible storage options give it a slight edge over SubHub.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Do they offer hosting? |
Yes, with 15GB to unlimited storage and manual backups |
Yes, with 5GB to 200GB storage and daily backups |
|
Type of hosting: |
Cloud Hosting |
Managed Cloud Hosting |
|
Uptime: |
Not disclosed |
Not disclosed |
|
Uptime Guarantee: |
No |
No |
|
Data Centers: |
Not disclosed |
Not disclosed |
Website Speed Optimization
Website Speed OptimizationEvaluates optimization of website loading timesScore Components:
- PageSpeed Score (30%): Google’s score indicating performance optimization.
- Loading Time (30%): The average time until a website is fully interactive.
- Mobile Optimization (15%): Optimization effectiveness for mobile devices.
- Resource Optimization (15%): Optimizing images, scripts, and other heavy resources.
- CDN Usage (10%): Use of CDN to enhance speed across geolocations.
5.2
5.6
🏆 Winner: SubHub
Both Zenfolio and SubHub prioritize website performance and page speed, but SubHub has a slightly higher website speed optimization score.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Focus |
Mobile responsive design |
Image Optimization, Caching, Mobile Optimized design |
|
Performance Tools |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
Key Strategies |
Mobile responsive design |
Image Optimization, Caching, Mobile Optimized design |
|
Load Times |
Varies depending on optimization and website complexity |
Varies depending on optimization and website complexity |
|
Page Speed Scores Range |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
Core Web Vitals Improvement |
Not specified |
Not specified |
Zenfolio, a website builder designed for professional photographers and visual artists, focuses on mobile responsive design for speed optimization. However, it does not provide specific information on load times, PageSpeed score ranges, or Core Web Vital improvements.
On the other hand, SubHub, a website builder for creating and managing membership sites, employs strategies such as image optimization, caching, and mobile-optimized design for speed optimization. Like Zenfolio, SubHub does not provide specific information on load times, PageSpeed score ranges, or Core Web Vital improvements.
Despite the lack of detailed information, SubHub has a slightly higher website speed optimization score, making it the winner in this category.
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Plugins and integrations
Plugins and integrationsMeasures the range and effectiveness of additional plugins and integrations.Score Components:
- Variety of options (40%): Range of available add-ons.
- Integration smoothness (30%): Ease of integrating plugins into the site.
- Quality of plugins (20%): Functionality and reliability of the options.
- Custom integration capabilities (10%): Support for custom or third-party integrations.
6.5
5.7
🏆 Winner: Zenfolio.
Zenfolio scores 6.5, offering a focused set of plugins and integrations specifically designed for photographers. These features enhance the functionality of Zenfolio websites by facilitating content integration from external sources, streamlining photo management workflows, and allowing for customized user interactions. SubHub, scoring 5.7, offers a set of built-in features, including customizable designs, member management, and subscription management, along with limited third-party integrations primarily with MailChimp, Google Analytics, and payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal. While Subhub provides a comprehensive toolkit for creating and managing membership sites, its range of external integrations might be seen as limited compared to other website builders.
Marketing Features
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
6.1
5.7
🏆
Overall Winner: Zenfolio
. Zenfolio edges out SubHub with a slightly higher score, offering a range of marketing tools tailored for photographers and visual artists. SubHub, while slightly behind, still offers a robust set of features ideal for content creators and entrepreneurs managing membership sites.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
SEO Tools |
Yes, but limited |
Yes |
|
Email Marketing |
Yes |
Yes, through Mailchimp integration |
|
Blogging |
Yes, on higher plans |
Yes |
|
Social Media Integration |
Yes |
No |
|
Analytics and Reporting |
Basic built-in analytics tools, Google Analytics integration |
Google Analytics integration |
|
Ads and Promotions |
Custom discount coupons, automated marketing with Client Campaigns |
Promotional codes and coupon codes for subscriptions and purchases |
Customer Support
Customer supportEvaluates the quality and availability of support options.Score Components:
- Response time (40%): Speed of support responses.
- Support quality (30%): Effectiveness and helpfulness of the support.
- Availability (20%): Range of support channels (phone, chat, email).
- Resource richness (10%): Quality of self-help and educational materials.
6.7
6.3
🏆 Winner: Zenfolio
. In the comparison of Zenfolio vs SubHub, Zenfolio takes the lead with a customer support score of 6.7. Zenfolio offers a variety of support options, including email support available 365 days a year, LiveChat from Monday to Thursday, and phone support for Advanced plan subscribers. Additionally, Zenfolio provides a rich Support Center with self-help resources such as articles and video tutorials, ensuring users have multiple avenues to seek assistance.
SubHub, with a customer support score of 6.3, offers support primarily through email and a support portal for detailed queries. While SubHub also provides an FAQ section for immediate answers to common questions, it lacks the variety of support channels and availability that Zenfolio offers. Despite this, SubHub’s support is noted for being accessible and responsive, catering well to the needs of its users.
Security
SecurityLooks at the platforms’ security measures and data protection.Score Components:
- Data protection (40%): Safeguards for user and customer data.
