title: Best Print-on-Demand Tools Under $82 for Designers (2025)
date: 2025-01-15
excerpt: Discover the top print-on-demand tools perfect for designers in 2025, all priced under $82. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the right tools for your side-hustle.
tags: ["side-hustles"]
image: 

Best Print-on-Demand Tools Under $82 for Designers (2025)

In the ever-evolving landscape of online business, print-on-demand (POD) services have become a popular avenue for designers looking to monetize their creative work. With a plethora of options available, it can be daunting to find the best tools that fit your budget. This guide will cover the best print-on-demand tools for designers in 2025, all priced under $82, allowing you to explore your side-hustle potential without breaking the bank.

Overview

Print-on-demand services allow designers to create custom products that are only printed after an order is placed, minimizing the risk of unsold inventory. With the right tools, you can design, promote, and sell a variety of products such as t-shirts, mugs, and wall art—all while maintaining high-quality standards. This guide will help you navigate the top print-on-demand tools available for under $82, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your creative business.

Top Picks

In-Depth Reviews

1. Canva - Graphic Design

Price: $12.99/mo

Pros:

• User-friendly interface ideal for beginners and professionals.
• Extensive template library for various products.
• Collaboration features for teams.

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version.
• Some premium elements require additional payment.

Canva stands out due to its intuitive design capabilities, making it perfect for those who may not have advanced graphic design skills. With thousands of templates and easy drag-and-drop functionality, designers can create high-quality product mockups quickly.

2. Printful - Custom Products

Price: Free

Pros:

• Integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy.
• Offers a broad range of products from apparel to home goods.
• Provides real-time shipping updates and order tracking.

Cons:

• Higher base prices for products compared to some competitors.
• Limited control over branding on packaging.

Printful is a powerhouse in the print-on-demand industry, offering a vast array of customizable products. Its integration capabilities make it a favorite among e-commerce enthusiasts, helping designers easily set up their online stores.

3. TeeSpring - Apparel & Merchandise

Price: Free

Pros:

• No upfront costs; you only pay once a product sells.
• Built-in audience through the platform’s social sharing features.
• Easy to create and manage campaigns.

Cons:

• Fewer product options compared to competitors.
• Limited design features.

TeeSpring is ideal for designers focusing on apparel and accessories. Its unique model allows users to run campaigns without initial investment, making it a low-risk option for new designers.

4. GIMP - Image Editing

Price: Free

Pros:

• Powerful toolset for advanced image manipulation.
• Supports various file formats.
• Open-source, meaning it's continually updated by a community.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for beginners.
• Interface may feel outdated compared to modern design tools.

GIMP is best suited for designers looking for a robust image editing tool without the cost. It offers many features similar to premium software, making it a perfect choice for those who need flexibility in their design processes.

5. Krita - Digital Painting

Price: Free

Pros:

• Excellent for illustrators and concept artists.
• Highly customizable user interface and brushes.
• Regular updates and a strong community support.

Cons:

• Primarily focused on digital painting rather than graphic design.
• May require a powerful computer for optimal performance.

Krita is a favorite among digital artists, thanks to its extensive brush engine and painting tools. It allows designers to create unique artwork that can be used for various POD products.

6. Adobe Express - Quick Designs

Price: $9.99/mo

Pros:

• Simple tools for quick and effective designs.
• Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud for seamless workflow.
• Mobile-friendly design capabilities.

Cons:

• Limited features compared to full Adobe suite.
• Subscription model may not suit everyone.

Adobe Express is perfect for designers needing to create quick social media graphics or promotional materials. Its ease of use allows for fast turnaround times without sacrificing quality.

7. Zazzle - Variety of Products

Price: Free

Pros:

• Extensive range of customizable products for artists.
• Built-in marketplace for easy accessibility.
• High potential for passive income through royalties.

Cons:

• Takes a percentage of sales as commission.
• Product prices are often higher than competitors.

Zazzle is a versatile platform that offers a wide range of products for designers, from clothing to home decor. It’s great for those looking to monetize their artwork without the hassles of inventory management.

8. Society6 - Art Prints & Home Decor

Price: Free

Pros:

• Focuses on art prints and home decor, ideal for artists.
• Offers a strong community of artists.
• Provides a fair royalty rate for designers.

Cons:

• Limited control over product pricing.
• Higher base prices may deter some customers.

Society6 is an artist-friendly platform that allows designers to sell their prints and home decor items. It's an excellent option for those who want to focus on their art without worrying about production logistics.

How We Picked

To curate this list of the best print-on-demand tools under $82, we considered several factors:

1. Features and Functionality: The tools must offer robust features suitable for designers, including customization options, ease of use, and integration capabilities.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: All tools listed are under $82, ensuring affordability for designers at any stage of their career.

3. User Reviews and Ratings: We analyzed user feedback and expert reviews to gauge performance and satisfaction levels.

4. Diversity of Offerings: The selected tools provide a variety of products and services, catering to different design needs and markets.

5. Support and Community: Tools with strong community support and resources for users were prioritized, ensuring designers can find help when needed.

Alternatives

While the tools listed above are among the best for print-on-demand services, there are other alternatives worth considering:

• Redbubble: An excellent platform for artists to sell their designs on a variety of products without upfront costs.
• TeePublic: Similar to Redbubble, focusing primarily on apparel and accessories with a community-driven marketplace.
• Spreadshirt: Offers a wide range of apparel and accessories, emphasizing customization and user-friendly design tools.

FAQs

1. What is print-on-demand?

Print-on-demand (POD) is a printing technology and business model that allows designers to sell their custom designs on products that are printed only after an order is placed. This eliminates the need for inventory and upfront investment.

2. How do I get started with print-on-demand?

To start with print-on-demand, choose a platform that fits your needs, create your designs, set up your online store, and promote your products through social media or other marketing channels.

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

Most print-on-demand platforms do not require upfront costs; you only pay for products after they are sold. However, some design tools may have subscription fees.

4. Can I sell my designs on multiple print-on-demand platforms?

Yes, you can sell your designs on multiple print-on-demand platforms to reach a broader audience and increase your sales potential.

5. How do I determine pricing for my products?

Pricing should consider the base cost of the product from the POD service, additional fees, and the desired profit margin. Research competitor pricing to ensure your products are competitively priced.

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

Print-on-demand services offer a wide range of products, including apparel (t-shirts, hoodies), home decor (posters, pillows), accessories (mugs, phone cases), and more.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right print-on-demand tools is crucial for designers looking to turn their creative ideas into profitable products. With this guide, you now have a comprehensive overview of the best options available under $82 for 2025. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced designer, these tools will help streamline your process and enhance your side-hustle potential. Explore each option, consider your specific needs, and take the leap into the world of print-on-demand to monetize your creativity effectively.