title: "Best Print-On-Demand Tools for Designers in 2025"
date: 2023-10-01
excerpt: "Explore the top print-on-demand tools for designers in 2025, focusing on features, pricing, and usability. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the best platform for your side-hustle."
tags: [side-hustles]
image: ""

Best Print-On-Demand Tools for Designers in 2025

Overview

The print-on-demand (POD) industry has experienced significant growth, providing designers with the opportunity to monetize their creativity without the burdens of inventory management or upfront costs. In 2025, the landscape is more competitive than ever, with numerous tools available to streamline the design, production, and sales processes. This buying guide aims to provide you with an expert-level overview of the best print-on-demand tools available, helping you make informed decisions for your side-hustle.

By integrating key features, pricing models, and user experiences, we will assist you in identifying the ideal platform that aligns with your design goals and business needs.

Top Picks

In-Depth Reviews

1. Printful

Best For Custom Merchandise

Printful stands out as one of the leading print-on-demand platforms, renowned for its extensive product range and reliable global fulfillment network.

Key Features:

• Seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.
• Wide variety of products including apparel, accessories, and home goods.
• Automated order processing and fulfillment.

Pros:

• High-quality printing and product options.
• No upfront costs; only pay for products sold.
• Excellent customer support and resources.

Cons:

• Shipping costs can vary based on the location.
• Limited control over product pricing.

Price: Free to start, with costs varying by product.

2. TeeSpring (Spring)

Best For Apparel Focus

TeeSpring, now known as Spring, is a user-friendly platform that allows designers to create and sell custom apparel and merchandise.

Key Features:

• Intuitive design tools that simplify the creation process.
• Social media integration for easy marketing.
• Flexible pricing options for creators.

Pros:

• No upfront costs and risk-free.
• Strong community of creators.
• Promotional tools to boost sales.

Cons:

• Limited product customization options compared to competitors.
• May face saturation in popular niches.

Price: Free to start, with costs based on product choice.

3. Redbubble

Best For Art Prints

Redbubble is tailored specifically for artists, offering a platform to showcase and sell their designs on a variety of products.

Key Features:

• An active artist community that shares and promotes work.
• Diverse product options, including stickers, prints, and home decor.
• Artist royalties that can range from 20% to 100%.

Pros:

• Easy to use with no upfront costs.
• Built-in marketing through the Redbubble marketplace.
• Strong support for artists and their work.

Cons:

• Less control over pricing structure.
• Competition can be challenging.

Price: Free to start, with costs based on product choice.

4. Gooten

Best For Flexible Fulfillment

Gooten offers a unique approach to print-on-demand with a focus on customizing the fulfillment process for e-commerce businesses.

Key Features:

• Customizable dashboard for managing orders and products.
• Access to multiple print providers for better pricing and quality.
• Integrates easily with e-commerce platforms.

Pros:

• Competitive pricing and quality control options.
• Flexible fulfillment options.
• Variety of products and customization.

Cons:

• Interface can be complex for beginners.
• Slower customer service response times.

Price: Free to start, with costs varying by product.

5. Zazzle

Best For Personalized Gifts

Zazzle focuses on personalized gifts, allowing customers to customize products with their designs, making it an excellent choice for designers.

Key Features:

• Extensive product catalog with unique options.
• Strong emphasis on customization.
• Community features that promote designer work.

Pros:

• No upfront costs; easy to use.
• High-quality products with multiple printing options.
• Built-in marketplace for exposure.

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming due to the wide variety of products.
• Commission structure may reduce profit margins.

Price: Free to start, with costs based on product choice.

6. Society6

Best For Home Decor

Society6 specializes in home decor products, allowing artists to sell their designs on items like wall art, furniture, and bedding.

Key Features:

• High-quality printing and material selection.
• Artist support through promotional features.
• Unique product offerings not found on other platforms.

Pros:

• Strong community and artist support.
• No upfront costs; focus on art and design.
• Fair royalty system for artists.

Cons:

• Limited control over product pricing.
• Competition among artists can be fierce.

Price: Free to start, with costs based on product choice.

7. Printify

Best For E-commerce Integration

Printify offers a wide catalog of products and various print providers, making it ideal for designers looking to integrate with e-commerce platforms.

Key Features:

• Custom branding options for businesses.
• Wide range of products with various print providers.
• Easy integration with Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.

Pros:

• Competitive pricing for bulk orders.
• Extensive product customization options.
• User-friendly interface.

Cons:

• Quality can vary by print provider.
• Some products may have long fulfillment times.

Price: Free to start, with costs varying by product.

How We Picked

To curate this list of the best print-on-demand tools for designers in 2025, we considered the following criteria:

• User Experience: The ease of use and accessibility of each platform for designers of all skill levels.
• Product Range: The diversity and quality of products offered for customization and sale.
• Pricing Structure: An evaluation of costs, including product pricing, shipping fees, and commission rates.
• Integration Capabilities: How well each tool integrates with popular e-commerce platforms and marketing tools.
• Customer Support: The availability and quality of customer support services for users.
• User Reviews: Feedback from the designer community regarding their experiences with each platform.

Alternatives

If the tools listed above do not meet your specific needs, consider these alternatives:

• TeeLaunch: A great option for custom apparel and home goods.
• Apliiq: Best for custom apparel with unique branding options.
• CustomCat: Focuses on clothing and accessories with a wide selection.
• Print Aura: Offers a range of products with integration options for e-commerce.

FAQs

1. What is print-on-demand?

Print-on-demand is a retail fulfillment method where products are printed only after an order is made, allowing businesses to sell customized products without holding inventory.

2. How do I start a print-on-demand business?

To start a print-on-demand business, choose a platform, create your designs, set up your online store, and promote your products through marketing channels like social media and email.

3. Are there any upfront costs associated with print-on-demand?

Most print-on-demand platforms have no upfront costs; you only pay for products after they are sold. However, some platforms may charge for additional features.

4. Can I integrate print-on-demand services with my existing online store?

Many print-on-demand services offer integrations with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, making it easy to add customized products to your existing store.

5. How do I price my products on print-on-demand platforms?

When pricing your products, consider the base cost from the POD service, shipping fees, and desired profit margin. Research similar products to remain competitive.

6. What are the shipping times for print-on-demand products?

Shipping times can vary based on the platform and the location of the customer. Most platforms provide estimated shipping times during the checkout process.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best print-on-demand tool for designers in 2025 involves evaluating various factors, including product range, user experience, and integration capabilities. Each platform has unique strengths and weaknesses, so your choice will ultimately depend on your specific design goals and business needs.

For custom merchandise, Printful is a reliable choice, while TeeSpring excels in apparel. If your focus is on art prints, Redbubble is an excellent option. For personalized gifts, Zazzle is a top contender, and Society6 is perfect for home decor.

By understanding the features and pricing of these tools, you can successfully launch and grow your print-on-demand business, turning your creative passion into a profitable side-hustle.