The Best Print-on-Demand Services for Posters in 2025

Artists and home decor sellers in 2025 have more print-on-demand (POD) options than ever for high-quality posters. Choosing the right POD partner can determine the print fidelity of your artwork, the types of paper and finishes available, your profit margins, and how quickly your customers receive their orders. This buyer’s guide evaluates the best international POD companies for poster printing, comparing them on print quality, paper types, pricing, shipping speed, and more. We’ll also note sustainability initiatives (like eco-friendly inks or local production) and e-commerce integrations (for selling via Shopify, Etsy, etc.) where relevant. Use this guide to find a POD service that meets your needs for quality and reliability.

What to Look For in a Poster POD Service

If you're seeking a broader overview, our comprehensive guide on choosing a POD supplier might be helpful.

• Print Quality: Look for providers that offer high-resolution, color-accurate printing (often giclée or similar quality). Consistency is key – you want prints that reliably match your original colors and detail. Some POD companies own their fulfillment centers and closely control quality, while others rely on networks of print partners which can lead to variability. For example, Printful is praised for consistent, vibrant prints and thick paper, whereas network-based services like Printify may vary by print provider. Check for features like borderless printing (edge-to-edge) and archival inks.
• Paper Options: The best poster printers offer premium paper stock in various weights and finishes. Common options range from ~170–200 gsm matte papers up to museum-grade archival papers (~240–250 gsm cotton rag) for fine art prints. Thicker, acid-free papers yield a more professional product that can last decades without fading. Consider if the service offers matte vs. luster/semi-gloss finishes, and whether the paper is archival (acid-free, FSC-certified, etc.). Services like Gelato, for instance, provide multiple paper types – e.g. Classic 170 gsm, Premium200 gsm, or Museum-quality 250 gsm – all sustainably sourced.
• Pricing and Profit Margins: POD pricing can significantly impact your profits. Compare the base cost per poster across providers (often varying by size and paper type) and note any extra fees. Some companies (Printful, Gelato, Gooten) have transparent fixed pricing per product, while marketplaces like Redbubble or Society6 set a base price and give you a small royalty. For example, a small 8″×10″ poster might cost about $4.90 base via Gooten vs. $8.97 via Printful, and a large 24″×36″ giclée print might be ~$11 with Printify’s cheapest provider versus $16+ at Printful. Also pay attention to pricing models: some services allow you to set your own markup (e.g. Zazzle lets artists choose their royalty%), whereas others have fixed margins (e.g. Society6’s standard ~10% artist royalty). Volume discounts or paid plans can lower costs – Printify Premium offers ~20% off base prices, and Gelato+provides product discounts and other perks for a monthly fee.
• Shipping Speed and Fulfillment: In POD, fast and reliable shipping keeps customers happy. Evaluate each provider’s production time and shipping estimates, both domestically and internationally. The ideal POD partner has print facilities in multiple regions to deliver worldwide orders quickly. For instance, Printful averages 2–5 business days to fulfill posters, plus shipping (2–5 days within the US/EU, or 1–2 weeks internationally). Gelato prints locally in 32 countries, so orders often ship much faster to nearby customers (85% of Gelato orders are produced in the same country as ordered). By contrast, a marketplace like Society6 ships many products from the U.S., leading to longer international transit (often 10–15 days). Be sure to also compare shipping rates and options (standard vs. express) when calculating total costs for your customers.
• Sustainability: Many artists care about environmental impact. POD inherently reduces waste by making products on-demand, but some companies go further with eco-friendly practices. Look for sustainable materials (e.g. FSC-certified paper, recycled packaging) and certified inks. For example, Printful uses water-based inks that are Oeko-Tex and GREENGUARD Gold certified (safe and low-emission). Gelato’s model of “produce locally, deliver globally” can cut carbon emissions by ~67% and often uses FSC-certified papers. Even packaging matters – some providers now ship posters in recyclable tubes or plastic-free packaging. If sustainability is a priority, consider these factors in your decision.
• Integration and Ease of Use: Finally, ensure the POD service fits how you sell. If you run your own online store, look for e-commerce integrations (Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, etc.) or an API for custom websites. Top fulfillment services like Printful, Printify, Gooten, and Gelato all integrate with popular shop platforms for automated order flow. If you prefer an all-in-one marketplace (where the POD platform also provides the storefront and traffic), options like Redbubble, Society6, and Fine Art America allow you to simply upload art and let them handle sales and fulfillment. Also consider features like branded packaging or custom sender labels (Printful excels here) if you want a white-label experience for your brand.

