The 9 best printing services online: The ultimate comparison guide to custom printing in 2024 | VistaPrint US (2024)

June 11, 2024

Reading time: 13 minutes

When you have a print job that needs a professional touch—whether marketing materials, a commemorative photo or custom artwork—you’d be hard-pressed to beat the convenience and affordability of an online printing service. Offering a wide range of print products, digital design editors and flexible shipping from numerous warehouses, printing services online have become invaluable tools for business and creative needs.

The popularity of online printing has led to a surplus of custom printing services to choose from, each with its own specialities and unique features. Next time you want to print online—whether for bulk printing, print-on-demand or photo prints, we’ve got you covered with this list of the nine best printing services online right now.

Table of contents

• What an online printing service is and when to use one
• What to look out for when using an online printing service
• The 9 best custom printing services online now
  • Best overall printing services
  • Best apparel print-on-demand services for art and apparel
  • Best online photo printing services
• Online printing service FAQ and tips

What an online printing service is and when to use one

An online printing service is a digital printing platform where you select a blank base product (such as a card, t-shirt or poster), upload or create a design and pay a fee to have the design printed and shipped to a location. It’s essentially the online counterpart to a local print shop, where you would connect with a brick-and-mortar store for custom, pick-up prints.

The advantage of local print shops over their online counterparts is the level of personalization through one-on-one consultations, which can be useful for print novices. Plus, production is generally faster without shipping. But the quality and cost of print services are restricted to the shops available in your local area.

Source: Delivery app animation by Musique! via 99designs by Vista

Online printing, on the other hand, offers maximum convenience, giving customers 24/7 access to print services regardless of location. Although online platforms function through Do-It-Yourself tools, most companies offer templates, educational resources and live customer support chat to walk users through their options.

If you don’t mind paying extra for a more personalized and generally faster local service, a neighborhood print shop can be a solid choice. But when you’re looking for affordable print prices and a wide selection of products, and have time to wait for delivery, an online printing service is your best option.

What to look out for when using an online printing service

To help you find the best service for your online print order, write a list of comparative criteria based on your print needs. We’ve used the following criteria to evaluate each printing service on our list:

• Standout feature: What sets the service apart from the others?
• Cost: What is the full cost of the base product, add-ons and shipping compared to competitors?
• Ease-of-use: How well does the service guide users through the process?
• Available products: What is the range of print products offered?
• Print options: What paper thickness, coatings, speciality finishes and print techniques do they offer?
• Customization tools: How many different design templates do they offer and what are the capabilities of the design editor?
• Proof policy: Does the service offer proofs (sample prints showing buyers how the final product will look) and do they come at a cost?
• Shipping: How much does shipping cost and what is the order turnaround time, including production and delivery?
• Satisfaction guarantee: How thorough are the quality checks and what are their policies for reprints or shipping errors?

The 9 best custom print services online now

Best overall printing services

These versatile custom printing services offer a wide range of products available for bulk printing. While also useful for one-off purchases, finding a single reliable service for your business means you can satisfy diverse print needs without coordinating multiple services of varying quality.

VistaPrint

Not only is VistaPrint one of the most popular options for online printing on the market, but it’s also one of the oldest, starting in the mid-90s when the internet was still young. VistaPrint has honed its practice through decades of experience into a reliable, affordable, fast and high-quality custom print service.

Operating as a one-stop shop for small businesses, customers can use VistaPrint for all their business needs. Business owners can set up their website through the Vista x Wix website builder, and get their logo, branding and other design needs taken care of, while bulk printing marketing materials, signage and merchandise for competitive prices. Long story short, VistaPrint is much more than an online printing service—it’s a long-term partner for small businesses.

