Top five Shopify print on demand apps for 2024

As we sail into 2024, the print on demand (POD) landscape on Shopify is more vibrant and competitive than ever. With the global POD market expected to soar, selecting the right app for your Shopify store has become a crucial decision that could define your brand’s success. 

Available on the Shopify App Store, these platforms not only offer an array of customizable products – from trendy t-shirts and mugs to sleek phone cases and captivating wall art – but also bring to the table advanced personalization studios, seamless Shopify integration, and an emphasis on sustainability. 

Let's dive into the top five Shopify POD apps that are setting the stage for a creative and profitable 2024, empowering entrepreneurs to effortlessly bring their vision to life and captivate customers worldwide.

• Gelato offers global local production in 32 countries, reducing shipping costs and times, promoting sustainability, and letting creators sell print on demand products without any upfront costs. 

• Printify provides a vast network of global print providers and eco-friendly product options.

• Printful focuses on high-quality products with customizable branding options and global fulfillment.

• CustomCat delivers fast shipping and superior quality through proprietary printing technology.

• SPOD ensures the fastest production times in the industry with a strong commitment to sustainability.

Discover the five best Shopify print on demand apps in 2024, revolutionizing how entrepreneurs sell custom products. From quality to integration, these apps are leading the ecommerce transformation.

1. Gelato

Gelato is a global print on demand platform that allows businesses and individuals to create and sell custom products online. It distinguishes itself from local production in 32 countries, which can significantly reduce shipping times and costs. 

Gelato offers a wide range of products that can be customized with unique designs, including apparel, accessories, home decor, and more.

Pricing plans

• Free plan: $0/month

• Gelato+: $24/month or $239/year

• Gold: $119/month, or $1185/year

• Platinum: Custom pricing model

Order shipping and fulfillment options

Gelato's global network of production facilities allows for local fulfillment, meaning products are produced closer to the end customer. This model helps reduce shipping times and costs and minimize customs duties and environmental impact. Gelato offers several shipping options, ranging from standard to express, depending on how quickly you or your customers need the products.

Printing options

The platform supports a variety of printing techniques, including Direct-to-Garment (DTG), dye sublimation, embroidery, and more, depending on the product. This flexibility allows for a wide range of custom products, from highly detailed designs on apparel to vibrant prints on mugs and phone cases.

Product options

Gelato offers a broad array of products for customization, including but not limited to t-shirts, mugs, wall art, phone cases, and photo books. The selection can vary, with new items being added periodically to meet demand and trends.

Unique features

• Easy integration: Gelato can be integrated with popular ecommerce platforms and marketplaces, simplifying the process of selling custom products.

• 24/7 customer support: Ensures that you can get help whenever you need it.

Who it's best for

Gelato is ideal for entrepreneurs, artists, and creators looking to sell custom products online without the hassle of inventory management, production, and shipping. It's also suitable for businesses of all sizes that want to offer personalized products to their customers or for promotional purposes.

2. Printify

Printify is a popular print on demand company that enables entrepreneurs to sell a diverse product range without worrying about inventory or shipping. The service connects sellers with a vast network of print providers worldwide, offering a wide range of high-quality products. 

It's designed to be user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and established businesses looking to expand their product offerings.

Pricing plans

Printify offers a flexible pricing model with three main plans:

• Free: $0/month, ideal for merchants starting out, offering unlimited product designs.

• Premium: $24.99/month (billed annually), targeted at merchants with growing sales, including up to 20% discounts on all products.

• Enterprise: Custom pricing for high-volume merchants, offering unlimited stores per account, additional discounts, and more tailored solutions.

Order shipping and fulfillment options

Printify provides comprehensive shipping rates through its network of print providers, offering both domestic and international shipping options. The platform automates the entire process, from order placement to delivery, ensuring products reach customers efficiently.

Printing options

Printify supports a variety of printing methods to cater to different product needs and design requirements. These include Direct-to-Garment (DTG), All-Over-Print (AOP, aka sublimation), digital printing, and embroidery, ensuring high-quality product outcomes.