With those criteria in mind, let’s compare some of the best POD companies for posters available in 2025.

Top Print-on-Demand Poster Providers in 2025

Printful – Premium Quality & Full-Service Integration

Printful is often regarded as the gold standard for POD fulfillment, known for its excellent print quality and robust services. They produce “museum-quality” posters on thick, durable matte paper using advanced inkjet printers (giclée printing). Prints come out vibrant and color-accurate, and the paper is archival and acid-free for longevity. Many artists report that Printful’s posters have superior color fidelity and heavier stock compared to competitors. Printful offers both matte and luster finish options – for example, their Enhanced Matte poster paper is ~189 gsm with a smooth finish, while the Premium Luster photo paper posters have a satin sheen for more photographic depth.

In terms of pricing, Printful is on the higher end. You pay for that quality and convenience – a medium art poster might have a base cost around $9–$12, and large sizes (24″×36″) roughly $16+ base. This leaves moderate profit margin if you price a 24×36 poster at ~$25–$30 retail. (Printful has no monthly fees, but they do offer an optional Pro subscription at $24.99/mo for extra features.) Shipping costs with Printful are flat-rate based on region; for example, shipping a poster in the US is around $4.69 (arriving ~3–5 business days after fulfillment). Printful operates its own facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, so orders are fulfilled in-region and ship quickly. Over 97% of Printful orders ship out within 5 business days (over 50% within 3 days). This means reliable turnaround, and customers in the US/EU often receive posters within a week of ordering.

Printful shines in integrations and extras: it connects seamlessly with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, Amazon, eBay and more, allowing automated order fulfillment. Their web interface is very user-friendly and includes a mockup generator and even branding options (you can add custom logos on packing slips, insert postcards, etc., for an added fee). In terms of sustainability, Printful has made efforts by using water-based, non-toxic inks (Kornit and Epson UltraChrome) that meet safety and environmental standards. They print on-demand to reduce waste, and have introduced an eco-friendly product line (though posters themselves are already paper-based). Overall, Printful is a top choice if you prioritize quality and reliability over the absolute lowest cost. As one review put it, Printful delivers “consistent results… great quality goods,” albeit at slightly higher prices.

Printify – Versatile Network with Competitive Pricing

Printify stands out for its extensive network of print providers and generally lower base costs. Rather than owning production facilities, Printify acts as an aggregator connecting you to print partners worldwide. For poster printing, this means you have multiple vendor options to choose from – you can pick a provider based on location, price, or user ratings. This flexibility lets sellers find the best cost or nearest printer to their market. Print quality on Printify can varyby provider, but many offer high-quality poster prints comparable to Printful. You’ll find options for matte posters (~170–200 gsm paper) and some premium giclée prints on heavyweight paper through certain suppliers. However, consistency depends on the chosen print partner. It’s advisable to order samples from a couple of Printify’s vendors to ensure their color and paper meet your standards, as some users note that Printful’s in-house prints tend to have more consistent color and thickness. The upside is if one provider underperforms, you can switch to another in Printify’s network rather easily.

Pricing is where Printify shines. Their base prices for posters are often significantly lower than Printful’s. For example, a large 24×36″ poster might be around $10–$12 base via Printify versus $16+ with Printful. Smaller posters (12×18″, etc.) can be just a few dollars base cost. Printify advertises matte posters “from $4.66” for small sizes, and some economy “rolled poster” options from ~$2.63. If you subscribe to Printify Premium ($29/month), you get up to 20% off those base costs, bringing prices extremely low – e.g. a small poster could be $3 or less. This means higher margins for you (at the expense of a fixed monthly fee). It’s a great value for sellers doing enough volume to justify it. Do note each Printify provider sets their own shipping fee; typically US shipping for a poster might be ~$4–$6, similar to others. Printify’s interface will auto-calculate the shipping from whichever print partner is used.

Shipping speed on Printify depends on the selected print partner’s location relative to your customer. The good news is there are print providers on every major continent (U.S., Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia, even Asia). You can manually assign different print facilities for different regions to optimize delivery. Most Printify orders are produced in about 2–7 business days, and then shipped via that provider’s standard carriers (often similar speeds to Printful). If you choose a local printer for your market, customers can get their posters in a week or so; if not, international shipping could take 1–3 weeks. Printify has introduced an Express Delivery option with certain providers, promising 2–3 day delivery in the US, for those willing to pay a premium.

