Top 10 Gelato Print-on-Demand Alternatives in 2025

Choosing the right print-on-demand partner can make or break your business. Gelato is a well-known name, but it's not perfect for everyone.

With production in 32 countries and a strong global network, Gelato offers fast delivery and solid quality. Still, many users find the platform limiting - especially when it comes to customization, pricing, and support.

If you’re seeking a platform with better margins, more design freedom, or responsive support, you’re in the right place.

This guide ranks the top 10 Gelato alternatives for 2025 - with key features, pros and cons, and real-world use cases. Whether you're a beginner or scaling fast, there's a print-on-demand platform here for you.

Looking for a Gelato Alternative? Here Are the Top 10 Print-on-Demand Platforms in 2025

Gelato may have established itself as a leader in the print-on-demand industry, but several reasons may lead you to explore other options. 

Here are the top reasons sellers switch from Gelato to alternatives:

• Print-on-Demand Cost: Gelato’s pricing can be higher than many competitors. If you're focused on profit, look for platforms that offer bulk discounts and more competitive base prices.
• Platform Features: Not all Print-on-demand platforms are built the same. Some offer better design tools, mockup generators, or ecommerce integrations that may suit your workflow better than Gelato.
• Product Variety: While Gelato covers the basics - apparel, mugs, wall art - other platforms offer unique or niche-specific items. If you want to stand out, product variety matters.

•  Shipping Locations: Shipping time and cost depend on where the product is made. If most of your customers are in the U.S. or EU, choose a platform with production centers nearby for faster delivery.
• Product Customization: Gelato has limitations when it comes to personalization. If branding is important to you, consider alternatives that support custom labels, packaging, and design flexibility.
• Customer Service: Gelato’s customer service is limited to email and chat. If you need real-time help or personalized support, opt for a platform that offers phone or priority service.

Also Read:

• 12 Printful Alternatives
• 10 Printify Alternatives

What Are the Best Alternatives to Gelato?

While there are numerous platforms like Gelato or even better ones, scouting for them can be time-consuming. 

So, we've put together a list of the best 10 Gelato alternatives you can consider for your print-on-demand business.

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1. Podbase

Image via Podbase

Podbase is a top Gelato alternative for selling custom products without holding inventory. This print-on-demand platform is made for entrepreneurs who want a simple way to launch and grow an online store.

Unlike Gelato, Podbase focuses on the tech niche. It offers custom phone cases, chargers, and accessories, plus wall art and drinkware. One key feature is early access to tech templates for devices not yet released. This helps sellers stay ahead of trends and stand out in the market.

Podbase also works smoothly with Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce. It’s a great choice for both new and experienced ecommerce sellers who need a reliable Gelato alternative.

Key Features

• Automated order management reduces manual work and errors
• Mockup generator lets you preview your designs before ordering
• In-house production ensures high-quality custom products
• Simple dashboard to track orders, profits, and performance

Pricing

You can sign up for free on Podbase and start selling immediately. Prices vary by product.

Pros

• Worldwide shipping with fast delivery
• You only pay for what you sell
• Wide variety of customization options
• Responsive customer support

Cons

• Limited product catalog compared to other Gelato alternatives

Best For

Podbase is great for creators, artists, and designers who want to turn their work into products. It’s also a smart pick for online brands and entrepreneurs who need a simple print-on-demand platform with global shipping.

2. Printify

Image via Printify

Printify is a popular print-on-demand platform that helps you create and sell custom products. It works with a large network of print providers, so you can focus on your designs while Printify takes care of production and shipping.

You can connect Printify to stores on Shopify, eBay, TikTok, and more. It also supports custom websites through the Printify API, giving you flexibility to sell anywhere online.

Key Features

• Large product range – includes clothing, accessories, home decor, and more
• Easy-to-use design tools – customize products quickly and easily
• Pop-up store option – sell without needing your own website
  Global reach – 141 production partners around the world

Pricing

You can start using Printify for free, then upgrade to the paid plans as you grow:

• Premium: $29/month‍
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Image via Printify

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• No upfront costs or inventory
• Global print providers enable localized and fast shipping

Cons

• Requires thorough research and verification to select a reliable print provider
• Shipping time may vary based on the print provider

Best For

Printify is a great option for small businesses offering custom products without stocking. It’s also ideal for those who want a wide selection of products and global shipping options.

3. Printful

Image via Printful

Printful offers a world of possibilities for turning your creative visions into reality. As one of the Gelato alternatives, the platform offers vast customization options to personalize products and create a cohesive brand experience.

It seamlessly integrates with platforms like Squarespace, Amazon, and WooCommerce and simplifies the print-on-demand process.

Key Features

• Over 300 products ranging from clothing and footwear to stationery and drinkware
• Free design maker for product customization plus a design team for professional assistance 
• AI model swap tool for customizing mockups using artificial intelligence 
• Custom labels, packaging inserts, and branded packing slips for a personalized customer experience

Pricing

Printful offers a free plan with the essential features you need to run a successful print-on-demand business. However, you can become a member to access more perks:

• Printful Growth: $24.99/month or earn $12K within 12 months
• Printful Business: Earn $60k within 12 months

Image via Printful

Pros

• High-quality products with bulk order discounts
• Customized order tracking page
• White label packaging

Cons

• Shipping may take longer than expected for customers outside the US
• High delivery fees

Best For

Printful is a great choice for brands that care about product quality and want to give customers a personal touch. It’s also ideal for ecommerce businesses that want to grow without dealing with inventory or shipping.

