If you’re like me, you probably didn’t get into ecommerce to deal with packing tape, printer errors, and bulk inventory. You wanted freedom — and a business that scales without swallowing your life.
That’s why shirt printing companies in the print-on-demand (POD) space are such a game-changer.
I’ve worked with multiple POD vendors over the years. Some blew me away. Others were a total disaster. So I’ve pulled together everything I’ve learned — plus the most up-to-date research — to break down which shirt printing companies are actually worth your time (and money).
🧵 TL;DR: Best Shirt Printing Companies Compared
| Company | Best For | Print Methods | Integrations | Key Pros | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Printful | Branding + quality | DTG, embroidery, cut & sew | Shopify, Etsy, Woo, Amazon | High-quality products, branding options, global shipping | Higher pricing, peak season delays |
| Printify | Product variety + flexibility | DTG, sublimation, embroidery | Shopify, Etsy, Woo, BigCommerce | 800+ products, global suppliers, volume discount plan | Print quality varies by provider |
| Spring | Creators & low setup | DTG | No native integrations | Built-in marketplace, Boosted Network, no upfront fees | Limited branding, tight margins |
| Spreadshirt | Global selling + eco angle | DTG | Marketplace only | 12+ languages, sustainable focus, artist design community | Crowded marketplace, fewer branding options |
| RedBubble | Artists & passive income | DTG | Marketplace only | Huge audience, no store needed, fully managed support | Low margins, no brand control |
| UberPrints | Quick, small batch orders | DTG, screen, embroidery | No native integrations | No minimums, fast fulfillment, intuitive design tool | Limited ecommerce sync, smaller catalog |
| CustomCat | Fast US shipping + bulk orders | DTG, sublimation, embroidery | Shopify, WooCommerce | 2–3 day shipping, PRO plan discounts, strong apparel lineup | Basic interface, monthly fee for best pricing |
| Apliiq | Fashion-forward & custom branding | Cut & sew, embroidery, private label | Shopify | Full branding (labels, packaging), premium garment options | Higher costs, learning curve |
| TeeLaunch | Budget-friendly Shopify POD | DTG, laser engraving (drinkware) | Shopify | Low base costs, simple setup, fast production | Limited catalog, basic dashboard |
Why Shirt Printing Companies Matter (More Than You Think)
It’s not just about who prints a decent shirt. The company you pick will shape your brand’s experience. Here’s what I mean:
- Bad print quality? You lose customers fast.
- Late shipping? Expect refund requests and angry DMs.
- Limited integrations? More manual work, less scaling.
Print-on-demand changes that. You can sell without holding inventory, and only pay when you sell. It’s low-risk, high-flexibility — but only if you choose the right partner.
What makes one company better than the rest? These are the things I always look for:
- Quality printing that doesn’t fade or crack
- Fast, reliable shipping across multiple regions
- Seamless ecommerce integrations (Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce)
- Real customer service (not just an FAQ page)
- Branding options (labels, packaging, inserts)
- Decent margins after costs
My Top Picks: Best Shirt Printing Companies Right Now
Here’s a breakdown of the best shirt printing companies I’ve used or researched in detail. These companies are all POD-focused, ecommerce-friendly, and ideal for custom apparel.
1. Printful – Best Overall for Branding and Quality
Printful is the gold standard for POD businesses that care about brand experience. From day one, I could tell they were built with ecommerce entrepreneurs in mind.
The interface is clean, their customer support is responsive, and their product quality holds up after multiple washes — which is something most providers can’t guarantee.
