Print on Demand (POD) has revolutionized the e-commerce landscape, allowing entrepreneurs to sell custom products without holding inventory, managing production, or handling fulfillment. If you’re looking to start or scale your Shopify store with custom merchandise, choosing the right print on demand app is crucial for your success.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 5 Shopify Print on Demand apps for 2025, examining their features, pricing, product offerings, and unique advantages. Whether you’re a beginner launching your first store or an experienced seller looking to expand your product line, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Table of contents
- What is Print on Demand?
- Why Choose Shopify for Print on Demand?
- Top 5 Shopify Print on Demand Apps in 2026
- 1. Printful – Best Overall for Quality and Reliability
- 2. Printify – Best for Product Variety and Flexibility
- 3. Gelato – Best for Local Production and Sustainability
- 4. CustomCat – Best for Fast Shipping and Technology
- 5. ShineOn – Best for High-Margin Premium Products
- How to Choose the Right POD App for Your Shopify Store
- Tips for Success with Shopify Print on Demand
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Print on Demand?
Print on Demand is a fulfillment method where products are created only after a customer places an order. Unlike traditional manufacturing where you need to produce inventory in advance, POD eliminates upfront costs and inventory risks. When a customer orders a custom t-shirt, mug, or phone case from your Shopify store, the POD provider automatically receives the order, prints the design, and ships it directly to your customer—all under your brand name.
If you’re interested in offering even more customization options to your customers, check out our guide on the best Shopify apps for custom products that allow real-time personalization.
Also Read: Top 5 Shopify Dropshipping Apps in 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Why Choose Shopify for Print on Demand?
Shopify stands out as the premier platform for POD businesses due to its:
- Seamless integrations with dozens of POD providers
- User-friendly interface that requires no coding knowledge
- Powerful sales features including abandoned cart recovery and discount codes
- Professional storefront capabilities for brand building with high-converting Shopify themes
- Scalability to grow from startup to enterprise level
Top 5 Shopify Print on Demand Apps in 2026
Now, let’s dive into the top 5 Shopify Print on Demand apps that are dominating the market in 2025.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Printful | Printify | Gelato | CustomCat | ShineOn |
| Products | 900+ | 1,300+ | 500+ | 600+ | 50+ |
| Monthly Fee | Free | Free/$29 | Free/$15 | Free | Free |
| Production Model | In-house | Network | Network | In-house | Partners |
| Shipping Speed | 3-4 days | Varies | 2-3 days | 2-3 days | 5-7 days |
| Quality Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best For | Quality & Brand | Variety | Sustainability | Speed | Profit Margins |
| Global Reach | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | US Focus | Global |
| Base Prices | Medium | Low-Medium | Low | Medium | High |
| Profit Margin | Medium | Medium-High | Medium | Medium | Very High |
| Branding Options | Excellent | Limited | Good | Basic | Limited |
1. Printful – Best Overall for Quality and Reliability
Rating: 4.6/5 stars (4,000+ reviews)
Printful has established itself as the industry leader in print on demand services, and for good reason. What sets Printful apart is its in-house production model—unlike competitors who outsource to third-party printers, Printful owns and operates 15 fulfillment centers globally across the USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia, and Japan.
- 900+ customizable products including apparel, accessories, home décor, and tech items
- In-house production ensuring consistent quality control
- Global fulfillment network with 15+ facilities worldwide
- Built-in design tools including mockup generator and logo maker
- Custom branding options (pack-ins, labels, packing slips)
- 3-4 day production time with automated order processing
- Free integration with Shopify and other platforms
Printful has earned its reputation for exceptional quality. Their in-house printing facilities maintain strict quality standards, resulting in vibrant prints, durable products, and professional packaging that reflects well on your brand.
- Free to use – No monthly fees or minimum orders
- Pay per product – Only charged when customers place orders
- Premium plans available starting at $49/month for enhanced branding and features
Established sellers prioritizing quality and brand consistency, entrepreneurs who want reliable fulfillment, and businesses seeking comprehensive custom branding options.
✓ Highest quality standards in the industry
✓ Extensive product catalog
✓ Own fulfillment centers ensure reliability
✓ Excellent customer support (24/7)
✓ Recent price reductions make it more competitive
✗ Slightly higher base costs than some competitors
✗ Premium branding features require paid plans
2. Printify – Best for Product Variety and Flexibility
Rating: 4.4/5 stars (Used by 4+ million sellers)
Printify takes a different approach from Printful by connecting merchants with a network of over 80 print providers across 100+ locations worldwide. This marketplace model gives you the power to choose your printer based on price, location, and specialty, allowing you to optimize for margins or speed.
