Gelato’s one of the few POD platforms that actually levels up every time you check back in.
It’s fast, it’s global, and it leans into sustainability without turning it into a buzzword.
But as powerful as Gelato is, it’s not always the perfect match for every creator or business.
Some sellers want more control over their branding, others need different printing methods, and many are looking for eCommerce platforms that let them fully own their online shop.
If that sounds like you, we have 10 Gelato alternatives that you might be interested in. Each with its own strengths depending on whether you’re building a creator brand, a corporate swag program, or a niche Etsy shop.
Gelato isn’t just another online printing service; it’s a platform with a clear vision: faster production, smarter order fulfillment, and a cleaner environmental footprint.
The company differentiates itself by using a wide catalog of third-party providers (140+ partners across 30+ countries), routing every order to the closest facility for faster delivery, lower costs, and fewer carbon emissions.
This approach makes Gelato especially attractive for online businesses in Europe and global sellers who want reliable delivery without customs delays.
Although its product catalog isn’t the largest in the POD space, its focus on high-quality prints across clothing, hoodies, accessories, and wall art makes it a favorite for sellers who prioritize quality over sheer volume.
However, where Gelato really shines is its software ecosystem.
The platform combines an intuitive interface with serious professional features, giving merchants the ability to scale with confidence.
And unlike some of its competitors, Gelato consistently invests in new design tools and sales features, helping merchants grow beyond the basics of uploading artwork and shipping products.
Together, these qualities make Gelato more than just a fulfillment partner; they position it as a growth-focused platform built to support both small Etsy shops and scaling eCommerce businesses.
Below are some more standout features and tools that highlight why Gelato continues to be a go-to choice for sellers worldwide.
The Gelato Design Studio gives sellers access to templates, fonts, and millions of Shutterstock images to create standout listings.
You can preview designs on multiple product types and rely on built-in image quality checks to avoid low-resolution uploads. These design tools make it easier to polish your brand without hiring a designer.
Gelato connects seamlessly with top eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Amazon, Squarespace, Wix, and even TikTok (in select regions).
These integrations make it easy to sync orders, display live shipping rates, and streamline order fulfillment. For larger ecommerce businesses or tech-savvy brands, Gelato also offers a secure API, giving you total flexibility.
With a worldwide network of providers and facilities, Gelato minimizes shipping times and costs.
Standard shipping usually arrives in 3–5 business days, while expedited options deliver in as little as 1–2 days in some regions.
Pre-configured shipping profiles allow sellers to balance competitive pricing with faster delivery.
Eco-conscious selling isn’t optional anymore; it’s expected. Gelato reduces emissions from long-haul printing services by using local production.
Many products use eco-certified inks and materials, aligning with consumer demand for greener, customizable products.
A standout feature, the Personalization Studio allows your customers to customize their own products by adding names, photos, or text to items like clothing, hoodies, and wall art.
This hands-off system integrates directly with your online store or Etsy store, automatically sending custom orders to production without extra work from you.
Gelato partners only with trusted printing services and manufacturers, ensuring every item, from posters to apparel, meets consistently high standards.
Sellers often highlight Gelato's strength in wall art and paper-based products, which offer premium materials and high-quality prints.
Beyond the basics, Gelato continues to expand with CreateAI-style features like automatic mockup generation, one-click product launches, and store migration tools.
These extras help both beginners and scaling sellers run smoother online businesses and spend less time managing operations.
Gelato keeps its pricing flexible, making it accessible whether you’re just starting an Etsy store, running a growing Shopify store, or managing multiple eCommerce businesses at scale.
The platform offers a free entry point with pay-as-you-go printing services, along with tiered plans that unlock deeper discounts, branding upgrades, and advanced sales tools.
Overall, Gelato is a strong option for creators, established brands, and even agencies looking for a POD platform that balances quality, scalability, and sustainability.
When it comes to print-on-demand, Gelato has plenty going for it in terms of speed and innovation.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for those looking for wider product selection, better branding control, or more flexible integrations to scale their business.
For some sellers, its limitations can be dealbreakers depending on what you’re trying to build or how your eCommerce business is set up.
Here are some areas where Gelato falls short:
Gelato’s product catalog sits at just over 250 customizable products, which is significantly smaller than platforms like Printify (1,300+) or Printful (600+).
While its lineup covers staples like clothing, hoodies, wall art, and accessories, you won’t find much in the way of niche products like shoes, jewelry, candles, or supplements.
On top of that, Gelato supports DTG and embroidery, but it lacks the wider variety of printing methods (like screen printing, sublimation at scale, or specialty finishes) that some competitors offer.