What I like:
- Over 400 apparel SKUs, including premium streetwear brands like AS Colour, Bella+Canvas, and Champion
- White-label branding: Add custom neck labels, pack-ins, branded packaging slips — great for brand perception
- Automated order syncing with major ecommerce platforms
- Mockup generator that saves time when launching new designs
- Built-in order tracking for customers — no guessing
More standout features:
- Warehousing & fulfillment service: Store your own inventory in their warehouse and they’ll fulfill hybrid orders (POD + stocked)
- Global fulfillment centers: US, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia — cuts shipping time and costs
- Print-on-demand & embroidery: Useful if you're launching premium polos or hats
Pricing:
You can get started for free. You only pay for the items and shipping when orders come in.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Product Type | Base Cost (Approx.) | Shipping (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Gildan 64000 T-shirt | $13.95 | ~$3.99 |
| Bella+Canvas 3001 Tee | $16.50 | ~$3.99 |
| Embroidered Hoodie | $30+ | ~$6.50 |
Who it’s best for:
- Growing brands that want consistent quality + brand control
- Store owners using Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, etc.
- Anyone scaling and needing professional support, tracking, and quality control
2. Printify – Best for Product Variety and Price Flexibility
Printify is like the Amazon of print-on-demand — massive catalog, lots of vendors, and tons of flexibility. Unlike Printful, Printify doesn’t do the printing themselves.
Instead, they connect you with different print providers, which means you get more control over cost and speed — but also more responsibility to choose the right supplier.
What I like:
- Over 800 product options: Apparel, mugs, accessories, wall art, and more
- Huge print provider network: Choose based on cost, location, or reviews
- Premium plan ($24.99/mo): Gives you 20% off product base cost — huge if you’re selling volume
- Multiple print types: DTG, sublimation, embroidery, AOP, cut & sew
- Integrates with major platforms: Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce
Extra features worth noting:
- Automatic order routing: If a supplier goes out of stock, orders can be rerouted (if enabled)
- Printify API: For developers or custom ecommerce setups
- Mockup generator: Not as sleek as Printful, but gets the job done
Pricing:
Free to use. Premium plan for sellers doing volume can save serious money.
| Product Type | Price Range (Base) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Tee (US supplier) | $9–$13 | Cheapest with Premium |
| Embroidered Hoodie | $25–$35 | Provider dependent |
| AOP Leggings | $21–$27 | Higher margins potential |
Who it’s best for:
- Sellers who want low-cost sourcing + variety
- Store owners testing different niches and SKUs
- International sellers using localized suppliers for faster shipping
Tip: Always order samples from multiple suppliers. The best-looking mockups don’t mean anything if the actual product feels like sandpaper.
3. Spring (formerly Teespring) – Great for Creators and Low Overhead
Spring is super creator-friendly. If you’re a YouTuber, TikToker, or artist trying to monetise your audience fast — without building an entire store — Spring is a solid pick.
What sets it apart is the built-in marketplace and promotion tools. You can upload your designs, set pricing, and they’ll handle everything else — including customer service, order fulfillment, and even promoting your products.
What I like:
- No setup or monthly fees — great if you’re starting from scratch
- Embedded storefronts on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch
- Boosted Network: Option to list your items on Amazon, Etsy, and more for extra reach (small fee applies)
- Charity donations: Add causes to your merch campaigns and give back
What else you get:
- Instant payouts: Choose your payout method and get paid automatically
- Basic design tool + mockups: Enough for beginners
- Cross-channel promotion tools: Easily promote designs across multiple platforms
Pricing:
No base fee. You only pay for product + fulfillment, and earn a profit from the margin you set.
| Item | Base Cost | Avg Retail Price | Profit Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unisex Tee | ~$13 | $22–$26 | $7–$13 |
| Hoodie | ~$25 | $40+ | $10–$15 |
Who it’s best for:
- Content creators, artists, influencers
- People who want plug-and-play merch sales
- Those with an audience but no ecommerce site
4. Spreadshirt
Spreadshirt makes it easy to get your designs out to international customers without having to worry about translations, logistics, or complex shipping rules.
What I loved about Spreadshirt is the multi-language support, which makes it ideal for targeting non-English speaking audiences. If you’re selling in the EU or global markets, this platform can give you reach fast.