4. Spreadconnect (SPOD)

Image via Spreadconnect

Spreadconnect (formerly SPOD) is a strong Gelato alternative with over 20 years of print-on-demand experience. It’s known for fast production-most orders ship within 48 hours, making it one of the fastest platforms available.

Spreadconnect connects with major platforms like Shopify and Squarespace, and lets you create unlimited custom products without handling inventory or warehousing.

Key Features

• Over 250 products for men, women, kids, and babies
• Intuitive design tools for product customization 
• Library with more than 50K design templates
• Eco-friendly product options, supporting sustainability

Pricing

Spreadconnect offers a free account and only charges shipping fees and order value.

Pros

• Offers a reduced price for test samples
• Easy setup process
• Fast production and shipping time

Cons

• Production and order fulfillment are limited to the US and EU

Best For

Spreadconnect is best for sellers looking for quick fulfillment, especially those targeting customers in Canada, Australia, the US, and EU countries.

5. Redbubble

Image via Redbubble

Redbubble began as a platform for independent artists to sell their designs. Today, it connects thousands of creators with millions of fans around the world.

Redbubble takes care of everything-from printing to shipping-so artists can focus on creating. It offers over 70 unique products, including stickers, mugs, sweaters, and pillowcases, giving customers access to creative, one-of-a-kind designs.

Key Features

• Personalized shopfront with a share button and links to your social media pages
• Free Google Shopping ads to get more eyes on your collection 
• Worldwide shipping with free returns within 90 days of delivery 
• Watermark and anti-piracy features to prevent copyright issues

Pricing

Redbubble classifies seller accounts based on profile and art quality:

• Redbubble Standard
• Redbubble Premium
• Redbubble Pro

Only the Standard account tier is charged a flat fee based on monthly earnings.

Image via Redbubble

Pros

• Sellers can control profit margin
• Offers access to a large customer base
• Features artists with unique works, providing better visibility and potential sales
• Mobile app for on-the-go access

Cons 

• No third-party integrations with marketplaces or online stores
• Artists may compete for recognition 

Best For

Redbubble is ideal for artists looking for a high-traffic site to sell their designs. It's also a great place if you're not interested in dealing with the complexities of setting up and running an online store.

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6. Zazzle

Image via Zazzle

Zazzle is a popular print-on-demand marketplace where users can sell art, designs, and photography on a wide range of products. With unlimited customization options, it’s a strong Gelato alternative for creative entrepreneurs.

Like Redbubble, Zazzle is a standalone marketplace-it doesn’t offer direct integrations with platforms like Shopify or Etsy.

Key Features 

• Free design tools – access royalty-free templates and design elements
• Massive product listings – add up to 100,000 items per store
• Royalty calculator – set your profit margin for each sale
• Global reach – offers international shipping and 24/7 customer support

Pricing

Zazzle allows you to set up your store at no cost. However, it collects a portion of your sales based on your pre-set royalty percentage.

Pros

• No upfront costs 
• Carries officially licensed merchandise from top brands like Disney and Marvel
• Has a large online community for creators and makers
• Offers discounts on bulk orders

Cons

• Doesn’t integrate with third-party apps

Best For 

If your target customers are people looking for personalized gift items, Zazzle is your best bet. It has a dedicated gift items section for grandparents, kids, bridesmaids, teachers, and much more.

7. Society6

Image via Society6

Society6 is an online marketplace where artists can sell their designs on a wide range of products and earn money from each sale. Like Redbubble, every purchase supports an independent creator.

What sets Society6 apart is its strong focus on home decor-including art prints, furniture, and wall hangings. You don’t need to be an artist to sell, and the platform also offers wholesale and trade programs that give access to the full Society6 collection.

Key Features

• Curated marketplace with high-quality prints on items such as clothing, furniture, and tech accessories
• Artist studio for uploading and managing artwork
• Free storefront for artists to showcase designs
• International shipping

Pricing

Society6 has a free plan, allowing artists to earn 10% of their net sales. The paid plans offer more price control:

• Basic: $4.99/month
• Pro: $12.99/month

Image via Society6

Pros

• Provides comprehensive shipping options
• Promotes emerging artists with unique art
• Allows artists to sell designs on a wide collection of products

Cons

• Sellers can’t customize or modify an artist’s design
• Strict return policy, especially for bulk items

Best For

Society6 is ideal for artists, hobbyists, and designers looking for a platform that provides exposure. However, you should be careful not to trade your margins for convenience, especially with the free account.

8. Teelaunch

Image via Teelaunch

Boasting 75 years of experience, Teelaunch is one of the largest print-on-demand platforms, bringing it to our list of top Gelato alternatives. It has production facilities in the US, UK, Australia, and the European Union, enabling faster delivery.