Product options

With over 800 products in its catalog, Printify offers one of the largest ranges of items available for customization. Merchants can choose from apparel like t-shirts and hoodies to tech accessories and homeware, including mugs and phone cases, allowing for a diverse product lineup.

Unique features

• Global print provider network: Access to over 110 printing locations worldwide.

• Custom branding options: Enables businesses to enhance their brand identity through custom packaging and branding slips.

• Eco-friendly options: Printify also offers a selection of eco-friendly products, promoting sustainability.

• Seamless integration: Easy integration with Shopify and other major ecommerce platforms for a smooth operation.

Who it's best for

Printify is best suited for entrepreneurs at any level, from those just starting out to established businesses looking to scale up. Its user-friendly platform, extensive product range, and flexible pricing make it a decent choice for anyone looking to enter or expand in the print on demand market.

3. Printful

Printful is a print on demand and dropshipping platform that enables businesses of all sizes to sell custom products without the need for inventory. It offers a wide array of products and integrates seamlessly with Shopify. 

Printful stands out for its easy setup, unmatched quality, competitive pricing, and extensive catalog of products that include clothing, accessories, and home goods.

Pricing plans

Printful offers a $24.99/month plan with a 14-day free trial, providing up to 30% off all products and additional discounts on product branding, alongside unlimited stores.

Order shipping and fulfillment options

Printful provides comprehensive shipping options that include both domestic and international fulfillment. The platform automatically handles the fulfillment process once an order is placed, offering a seamless integration with Shopify that ensures orders are processed and shipped efficiently.

Printing options

Printful offers a variety of printing methods, including Direct-to-Garment (DTG), embroidery, sublimation, and more, to ensure high-quality outcomes for a wide range of products. This versatility in printing techniques allows for greater flexibility in product design and customization.

Product options

The platform boasts an extensive product catalog that ranges from apparel, like t-shirts and hoodies, to accessories and home & living items. With Printful, merchants can easily expand their product offerings to include unique items such as custom jewelry, shoes, and even bedding.

Unique features

• High-quality products: Printful focuses on providing products of unmatched quality.

• Custom branding options: It allows businesses to enhance their branding with custom packaging and inserts.

• Global fulfillment: With facilities around the world, Printful offers efficient shipping to a global customer base.

• No minimums: Printful's model supports selling products with no minimum order quantity, making it ideal for testing new product ideas.

Who it's best for

Given its scalable model, extensive product range, and robust integration capabilities, Printful is particularly well-suited for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes looking to dive into or expand their online ecommerce presence with custom products. It's an ideal platform for those who prioritize quality, flexibility, and global reach in their print on demand operations.

4. CustomCat

CustomCat is a print on demand service known for its wide range of product offerings and customization options. It allows entrepreneurs to easily create and sell custom products online, handling everything from printing to shipping directly to customers. 

CustomCat distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on quality and efficiency, catering to both small businesses and larger enterprises.

Pricing plans

• CustomCat Lite: Free

• CustomCat Pro: $30 per month or $25 per month when paid annually

Order shipping and fulfillment options

CustomCat is reputed for its fast and reliable shipping services. They offer international shipping options, allowing merchants to sell their products globally. The company prides itself on its efficient fulfillment processes, which ensure products are printed and shipped promptly.

Printing options

CustomCat offers several printing technologies, including Direct-to-Garment (DTG), embroidery, and dye sublimation, among others. This versatility enables merchants to offer a wide range of custom products, from apparel to accessories and home goods.

Product options

With one of the largest product catalogs in the print on demand industry, CustomCat allows merchants to choose from hundreds of products. This includes unique apparel options, accessories, and various home and living products.

Unique features

• DIGISOFT™ printing: CustomCat has developed a proprietary printing technology that promises higher quality prints that are more vibrant and durable than traditional POD methods.