What I like:
- Create listings in 12+ languages
- Access a community of designers for built-in design support
- Sustainable production methods — great for eco-conscious brands
- Customizable storefront or sell via the Spreadshirt marketplace
Unique extras:
- Commission model or pricing control — choose how you get paid
- Built-in marketing exposure — get listed in organic product searches
- Design templates from a huge global artist base
Pricing:
You can choose between setting your own prices (earning per sale) or using their commission-based model.
| Product | Cost (Est.) | Earnings (Markup) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirt | ~$14 | You set the markup | Marketplace or own store |
| Hoodie | ~$28 |
Who it’s best for:
- International sellers looking for localisation + exposure
- Artists who want access to a global creative marketplace
- Anyone promoting an eco-conscious brand message
5. RedBubble
RedBubble is one of the easiest ways to get started if you’re an artist or creative without an existing store. It’s a fully managed POD marketplace, and your only job is uploading designs.
It takes care of all the backend mess: order fulfillment, shipping, returns, and even customer communication. The downside? It’s competitive, and you don’t get much control over your brand.
What I like:
- Built-in traffic: Millions of shoppers search RedBubble for unique designs
- Huge product catalog: T-shirts, mugs, stickers, home decor, phone cases
- Free to join, and no upfront investment
- Hands-off fulfillment + support
Also notable:
- You can order samples to test quality
- Great for testing design popularity without risk
- Offers a money-back guarantee for customers — builds trust
Pricing:
You don’t set the base cost — you set your markup percentage.
| Product | Base Price | Avg Sale Price | Typical Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Tee | ~$16.50 | $22–$25 | ~$5–$8 |
| Premium Tee | ~$20+ | $28+ | ~$6–$10 |
Who it’s best for:
- Freelance designers, illustrators, creatives
- People testing ideas for passive income
- Merch sellers with no interest in managing a store
6. UberPrints
UberPrints is the go-to platform if you want quick, low-commitment custom apparel. I’ve used it for team shirts and small events where I needed fast printing and delivery without dealing with store integrations.
They offer customization without minimums, and their online design tool is super intuitive — even if you’ve never touched Photoshop in your life.
What I like:
- No order minimums — print just 1 shirt
- Multiple print options: Digital, screen, and embroidery
- Fast turnaround — usually ships in 2–3 days
- Great for one-offs, local projects, or merch experiments
Additional features:
- Live pricing calculator while designing
- Add clip art or upload your own art
- Volume discounts if you’re ordering for a team or event
Pricing:
You pay per shirt. Costs drop with higher quantities.
| Quantity | Price (Per Tee) | Print Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 | $17–$20 | DTG |
| 6–24 | $14–$17 | Screen Print |
| 25+ | Custom Quote | Screen/Embroidery |
Who it’s best for:
- Event organizers or small batch merch drops
- Creators who need quick fulfillment without integrations
- Local businesses printing staff uniforms or promo shirts
7. CustomCat – Best for Speed and Bulk Orders
CustomCat is one of the fastest POD fulfillment platforms I’ve used. If speed is your top priority — especially for US-based orders — this company delivers. Their facility in Detroit ships most orders within 2–3 business days, which is much faster than many others.
Their catalog isn't as pretty as Printful or Printify’s, but it’s got the essentials — and the quality is solid for the price. They offer both Direct to Garment (DTG) and sublimation printing, with over 300+ apparel and lifestyle items.
What I like:
- Fast US-based fulfillment (2–3 days on average)
- Over 300 products, including Gildan, Bella+Canvas, Hanes, and Next Level
- Integrates directly with Shopify and WooCommerce
- Offers bulk printing discounts
Extra features:
- Built-in mockup tool
- Custom branding available for an additional fee
- API access for developers and custom stores
Pricing:
CustomCat has two plans:
- Free plan: Pay per item (e.g., ~$13 for a tee)
- PRO plan ($30/mo): Gives you access to cheaper base pricing (e.g., ~$8 per tee)
| Plan | Basic Tee Cost | Fulfillment Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ~$13 | 2–3 business days |
| PRO ($30/mo) | ~$7.99 | 2–3 business days |
Who it’s best for:
- High-volume sellers who want better margins
- Shopify stores focused on fast delivery in the US
- Brands with bulk demand and quick turnaround needs
8. Apliiq – Best for Custom Cut & Sew & Fashion Brands
If you’re going for that streetwear or fashion-forward vibe — and you want your apparel to actually look unique — Apliiq is worth a look. They specialise in cut & sew customisation, custom labels, and branded packaging.