• Standout feature: VistaPrint is a one-stop shop for small business needs, offering comprehensive print and design services.
• Cost: $
• Ease of use: Easy. The step-by-step ordering process is intuitive and the product specs are clearly labeled with visuals.
• Available products: Comprehensive selection for business and personal print needs, including marketing materials, stationery, apparel, gifts and home decor.
• Print options: Broad range of sizes, paper material, coating and finishes. Limited shape options. Some print-on-demand capabilities through the reseller program ProAdvantage.
• Customization tools: Professional-looking templates. Standard design editor tools with a large graphics library of icons and clip art. Free Logomaker available. VistaCreate and 99designs by Vista offer a free graphic design tool and design services from a global community of freelance graphic designers.
• Proof policy: Free PDF proof and sample kit. Does not offer custom print proofs.
• Shipping: Standard (8 business days) to express (3-4 business days) shipping, including production time. International shipping and pickup options are available.
• Satisfaction guarantee: VistaPrint will reprint or refund orders in the event of a customer not being fully satisfied with the final product.

MOO

While MOO is a relatively recent player in the online printing scene, it has quickly set itself apart through a focus on high-quality design and printing. MOO offers the most stylish templates of any we reviewed, with options for creative and more reserved tastes. The standard business card defaults to premium paper with optional coatings. MOO goes the extra mile to ensure delivery packaging is not only well-designed but plastic-free, recyclable and sustainably sourced.

But all of this comes at a cost: MOO’s prices are considerably higher than the average printing service. Plus the available print products are restricted mainly to marketing materials, such as business cards, flyers and brochures.

• Standout feature: High-quality prints and design templates.
• Cost: $$$
• Ease of use: Easy. The step-by-step ordering process is super simple and highly visual.
• Available products: Limited to business print products.
• Print options: Broad range of sizes, paper material, coating and finishes. Includes speciality add-ons like letterpress and spot gloss.
• Customization tools: High-quality templates and on-staff design support. Standard design editor tools. Ability to design different back covers within the same bulk order through Printifinity.
• Proof policy: Free PDF proof and sample kit. Does not offer custom print proofs.
• Shipping: Shipping times vary by location, next day shipping is available on some orders. International shipping is available.
• Satisfaction guarantee: Quality check that points out errors to customers, including typos. Pro-business subscriptions include a dedicated account manager. MOO offers unsatisfied customers a reprint or refund.

GotPrint

This family-run business offers some of the lowest and most transparent pricing on the market. Whereas other online print services hide extra fees like backside printing, GotPrint clearly marks what their advertised price does and doesn’t cover. Although the templates aren’t the most eye-catching, GotPrint offers custom design services for an added cost. While the platform offers several customization options, these are organized in long drop-down menus, which can be difficult for first-timers to understand.

• Standout feature: Many paper stock and coating options.
• Cost: $
• Ease of use: Medium. GotPrint has many options that are difficult to review and navigate.
• Available products: Broad range of products for business and personal use, including marketing materials, stationery and apparel. Limited gifts and home decor options.
• Print options: Several paper material options. Fewer options for finishes and add-ons like embossing.
• Customization tools: Basic design editor tools and templates. Custom design services are available.
• Proof policy: Free PDF proof. Extra cost for custom hard copy proofs.
• Shipping: Economy (7-14 business days) and Next Day shipping. Production time generally takes 2-4 business days but varies by product.
• Satisfaction guarantee: Offers a money-back guarantee to first-time customers but doesn’t refund shipping.

UPrinting

Although at first glance, UPrinting resembles many of its competitors, it offers the most unique print products on the market—those you build yourself. Not only is custom die-cutting available, allowing customers to cut business cards, stickers and flyers into creative shapes, but the platform also offers full custom printing. If the standard print items don’t meet your needs, you can build a product from scratch through open-ended size, shape and material options.

That said, UPrinting is the only site on our list that does not offer professional design services. And while its design editor does contain better-than-average customization tools, it’s no replacement for professional design software.

• Standout feature: High degree of customization on print products.
• Cost: $$
• Ease of use: Easy. Product specs are well-described and organized on the ordering page.
• Available products: Broad range of products largely for business. Limited gift and home decor products. Fully custom print products are available.
• Print options: Broad range of sizes, paper material, coating and finishes. Customizable shapes on several products with die-cutting.
• Customization tools: Above-average design editor tools but basic quality templates.
• Proof policy: Free PDF proof. Free sample kits and custom hard-copy proofs are also available.
• Shipping: Shipping varies by product and zip code. International shipping is available. Pickup locations are in California only.
• Satisfaction guarantee: 33-point quality check on products, reviewing typos, resolution and incorrect color mode. Refunds are offered once approved by customer support.

