Photomaton or photo booth: what’s the difference and which one should you hire?
You’re organising a wedding, a birthday or a corporate party and you’re looking for a photo activity. When you search on Google in France, you come across a dozen different words: photomaton, photobooth, borne photo (photo kiosk), borne à selfie (selfie booth), box photo… They all mean roughly the same thing, but not quite. Here is a clear guide to understanding the differences and choosing the right hire in 2026.
Photomaton: the historic (and generic) word
In France, “photomaton” is the word everyone knows. Originally it was a registered trademark: the automatic booths found in railway stations for ID photos. Over time the word became generic: people say “hire a photomaton” the way they say “a Hoover” or “a Kleenex”.
When someone looks for a photomaton for a wedding, they don’t want an ID photo booth: they want a fun, sociable photo activity where guests take souvenir photos with props, a personalised frame and an instant print. That is exactly what a modern photo booth is.
Photo booth: the modern, international term
“Photobooth” is the English word, which has become standard in the events industry in France too. It refers to a self-service photo booth: the guest stands in front of the lens, presses the button and leaves with their printed photo within seconds. It is the same thing as an “event photomaton”, just called something else.
At Badabooth, our booths come with a quality camera, a professional printer, filters, animated emojis that follow faces and a personalised frame in your colours (names, date, theme).
Borne photo, borne selfie, box photo: the other names
- Borne photo / borne à photo (photo kiosk): a very common French term, a perfect synonym for photo booth.
- Borne selfie (selfie booth): emphasises the self-service side (guests take their own photo, selfie style).
- Box photo / photobooth box: highlights the compact, portable format.
- Miroir photo (magic mirror): a premium variant in the form of an interactive mirror (bulkier and more expensive).
👉 In short: photomaton = photo booth = photo kiosk = selfie booth. They are the same activity with different names depending on habit. What matters is not the word but what the service includes.
What really matters when you hire
Rather than getting hung up on the word, look at these criteria:
- Delivery: is the booth delivered to you (anywhere in France) or do you have to collect it? At Badabooth, return delivery is included.
- Prints: how many prints are included? Are digital photos unlimited?
- The personalised frame: is it included and free? (With us, yes.)
- Self-sufficiency: does the booth work without Wi-Fi and without a technician? (Essential at remote venues.)
- The all-inclusive price: watch out for hidden extras (delivery, return, refills).
How much does it cost to hire a photomaton / photo booth in 2026?
Market prices generally range from €149 to €400 depending on the package and the duration. At Badabooth, our packages start at €129 (50 printed photos, up to 30 people) and go up to the large 400-photo booths for events with 200 guests, with return delivery and a personalised frame always included.
| Need | Recommended package | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Small event (≤ 30 people) | 50 printed photos | from €129 |
| Typical wedding (≤ 100 guests) | 150 fast photos, multi-format | ~€244 |
| Large event (≤ 200 guests) | Large booth, 400 photos | ~€359 |
| Tight budget / 100% digital | Unlimited digital | from €99 |
So, photomaton or photo booth? The right reflex
Whatever word you type in, look for a photo booth that is delivered, self-service, works without Wi-Fi, comes with a personalised frame and has an all-inclusive price. That is exactly what Badabooth offers, made in Dijon and delivered all over France.
👉 Set up your photo booth in 2 minutes and get your tailor-made package, or discover our photo booth hire in France.
Any questions? Our French-speaking customer service team is here 7 days a week, and yes, we’re just as happy to talk “photomaton” as “photo booth” 😉