Unlike most POD platforms that just slap your design on a tee, Apliiq lets you build something more boutique. They’ll even sew in your custom tags and allow for things like embroidered logos on sleeves or hems.
What I like:
- Real cut & sew garment customisation
- Woven labels, printed neck tags, embroidery — full branding control
- Works great for limited drops, fashion startups, and premium brands
- US-based printing in Los Angeles and Philadelphia
Extra features:
- Private label support for clothing lines
- Shopify integration and automated order sync
- Sample program to get discounts on test runs
Pricing:
You can start free, then pay per product — or sign up for their Brand Plan for full access to private labelling and wholesale rates.
| Service | Base Price (Tee) | Branding Options |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Tee | ~$13–$18 | Yes (custom tags, labels) |
| Embroidered Tee | ~$22–$30+ | Yes |
Who it’s best for:
- Streetwear brands, boutique fashion, or clothing startups
- Sellers who want customised cuts, premium details, and full branding
- Shopify stores needing print + fulfilment + brand presentation
9. TeeLaunch – Best Budget-Friendly Shopify POD App
TeeLaunch is a no-frills, budget-friendly POD app designed primarily for Shopify users. If you're after lower-cost base pricing without sacrificing decent print quality, TeeLaunch delivers.
While it doesn’t have the largest catalog or the fanciest dashboard, it does one thing really well: simple product creation + cheap printing — especially for sellers just starting out or looking to test a niche.
What I like:
- Cheaper base costs than most competitors
- Decent apparel + drinkware + accessories catalog
- Integrated directly with Shopify
- Quick production time (3–5 business days)
Also worth noting:
- Offers laser engraving on some drinkware
- Bulk order discounts available for bigger stores
- In-house support based in the US
Pricing:
No monthly fees. You just install the Shopify app and pay per product.
| Item Type | Base Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unisex Tee | ~$8.50 | Great starter margin |
| Hoodie | ~$20 | Basic materials, reliable |
| Tumblers/Mugs | ~$12–$18 | Optional laser engraving |
Who it’s best for:
- Shopify stores on a budget
- Sellers testing new product lines
- Beginners wanting easy-to-use POD tools without added fees
Choosing the Best T-Shirt Printing Company
Whether you’re searching for the best DTG printing company for creating quality custom t-shirts, or you’re simply looking for an easy-to-use POD solution, there’s something for every business online today. The solutions above will make it easy to add next level designs to a range of products, with customization options for everything from fonts to colors.
With most of the options above, you can even order samples of your items, to ensure they’re good quality before start shipping them to your customers. Plus, some vendors allow you to add extra branding elements to your packages, such as business cards with social media details, branding packaging slips, and labels.
If you’re looking for some alternatives to the options above, consider:
- Vistaprint
- Café Press
- Design Hill
- Broken Arrow Wear
- Custom Ink
The right option for you will depend on your needs, but we recommend always prioritizing things like fast turnaround for your customers, excellent materials, and fantastic customer service.
FAQs
Can I use more than one printing company at the same time?
Yes. I’ve used Printful for high-end products and Printify for budget-friendly ones in the same store.
What’s the most beginner-friendly shirt printing company?
Spring or Printful — they both offer easy interfaces and solid documentation.
Do I need a Shopify store to use these platforms?
Not all. RedBubble and Spring let you sell directly through their marketplaces. But if you want full control and brand ownership, having your own store is best.
Is shirt printing profitable in 2025?
Absolutely — especially if you’re targeting a niche, building a strong brand, and keeping your margins healthy with the right partner.
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