Best Print-on-Demand Tools Under $158 for Beginners (2025)
Discover the top print-on-demand tools for beginners in 2025 under $158, designed to help you kickstart your side hustle with ease. This expert guide includes in-depth reviews, pros and cons, and essential features to help you choose the best option.
January 15, 2025 · 7 min read
Best Print-on-Demand Tools Under $158 for Beginners (2025)
In recent years, the print-on-demand (POD) industry has become one of the most popular options for budding entrepreneurs looking to start a side hustle. With minimal upfront costs and the ability to create custom products, POD allows you to express your creativity while generating income. This comprehensive buying guide focuses on the best print-on-demand tools available for beginners in 2025, all under $158, to help you make an informed decision.
Overview
The print-on-demand sector has seen remarkable growth, with numerous platforms offering unique features tailored for various needs. Whether you’re looking to create custom t-shirts, mugs, or other merchandise, the tools available today make it easier than ever to enter this lucrative market. In this guide, we’ll cover the top print-on-demand tools, their features, and what makes them suitable for beginners.
Top Picks
| Name | Best For | Key Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printful | Versatile product options | Integrates with multiple e-commerce platforms | $0 |
| Teespring | T-shirt and apparel design | User-friendly design tools, no upfront cost | $0 |
| Redbubble | Art prints and home decor | Community-driven platform, diverse product range | $0 |
| Zazzle | Custom gifts and merchandise | Wide variety of customizable products | $0 |
| Society6 | Art-centric products | High-quality prints, artist-focused marketplace | $0 |
| Gooten | Efficient order fulfillment | Automated fulfillment, API access | $0 |
| SPOD | Fast shipping and production | 48-hour production time, low shipping costs | $0 |
| Printify | Custom branding options | Extensive product catalog, print provider choices | $0 |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Printful
Best For: Versatile product options
Price: Free to use, pay per order
Printful is one of the most well-known print-on-demand services. It offers a wide variety of products, from apparel to home goods, and integrates seamlessly with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.
Pros:
- Extensive product catalog
- High-quality printing
- Easy integration with online stores
Cons:
- Higher shipping costs compared to some competitors
- Limited design customization options
2. Teespring
Best For: T-shirt and apparel design
Price: Free to use, pay per order
Teespring is an excellent choice for beginners focusing on apparel. The platform provides simple design tools and allows users to create and sell custom t-shirts without any upfront costs.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- No upfront costs
- Built-in marketing tools
Cons:
- Limited product variety
- High competition in apparel niche
3. Redbubble
Best For: Art prints and home decor
Price: Free to use, pay per order
Redbubble is perfect for artists and designers looking to sell their work. The platform allows you to upload your designs and offers a range of products, including art prints, home decor, and clothing.
Pros:
- Artist-friendly platform
- Community engagement
- Passive income potential
Cons:
- Lower profit margins
- Limited control over pricing
4. Zazzle
Best For: Custom gifts and merchandise
Price: Free to use, pay per order
Zazzle offers an extensive range of customizable products, making it an ideal choice for creating unique gifts and promotional items. The platform allows users to set their prices, giving more control over profit margins.
Pros:
- Diverse product selection
- Customizable options
- Good profit margins
Cons:
- Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
- Quality may vary among products
5. Society6
Best For: Art-centric products
Price: Free to use, pay per order
Society6 focuses on high-quality art prints and home decor items. Artists can upload their designs and earn royalties whenever their artwork is sold on various products.
Pros:
- High-quality prints
- Support for artists
- Passive income through royalties
Cons:
- Limited marketing support
- Lower visibility for new artists
6. Gooten
Best For: Efficient order fulfillment
Price: Free to use, pay per order
Gooten stands out with its automated fulfillment process. The platform allows users to create and sell custom products while managing orders and shipping seamlessly.
Pros:
- Automated processes
- Wide range of products
- Good customer service
Cons:
- Learning curve for beginners
- Limited branding options
7. SPOD
Best For: Fast shipping and production
Price: Free to use, pay per order
SPOD offers one of the fastest production times in the POD market, with most orders shipped within 48 hours. This makes it an excellent choice for those prioritizing quick turnaround.
Pros:
- Fast production and shipping
- Competitive pricing
- Large product selection
Cons:
- Limited design tools
- Less brand recognition compared to larger platforms
8. Printify
Best For: Custom branding options
Price: Free to use, pay per order
Printify provides a vast range of products and the flexibility to choose from various print providers. This allows you to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Pros:
- Large selection of products
- Flexible pricing options
- Multiple print provider choices
Cons:
- Quality can vary among providers
- Complicated pricing structure
How We Picked
We conducted thorough market research, analyzing user reviews, product offerings, and pricing structures. Our selection criteria included:
- Affordability: All tools are under $158 and offer free usage models with pay-per-order options.
- User-friendliness: We prioritized platforms with intuitive interfaces suitable for beginners.
- Product Variety: A diverse range of products allows for creativity and customization.
- Integration Options: Tools that seamlessly integrate with e-commerce platforms were favored.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer service is crucial for beginners navigating the POD landscape.
Alternatives
While the tools listed above are top picks for beginners, other options may suit specific needs. Consider these alternatives:
- Apliiq: Great for custom apparel with unique branding options.
- TeeLaunch: Offers a variety of apparel and home decor products.
- Threadless: Perfect for artists wanting to sell original designs with community support.
FAQs
1. What is print-on-demand?
Print-on-demand is a business model that allows entrepreneurs to create and sell custom products without holding inventory. Products are printed and shipped only after an order is placed.
2. Do I need design skills to start a print-on-demand business?
Basic design skills can be beneficial, but many POD platforms offer user-friendly design tools that can help you create products even without extensive graphic design knowledge.
3. How much can I earn with print-on-demand?
Earnings vary based on product pricing, profit margins, and sales volume. Many successful POD sellers earn a few hundred to several thousand dollars monthly.
4. Are there any upfront costs associated with print-on-demand?
Most print-on-demand platforms operate on a pay-per-order model, meaning you typically don’t incur upfront costs until you make a sale. However, some platforms may charge for premium features or subscriptions.
5. Can I integrate print-on-demand with my existing online store?
Yes! Many print-on-demand services integrate seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.
6. What is the best print-on-demand platform for beginners?
The best platform depends on your specific needs, but Printful and Teespring are often recommended for their ease of use and variety of products.
Final Verdict
Starting a print-on-demand business can be an exciting venture, especially for beginners looking to turn their creativity into profit. The tools highlighted in this guide are all excellent options under $158, each with unique features to suit various needs. Whether you’re focused on apparel, art, or custom gifts, investing in the right print-on-demand tool can set the foundation for a successful side hustle in 2025. Choose one that aligns best with your goals, and start creating!