In terms of integrations, Printify connects with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, eBay, and more (just slightly fewer platforms than Printful’s roster, but all major ones are supported). It lacks some of the bells and whistles of Printful (like branded inserts or an in-house design tool), but it’s straightforward to use. Regarding sustainability, Printify as a platform doesn’t mandate eco-friendly practices, but many of its print partners use on-demand production (less waste) and some may use FSC-certified paper or eco inks. However, because quality and materials differ by partner, it’s on the seller to research vendors for any specific eco-certifications. Overall, Printify is ideal for those who want flexibility and lower costs – you might sacrifice a bit of consistency, but you gain the ability to maximize profit and choose exactly who prints your art. It’s a favorite for budget-conscious entrepreneurs who don’t mind managing vendor selection.

We recently conducted a head-to-head comparison of Printful and Printify. Be sure to check it out!

Gelato – Localized Printing with Fine Art Quality

Gelato is a globally distributed POD service that has quickly become a favorite for art prints and posters. In fact, Gelato started out specializing in paper products (posters, art prints, cards) and built a reputation for gallery-quality print output. They use high-end equipment and have a software-driven network of 100+ print labs in 32 countries. The result: consistently excellent print quality combined with fast local fulfillment. Many artists (including professionals) report that Gelato’s posters are clear, bright, and finely detailed, printed on thick but not too thick stock that feels premium. Gelato offers a selection of paper types: for example, you can choose Classic Matte (about 170 gsm), Premium Matte(200 gsm), or even Museum-quality rag (250 gsm) for certain prints. They also provide matte or semi-gloss finish options. All papers are responsibly sourced (FSC-certified or equivalent) and Gelato emphasizes archival, long-lasting quality. They use giclée printing techniques and archival inks, so prints are suitable for sale as art pieces.

One of Gelato’s strongest points is pricing relative to quality. Their base prices are competitive (often a bit lower than Printful’s). As an example, Gelato’s art prints/posters might range from roughly $5 for a small print up to ~$24 for a large framed poster, which slightly undercuts Printful’s $6–$30 range for similar items. Gelato operates on a pay-as-you-go model (no required subscription), but they do offer Gelato+ memberships if you want perks like discounted shipping or product discounts. The standard free tier will suit most starters; you pay the item cost and shipping per order. Shipping fees are reasonable and charged per destination (they have a shipping calculator in their app).

Because Gelato automatically routes orders to a nearby print facility, shipping speed is often excellent. The production time for posters is typically 1–3 days (Gelato quotes that most prints and posters ship within 48 hours, and often even faster). Then, since it’s shipping domestically or regionally in many cases, delivery might take just another 2–4 days in the same country. (For example, an order placed in Germany might be printed in Germany and delivered within 3–5 days total.) Gelato reports that 85% of orders are produced in the same country they’re ordered – minimizing cross-border shipments. International deliveries are still handled if no local facility is available, but Gelato’s algorithm usually finds the closest printer. This not only speeds up transit but also aligns with Gelato’s sustainability mission: printing locally reduces transport emissions significantly. The company frequently touts its model as “sell globally, produce locally” for a greener approach to POD.

Gelato supports integrations with major e-commerce platforms (Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Wix, etc.) similar to other top POD apps. Setup is generally smooth. They might not have quite as many product types as some competitors (since they focus on wall art and a curated product range), but they cover all the essentials and then some. Gelato’s focus on sustainability is worth noting: they not only use eco-friendly paper but also often print & ship in recycled packaging, and their business model inherently cuts waste and carbon footprint. For artists who value both quality and a smaller environmental impact, Gelato is a top choice. In summary, Gelato offers fast, high-quality poster printing worldwide – an optimal solution if you want your customers to have gallery-caliber prints without long waits, all while supporting a more sustainable supply chain.

