title: Top Print-on-Demand Tools Alternatives for Designers (2025 Update)
date: 2025-10-01
excerpt: Discover the best print-on-demand tools alternatives for designers in 2025. This comprehensive guide offers insights, comparisons, and expert recommendations for maximizing your side-hustle potential.
tags: [side-hustles]
image: 

Top Print-on-Demand Tools Alternatives for Designers (2025 Update)

In the ever-evolving landscape of print-on-demand (POD), designers are constantly seeking innovative tools that can enhance their creative processes and streamline their side-hustles. As of 2025, numerous alternatives to traditional POD platforms have emerged, offering unique features tailored to various design needs. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the top print-on-demand tools alternatives for designers, ensuring you find the right fit for your creative ambitions.

Overview

Print-on-demand services allow designers to create and sell custom products without the need for inventory. As the market continues to expand, alternative tools have surfaced, each providing distinct advantages. This guide evaluates these alternatives based on usability, features, pricing, and overall value, helping you make an informed decision for your side-hustle.

Top Picks

In-Depth Reviews

Printful

Best For: Comprehensive solutions
Key Features:

• Extensive product catalog
• Seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms
• High-quality mockup generator
• No upfront costs

Pros:

• Wide range of products from apparel to home goods
• Excellent customer service and support
• Automation features for order processing

Cons:

• Higher base costs compared to some competitors
• Shipping can be slow depending on location

Printful is a powerhouse in the POD industry, making it an ideal choice for designers looking for a comprehensive tool that covers all bases.

Gooten

Best For: Customization
Key Features:

• Flexible pricing based on product and quantity
• Global fulfillment centers
• User-friendly interface

Pros:

• Good range of customizable products
• Competitive shipping rates
• Reliable production times

Cons:

• Limited marketing tools compared to competitors
• Some designers report inconsistencies in product quality

Gooten stands out for its customizable options and flexible pricing, making it a great choice for designers who want to tailor every aspect of their products.

TeeSpring

Best For: Apparel-focused
Key Features:

• Simple design tools
• Integration with social media platforms
• No upfront costs for listing products

Pros:

• Easy to use for beginners
• Strong community engagement and feedback
• Good for launching limited-time campaigns

Cons:

• Limited product range compared to others
• Less control over the final product quality

TeeSpring excels in helping designers quickly launch apparel products, making it ideal for those focused on clothing lines.

Redbubble

Best For: Artistic designs
Key Features:

• Artist marketplace with exposure opportunities
• Wide variety of products, from stickers to wall art
• Community-driven platform

Pros:

• No upfront costs or inventory required
• Great exposure for artists and designers
• Easy to set up a shop

Cons:

• Lower profit margins due to marketplace fees
• Limited customization options for sellers

Redbubble is perfect for artists seeking to showcase their work with minimal barriers to entry.

Zazzle

Best For: Unique gifts
Key Features:

• Diverse range of customizable products
• Strong community of designers and buyers
• Competitive royalty rates

Pros:

• Excellent for niche markets and unique designs
• Good customer support and resources for designers
• Frequent promotions to attract buyers

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming due to the vast number of options
• Quality can vary based on product type

Zazzle is ideal for designers specializing in unique gifts and personalized products, providing a platform for creativity.

Society6

Best For: Home decor
Key Features:

• High-quality prints and products
• Artist-friendly policies
• Community engagement opportunities

Pros:

• Focus on home decor and art prints
• Strong artist support and marketing resources
• Good profit margins for designers

Cons:

• Limited to art and decor-focused products
• Less flexibility in product customization

Society6 is tailored for artists looking to monetize their designs through high-quality home decor items.

Threadless

Best For: Community-driven
Key Features:

• Artist shops for personalized branding
• Community feedback on designs
• Limited edition product launches

Pros:

• Strong community support and engagement
• Good for artist collaboration and exposure
• Fair royalty system

Cons:

• Limited product range compared to larger competitors
• Design selection can be competitive

Threadless offers a unique platform for designers to connect with a community, making it perfect for creatives looking to grow their brand collaboratively.

Printify

Best For: Budget-conscious
Key Features:

• Extensive product catalog
• Competitive pricing structure
• Multiple print providers for flexibility

Pros:

• Affordable pricing options
• Good quality control across providers
• Easy integration with e-commerce platforms

Cons:

• Less brand recognition compared to larger competitors
• Some users report variable shipping times

Printify is an excellent choice for designers on a budget, offering a wide array of products without sacrificing quality.

How We Picked

When compiling this list of print-on-demand tools alternatives, we evaluated each platform based on several criteria:

1. Usability: The interface should cater to both beginners and experienced designers.
2. Features: Tools that enhance design capabilities and streamline the POD process were prioritized.
3. Pricing: We focused on platforms with competitive pricing structures and transparent fee models.
4. Customer Support: Reliable customer service is crucial for resolving issues and queries.
5. Market Reach: Platforms with a strong marketplace presence and promotional capabilities were favored.

By considering these factors, we identified the most effective tools for designers looking to optimize their POD experiences.

Alternatives

While the aforementioned tools are among the best, there are other viable alternatives worth considering:

1. Apliiq: Focused on custom apparel with unique branding options.
2. SPOD (Spreadshirt Print-On-Demand): Fast production and a wide range of products.
3. TeeLaunch: Offers a diverse product catalog with competitive pricing.
4. CustomCat: Known for its low base prices and vast product offerings.

These alternatives may cater to specific niches or provide unique features that could better serve your design needs.

FAQs

1. What is print-on-demand?
Print-on-demand is a retail fulfillment method where products are printed only when an order is placed, eliminating the need for inventory.

2. How do I choose the right POD platform?
Consider factors such as product range, ease of use, pricing, and the specific needs of your designs.

3. Are there any upfront costs to use POD services?
Most POD platforms do not charge upfront fees, but they take a percentage of sales or charge a base price for each product sold.

4. Can I integrate POD services with my existing online store?
Yes, many POD platforms offer integrations with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.

5. What types of products can I create with POD?
You can create a wide range of products, including apparel, home decor, accessories, and stationery, depending on the platform.

6. How do I promote my POD products?
Utilize social media, content marketing, collaborations, and targeted advertising to reach potential customers.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right print-on-demand tool is essential for designers aiming to build a successful side-hustle. Whether you prioritize a comprehensive solution like Printful, a community-driven approach with Threadless, or budget-friendly options like Printify, the key is to align your choice with your specific design needs and business goals. As the POD landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest tools and trends will help you stay competitive and maximize your creative potential.