- 1,300+ products – Industry’s largest catalog
- 80+ print providers to choose from across 4 continents
- Competitive pricing with transparent comparison between providers
- Mockup generator for creating product visuals
- Eco-friendly product options for sustainable selling
- Global reach with providers in most major markets
- Seamless Shopify integration
Quality varies depending on which print provider you select. Printify rates each provider, allowing you to read reviews and make informed choices. Premium providers typically offer higher quality at slightly higher prices.
- Free Plan – $0/month with standard pricing
- Premium Plan – $29/month (up to 20% discount on products)
- Enterprise Plan – Custom pricing for high-volume sellers
Sellers who want maximum product variety, entrepreneurs optimizing for profit margins, businesses targeting multiple markets globally, and those who value flexibility in choosing print partners.
✓ Largest product catalog in the industry
✓ Compare prices across multiple providers
✓ Find printers closer to your customers
✓ Premium plan offers significant discounts
✓ Great for testing different products
✗ Quality inconsistency between different providers
✗ Managing multiple providers can be complex
✗ Support quality varies by print partner
3. Gelato – Best for Local Production and Sustainability
Rating: 4.7/5 stars
Gelato stands out with its commitment to local production and sustainability. The platform partners with 140 printing experts across 32 countries, using intelligent algorithms to match each order with the print provider closest to your customer. This reduces shipping times, costs, and carbon emissions—a win for both business and the environment.
- Local production in 32 countries for faster delivery
- 140+ print partners strategically located worldwide
- Smart routing algorithm matches orders to nearest printer
- Premium quality especially for wall art and apparel
- Up to 50% lower base prices compared to competitors
- Shutterstock integration for instant access to stock images (premium plans)
- Strong analytics and reporting tools
- Sustainable practices reducing carbon footprint
Gelato maintains high standards through a strict partner vetting process and offers a 100% quality guarantee on all orders. They excel particularly in wall art, prints, and premium apparel.
- Free Plan – $0/month, pay per order
- Gelato+ – $14.99/month (premium features, better prices)
- Gelato+ Gold – $99/month (Shutterstock access, lowest prices)
Eco-conscious brands, sellers targeting international customers, businesses prioritizing fast delivery times, and stores selling wall art or premium prints.
✓ Fastest shipping times globally
✓ Lowest environmental impact
✓ Competitive pricing structure
✓ Excellent for international expansion
✓ Premium quality on art prints
✗ Smaller product catalog than Printful/Printify
✗ Best features require paid plans
4. CustomCat – Best for Fast Shipping and Technology
Rating: 4.3/5 stars
CustomCat differentiates itself through proprietary printing technology and an emphasis on speed. Based in the USA, CustomCat offers some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry, with most orders shipping within 2-3 business days.
- Proprietary printing technology for superior quality
- 2-3 day shipping on most products
- 600+ products including unique items
- US-based fulfillment centers
- No monthly fees or minimum orders
- Easy Shopify integration
- Real-time inventory updates
- 24/7 customer support
CustomCat’s proprietary printing methods result in vibrant colors, sharp details, and durable prints. They particularly excel with direct-to-garment printing for apparel.
- Free to use – No monthly subscription
- Competitive base prices
- Pay per order only
US-based sellers, businesses prioritizing fast delivery, stores focused on apparel, and sellers who want quick fulfillment without monthly fees.
✓ Fastest production times
✓ Superior printing technology
✓ No monthly fees
✓ Excellent customer service
✓ US-based operations
✗ Limited international reach
✗ Smaller product catalog than leaders
✗ Primarily US market focused
5. ShineOn – Best for High-Margin Premium Products
Rating: 4.9/5 stars (589 reviews) – Highest rated POD app
ShineOn takes a completely different approach to print on demand by focusing exclusively on high-margin premium products like personalized jewelry, engraved watches, and luxury gifts. While most POD providers offer t-shirts with $5 profit margins, ShineOn products can net you $40-50+ per sale.
- Premium products only – jewelry, watches, custom gifts
- 5x higher profit margins than typical POD items
- Average $46 profit per sale
- Free training and mentorship programs
- Active community of successful sellers
- Proven product catalog with best-sellers
- Free samples program for testing products
- Comprehensive marketing resources
ShineOn partners with high-quality manufacturers specializing in premium items. Products include message card jewelry, engraved chronograph watches, LED lamps, and luxury gift boxes. Everything is designed to look expensive and gift-worthy.
- Free to join – No monthly fees
- Pay per product – Higher base costs but much higher retail prices
- Sample program available for testing
Sellers targeting gift buyers, entrepreneurs wanting higher profit margins, stores focused on emotional/personalized products, and marketers comfortable with Facebook/Instagram ads.