Best print-on-demand services for art and apparel

Print-on-demand (POD) is a service used mainly for e-commerce print merchants. Creators simply design their inventory through the POD platform and integrate it with their online shop. Whenever a customer orders a product from the shop, the POD service handles printing and shipping without involving the store owner. While POD eliminates physical inventory storage, be aware that on-demand printing can be more costly in the long run than bulk printing.

Printful

This POD service is popular for its flexibility and vast product options. While known mainly for apparel and accessories, Printful boasts over 300 products and several apparel printing techniques, like embroidery, cut-and-sew and all-over printing. For merchants, Printful offers the ability to customize shipping boxes with branded packaging and inserts. But the service is not limited to businesses—one-off orders of custom-designed apparel can also be ordered for personal projects or gifts.

• Standout feature: Wide selection of print techniques.
• Cost: Free to use, printing costs are included in the price the creator sets for each individual item in their e-commerce store.
• Ease of use: Easy. Product supply and shipping are handled by the business making the service pretty effortless.
• Available products: Mainly apparel-focused, but includes a broad range of home decor, gifts and art products.
• Print options: Broad range of options for printing techniques, however limited apparel brands to choose from for the base product.
• Customization tools: Design Maker integrated with Getty Images includes ready-made graphics. Mock-up generator for online store displays. Customizable shipping packaging.
• Proof policy: No custom proofs, generic sample products are offered for a 20% discount off the full printing and shipping cost.
• Shipping: Orders typically ship within 5 days. Global fulfillment centers. Offers white-label shipping.
• Satisfaction guarantee: 3-step quality check, reviewing the quality of the base product, the design file and the final print. Returns, refunds and reshipping require a claim within 30 days.

Printify

This apparel POD service offers multiple options for product manufacturers and shipping partners. This gives store owners a great deal of control over the product materials, order fulfillment process and look and feel of their print. But it also means that quality and delivery turnaround will vary. Printify regularly tests and rates each printing partner to streamline the vetting process.

• Standout feature: The ability to choose different suppliers and shipping partners
• Cost: Free to use, printing costs vary by supplier and are included in the price the creator sets for each individual item in their e-commerce store
• Ease of use: Medium. Vetting suppliers and shipping partners means more work.
• Available products: Mainly apparel, but includes a broad range of accessories, gifts and art products.
• Print options: Vary by product manufacturer. Several popular brands to choose from for base products. Bulk printing is available.
• Customization tools: Standard design editor tools. Integration with Fiverr for design services. Printify Studio offers expert help with creating brand assets.
• Proof policy: Samples available. Premium account required for sample discount.
• Shipping: Economy (4-8 business days) or Express (2-3 business days) shipping. International shipping is available.
• Satisfaction guarantee: A rating system for each supplier that reviews quality, production speed and stock reliability. Returns, refunds and reshipping require a claim within 30 days.

Zazzle

Instead of integrating with other e-commerce platforms, Zazzle comes with its own e-commerce marketplace where shoppers can purchase products designed by third-party creators. Although sellers earn royalties, because the website and order packaging are clearly branded to Zazzle, they won’t have the advantage of personal store branding.

Overall, Zazzle is best for merchandise designers who are looking to grow their customer base through an existing marketplace. Non-merchants and small businesses can also use this POD service for one-off custom prints.

• Standout feature: Access to the high-traffic Zazzle marketplace.
• Cost: Free for merchandise designers to use, income is based on royalties.
• Ease of use: Easy. Extra prices for add-ons are very clear.
• Available products: Comprehensive selection for business and personal print needs, including niche products like games, doormats and party supplies.
• Print options: Broad range of sizes, paper material, coating and finishes.
• Customization tools: Standard design editor with access to a huge clip art library. Average quality templates. Zazzle Plus connects customers with professional designers.
• Proof policy: Does not offer proofs or samples—recommends small orders instead.
• Shipping: Gives customers complete control over shipping, including filtering products that will arrive by a certain date.
• Satisfaction guarantee: Zazzle handles all customer service-related issues without involving the merchant.

Best online photo printing services

Online photo printing services specialize in products for nearly any print job involving photographs, from framed portraits to personalized homeware. While photo printing services are a great option for memorabilia, many offer bulk printing services for photographic cards, invitations and announcements for special occasions.

