20 POD Platforms Compared on Criteria for POD Services

With so many print-on-demand platforms available in 2025, choosing the right one can be overwhelming — especially if you’re just starting out. That’s why we’ve broken down the top 20 POD services and compared them across the most important features for new sellers.

We’ve looked at not just product range and pricing, but also real-world considerations like beginner-friendliness, customer support, fulfillment times, and whether the platform provides built-in traffic or marketplace access.

POD PlatformBeg. FriendlyProduct VarietyMarketplace AccessIntegrationsShip SpeedPrint QualityMockupsPricingEco / Sustain.SupportBrandingGlobal Centers
Printful✅ (330+)⚠️⚠️
Printify⭐ (850+)⚠️ (Varies)💲⚠️⚠️
Gelato⚠️ (100+)⭐ (32+)💲🌿
SPOD✅ (200+)💲🌿⚠️
Spring (Teespring)⚠️ (50+)⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Redbubble⚠️ (70+)✅⭐⚠️⚠️⚠️
Zazzle⭐ (1000+)✅⭐⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
TeePublic⚠️ (50+)⚠️⚠️
Society6⚠️ (60+)⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
TPop⚠️ (100+)✅ (Shopify, Etsy)💲🌿⭐⚠️ (EU only)
Apliiq⚠️⚠️ (50+)⚠️⭐ (Custom cut & sew)⚠️
Gooten✅ (150+)⚠️ (3rd party)💲⚠️⚠️⚠️
Lulu xPress⚠️ (20+)✅ (Shopify, Lulu)⭐ (Books)⚠️🌿⚠️
CustomCat⚠️✅ (300+)⚠️ (US-focused)⚠️💲⚠️
JetPrint✅ (400+)⚠️⚠️💲⚠️⚠️
AOP+⚠️ (50+)⚠️⚠️⚠️🌿⚠️
Inkthreadable✅ (250+)⚠️ (UK only)💲🌿
Merch by Amazon⚠️❌ (Limited)✅⭐⚠️⚠️
Shirtee⚠️⚠️ (100+)✅ (with marketplace)⚠️ (EU only)⚠️💲🌿⚠️⚠️
Threadless⚠️ (100+)⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️

Legend:
✅ = Yes / Good
❌ = No / Lacking
⚠️ = Limited / Average
🌿 = Eco-conscious
💲 = Competitive Pricing
⭐ = Outstanding

Why These Criteria Matter:

Beginner-Friendliness: Not all POD platforms are intuitive. Some require tech know-how or business experience, while others offer drag-and-drop tools, easy onboarding, and built-in marketplaces — perfect for first-timers.

Product Variety: The number and types of items you can sell (e.g. apparel, home decor, stationery, footwear) matters if you want to test different ideas or scale.

Marketplace Access: Platforms like Redbubble, TeePublic, or Zazzle come with a built-in audience — ideal for creatives who don’t want to worry about marketing in the beginning.

Integrations: If you’re using Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce, you need a POD partner that plugs in smoothly.

Shipping & Fulfillment Speed: Fast delivery improves customer satisfaction and repeat orders. POD platforms with global fulfillment centers tend to perform better in this area.

Branding & Packaging: Want to build a real brand? Choose a platform that offers custom labels, packing slips, and packaging inserts.

Sustainability: Eco-conscious customers are growing. Platforms like TPop, Gelato, and AOP+ offer greener fulfillment and plastic-free packaging.

Profit Margins: Some platforms offer competitive base prices (e.g. Printify, JetPrint, Gooten), while others may be pricier but include premium features or better quality.

Support & Tools: Mockup generators, live chat support, seller resources — these make a big difference when you’re learning the ropes.

Finding the Right POD Platform for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — the best POD platform depends on your personal goals:

Want the easiest start with great tools and Shopify integration? Go for Printful or Printify.

Looking for built-in customers without having to drive traffic? Start with Redbubble, Society6, or TeePublic.

Focused on eco-friendly values or selling in Europe? Try TPop or Inkthreadable.

Publishing your own book or planner? Lulu xPress is the specialist you need.

Want full branding control? Look into Apliiq, Printful, or TPop.

The comparison table above helps you filter based on what matters most — so you can start your business on the right foot.

Summary: Best POD Platforms for Different Use Cases

Use CaseRecommended POD Platforms
Absolute Beginners⭐ Printful, ⭐ Printify, ✅ Gelato, ✅ SPOD
Large Product Variety⭐ Printify, ⭐ Zazzle, ✅ CustomCat
Free Traffic / Marketplaces✅ Redbubble, ✅ TeePublic, ✅ Society6, ✅ Amazon
Eco-Friendly Selling🌿 TPop, 🌿 Gelato, 🌿 AOP+, 🌿 Inkthreadable
Book Publishing⭐ Lulu xPress
Branding Focused Stores⭐ Apliiq, ✅ Printful, ✅ TPop
Premium Print Quality⭐ Printful, ⭐ Apliiq, ⭐ Society6

Final Word: Start Small, Then Scale

If you’re just beginning your POD journey, it’s totally okay to start small, test one platform, and grow from there. The most successful POD businesses experiment, analyze results, and adapt their strategy over time.

Our advice? Pick a platform that aligns with your goals and comfort level. Focus on great designs, clear messaging, and learning how to promote your products — the rest will come with experience.