- SSL and encryption (30%): Implementation of secure connections.
- Compliance (20%): Adherence to industry security standards.
- Regular updates (10%): Frequency of security updates and patches.
8.0
4.0
🏆
Winner: Zenfolio
. Zenfolio takes security seriously, providing SSL encryption for all its websites, watermarking to protect users’ work, password-protected galleries for controlled access, and cloud backup for additional data protection. These measures highlight Zenfolio’s commitment to data protection, website security, and privacy, catering specifically to photographers and visual artists needing a secure display platform.
On the other hand, SubHub does not provide any information about its website security measures, which is a significant drawback for users who prioritize security. Despite its commitment to data privacy, as outlined in its privacy policy, the lack of transparency about website security measures is a concern.
AI Capabilities
AI capabilitiesMeasures the effectiveness of AI-driven features and tools.Score Components:
- Automation efficiency (40%): Impact of AI on streamlining processes.
- Personalization (30%): AI-driven customization for users or customers.
- AI-Assisted design (20%): Role of AI in website design and functionality.
- Data analysis (10%): Use of AI in interpreting user data and analytics.
2.4
0
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
AI Builder |
Zenfolio does not have an AI website builder |
SubHub does not have an AI builder |
|
AI Ecommerce features |
Zenfolio offers PhotoRefine.ai for managing photo collections |
|
|
AI Content Generation |
Zenfolio does not have AI content generation features |
SubHub does not have AI content generation features |
|
Additional AI features |
Zenfolio does not have any other AI features |
SubHub does not have any AI features |
🏆 Winner: Zenfolio
. Although Zenfolio’s AI capabilities are limited, it does offer an AI-driven ecommerce feature, PhotoRefine.ai, which helps photographers manage their photo collections. This gives Zenfolio a slight edge over SubHub, which does not have any AI capabilities.
User Management
User ManagementAssesses the platforms’ capabilities in managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility.Score Components:
- Role Customization (40%): Flexibility in creating and defining user roles and
permissions. - Ease of Management (30%): User interface and tools for managing users.
- Access Control (20%): Effectiveness of access control measures for different user
levels. - Scalability (10%): Ability to manage a growing number of users efficiently.
2.8
5.2
🏆 Winner: SubHub
. Zenfolio only allows one user to edit and manage a website, while SubHub allows multiple user accounts. However, SubHub does not specify how many accounts are supported.
SubHub User Roles and Access Levels:
| Role | Description | Access Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Administrator | Full access to the platform except for Homepage and Course Editor. | Can manage all aspects of the platform, including content, store, and member management. |
| Content Management | Focuses on managing and organizing content within the platform. | Can access and manage content-related features but does not have access to Homepage or Course Editor. |
| Store (access only) | Specializes in handling the platform’s store features. | Limited to store management functions; no access to Homepage, Course Editor, or member management. |
| Member Manager (access only) | Oversees member accounts, roles, and subscriptions. | Can manage members and their subscriptions but cannot access Homepage, Course Editor, or store management. |
| Origin Admin Email | The initial administrator with the highest level of access, including Homepage and Course Editor. | Exclusive access to Homepage and Course Editor, on top of what the Administrator role provides. |
Additional Features
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|---|---|---|
|
SSL Certificate |
|
|
|
Custom Domain |
|
|
|
Free Custom Domain Included |
|
|
|
International Domains |
|
|
|
Mobile Responsive |
|
|
|
Page Speed |
|
|
|
Website Builder Mobile App |
|
|
|
Convert a Website To An App |
|
|
|
Website Analytics |
|
|
|
Multilingual Sites |
|
|
|
Multiple Users |
|
|
Zenfolio vs SubHub: User Feedback
Users appreciate Zenfolio for its elegant and affordable site/portfolio designs, highlighting the platform’s suitability for photographers looking to showcase and sell their work online. The Starter plan is praised for its value, though some users express a desire to upgrade to the Pro plan for its enhanced client interaction features and customizable marketing tools. Criticisms include dissatisfaction with the platform’s handling of photo albums and a desire for more privacy and faster loading times. Overall, Zenfolio is valued for its ability to organize and share professional photographs and files, despite some navigational and performance issues.
User feedback on SubHub presents a mix of positive and negative experiences, emphasizing the platform’s feature-rich environment and customizable templates. Users appreciate the flexibility and the quality of customer service, highlighting the platform’s continual updates and support as key benefits. However, some users express dissatisfaction with aspects such as the platform’s interface, lack of community features, and service fees for ticket resale. Concerns were also raised about the custom design service and mobile-friendly solutions taking longer than expected.
The making of this blog
We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.
Zenfolio vs SubHub: FAQ
Which platform is better for photographers, Zenfolio or SubHub?
Can I sell memberships on both Zenfolio and SubHub?
Which platform offers better customer support, Zenfolio or SubHub?
How do Zenfolio and SubHub compare in terms of website speed optimization?
Which platform is more secure, Zenfolio or SubHub?
Are Zenfolio and SubHub suitable for beginners?
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