• Wide range of products: Offering one of the most extensive selections of products available for customization.

• Integration: Seamless integration with major ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, makes it easy for merchants to add products to their stores and manage orders.

Who it's best for

CustomCat is ideal for merchants of all sizes looking to offer various custom products. It is particularly well-suited for those who prioritize product quality and efficient fulfillment. Whether you are just starting out or looking to expand your existing product line, CustomCat offers scalable solutions to meet your dropshipping business needs.

5. SPOD

SPOD, powered by Spreadshirt, offers a dynamic print on demand and dropshipping service designed to bring creative product ideas to life. With nearly 20 years of presence in the industry, SPOD stands out for its commitment to quality, speed, and global reach. 

Their platform is designed to be user-friendly, enabling entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes to easily create and sell custom products online.

Pricing plans

SPOD operates on a model that does not require upfront fees, subscriptions, or monthly charges. Their business model is focused on transaction-based pricing, where you pay for the product and printing costs once a sale is made. This approach allows for a risk-free entry into ecommerce for businesses of all sizes.

Order shipping and fulfillment options

SPOD boasts one of the fastest production times in the POD industry. This efficiency ensures rapid delivery to customers. They have production facilities in both the US and Europe, allowing for a broad and efficient global reach while maintaining a local feel in product delivery.

Printing options

SPOD utilizes advanced printing technologies, including Direct-to-Garment (DTG), to produce high-quality prints. Their commitment to quality is evident in the vibrant and durable outcomes of their printed products, catering to a wide range of custom product needs.

Product options

The platform offers a diverse range of products, from apparel like t-shirts and hoodies to accessories and home goods. SPOD continually updates its product catalog to include innovative and on-trend items, providing businesses with fresh opportunities to expand their offerings.

Unique features

• Under 48-hour production: Exceptionally fast order processing and production times.

• Global reach with local production: Facilities in the US and Europe to efficiently serve global customers.

• High-quality products: A strong emphasis on product quality without compromising on price.

• Sustainability: A commitment to sustainable production practices, including the use of water-saving printing techniques and OEKO-TEX-certified vegan inks.

Who it's best for

SPOD is ideal for Shopify store owners looking for a reliable, fast, and high-quality print on demand service. It caters to those who value rapid production and delivery times, global reach, and a commitment to sustainability. 

Whether you are a budding entrepreneur looking to test a new product idea or an established brand aiming to expand your product line, SPOD provides the tools and support needed to succeed in the competitive ecommerce landscape.

Selecting the best print on demand (POD) app for your Shopify store involves weighing several critical factors. Here's a condensed guide:

Key considerations:

• Product quality and range: Ensure a diverse and high-quality product lineup.

• Production and shipping: Opt for providers offering swift services.

• Pricing and profit margins: Look for competitive pricing to maintain good margins.

• Global reach: Choose services with international production and shipping capabilities.

• Ease of use: Seek seamless Shopify integration and user-friendly interfaces.

• Customization options: Prioritize apps offering extensive design and customization tools.

• Sustainability: Consider eco-friendly and ethical production practices.

Gelato’s unique offering:

Gelato offers a standout solution for Shopify stores with its global network, ensuring fast local production and shipping, a wide range of high-quality products, and competitive pricing. Its easy integration, commitment to sustainability, and extensive customization options make it an ideal partner for businesses aiming to scale globally while maintaining eco-conscious practices.

By focusing on these aspects, you can choose a POD provider like Gelato that aligns with your business needs and values.

Choose Gelato for your Shopify print on demand needs and unlock a world of possibilities. From high-quality t-shirts and mugs to unique wall art, phone cases, and photo books, Gelato offers an extensive range of products to delight your customers. 

With easy integration into Shopify, Gelato streamlines the process of creating and selling custom products, making it easier for you to focus on growing your brand. 

Sign up for Gelato today and choose a subscription plan that aligns with your business needs and objectives, setting the stage for unparalleled success.