Let me tell you something – when I first started with print on demand, I was totally lost in the sea of options. After spending over $2,500 testing different platforms and running multiple stores, I’ve finally figured out which companies actually deliver results.
Today, I’m going to save you both time and money by sharing my real-world experiences with the top POD companies.
I’ll be honest – my first POD store was a complete disaster because I chose the wrong platform. But that experience taught me exactly what beginners need to succeed.
So let’s dive into the platforms that actually work in 2025 and beyond!
How I Tested These Print on Demand Companies
Before sharing my findings, here’s exactly how I evaluated each platform:
- Ordered multiple products from each company
- Tested shipping to different countries
- Compared print quality and consistency
- Analyzed profit margins on popular items
- Measured customer service response times
- Tested platform integrations
- Tracked order fulfillment accuracy
Let’s get into the winners!
1. Gelato: Best Overall for Global Sellers
After testing literally every major POD platform out there, Gelato completely changed my perspective on what’s possible with print on demand.
They’re my #1 pick for 2025, and here’s why.
Key Features:
- Local production in 30+ countries (game-changer!)
- Industry-leading shipping times
- Superior print quality control
- Multi-currency and language support
- Advanced API capabilities
- Extensive product catalog
Pricing:
- T-shirts from $8.50
- Hoodies from $19.95
- Local shipping rates in most countries
- No monthly fees
- Transparent pricing calculator
The Real Deal: I was blown away when I tested Gelato’s international shipping. An order to Australia arrived in 5 days, while other providers took weeks! Their local production network isn’t just marketing hype – it actually works.
Plus, their quality control is impressive. Out of 10 test orders, I only had one minor issue, which they resolved immediately.
Best for: Anyone serious about building a global POD business or selling outside the US.
2. Printify: Best for Maximizing Profits
Coming in at #2, Printify is a powerhouse for sellers focused on maintaining healthy profit margins while delivering quality products.
Key Features:
- Multiple print providers for price comparison
- Premium subscription with 20% discount
- Extensive product selection
- Strong integration options
- Custom order routing
- Mock-up generator
Pricing:
- T-shirts from $6.50
- Hoodies from $17.95
- Premium membership: $29/month
- Volume discounts available
Pro tip: I’ve found their Charlotte, NC provider to be exceptionally reliable for US orders. While Printify’s multiple provider system can seem complicated at first, it’s actually a huge advantage once you learn to use it strategically.
Best for: Price-conscious sellers who want to maximize profits without sacrificing quality.
3. Printed Mint: Best for Premium Products
This was a surprising discovery for me. After doing a lot of research, i found out that not so many people know about Printed Mint. Now you know.
Printed Mint stands out with their attention to detail and premium product offerings.
Key Features:
- High-end product quality
- Beautiful packaging options (Very beautiful)
- White-label service
- Excellent customer service
- Unique product offerings
- Detailed quality control
Pricing:
- T-shirts from $12.00
- Premium packaging from $2.00
- Jewelry items from $8.00
- Home decor from $15.00
I was skeptical about their higher prices at first, but the quality speaks for itself. Their packaging is Instagram-worthy, and my customers actually commented on how premium everything felt. That’s rare in the POD world!
Best for: Sellers targeting the luxury market or those wanting to build a premium brand.
4. Printful: Most User-Friendl
Maybe you are asking yourself why Printful is not among the top 3. The truth is that Printful can’t match any of them but it they have a wonderful customer support team. Ideal for starters for it’s user friendly experience.
Whether you’re just getting started or are already running a successful brand, Printful is the best partner to help you launch and grow your business.
Key Features:
- Outstanding mockup generator
- 24/7 customer support
- Premium blank products
- Worldwide shipping
- Extensive integrations
Pricing:
- T-shirts from $7.95
- Hoodies from $21.95
- Free sample shipping
- Volume discounts
Reliable but pricier than other options. Great platform for absolute beginners.
5. SPOD: Best for Fast US Shipping
They have rebranded! Now, Spreadconnect or Spreadshop is a print-on-demand dropshipping platform that connects your online store with its infrastructure to take care of your production and shipping.
Its simple, you upload your designs to theirIt’s products to create and sell your custom product line.
Key Features:
- 48-hour production guarantee
- Direct Shopify integration
- Competitive pricing
- Reliable quality
- Simple interface
Pricing:
- T-shirts from $7.45
- Hoodies from $19.95
- No minimum orders
- Bulk discounts available
The speed is real – I’ve seen orders ship in under 24 hours! However, their product selection is more limited than my top three picks.
6. Spring: Best for Social Media Sellers
Have you ever scrolled through a YouTube video and saw a content creator selling a hood via ‘Spring’? Yeah, i have. If you are prefer selling on social media, Spring is the way to go.