Gooten – Broad Network and Business-Friendly Features

Gooten is another print-on-demand network solution, somewhat akin to Printify, that connects sellers with a wide range of product options and global manufacturers. Gooten’s catalogue is large (500+ product lines) and includes posters and wall art among many other items. For poster prints, Gooten partners with quality-controlled print providers; the print quality is generally good, with standard poster papers and printing tech (they mention using top-tier equipment like Epson and HP in their network). However, as with any distributed network, quality can differ slightly depending on which manufacturing partner fulfills the order. Some users have found Gooten’s poster print quality to be acceptable but not outstanding, especially compared to providers dedicated to fine art printing. It’s worth noting that Gooten continuously vets their partners, so the consistency is improving. They offer typical matte posters (around 180–200 gsm paper) in various sizes. While they may not advertise museum-grade cotton rag options, the output should satisfy most decor and art print use cases.

Where Gooten really competes is on pricing and scalability. They often have lower base prices than Printful for similar products, and they offer volume discounts (and an automated volume-based discount program). For example, an 8×10″ poster might be around $4.90 base on Gooten, versus $8–$9 on Printful. Larger formats similarly tend to be a bit cheaper. Gooten doesn’t charge monthly fees – you pay per order – and they support batch order CSV upload and other business-friendly features useful for higher volume sellers. One consideration is shipping costs: Gooten’s shipping rates can at times be slightly higher than Printify’s, depending on the print partner. That said, Gooten’s team optimizes routing so that orders print in-region when possible, which helps with speed and cost. They have production facilities across USA, Canada, Europe, UK, and more, similar in footprint to Printify/Gelato’s coverage.

Fulfillment times for Gooten are in line with industry norms: posters are usually produced in about 3–5 days, and then shipped out. Because of their distributed network, a poster order will typically be routed to a producer in the same country as the customer if available, minimizing lengthy shipping. So a U.S. order might reach the customer in a week or so. Gooten even offers an option to expedite production (2-day production) on select products for rush needs. Standard shipping methods (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.) are used.

For integrations, Gooten supports popular platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce, and also has an API for custom integrations. The setup and interface are a bit less polished compared to Printful, but still very functional. Gooten also places emphasis on business continuity and scalability – they’re a solid choice if you plan to grow and maybe even create a unique product line, as they can source new products and handle large order volumes reliably. On the sustainability side, Gooten doesn’t publicize as much, but by virtue of distributed production they reduce shipping distances. They also claim to work with partners using modern, more eco-friendly printing tech (e.g. water-based inks) though specifics aren’t prominently advertised. In summary, Gooten is a cost-effective, developer-friendly POD provider. It may require a bit more QC on your part due to the multi-provider model, but it rewards you with competitive prices and flexibility, making it a strong option for entrepreneurs scaling their poster business.

Redbubble – Artist Marketplace with Global Reach

Redbubble takes a different approach: it’s a well-known online marketplace for artists to sell print-on-demand products, including posters and art prints, to a built-in audience. If you’re an artist who wants to upload your designs and let the platform handle everything else (production, shipping, customer service), Redbubble is very attractive. In terms of print quality, Redbubble offers two main print products: standard posters and premium art prints. Their standard posters are printed on ~185 gsm semi-gloss paper – decent quality poster paper with a slight sheen that makes colors pop. These posters are good for casual decor at a lower price point. For customers seeking higher quality, Redbubble’s “art print” option is a giclée print on heavyweight 100% cotton rag archival paper (240 gsm) with archival inks. These art prints have excellent color reproduction and longevity (very similar specs to fine art prints from professional labs). So Redbubble can cater to both ends: cost-effective posters and gallery-quality art prints. User reviews generally praise the print fidelity; one independent review found the color accuracy of Redbubble prints to be quite good, with only minor differences from the original artwork.

Pricing and profit on Redbubble work differently than on pure fulfillment services. Redbubble sets a base price for each item and the artist earns a margin on top of that. By default, the artist margin is 20% of the retail price (you can adjust this percentage up or down for your shop). Essentially, Redbubble keeps ~80% (which covers base cost and their profit) and you get ~20%. For example, if a poster sells for $20, you might earn $4 by default. You can raise your markup if you want a higher cut, but that also raises the retail price which could affect sales. Redbubble handles all payment processing and pays out your earnings periodically. There are no upfront costs for the artist – it’s truly a marketplace/consignment model. While the margins may seem low compared to running your own store, remember you’re getting access to Redbubble’s large customer base and not dealing with fulfillment headaches. Redbubble frequently runs site-wide promotions or free shipping deals (which do not reduce the artist’s cut), helping attract buyers.