From the name, you may think only T-shirts are sold on the platform. Surprisingly, it offers several product categories, such as kitchenware, home goods, and jewelry.

Key Features 

• Access to over 300 products with color options for certain products like apparel
• Online design tool plus downloadable art template with print specs
• Order tracking with real-time updates
• Easy integration with TikTok, Etsy, Shopify, and WooCommerce

Pricing

Teelaunch doesn’t charge a subscription fee. Sellers set their retail price, and Teelaunch deducts the base price and shipping fees after sales. 

Pros

• Easy account creation from the Teelaunch app
• Competitive pricing 
• Free premium branding for shipments

Cons

• Ships products to selected countries
• Users can only contact support using an online form or email

Best For

Teelaunch is ideal for small businesses looking for low prices and product variety. It’s also great for selling corporate merch - business cards, notebooks, mouse pads, sweatshirts.

9. Spreadshirt

Image via Spreadshirt

Spreadshirt is an online marketplace with over 100K daily visitors. This platform welcomes creatives looking to sell their designs with zero risks.

Spreadshirt offers bulk discounts on orders with as low as six items, which makes it stand out among other Gelato alternatives.  

Key Features

• Over 300 customizable products
• Access to a large customer base for new sellers
• Customization tools with helpful design tutorials
• In-house graphic design service

Pricing

Signing up on Spreadshirt is free, and the platform pays you a commission for any product sold using your designs.  

Pros

• High online visibility
• Fair return policy spanning 90 days from receipt
• Multiple shipping options
• Eco-friendly production

Cons

• Limited control over marketing and store branding compared to having a dedicated ecommerce store.

Best For 

Spreadshirt is perfect for creators who want to focus on designing and selling custom products while leveraging an established marketplace. 

10. Print Aura

Image via Print Aura

Print Aura is a white-label print-on-demand platform for selling t-shirts. However, you can find other product categories, such as mugs, bags, and phone cases. 

The platform ships to any location in the world and guarantees defect-free products. Print Aura’s customer support is responsive and a comprehensive blog with guides

Key Features

• High-quality printing using direct-to-garment technology 
• The Mockup tool provides professional photos of customized products
• Easy integration with popular platforms like Etsy, WooCommerce, Shopify, and BigCommerce
• Custom packing slips, neck labels, and return labels

Pricing

Print Aura is completely free — no membership fees.

Pros

• Printing quality is the same for all order sizes
• No minimum orders are required
• Offers up to 100 products 

Cons

• The user interface lacks a modern appearance and is difficult to navigate.

Best For

If you're seeking Gelato alternatives with more customizations and minimal upfront costs, try Print Aura. Its white-label service and integration with ecommerce stores make it a great option for designers, small businesses, and enterprises.

How to Choose the Right Alternative for Your Ecommerce Business

Now that you’ve seen the top 10 Gelato alternatives, let’s talk about how to pick the one that fits your business best. A few key factors will help guide your decision. Here’s what to look for:

Product Range and Quality 

Check the product categories to make sure they offer what you want to sell. Always order a sample first to test the quality. Some platforms, like Spreadshirt, let you order test samples and return them within 30 days.

Production and Shipping Capabilities 

Choose a platform with production centers close to your customers. This helps reduce delivery time. For example, Podbase ships worldwide and delivers most products within 3–16 days using economy shipping.

Also, check if the platform offers order tracking, delivery updates, and bulk shipping discounts to help lower your costs.

Technical Features

Most platforms integrate with online stores like Shopify or Etsy, but not all. Redbubble, Zazzle, and Society6 are marketplaces that don’t support third-party store integrations.

Look for platforms with built-in design tools and mockup generators to customize your products. You’ll find these tools on top platforms like Podbase, Printify, and Printful.

Pricing Structure 

Create a comprehensive cost analysis that includes subscription fees, shipping costs, and base prices of your core products. Gelato alternatives like Printful and Printify offer better margins through membership benefits.

Customization Options

If brand identity is important to you, look for platforms with white-label services, custom labels, and branded packaging. Printful and Print Aura offer these features.

Some platforms, such as Society6 and Teelaunch, also let you set your own profit margins, giving you more control over your pricing.

Customer Support

Good customer support is essential. Look for platforms with fast, helpful service. Read seller reviews to see how they handle issues like damaged products, returns, and shipping problems.

Final Thoughts: 10 Best Gelato Alternatives for Print-on-demand Dropshipping

Gelato is well known in the print-on-demand world, but the alternatives we’ve covered may be a better fit for your business. For example, Podbase specializes in tech accessories, while Printful offers deep customization options.

Redbubble and Zazzle are great for artists, and Teelaunch stands out with competitive pricing. Each platform has unique features that can match different business needs.

Don’t just go with what’s popular—focus on what works for your goals. Try running small test orders on different platforms before choosing one. This will help you understand what each service offers and how it performs.

Look at more than just features. Pay close attention to product quality, delivery speed, and customer support. Whether you care most about global shipping, pricing, or creative control, there’s a Gelato alternative ready to support your Print-on-demand  business in 2025 and beyond.