For sellers looking to experiment with more unique products or premium print techniques, this narrower range can feel restrictive.
Gelato relies on dynamic routing, automatically assigning orders to the closest or most cost-effective provider.
While this supports faster delivery and lower emissions, it also means you don’t always know which facility is producing your products.
Some merchants prefer platforms that let them choose specific providers for consistency, or that offer deeper branding and packaging customization right out of the box.
If building a fully branded experience is a top priority, Gelato’s limited packaging options may not go far enough.
Gelato integrates well with major platforms like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, and even Amazon.
However, if your sales strategy relies heavily on newer channels like TikTok Shop or if you require highly specialized integrations for marketing and analytics, other eCommerce platforms may be a better fit for your stack.
Gelato recently cut many of its base costs, making its pricing more competitive than it used to be.
However, depending on your order volume, you may find subscription perks or volume discounts on platforms like Printify Premium or Printful Growth to deliver better long-term margins.
For high-volume sellers or agencies managing multiple online stores, those savings can add up quickly.
At the end of the day, Gelato is a strong choice for creators and brands that want reliable fulfillment, eco-conscious practices, and consistently polished results.
That being said, if your shop relies on a broader mix of products, more custom packaging options, or a wider range of sales channel connections, you may be better served by exploring other platforms that offer greater flexibility as your business grows.
Gelato feels like a platform built for people who don’t just want to sell merch, but want it to arrive quickly, look professional, and not trash the planet in the process.
By tapping into local production partners around the world, you can make shipping smoother and give your customers peace of mind that their orders won’t be delayed for weeks.
Its design tools are simple to use, but powerful enough that you don’t need to outsource creative work just to make a product look polished.
The trade-off is that you’re working within a smaller catalog, and you don’t always get full say over where or how things are produced.
If you’re the type who wants absolute control over every detail, from packaging to print methods, you may feel boxed in. Luckily, there are other POD platform alternatives that might just tailor perfectly to your needs.
Fourthwall isn't just your typical print-on-demand service; it's a comprehensive all-in-one platform that gives creators the tools to design, market, and grow their brand under one roof.
You’ll find professional-grade printing options like direct-to-garment, sublimation, embroidery, and screen printing, plus a catalog of 360+ products spanning apparel, drinkware, accessories, home goods, pet gear, and more.
On top of that, Fourthwall equips you with a no-code storefront builder, automated email tools, and direct sales integrations with YouTube, TikTok Shop, Instagram, and Twitch so you can reach fans where they’re already engaging.
Where Gelato focuses heavily on fulfillment, Fourthwall is creator-first, offering not just products, but also fan tipping, memberships, and digital downloads in the same shop.
And with Fourthwall Pro, you unlock perks like 0% fees on digital products, a free .store domain, $10 in monthly sample credit, unlimited team members, and advanced analytics. Which is perfect if you're looking to scale beyond a starter shop.
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Think of Gooten less like a printer and more like your behind-the-scenes logistics partner.
Instead of running production in-house, it taps into a global network of manufacturers and automatically routes every order to the partner best suited for speed, location, and quality.
This setup reduces delays, keeps shipping costs competitive, and helps sellers scale without managing multiple vendors themselves.
With 150+ customizable products, smart automation tools, and integrations with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and APIs, Gooten is built for brands that see print-on-demand as a real business, not just a side hustle.
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Looking for a POD platform with endless options? Printify is the place where variety meets flexibility.
With over 1,300 products and 80+ global print providers, it’s one of the largest catalogs in the industry. It covers everything, from staple tees and mugs to more unique items like supplements, candles, and pet gear.
But what really sets Printify apart is choice: you decide which print partner fits your priorities, whether that’s low cost, fast delivery, or higher-quality production.
Add in integrations with Shopify, Etsy, TikTok Shop, Amazon, WooCommerce, and more, plus tools like its free Product Creator, AI-driven mockup generator, and Printify Choice (which auto-routes orders for reliability), and you’ve got a platform built for scale.
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If Gelato is all about speed and scale, Zazzle is about creativity and personalization.
This platform has carved out a niche as the go-to for custom gifts, party essentials, and event-driven merch, from wedding invitations and holiday cards to quirky mugs and graphic tees.
What makes Zazzle stand out is its customer-facing design editor, which allows buyers to personalize products themselves, creating one-of-a-kind items without you needing to lift a finger.
With a catalog of 1,000+ products and a marketplace of over 30 million shoppers, Zazzle gives creators a chance to earn passive income by simply uploading designs and letting the built-in traffic do the heavy lifting.
