The Best Print on Demand Platforms:
A Comprehensive Review
The Verdict: For those serious about creating and selling printed items online, Printful is the best print on demand platform all around.
Print on demand (POD) has revolutionized the e-commerce industry by allowing entrepreneurs to sell customized products without the need for inventory.
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or a newcomer looking to enter the market, choosing the right POD platform is crucial for your success.
In this review, we’ll explore some of the best print-on-demand platforms available today, highlighting their features, pricing, pros and cons, and overall ratings.
Comparison Table:
| Feature / Platform | Printful | Printify | Gooten | Spring (Teespring) | Redbubble | Zazzle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Catalog | Extensive | Extensive | Wide | Apparel-focused | Moderate | Extensive |
| Print Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.1/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) |
| Integration Options | Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, Amazon, more | Shopify, Etsy, eBay, more | Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, API | YouTube, Twitch, Instagram | None (Marketplace only) | None (Marketplace only) |
| Ease of Use | ★★★★★ (4.8/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| Pricing | Higher | Competitive | Competitive | No upfront costs | No upfront costs | No upfront costs |
| Customization Options | Moderate | High | Moderate | Limited (Apparel focus) | Moderate | High |
| Fulfillment Speed | ★★★★★ (4.7/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.1/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.1/5) |
| Shipping Costs | Higher | Competitive | Competitive | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Customer Support | ★★★★★ (4.8/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.1/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) |
| Marketplace Exposure | None | None | None | Built-in marketplace | Built-in marketplace | Built-in marketplace |
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.1/5) | ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) |
Summary of Ratings:
- Product Catalog: Printful, Printify, and Zazzle offer the most extensive range of products, while Spring is more apparel-focused.
- Print Quality: Printful leads in print quality, followed closely by Printify and Gooten.
- Integration Options: Printful, Printify, and Gooten offer robust integrations with major e-commerce platforms, while Redbubble and Zazzle focus on their internal marketplaces.
- Ease of Use: All platforms rank highly, with Printful slightly ahead due to its intuitive design tools.
- Pricing: Printify offers competitive pricing, especially with its premium plan, while Printful tends to be higher.
- Customization Options: Printify and Zazzle provide the most flexibility in customization.
- Fulfillment Speed: Printful benefits from multiple global fulfillment centers, ensuring faster delivery times.
- Customer Support: Printful excels in customer support, with Printify and Gooten also offering strong assistance.
- Marketplace Exposure: Redbubble and Zazzle provide built-in marketplaces, ideal for artists and creators looking to reach a ready-made audience.
- Overall Rating: Printful emerges as the top platform overall, with Printify and Gooten close behind, offering different strengths depending on your needs.
Popularity Growth of Print-on-Demand Industry (2019 – 2023)
1. Printful – Best POD Service for 2024
Overview: Printful is one of the most popular POD platforms, known for its wide range of products, seamless integrations with major e-commerce platforms, and high-quality printing services. It offers everything from t-shirts and hoodies to home decor and accessories.
Key Features:
- Extensive product catalog
- High-quality printing with no minimum order requirements
- Integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, Amazon, and more
- Global fulfillment centers for faster shipping
- Mockup generator and design tools
Pricing:
- No monthly fees; pay only for products and shipping
- Optional paid plans for additional features like warehousing
Pros:
- Easy to use with intuitive design tools
- Excellent print quality
- Fast shipping due to multiple fulfillment centers
- Strong integration with major ecommerce platforms
Cons:
- Slightly higher base costs compared to some competitors
- Limited customization options for certain products
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Link: Visit Printful
2. Printify
Overview: Printify is another leading POD platform, offering a vast network of print providers. This allows users to choose between different printing partners based on cost, location, and quality, providing flexibility in fulfilling orders.