✓ Highest profit margins in POD (up to $50/sale)
✓ Premium products with perceived high value
✓ Excellent for gift-giving occasions
✓ Strong community and support
✓ Proven product-market fit
✗ Limited product catalog
✗ Higher marketing costs typically needed
✗ Requires understanding of gift market
✗ Not suitable for all niches
Also Read: 7 Best Post Purchase Survey Apps in Shopify
You’ve chosen your POD app ?
Now it’s time to turn first-time buyers into loyal fans.
How to Choose the Right POD App for Your Shopify Store
When selecting a print on demand app, consider these key factors:
Quality is non-negotiable. Order samples from potential providers to evaluate print quality, material durability, and packaging before committing.
Ensure the app offers products that align with your niche. If you’re selling home décor, choose an app with strong offerings in that category.
For businesses managing large inventories or wholesale operations, consider using Shopify catalog apps to create professional product catalogs.
Calculate your potential profit after product costs, shipping, taxes, and platform fees. Use this formula: Retail Price – (Product Cost + Shipping + Fees) = Your Profit
4. Shipping Times and Locations
Fast shipping increases customer satisfaction. Consider where your customers are located and choose a provider with nearby fulfillment centers.
If building a brand is important, look for custom packaging, labels, and inserts. Printful excels here, while others offer limited options.
6. Integration and Ease of Use
All top apps integrate seamlessly with Shopify, but user experience varies. Choose one with an intuitive interface and helpful documentation.
Quality support is crucial when issues arise. Check reviews and test support before committing to a provider.
Tips for Success with Shopify Print on Demand
1. Start with a Clear Niche
Don’t try to sell everything. Focus on a specific audience (dog lovers, nurses, gamers) and create designs that resonate deeply with them.
Build social proof: Collect and showcase Google reviews for your business to build trust and credibility with potential customers.
2. Invest in Quality Designs
Your success hinges on design quality. If you’re not a designer, hire professionals from platforms like Fiverr, 99designs, or Dribbble.
Pro tip: Many successful POD sellers also run dropshipping operations alongside their print on demand stores to diversify their revenue streams.
3. Order Samples
Always order samples before listing products. Check quality, fit, and how designs actually look on products.
4. Optimize Product Descriptions
Write compelling, SEO-optimized descriptions that highlight benefits, not just features. Include size charts and care instructions.
To maximize your organic traffic and visibility, consider using proven SEO apps for Shopify to optimize your product pages and boost search rankings.
5. Build Your Brand
Create a cohesive brand identity with a professional logo, consistent color scheme, and brand story. This builds trust and loyalty.
Enhance your store design: Use professional Shopify page builders to create stunning landing pages and product showcases without coding knowledge.
6. Leverage Social Media Marketing
Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are goldmines for POD businesses. Create engaging content showcasing your products in lifestyle settings.
Expand your reach: Consider setting up an affiliate marketing program to have influencers and content creators promote your products for commission.
7. Focus on Customer Service
Respond quickly to inquiries, handle issues professionally, and go above and beyond. Great service generates repeat customers and referrals.
Gather valuable feedback: Use post-purchase survey apps to collect customer insights and improve your products and service continuously.
8. Test Multiple Products
Don’t put all eggs in one basket. Test various products and designs to identify your winners before scaling.
Track your performance: Implement Shopify analytics apps to monitor which products, designs, and marketing channels deliver the best ROI.
Social proof is critical for POD stores.
With Yuko, you can collect authentic product reviews, showcase customer photos, and build trust
Conclusion
The print on demand industry in 2025 offers unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs to build profitable e-commerce businesses with minimal upfront investment. Whether you’re selling custom t-shirts, premium jewelry, or wall art, there’s a perfect POD app for your Shopify store.
Our Top Recommendations:
- Best Overall: Printful – Unmatched quality and reliability
- Best for Variety: Printify – 1,300+ products to choose from
- Best for Speed & Sustainability: Gelato – Local production and fast shipping
- Best for US Sellers: CustomCat – Fast fulfillment and great technology
- Best for Profits: ShineOn – Premium products with exceptional margins
The key to success isn’t just choosing the right app—it’s combining it with compelling designs, effective marketing, excellent customer service, and persistent optimization. Start with one provider, test products, gather customer feedback, and scale what works.
Remember: every successful POD business started with a single product and a single sale. Your journey begins today. Choose your app, create your first design, and launch your store. The only limit is your creativity and commitment.
Ready to start your print on demand business? Install one of these apps from the Shopify App Store and bring your designs to life!
Also Read:
- Top 5 Shopify Dropshipping Apps in 2025
- 7 Best Shopify Apps for Custom Products
- 13 Best Shopify Themes That Transform Your Store
Frequently Asked Questions
ShineOn offers the highest profit margins, with average profits of $40-50 per sale on premium products like jewelry and watches. However, for traditional products like apparel and accessories, Printify’s network allows you to compare prices and optimize margins across multiple suppliers. Your profitability ultimately depends on your niche, marketing strategy, and ability to drive traffic to your store.