Redbubble excels in its international fulfillment. They have manufacturing partners in the USA, Europe, Canada, and Australia, and will route orders to the nearest facility. As a result, customers around the world get their orders faster and with lower shipping fees. A typical order in the US or EU might be produced and delivered in about 3–7 business days. Customers in other regions (Asia, etc.) might see longer transit if there’s no local facility, but Redbubble still ships globally and takes care of customs paperwork. One thing to note: as a marketplace, Redbubble handles customer service and returns on your behalf – a plus for those who don’t want to be involved in logistics.

From a sustainability perspective, Redbubble highlights that POD is more sustainable than mass production (only printing what’s ordered). They also have an ethical sourcing policy for their apparel. Posters specifically use water-based inks and Redbubble has moved toward recyclable packaging as well. Another benefit is that Redbubble can be a good testing ground: there’s no integration needed, you just create a shop on their site and upload designs. The downside is lack of control over branding and customer data (you don’t get buyer emails, etc.), and the marketplace is competitive. But if you’re an artist primarily looking to monetize your work easily, Redbubble remains one of the best POD marketplaces for global poster sales. It offers ease of use and built-in traffic, pairing solid print quality with a well-known platform.

Society6 – High-End Art Prints for Decor Enthusiasts

Society6 is another popular artist marketplace, with a brand geared towards art and home décor. It’s known for its excellent print quality, especially its art prints. Society6’s standard “art print” product is a gallery-quality giclée print: they print on natural white, ultra smooth, acid-free 100% cotton rag paper with archival inks (Epson K3). This is essentially fine-art printing, resulting in beautiful, long-lasting prints that satisfy professional artists and photographers. The paper is thick (likely in the 230–310 gsm range since it’s cotton rag) and the prints come with a border for easy framing. Society6 also offers framed art prints, canvas prints, tapestries, and other wall art formats – all focusing on quality. One thing to note is that Society6 doesn’t really offer a cheap “poster” paper option; they’ve positioned their product as a premium art print (and priced accordingly). So customers shopping Society6 generally expect to pay more for that quality. Color accuracy and detail on Society6 prints are reviewed as excellent – one comparison found the Society6 print was very true to the original, just slightly muted which is normal for giclée, and overall “very satisfied with the colour quality”.

For pricing structure, Society6 is a bit unique. The site sets retail prices for all products (which tend to be on the higher side given the quality and the fact that they often offer free shipping promotions). As an artist, you earn a 10% royalty on most product sales by default. The exception is art prints (and some wall art) where Society6 allows you to set your own profit above their base price. Many artists still stick to around 10% margin to keep prices competitive. For example, Society6 might set a base price of $20 for a small art print – if you keep the default 10%, it sells for $22 and you get $2. If you wanted $5, you’d set ~25% markup and the retail price would reflect that. Society6 handles all fulfillment and pays out your earnings. There are no fees to use it, but they do require an application/registration as an artist. It’s a curated marketplace, meaning not every applicant is accepted and they emphasize original art and trendy designs that fit their consumer audience.

In terms of shipping, Society6 products are produced mainly in the United States (and possibly some in Europe for EU customers since they expanded some facilities). Domestic U.S. orders are usually delivered in about a week. International orders can take longer – often 1–2 weeks or more (10–15 business days is common), because if the item ships from the U.S. it has to clear customs, etc. Society6 has been working on improving international shipping – for instance, they introduced faster shipping for Australia by routing some production there, cutting delivery from ~17 days down significantly. Still, compared to a networked POD service, Society6 might be slower to, say, Asia or non-core markets. They do at least handle all customer service and will remake or refund orders that arrive damaged or don’t meet expectations, as part of their satisfaction guarantee.

Society6 doesn’t offer integrations (it’s a closed marketplace, not something you plug into your own site). So it’s best for artists who want an additional storefront on a popular platform. Branding is not really customizable – items ship in Society6 packaging. The focus is on leveraging Society6’s customer base; they have a strong following in the home décor scene, and your art can be discovered via their website. As for sustainability, Society6 doesn’t highlight much in this area publicly. Their packaging is often minimal and “size-appropriate” (as one blogger noted, they use just a plastic sleeve and cardboard for prints, which is relatively eco-friendly but one must hope it’s handled gently). The high quality of prints implies longevity (less replacement needed), and on-demand production is inherently less wasteful than stocking prints. Choose Society6 if you want to sell premium art prints without managing a store, and you’re comfortable with the moderate artist margins in exchange for hands-off fulfillment and access to a niche market of decor enthusiasts.