Snapfish

Snapfish has a wide variety of photo products available (including uncommon items like tabletops and puzzles) at affordable prices. The upload process offers customization and quality print options without overwhelming choices. But its best feature is the social media upload tool, which gives customers access to photo prints beyond their camera library. If you’re looking for well-designed bulk printing for stationery, however, you’d be better off with a printing service that specializes in design over photographs.

• Standout feature: Social media upload tool.
• Cost: $$
• Ease of use: Easy. Fewer customization options make ordering straightforward.
• Available products: Focus on standard photo prints but also offers personalized stationery, home decor and gift items.
• Print options: Few print options aside from size and paper coating. Does include decorative shapes. The availability of add-ons like foils varies from product to product.
• Customization tools: Below-average quality templates. Provides filters and basic tools for photo editing.
• Proof policy: None.
• Shipping: Standard (up to 8 business days) or Rush (4 business days) shipping, including 3 days production time. Ships to North America, Europe and Australia. Pickup is available for some products at selected stores.
• Satisfaction guarantee: Offers refunds and reprints for defective orders.

Nations Photo Lab

While a more expensive photo printing service with slower shipping times, Nations Photo Lab has a consistent reputation for delivering high-quality photo prints. The print options make customization more intuitive, especially for beginners. Nations Photo Lab’s careful packaging prevents damage and can also be customized for gifts or branding.

• Standout feature: Higher quality than average prints.
• Cost: $$$
• Ease of use: Easy. Visual ordering process.
• Available products: Broad range of photo products.
• Print options: Wide variety of paper materials, coatings and sizes. The availability of add-ons like foils varies from product to product.
• Customization tools: Offers in-house color correction and customizable packaging. Basic quality templates for bulk print items.
• Proof policy: Hard copy proofs are available for a fee.
• Shipping: Economy (3-10 business days) or Express (1 business day) shipping, not including production time, which varies from product to product.
• Satisfaction guarantee: Includes Color Corrections as an add-on purchase to ensure colors are printed correctly. Offers refunds or reprints to unsatisfied customers.

Online printing service FAQ and tips

What are the requirements for using an online printing service?

Because many online printing services include the tools for creating designs (or connecting with a professional to do so), all that’s technically required to use an online printing service is an internet connection and the funds to pay the fee.

See Also

VistaPrint Review: The Leading Online Print Shop for Small Business Owners - 33rd Square

Source: Illustration by Spoon Lancer via 99designs by Vista

With that said, if you are getting your design created ahead of time, a print-ready file requires:

• Colors in CMYK format
• A minimum of 300 PPI print resolution (for raster images)
• Fonts outlined
• A print-compatible file type like PDF, EPS or JPEG (for photographs)

Always check for any additional requirements on the relevant printing service website.

How much does online printing cost?

The cost of an online printing service can vary depending on the pricing model, the product, quantity, size, paper stock, paper thickness, shipping and add-ons like coatings and finishes.

While the cost of printing a single document is typically below $1, this adds up as the number of orders increases. Bulk printing services, on the other hand, are built to save money through a discounted pricing model.

How fast is online printing?

Because of shipping times, online printing can be slower than local printing. When reviewing an online printing service, take the production time and delivery estimates into account. With that said, the average turnaround time on our list was about 7 business days.

Source: Isometric diagram process illustration by Fenhrir via 99designs by Vista

How do I print a document online?

Most online printing services operate on bulk orders. Through FedEx Office, however, users can get individual documents printed and mailed to an address entirely online. Simply upload the document, pay a printing fee and choose an address for shipping or a store location for pickup.

Find a custom print service today

By using printing services online, customers can get a product designed, printed and shipped to their doorstep all from a single website. Whether you need a print for business, a gift or a personal project, there is no shortage of fast, reliable and affordable options for online printing. When deciding which service you’ll use, consider the needs of your print job and compare a handful of competitors against your feature checklist. And when you need more than a printing service, make VistaPrint your full-time business partner.

Ready to print? Once you’ve decided which online printing service is right for your project, visit the website and get printing. Try VistaPrint today!