Printify vs Gelato: Which Print-on-Demand Platform Should You Choose?
A detailed comparison between Printify and Gelato — two of the most popular print-on-demand platforms — covering pricing, fulfillment, integrations, sustainability, and overall value for creators and eCommerce sellers.
Quick Verdict
- Choose Printify if you want access to hundreds of print providers, competitive pricing options, and global flexibility for comparing costs and quality.
- Choose Gelato if you want local production, eco-conscious fulfillment, and a platform built for global scaling with sustainable logistics.
At a Glance
| Category | Printify | Gelato |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Sellers wanting flexibility and lowest production cost options | Sellers focused on fast, sustainable, and local fulfillment |
| Fulfillment Network | 100+ print providers worldwide (US, EU, Asia, UK, AU) | 130+ local production partners across 30+ countries |
| Integrations | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, eBay, TikTok Shop | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, API |
| Sustainability | On-demand production minimizes waste | Local printing reduces carbon footprint up to 90% |
| Product Catalog | 800+ products (apparel, home decor, accessories, stationery, drinkware) | 400+ products (apparel, wall art, stationery, mugs, phone cases, and more) |
| Branding Options | Vary by provider (some offer custom labels and packaging) | Custom branding available for invoices and sender details |
Overview
Printify is one of the largest print-on-demand networks, connecting sellers with over a hundred print providers worldwide. Its key advantage is flexibility — you can compare costs, print methods, and production times before selecting a partner. Printify’s Premium plan further reduces base prices, boosting your profit margins.
Gelato focuses on local production and sustainability. By using nearby fulfillment centers, it shortens delivery times and reduces carbon emissions. The platform is highly automated and business-friendly, making it a strong contender for global eCommerce sellers who care about eco-conscious logistics and scalability.
Production & Print Quality
Printify lets you choose from multiple print partners — which can lead to variations in print quality and packaging. However, this flexibility allows sellers to test different vendors for the best quality-to-cost ratio.
Gelato works with certified local printers to ensure consistent quality and fast production. Its automation routes orders to the closest facility, reducing shipping times and improving delivery reliability.
Pricing & Value
Printify offers free and premium plans. The Premium tier (around $29/month) gives users up to 20% off all base prices — ideal for stores with steady monthly sales. You can also preview shipping rates and compare costs between print partners before ordering.
Gelato is free to start, but the Gelato+ Gold subscription provides lower pricing, additional design tools, and improved brand customization. Because it prints locally, sellers often save on international shipping costs and customs fees.
Sustainability Focus
Printify reduces waste by operating on a made-to-order model, preventing overproduction. However, it relies more on centralized and partner-based fulfillment, which may result in longer shipping distances for international buyers.
Gelato is built around sustainability — their model prints products as close to the customer as possible, drastically reducing CO₂ emissions. They also offer FSC-certified paper and support eco-packaging initiatives.
Who Should Choose Which?
Go with Printify if you:
- Want maximum flexibility and supplier options
- Sell in multiple regions with variable pricing strategies
- Prefer to manage print providers manually to optimize profit
Go with Gelato if you:
- Want local printing and faster delivery to global customers
- Prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly production
- Need a simple, automated fulfillment setup
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