Fine Art America (Pixels) – Professional Art Printing & Marketplace

Fine Art America (FAA), also known via its consumer-facing site Pixels.com, is a POD platform tailored for artists, photographers, and illustrators who want to sell fine art prints and other products. It operates both as a marketplace and a fulfillment service – you can use their platform to showcase your work to buyers on FineArtAmerica/Pixels, and/or use their printing services for your own needs. The hallmark of FAA is top-tier print quality and options. They offer a wide selection of museum-quality papers and print sizes. For instance, artists can print on archival heavyweight matte paper, glossy photo paper, watercolor paper, canvas, and more – FAA advertises seven different paper materials for art prints. Their printing method uses archival inks rated to last 75 years without fading, essentially giclée-quality output. This makes FAA a great choice if your customers expect true gallery prints or if you want to sell limited edition posters that are a cut above standard posters in quality.

On pricing, Fine Art America has a fixed base price for each print size and paper combo, and the artist adds whatever markup they desire on top. This is similar to how a print lab works – e.g., an 16×20″ archival matte print might have a base cost of say $25 (just as an example), and if you want $10 profit you’d set the retail at $35. FAA’s base prices are not the cheapest (they’re catering to art buyers willing to pay for quality). For instance, a small 8×10 might start around $10 base, and very large poster prints (they offer even up to 50″×108″ murals) can cost hundreds base. The good part is you have control over your margin – unlike marketplaces with fixed 10-20%, here if you want a 50% margin and think the market will bear it, you can set it. Fine Art America also allows selling open editions or numbered limited editions, and you can even order prints at base cost yourself (for gallery shows or personal use).

Fulfillment speed at FAA is quite fast given their pro lab approach. They state that most prints are ready to ship in 3–4 business days. They have a network of printing facilities in the US, Canada, UK, Europe, and Australia (so prints are often made near the buyer). This yields quick delivery: many customers get their unframed prints within a week worldwide. Indeed, FAA advertises worldwide shipping with prints produced on-demand and shipped out in a few days. They also have framing and matting options (which can add a few days to production and a lot to shipping cost due to size). Fine Art America’s packaging and quality guarantee are strong – every print comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for the customer, which can boost buyer confidence in high-value purchases.

For integration, Fine Art America offers a few routes. They have their own marketplace (FineArtAmerica.com and Pixels.com) where your art can be found by shoppers. They also provide tools for artists to use FAA’s fulfillment on their own websites: for example, you can embed a Pixels Store on your personal site that is essentially powered by FAA’s POD behind the scenes. There’s even an API for developers to create custom apps tied into FAA’s printing network. So, while not a plug-and-play Shopify app, FAA can function as your back-end printer if you want to self-manage your storefront. One thing to consider: the audience. Fine Art America has a reputation among photographers and traditional artists, and buyers on the site are often looking for wall art, not T-shirts or mugs (though FAA does those too). If your posters are more art-oriented (paintings, photo prints, illustrations), this could be a perfect fit. If they are more pop-culture or trendy graphic designs, the audience might be smaller compared to Redbubble or others.

In terms of sustainability, FAA doesn’t make bold green claims, but the quality of materials is archival (which implies cotton rag papers and pigment inks – cotton paper is tree-free but does have other environmental considerations, still it’s meant to last a lifetime). They produce on-demand, so no excess inventory. Because they often print close to the customer, that also reduces unnecessary shipping distances. Overall, Fine Art America is the go-to POD service for fine art prints and posters when quality is paramount. It’s like having a world-class art print lab at your disposal, coupled with an online marketplace for discovery. The cost is higher, but for some artists and buyers, it’s well worth it for the end product.