Yes! Many successful sellers use multiple POD apps simultaneously to diversify their product offerings. For example, you might use Printful for premium apparel, Gelato for wall art and prints, and ShineOn for jewelry. This strategy allows you to leverage each provider’s strengths while offering customers a wider variety of products.
Most print on demand apps are free to install and use, with no monthly fees or minimum orders. You only pay when customers purchase products. However, some apps offer premium plans with additional features:
1. Printify Premium ($29/month) – Up to 20% discount on products
2. Gelato+ ($14.99-$99/month) – Better pricing and premium features
3. Printful Growth plans ($49-$99/month) – Enhanced branding options
Free plans are sufficient for most beginners.
Fulfillment times vary by provider and product:
1. Production: 2-7 business days (printing and packaging)
2. Shipping: 3-14 business days (depending on destination and shipping method)
3. Total: 5-21 business days from order to delivery
CustomCat and Gelato typically offer the fastest fulfillment, often delivering within 5-8 business days total.
The product range is extensive and growing. Common categories include:
1. Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, sweatshirts, leggings
2. Accessories: Hats, bags, socks, phone cases, jewelry
3. Home & Living: Mugs, pillows, blankets, wall art, canvas prints
4. Tech: Phone cases, laptop sleeves, mousepads
5. Stationery: Notebooks, stickers, calendars, posters
6. Premium: Watches, jewelry, engraved gifts, LED lamps
Printify offers the largest catalog with 1,300+ products, while specialized apps like ShineOn focus on premium niches.
Startup costs are minimal:
1. Shopify plan: $39-$399/month (Basic plan at $39 is sufficient to start)
2. Domain name: $10-20/year
3. POD apps: Free (pay per order only)
4. Design software: $0-30/month (Canva free, Adobe $30/month)
5. Sample products: $50-200 (test before selling)
6. Marketing: $100-500 initially
Total startup cost: $200-1,000 for the first month, then $50-500/month ongoing (mostly Shopify fees and marketing).
Branding options vary by provider:
1. Extensive Branding (Printful): Custom pack-ins, branded labels, custom packing slips, branded packaging, and tissue paper. Premium plans unlock full white-label capabilities.
2. Limited Branding (Printify, Gelato): Some providers offer basic branding options, but it’s not their primary focus. Usually limited to custom packing slips.
3. Minimal Branding (CustomCat, ShineOn): Basic or no custom packaging options. Products arrive in standard packaging.
If creating a strong brand identity is crucial, Printful is your best choice despite slightly higher costs.
Profit margins vary significantly based on product type and provider:
Standard Products (T-shirts, mugs):
1. Base cost: $10-15
2. Retail price: $25-35
3. Profit: $10-20 per sale (30-40% margin)
Premium Products (Jewelry, watches via ShineOn):
1. Base cost: $20-25
2. Retail price: $60-80
3. Profit: $35-55 per sale (60-70% margin)
Wall Art (through Gelato):
1. Base cost: $15-30
2. Retail price: $40-80
3. Profit: $20-50 per sale (50-60% margin)
Successful POD stores typically maintain 30-50% profit margins after accounting for all costs including marketing.
Yes, all major POD apps offer customer support, but quality varies:
Excellent Support:
1. Printful: 24/7 support via email and chat, extensive knowledge base
2.CustomCat: 24/7 phone and email support with fast response times
Good Support:
1. Gelato: Email support with detailed documentation
2. ShineOn: Active community forums plus dedicated support team
Variable Support:
1. Printify: Support quality depends on your chosen print provider; Printify provides platform support but printing issues go to individual providers
Most issues are resolved within 24-48 hours. Premium plan subscribers often receive priority support.
Absolutely! All five apps featured support international selling:
Global Leaders:
1. Printful: 15 fulfillment centers across US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia, Japan
2. Printify: 100+ locations across 4 continents
3. Gelato: 140 partners in 32 countries with smart local routing
Regional Focus:
1. CustomCat: Primarily US-based but ships internationally with longer times
2. ShineOn: Global shipping available from multiple locations
For serious international expansion, Gelato’s local production model offers the fastest delivery times and lowest shipping costs by producing near your customers.
All reputable POD providers handle defects professionally:
Standard Process:
1. Customer contacts your support
2. You contact POD provider with order details and photos
3. Provider investigates and typically approves replacement or refund
4. New product ships at no cost to you or customer
Provider Policies:
1. Printful: 30-day quality guarantee, easy reshipment process
2. Gelato: 100% quality guarantee on all orders
3. Printify: Varies by print provider (most offer 30-day guarantees)
4. CustomCat: Comprehensive quality assurance program
Most providers cover defects caused by printing or production errors but not damage during shipping (handled by shipping carriers).