Key Features:
- Over 300 customizable products
- Multiple print providers worldwide
- Integration with Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and more
- Competitive pricing with the ability to select the best print partner
- Mockup generator
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Premium plan ($29/month) with discounts on all products
Pros:
- Competitive pricing with a wide range of product options
- Ability to choose between different print providers
- Good integration with major e-commerce platforms
- Transparent pricing and fulfillment options
Cons:
- Print quality can vary depending on the provider
- Shipping times may vary based on the chosen print provider
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)
Link: Visit Printify
3. Gooten
Overview: Gooten is a versatile POD platform that emphasizes reliability and scalability. It’s designed for businesses looking to grow, offering automated order processing and a robust network of global print providers.
Key Features:
- Wide range of customizable products
- Automated order processing
- Integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and custom API integration
- Advanced reporting and analytics tools
- Global fulfillment network
Pricing:
- No monthly fees; pay only for products and shipping
Pros:
- Reliable order fulfillment with automated processing
- Strong focus on business growth and scalability
- Good integration with popular e-commerce platforms
- Advanced analytics for better decision-making
Cons:
- Limited control over specific print providers
- Some users report longer shipping times compared to competitors
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Link: Visit Gooten
4. Teespring (now Spring)
Overview: Teespring, now rebranded as Spring, is a POD platform that specializes in apparel and accessories. It’s particularly popular among creators and influencers due to its user-friendly design tools and built-in audience access through its marketplace.
Key Features:
- Focus on apparel, accessories, and digital products
- Easy-to-use design tools with no upfront costs
- Integration with YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram
- Built-in marketplace for additional sales opportunities
- No inventory or upfront costs
Pricing:
- No monthly fees; pay only for products sold
- Optional upgrades for additional features
Pros:
- User-friendly platform with no upfront costs
- Integration with social media platforms for direct selling
- Built-in marketplace helps reach a wider audience
- Strong focus on apparel and influencer-driven sales
Cons:
- Limited product range compared to other platforms
- Lower profit margins due to the marketplace commission
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)
Link: Visit Spring
5. Redbubble
Overview: Redbubble is a unique POD platform that operates as a marketplace for artists and designers. It allows creators to sell their artwork on a variety of products, including apparel, home decor, and stationery while reaching a global audience.
Key Features:
- Artist-driven marketplace with a focus on creativity
- A wide range of products available for customization
- Global customer base with built-in marketing tools
- No upfront costs for listing products
Pricing:
- No monthly fees; artists earn a commission on each sale
Pros:
- A strong community of artists and designers
- Global reach with a dedicated customer base
- No upfront costs or inventory management
- High-quality products with artist-controlled pricing
Cons:
- Limited to the Redbubble marketplace, with no external integrations
- Profit margins can be lower due to platform fees
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Link: Visit Redbubble
6. Zazzle
Overview: Zazzle is a well-established POD platform with a wide range of customizable products. It operates as a marketplace, allowing users to sell their designs directly to consumers or create personalized products for themselves.
Key Features:
- Extensive product catalog with over 1,300 items
- Customization options for personal and commercial use
- Built-in marketplace with millions of visitors
- No inventory or upfront costs
Pricing:
- No monthly fees; sellers earn a royalty on each sale
Pros:
- Large marketplace with high traffic
- Wide variety of products and customization options
- No upfront costs or inventory management
- A strong community of designers and buyers
Cons:
- Limited integration options with external e-commerce platforms
- Lower profit margins due to platform fees
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)
Link: Visit Zazzle
Conclusion
Choosing the best print on demand platform depends on your specific needs, whether it’s product variety, integration capabilities, or marketplace exposure. Here’s a quick recap:
- Printful is ideal for those who prioritize quality and seamless integration with major e-commerce platforms.
- Printify offers flexibility in pricing and fulfillment options, making it a great choice for cost-conscious sellers.
- Gooten is perfect for businesses looking to scale, thanks to its automation and reliability.
- Spring (formerly Teespring) is a go-to platform for influencers and creators focused on apparel.
- Redbubble and Zazzle cater to artists and designers looking to sell their work in a community-driven marketplace.
Each platform has its strengths, so it’s important to consider your business model and goals before making a decision.
Benjamin Shemesh is an ecommerce enthusiast and a digital marketing expert.
He loves surfing the ocean
