title: "Best Print-On-Demand Tools Under $142 for Designers (2025)"
date: 2023-10-01
excerpt: "Discover the top print-on-demand tools for designers in 2025, all priced under $142. This comprehensive guide covers essential features, pros and cons, and expert insights to help you choose the best tools for your side hustle."
tags: ["side-hustles"]
image: ""

Best Print-On-Demand Tools Under $142 for Designers (2025)

In the ever-evolving landscape of online commerce, print-on-demand (POD) tools have emerged as a game-changer for designers looking to monetize their creativity. With numerous platforms available, finding the right tool that suits your needs and budget is crucial. This guide focuses on the best print-on-demand tools under $142, ideal for designers keen on launching a side hustle in 2025.

Overview

Print-on-demand services allow designers to create and sell custom products without holding inventory. These tools streamline the design and fulfillment processes, enabling creators to focus on their passion while generating passive income. In this guide, we will explore top POD tools, their features, and how they can benefit your design business.

Benefits of Using Print-On-Demand Tools

• Low Start-Up Costs: You pay only for the products you sell, minimizing financial risk.
• Diverse Product Range: From t-shirts to mugs, the variety of products available allows for creative expression.
• Automated Fulfillment: Most POD services handle printing and shipping, saving you time.
• Global Reach: Sell your designs to customers worldwide without geographical limitations.

Top Picks

Here’s a concise comparison of the best print-on-demand tools for designers in 2025, all priced under $142.

Note:

Most of these platforms do not have upfront costs, but may charge for product fulfillment based on sales.

In-Depth Reviews

1. Printful

Best For: Custom apparel
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)

Overview:
Printful is one of the leading POD services, offering extensive integrations with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.

Key Features:

• High-quality printing with various techniques such as DTG and embroidery.
• Custom branding options available.
• Global fulfillment centers for faster shipping.

Pros:

• Excellent product quality.
• Wide range of products, from clothing to home decor.
• Easy integration with online stores.

Cons:

• Shipping costs can be higher depending on location.
• Limited design customization options compared to some competitors.

2. TeeSpring

Best For: Apparel and accessories
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)

Overview:
TeeSpring allows creators to design and sell apparel with a focus on social media marketing.

Key Features:

• User-friendly design tools.
• Built-in social media sharing features.
• No upfront costs.

Pros:

• Excellent for creators looking to leverage social media.
• Variety of apparel and accessory options.
• Community engagement features.

Cons:

• Limited product range compared to other POD services.
• Higher competition among users.

3. Redbubble

Best For: Art prints and home decor
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)

Overview:
Redbubble is an artist-centric platform that allows creators to sell their designs on a variety of products.

Key Features:

• Wide variety of products including stickers, wall art, and home goods.
• Strong community focus and support for artists.
• Set your own profit margins.

Pros:

• Built-in audience of art lovers.
• High-quality printing.
• No upfront costs.

Cons:

• Limited control over the storefront.
• Competition from other artists can be high.

4. Zazzle

Best For: Custom merchandise
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)

Overview:
Zazzle offers a massive catalog of customizable products, allowing designers to create unique merchandise.

Key Features:

• Extensive product range from clothing to electronics.
• High level of customization options available for each product.
• Marketplace for customers to discover new designs.

Pros:

• Large customer base.
• High commission rates for designers.
• Variety of customizable products.

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of options.
• Some products may have longer fulfillment times.

5. Printify

Best For: Multiple product types
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)

Overview:
Printify provides a wide selection of print providers, allowing users to choose based on price and quality.

Key Features:

• Integrates with various e-commerce platforms.
• Wide range of products including clothing, home decor, and accessories.
• User-friendly design tools.

Pros:

• Competitive pricing due to multiple providers.
• Easy to use for beginners.
• Good product quality.

Cons:

• Quality may vary depending on the print provider.
• Some features may be limited in the free plan.

6. Society6

Best For: Art prints and home decor
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)

Overview:
Society6 focuses on art prints and home decor, making it ideal for visual artists.

Key Features:

• High-quality prints and home goods.
• Artist-focused platform with strong community support.
• Set your own profit margins on products.

Pros:

• High commission rates.
• Strong support for artists.
• Community features for networking.

Cons:

• Limited to certain product types.
• Less control over branding compared to other platforms.

7. Apliiq

Best For: Custom clothing
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)

Overview:
Apliiq is unique for its focus on custom clothing with options for unique fabric applications.

Key Features:

• Custom branding options, including labels and tags.
• Variety of clothing products.
• Strong focus on fabric and material quality.

Pros:

• Excellent for unique clothing designs.
• Custom branding options available.
• High-quality products.

Cons:

• Higher base prices compared to competitors.
• Limited product range.

8. Gooten

Best For: General merchandise
Price: $0 (pay per product sold)

Overview:
Gooten is a user-friendly POD service that offers a variety of products and integrates well with e-commerce platforms.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use platform with a variety of products.
• Competitive pricing for fulfillment.
• Good customer service.

Pros:

• Wide range of product offerings.
• Straightforward interface for designers.
• Good quality products.

Cons:

• Limited branding options.
• Fulfillment times can vary.

How We Picked

When selecting the best print-on-demand tools for designers in 2025, we considered several critical factors:

• Product Quality: The quality of printing and materials offered by each platform.
• Ease of Use: User interface and design capabilities for both beginners and experienced designers.
• Integrations: Compatibility with popular e-commerce platforms to streamline selling.
• Product Variety: Range of products available for customization.
• Cost: Pricing structure, including any hidden fees or shipping costs.
• Community & Support: Availability of resources and community support for designers.

Alternatives

If the above options do not meet your needs, consider these alternatives:

• Threadless: A marketplace for artists that includes a community-driven voting system for designs.
• Tpublic: Similar to Redbubble, it focuses on apparel and home goods with an artist-centric approach.
• Cafe Press: Offers a wide variety of customizable products, but may have higher base costs.

FAQs

1. What is print-on-demand?

Print-on-demand is a business model that allows you to create and sell custom products without holding inventory. Products are printed and shipped only after a sale is made.

2. How much do print-on-demand tools cost?

Many print-on-demand platforms have no upfront costs but charge based on sales. It's essential to consider product prices and shipping fees when calculating your profit margins.

3. Can I integrate print-on-demand tools with my online store?

Yes, most print-on-demand platforms offer integrations with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy.

4. What types of products can I create with print-on-demand tools?

You can create a wide variety of products, including apparel, home decor, accessories, stationery, and more, depending on the platform you choose.

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

Promote your products through social media marketing, email campaigns, and by leveraging SEO techniques to attract organic traffic to your store.

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

Shipping times vary depending on the platform and the customer’s location. Be sure to check estimated delivery times when choosing a POD service.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right print-on-demand tool is essential for designers looking to establish a successful side hustle in 2025. Each of the platforms listed in this guide offers unique features, making them suitable for different types of creators. When selecting a tool, consider your specific needs, the types of products you wish to sell, and how each platform aligns with your business goals.

With the right print-on-demand tool, you can turn your creative designs into a profitable venture with minimal upfront investment. Start exploring these options today and take the first step towards launching your design business!