On top of that, Zazzle even supports digital downloads like planners and invitations, giving sellers another revenue stream beyond physical merch.
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Prodigi takes print-on-demand to another level by focusing on quality, scale, and flexibility.
Built for artists, photographers, and retailers who want more than just T-shirts, Prodigi offers access to over 500,000 products, from fine art prints and framed posters to apparel, tech accessories, and home décor.
The platform is powered by a global print network of 70+ partners across 10+ countries, ensuring orders are produced close to your customers for faster delivery and lower shipping costs.
It also includes free tools like a mockup generator, white-label dropshipping, and integrations with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Wix, and Squarespace.
With eco-friendly materials, museum-grade fine art printing, and 24/7 support, Prodigi is designed for brands that want scale without sacrificing quality.
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Kotis Design is built to help brands move beyond the “swag closet” model, giving companies a way to design, store, and ship branded gear from one streamlined system.
Everything starts with their in-house design team and production options, which range from on-demand printing to overseas manufacturing for larger runs.
From there, Kotis-run warehouses in Ohio and Utah handle storage, kitting, and fulfillment, so your gear is always organized and ready to ship.
The real magic happens in the software: companies can launch unlimited branded portals for employees, giveaways, pre-orders, or even retail-style stores, all tied back to the same centralized inventory.
Add advanced features like budget controls, approval workflows, SSO, SOC 2 security, and detailed reporting, and it’s clear why companies like Amazon, Zillow, and DigitalOcean trust Kotis to run their programs.
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Building a fashion brand isn’t just about slapping a logo on a t-shirt; it’s about creating apparel that feels intentional, premium, and uniquely yours. That’s where Apliiq shines.
Unlike most POD platforms, Apliiq leans into private labeling with custom woven neck tags, embroidered patches, and branded packaging, giving your merch a retail-ready finish.
Their catalog focuses on streetwear staples, think heavyweight hoodies, joggers, hats, and flannels, designed to appeal to creators who want their clothing line to feel like a real fashion label, not just merch.
With U.S.-based production in Los Angeles, personalized support, and options for bulk discounts and warehousing, Apliiq empowers sellers to run limited drops, scale long-term, and build a recognizable brand identity from the ground up.
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If you’re looking for a POD platform that blends affordability with serious scalability, Merchize deserves your attention.
With over 600+ customizable products and in-house manufacturing in Vietnam (plus fulfillment centers in the U.S., EU, UK, China, and Australia), Merchize helps sellers deliver fast, cost-effective orders worldwide.
The platform isn’t just about printing; it gives you a full eCommerce ecosystem: a storefront builder with SEO tools, cross-sell and up-sell systems, built-in mockup generation, and powerful APIs to manage products and orders at scale.
Merchize even offers branded packaging, FBA services, and TikTok Shop/Walmart fulfillment, making it one of the most versatile options for merchants who want both flexibility and growth potential.
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Spreadshirt makes it easy for creators to sell custom products their way, whether that’s through a personal Spreadshop, listing designs in its bustling marketplace, or plugging into platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce via SPOD.
With a catalog of over 250 custom products, you can branch out beyond basics into apparel, accessories, and home goods, all supported by five different print methods, including digital, embroidery, flex, flock, and special effects.
Its simple drag-and-drop design editor keeps the barrier to entry low, while its global fulfillment network handles the logistics so you don’t have to.
If you're looking for both flexibility and reach, Spreadshirt offers a versatile POD solution that goes beyond just one sales channel.
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Redbubble is one of the easiest ways to monetize your art, giving creators a ready-made marketplace with millions of active shoppers.
All you need to do is upload your design and choose from 70+ customizable products, including apparel, stickers, wall art, and accessories, and the platform takes care of the printing, shipping, and customer service.
Redbubble's biggest advantage is its built-in traffic, which allows artists to earn without running ads or managing their own store.
However, the trade-off comes with its fee structure: the platform takes a significant cut through high markup fees, which can eat into your profits and make scaling more challenging.
For artists who prioritize exposure and passive income over full control and margins, it remains one of the most accessible POD platforms available.
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When choosing a print-on-demand platform, think less about hype and more about alignment.
Ask yourself: Does the catalog match the type of products you actually want to sell? Do the integrations fit with the way you run your business? Are the branding tools strong enough to help you stand out, or is it more of a plug-and-play model?
And don’t forget the extras, things like shipping times, packaging options, design tools, and customer support can make or break your experience.
In the end, the best POD partner isn’t just the one with the flashiest features; it’s the one that makes building and scaling your business feel seamless.