Zazzle – Customizable Products with a Global Community

Zazzle is a longstanding POD platform that combines a marketplace and a customization engine. While Zazzle is perhaps best known for t-shirts and novelties, it also offers poster printing and art prints. Zazzle’s unique angle is that customers can often personalize designs (add text, etc.) before buying – but as an artist/seller you can simply sell your static designs as well. Print quality on Zazzle posters is solid, comparable to other mainstream POD offerings. They use good quality poster paper, and in fact Zazzle allows the customer to choose the paper type for many prints. For example, a customer could select standard matte paper or upgrade to a heavier weight or different finish (glossy, semi-gloss, etc.) when ordering a poster. This gives the buyer flexibility in price vs quality. Zazzle’s default poster paper is a decent heavyweight (some sources indicate around 180 gsm). They may not explicitly market archival inks, but the output is known to be vibrant and crisp for images and illustrations. Essentially, Zazzle is consumer-oriented; for everyday poster needs (think prints of fan art, motivational quotes, kids room decor) the quality more than suffices. For high-end art collectors, one of the more specialized services above might be preferable.

Zazzle’s pricing model is centered on royalties. As a creator, you set a royalty rate (between 5% and 99%) that will be added on top of Zazzle’s base price. Zazzle then displays the final price to customers. This is similar to how Redbubble’s markup works, but on Zazzle you have granular control per product. For instance, if Zazzle’s base price for a 20×30″ poster is $20 and you set 10% royalty, the customer sees $22 and you’d earn $2. If you set 20%, customer pays $24, you get $4, etc. Zazzle also has volume discounts for buyers (e.g., if someone buys multiple posters or large quantities, they get a discount which doesn’t affect your royalty per se). One advantage on Zazzle is that you can participate in their marketplace or sell privately; you could even order your own posters at base price and sell offline. The community aspect is strong – Zazzle has been around a long time, and buyers go there not only for art but for customized gifts, so your poster designs might get exposure in a different market segment.

In terms of shipping, Zazzle has production facilities in the US and likely in Europe (they have a Zazzle.co.uk and other localized sites). They ship to many countries. The transit times are quite reasonable: typically about 4–7 business days for standard shipping in the US, and similar for other major markets. If an item is customized by the customer, that doesn’t usually add production time, as it’s automated into the print process. Zazzle offers expedited shipping at extra cost for rush delivery. One thing to keep in mind is that Zazzle’s poster prints often ship in sturdy tubes and are well-protected. They also handle customer service centrally – if something goes wrong, Zazzle’s team will usually remake or refund without the seller having to intervene, which is convenient.

Zazzle doesn’t integrate with external stores (it’s a self-contained platform), but they do have a developer API if someone wanted to use Zazzle as a fulfillment engine on their own site (this is less common for small sellers, more for niche implementations). Sustainability at Zazzle is not heavily advertised, but they have made some efforts like offering recyclable wrapping and some eco-friendly product options. They also have a feature where certain products are marked as “Eco-friendly” if they meet criteria (mostly apparel). For posters, choosing a local production (via their international branches) helps reduce shipping impact. All in all, Zazzle is a versatile POD marketplace for posters, especially if you want to allow customers some personalization or tap into Zazzle’s existing customer base. It gives you moderate control over pricing and access to a community-driven platform. Artists who thrive on Zazzle often engage with its culture (contests, collections, etc.), but even if you just quietly post your designs, you might benefit from its long tail reach.

Scalable Press – Low-Cost Poster Printing at High Volume

Scalable Press is a slightly different beast in the POD world. It is a fulfillment-oriented company known for its extremely competitive pricing and API-driven approach. If you’re primarily concerned with getting posters printed cheaply and quickly, Scalable Press deserves a look. They might not have the polished app integrations of others (aside from a Shopify app), but they excel in the behind-the-scenes production efficiency. Print quality at Scalable Press is good for general poster needs: they do full-bleed (edge-to-edge) printing using large format inkjet printers and aqueous (water-based) inks. The prints are high-resolution and suitable for vibrant graphics or photos. They offer two paper choices: gloss or matte posters on 200 gsm paper. 200 gsm is a nice sturdy weight, and having gloss vs matte allows you to choose based on the style of artwork. While they may not explicitly market archival qualities, the aqueous inks typically have decent longevity and the output is on par with other POD services’ standard posters. One potential drawback: some customers and community comments have noted quality issues in the past (banding or color variation), but experiences seem mixed. Notably, a seasoned POD seller (Michael Essek) mentioned he has used Scalable Press for all his posters for over a year “without any complaints”, praising their low prices and fast turnarounds. That suggests that for practical purposes, Scalable Press delivers reliable quality, even if it’s not positioned as a fine-art printer.