Create products. Engage fans. Make money.
Key Features:
- Built-in marketplace
- Social media integration
- No upfront costs
- Marketing tools included
- Community features
Pricing:
- T-shirts from $9.00
- Platform handles pricing
- No monthly fees
- Promotional tools included
Perfect for influencers or those with a strong social media following who want an all-in-one solution.
7. CustomCat: Best Budget Option
So, why CustomCat? They are a business friendly print-on-demand fullfillment promising to deliver on these 3 benefits for your business: High profit margins, Fast-reliable production fulfillment and Strong product selection & quality.
It’s that simple. Beneath all the marketing bravado out there, if your print-on-demand fulfillment partner can’t deliver in those three ways then your business will likely struggle.
At CustomCat, they embrace your business because they believe if they can help you better grow & scale your stores, it’s a win for everyone.
Key Features:
- Low base prices
- Wide product selection
- Fast production
- Decent quality
- Basic integrations
Pricing:
- T-shirts from $6.00
- Hoodies from $15.95
- Subscription option available
- Bulk pricing
Great for testing new designs without breaking the bank, but customer service can be slow.
8. Gooten: Best for Product Variety
I love Gooten. They meticulously vet their suppliers and decorators to ensure you offer only the finest merchandise. Quality is their top priority.
Their vetted decorators use the latest equipment, ensuring top-notch quality, accuracy, and competitive pricing for your products.
Key Features:
- 300+ product options
- Unique items
- Good international shipping
- Competitive pricing
- Reliable tracking
Pricing:
- T-shirts from $8.00
- Specialty items from $14.00
- No subscription needed
Excellent for niche products that other providers don’t offer.
9. Zazzle: Best for Custom Designs
A bonus addition that deserves mention.
Zazzle is an on-demand marketplace where they connect customers with artists’ beautiful designs on the world’s best products so anything imaginable can be created.
Key Features:
- Massive marketplace exposure
- Unique customization tools
- Built-in customer base
- Designer community
- Regular promotions
Pricing:
- Variable based on products
- Marketplace commission structure
- No monthly fees
- Customizable royalty rates
Great for artists and designers who want marketplace exposure without managing their own store.
10. Redbubble: Best for Artists
Another worthy mention.
Are you creative? Like money? You can open a shop in minutes. For free. Just upload your art and designs and leave the rest to them. They arrange for all the printing (on over 60 quality products) and shipping to almost anywhere on earth.
Key Features:
- Artist-focused platform
- Built-in customer base
- Simple upload process
- Automatic pricing
- Active community
Pricing:
- Platform sets base prices
- Adjustable markup
- No subscription fees
- Regular promotions
Perfect for artists wanting passive income without store management.
There you have it. The best 10 Print-on-demand companies in 2025 and beyond. Tested and compared.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a POD Company
After making every mistake possible, here’s what really matters:
Business Goals
- Are you building a brand or testing designs?
- Do you need international shipping?
- What’s your target market?
Financial Considerations
- Starting budget
- Desired profit margins
- Sample order costs
- Shipping expenses
Technical Requirements
- Platform integration needs
- Design tool requirements
- API capabilities
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from my expensive lessons:
Not Ordering Samples
- Never list a product you haven’t personally tested
- Budget for sample orders
Ignoring Shipping Times
- Always check delivery estimates
- Consider local production options
Overlooking Quality Control
- Test multiple products
- Check consistency across orders
How to Get Started
Quick start guide:
Initial Setup
- Choose your platform (Go with Gelato)
- Create account
- Connect your store
- Set up payments
Product Launch
- Order samples
- Set pricing strategy
- Create descriptions
- Test purchase flow
Growth Phase
- Monitor quality
- Track shipping times
- Gather customer feedback
- Optimize listings
Conclusion
Final recommendations based on specific needs:
- Global Sellers: Gelato (best overall infrastructure)
- Profit Focused: Printify (best balance of cost and quality)
- Premium Brands: Printed Mint (best for high-end products)
- Beginners: Printful
- Fast US Shipping: SPOD
- Social Sellers: Spring
- Budget Conscious: CustomCat
- Product Variety: Gooten
- Custom Designs: Zazzle
- Artists: Redbubble
Pro Tip: Start with one platform but don’t be afraid to use multiple as you grow. I currently use Gelato for international orders, Printify for US bulk orders, and Printed Mint for premium products.
Remember – success in POD isn’t just about choosing the right platform, it’s about how you use it. Start with quality products, order samples, and focus on building a brand that stands out.
Questions about any of these platforms? Drop them in the comments! I check daily and love helping fellow POD entrepreneurs succeed. Cheers & Good Luck!