Overall, Gelato is solid if all you need is fast shipping and eco-friendly production, but most creators want more than a print shop—they want a brand.
That’s where Fourthwall changes the game.
You get pro-level printing methods like DTG, embroidery, sublimation, and screen printing, plus a catalog of 360+ products that go way beyond the basics.
Pair that with a no-code storefront that actually looks and feels like your own site, and your merch stops being a side hustle and starts becoming a real business.
But the real difference? Fourthwall is built for creators first. Memberships, digital downloads, fan tipping, and native integrations with YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch come standard.
And if you’re ready to go even bigger, Fourthwall Pro unlocks extra perks like 0% fees on digital products, advanced analytics, monthly sample credits, and a free .store domain to make your brand look polished and professional.
👉 Don’t just settle for printing, build a business that grows with you. Join Fourthwall today and take your merch to the next level.
Gelato is a good choice if you need fast order fulfillment, eco-friendly production, and a clean interface, but it’s more of an online printing service than a full brand-builder.
Fourthwall, on the other hand, gives creators more control over their custom products, with a no-code storefront, digital downloads, fan tipping, and native integrations with eCommerce platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch.
If your goal is to scale beyond just selling products and actually grow a community, Fourthwall offers more long-term value.
While Gelato has strengths like sustainability and global speed, it can feel restrictive for eCommerce businesses that need niche customization, advanced branding tools, or wider catalogs.
Alternatives like Gooten and Printify give sellers more flexibility with printing services and third-party providers, while Spreadshirt and Redbubble make it easier to reach customers through built-in marketplaces.
If your business expands, platforms like Merchize and Prodigi provide broader catalogs, bulk-friendly pricing, and customer service tailored for scaling brands.
When deciding on a Gelato alternative, consider the size of the custom products catalog, available printing services, and the level of control you’ll have over order fulfillment and branding.
Platforms like Printify and Gooten are ideal for variety and scalability, while Prodigi focuses on high-quality art prints, and Spreadshirt or Redbubble give you built-in marketplaces similar to selling on Etsy.
The best choice depends on whether you’re looking for passive income, advanced eCommerce tools, or a long-term online store you fully control.
There are no monthly fees, no upfront costs, and no contracts to use Fourthwall. You set your prices and choose your own margins. Here is how our pricing and splits work when you sell:
Additionally, all US-based credit card transactions have an added 2.9% + $0.30 payment processing fee (same as Shopify). Fees vary for PayPal and other providers. Learn more.
Product costs are listed directly in our product catalog.
If a t-shirt is listed in our catalog at a $10 cost, we will automatically deduct that amount from your profits whenever you make a sale. You can sell products for any price you want.
For example, if you sell the shirt for $22, you'll make $12 in profit on each unit sold. If you sell it for $50, then you'll make $40 in profit on each unit sold.
Yes! Fourthwall works with manufacturing & fulfillment partners around the globe in the US, UK, EU, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Japan.
Shipping rates are dynamically determined by the size of package and destination. We work with most major carriers and pass through the true cost of shipping. That means that you can offer low-cost, fast shipping to your fans. Most items have a delivery window of 5-8 days.
Be sure to browse our product catalog to find products that are fulfilled out of your target regions to provide the fastest & cheapest shipping for your community.
Yes! Fourthwall operates as the "Merchant of Record" and automatically supports the following payment methods on checkout:
Fourthwall operates as the "Merchant of Record", which means that we're responsible for handling all sales taxes. This includes nexus registration, collecting sales tax, and remitting this to US states & other countries.
That way you can focus on designing products and promoting your shop, not taxes.
Yes. You can connect a custom domain or subdomain on Fourthwall. Learn More.
Fourthwall Pro subscribers receive a free custom domain upon upgrading.
If you need help finding an artist or designer, check out our design community.
This is a vetted network of exceptional designers that can help you make great quality designs for your audience. We also recommend tools like Canva or Kittl.
Yes. For any product from our product catalog, we'll handle all customer support for you.
From answering general order questions to making address changes, our team is there to ensure that your buyers are treated with the same level of care that you would personally give them. We have a 12-hour or less average reply time, including nights and weekends.
For any items that you source on your own and ship from home, however, you'll need to do customer support.
Yes! Over 200,000 sellers use Fourthwall to power their storefronts. This includes creators, podcasters, artists, musicians, startups, non-profits, and more.
Get inspired and browse all examples sites.
Fourthwall supports many free integrations, including:
There are no requirements to join Fourthwall! Sign up now.