Pixieset functionality, from Germany and without lock-in.
Pixieset is a solid tool — but data in North America and no self-host exit. Lumio offers comparable gallery and proofing features with servers in Germany and open-source insurance. From €9/month.
What Lumio does differently
Data doesn't leave Germany.
Pixieset processes data in North America. Lumio exclusively in the EU. That considerably simplifies your GDPR documentation — no standard contractual clauses, no transfer impact assessments.
CR3, NEF, ARW straight to the client.
Indispensable for editorial and ad jobs. Lumio decodes RAW files server-side (LibRaw) and delivers the original on download — with Pixieset you're limited to JPEG galleries.
Source-available as lock-in insurance.
If Pixieset gets acquired, raises prices or removes features — there's nothing you can do. With Lumio you can move to your own infrastructure anytime as a way out.
With a proper invoice for your accountant.
Lumio invoices as a German company with a correct VAT statement. Pixieset invoices come with reverse charge — it works, but needs explaining to your tax advisor every year.
Feature comparison
As of August 2026
| Feature | Lumio | Pixieset |
|---|---|---|
| Server location | Germany (Hetzner) | Canada / USA |
| Pixieset is headquartered in Canada; data is processed in North American data centers. GDPR-compliant use requires standard contractual clauses and a risk assessment. | ||
| GDPR data processing agreement (Art. 28) | ✓ | On request |
| German-language UI | ✓ | — |
| German-language support | ✓ | — |
| RAW galleries (CR3, NEF, ARW) | ✓ | — |
| Video streaming (HLS) | ✓ | Limited |
| Integrated print shop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Both integrated. Lumio lets you connect your own lab (e.g. Prodigi or Gelato) instead of being tied to a fixed network. | ||
| Mobile apps for clients | — | ✓ |
| Pixieset offers native iOS/Android apps for end clients. Lumio runs as a web app (PWA-capable), but no native apps. | ||
| Custom domain | from Studio (€39) | ✓ |
| Studio website builder | — | ✓ |
| Pixieset also offers a website builder for the studio site itself. Lumio focuses purely on galleries — you need a separate studio website (Squarespace, WordPress, etc.). | ||
| Source-available / self-host option | ✓ | — |
| Entry price (paid) | from €9/month | from ~$9/month |
When Pixieset stays the better choice.
Pixieset has two clear strengths where Lumio doesn't yet keep up: an integrated print shop with North American lab partnerships (for DACH-relevant labs Scrappbook is stronger here), and a studio website builder as an all-in-one solution. If you need both, Pixieset is functionally convenient.
For studios that run their studio website separately anyway (Squarespace, WordPress, their own site) and who care about GDPR/server location, Lumio is the strategically better choice.
Common questions about switching
Pixieset has a free plan — why should I pay for Lumio? +
Pixieset Free is generous (3 GB storage, 3 galleries) and fine for occasional shoots. But if you regularly do weddings or jobs with your own branding and custom domain, you quickly move into Pixieset's paid tiers — and there Lumio and Pixieset are priced similarly. The relevant difference then is: servers in Germany, DPA available directly, source-available as lock-in insurance.
Is Pixieset GDPR-compliant? +
Pixieset is a Canadian company that processes data primarily in North America. Canada has an EU Commission adequacy decision (better than the US), but for most studios the question remains: why take on the compliance overhead when German alternatives with identical functionality exist? Lumio processes exclusively in the EU.
What about Pixieset's studio website builder? +
If you don't have a separate studio website and use Pixieset's website builder, that's a genuine point for Pixieset — you save a second tool. Lumio focuses purely on galleries; your studio website runs elsewhere (Squarespace, WordPress, static). For many pros that's a deliberate separation — the gallery provider should stay swappable without the whole studio website moving with it.
Does Lumio have mobile apps? +
Not currently as native iOS/Android apps. But the Lumio gallery works as a PWA — clients can add it to their home screen and it behaves app-like. Native apps are on the roadmap but not planned for the near term.
Can I migrate my Pixieset galleries to Lumio? +
Not automatically. Manually: download the original files from Pixieset, re-upload to Lumio. With many galleries we recommend switching gradually — new jobs in Lumio, let old ones lapse in Pixieset; after 6-12 months the migration is complete.
Test in parallel — zero migration risk.
Start a trial in Lumio, upload a test gallery, run through the workflow. Pixieset keeps running untouched.