Gelato vs Printful: Which Print-on-Demand Platform Is Right for You?
Comparing two leading POD platforms — Gelato and Printful — on pricing, product range, shipping, integrations, and sustainability for creative entrepreneurs and eCommerce brands.
Quick Verdict
- Choose Gelato if you prioritize local production, eco-friendly fulfillment, and global shipping efficiency with transparent sustainability metrics.
- Choose Printful if you value a massive product catalog, strong branding options, and reliable quality with advanced integrations for major eCommerce platforms.
At a Glance
| Category | Gelato | Printful |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Eco-conscious sellers and global shippers | Premium brands needing wide catalogs and branding tools |
| Product Catalog | Apparel, wall art, stationery, mugs, phone cases, and more | Apparel, accessories, home decor, wall art, jewelry, and more |
| Fulfillment Network | 130+ production partners in 30 countries | 15+ in-house and partner facilities worldwide |
| Integrations | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, and API | Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, eBay, Wix, WooCommerce, Squarespace, and more |
| Sustainability | Local production reduces CO₂ by up to 90%; FSC® certified paper | Eco-conscious materials and on-demand model reduce waste |
| Branding Options | Packing slips and sender labels with your brand name | Branded pack-ins, labels, and inserts; warehousing available |
Overview
Gelato has quickly grown into a global POD platform known for its sustainable approach. It connects creators to a distributed network of local printers, reducing shipping distance, cost, and carbon footprint. Its intuitive dashboard makes it easy to create, manage, and track orders across 200+ countries.
Printful remains one of the most established POD brands in the world. It offers a massive catalog, high-quality mockups, and deep integrations with eCommerce platforms. For sellers who want brand control, packaging options, and a trusted reputation, Printful is a top-tier choice.
Production & Print Quality
Gelato leverages local print partners using advanced digital print technologies for consistency. Their proximity-based routing ensures faster delivery and reduced carbon emissions.
Printful runs its own facilities alongside trusted partners. Quality control is rigorous, with DTG, sublimation, and embroidery standards that rival retail-quality prints. You can even store your own inventory in their warehouses for faster order fulfillment.
Pricing & Profitability
Gelato uses a region-based pricing model. Sellers can take advantage of local production to lower shipping fees and import costs. The platform offers a Gelato+ Gold subscription for extra discounts and automation tools.
Printful tends to have higher base prices but compensates with premium quality and customer confidence. Its Printful Membership can unlock discounts for frequent sellers and bulk fulfillment savings.
Sustainability Commitment
Gelato is the clear leader here. Their mission revolves around making global production local. By printing closer to your customers, they minimize carbon emissions and waste. They also support FSC-certified paper and sustainable packaging initiatives.
Printful also invests in eco-friendly processes, using water-based inks and on-demand production to eliminate excess stock, though its central production model is less localized than Gelato’s.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Gelato if you:
- Value sustainability and global reach
- Want to reduce shipping times and emissions
- Sell primarily to international audiences
Choose Printful if you:
- Need a large product catalog and branding tools
- Prefer direct integrations with Amazon and eBay
- Run a premium brand or established online store
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you open these sites in a new tab and make a purchase, PODSellers may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.