Price is where Scalable Press leaves most competitors behind. Their model is built for scale, and they pass on cost savings to users. Scalable Press actually publishes dynamic pricing by the square foot for posters. For example, a 24″ wide poster costs $1.00 per square foot + $1.20. This means an 18″×24″ (3 sq.ft) poster would cost roughly $3.00 + $1.20 = $4.20 base. They even claim the “leading competitor” charges $12+ for the same, highlighting the huge savings. A smaller 12″×18″ poster (~1.5 sq.ft) would be around $1.50 + $0.85 ≈ $2.35 base by their formula. These are remarkably low costs for on-demand printing. Even after adding shipping, your total cost per poster can be far below what you’d pay elsewhere. This enables either higher profit margins or the ability to offer lower retail prices to customers. Scalable Press has no minimum order (you can print one at a time), and no monthly fee. They do have volume pricing tiers too, so if you ever get bulk orders, it can be even cheaper. Because of this pricing structure, Scalable Press is very popular with high-volume dropshippers and those who run large marketplace shops.

When it comes to shipping speed, Scalable Press is optimized for fast production. They have multiple production facilities in the US (and partner facilities internationally for certain products). For posters, their turnaround is often just 1–2 days production time (as anecdoted by users), and shipping within the US can be 3-5 days via standard shipping. Michael Essek noted posters rarely took more than 48 hours to print. So a US customer might receive their poster in as little as 4 days from order. Internationally, Scalable Press will ship from the US if there’s no local production, so delivery could take a couple of weeks depending on distance and customs. One thing to note is Scalable Press is more of a backend fulfillment provider – you either connect via API, their Shopify app, or place orders through their system – so you will need to handle the front-end sale somewhere else (your website, Etsy, etc.). This makes it less turnkey than, say, Printful’s all-in-one integrations.

On integrations, Scalable Press provides a robust API for developers and a Shopify integration for store owners. The Shopify app lets you add Scalable Press products to your store and automates order flow similar to other POD apps. They don’t have as many direct platform integrations (no Etsy direct app, for example), but one can use order routing tools or manual ordering if needed. The platform is really geared towards those who are a bit more tech-savvy or focused on cost over user interface. For sustainability, Scalable Press doesn’t make bold claims, but they do use water-based inks (which are generally eco-friendlier than solvent-based). Their efficient production also potentially means less waste. But the biggest draw is simply the economics: if you need a POD partner for posters that keeps costs rock-bottom while still delivering competent quality, Scalable Press is hard to beat. It’s an ideal choice for scaling up a poster business, especially if you have thin margins or want to offer competitive prices. Just be prepared for a more utilitarian experience – the emphasis is on output and value, not on frills or design services.

Comparison Table: Major POD Services for Posters (2025)

To summarize the findings, below is a comparison of key aspects of top print-on-demand companies for poster printing:

Sources: The information above is compiled from a variety of sources, including official company documentation and user reviews. Key references include Printful’s and Gelato’s product info on paper and ink quality, comparative analyses of pricing and quality between Printful, Printify, and others, shipping estimates from company help centers and blogs, and firsthand accounts from sellers regarding print consistency and turnaround times. 

Conclusion

Choosing the best print-on-demand service for posters depends on your priorities. If you demand top-notch quality and a turnkey experience (and are willing to pay a bit more for it), Printful is a reliable bet with its museum-quality prints and seamless integrations. If you’re focused on maximizing profit and flexibility, Printify or Gooten might suit you, as they offer lower costs and a choice of providers (just be prepared to vet print partners for consistency). For those selling internationally or valuing sustainability, Gelato’s localized printing model is very appealing – fast shipping and eco-conscious practices without sacrificing quality. Artists who prefer a built-in marketplace and hands-off approach could opt for platforms like Redbubble or Society6, which handle the customer-facing side in exchange for a smaller cut. And if you’re scaling up a high-volume poster business with an external storefront, a provider like Scalable Press offers unparalleled pricing to boost your margins.

Each of these companies has its strengths: some excel in print fidelity and paper options, others in cost-efficiency, others in speed or market reach. Many sellers actually use a combination – for example, Printful for certain products and Printify or Gelato for others – to balance quality and cost. Whichever service you choose, be sure to order sample posters of your artwork first to check that the colors, paper, and finish meet your expectations. A little testing goes a long way to ensuring your customers get a product that makes your art shine. With the right POD partner, you can confidently turn your creative designs into beautiful posters, delivered on-demand to fans around the world, while you focus on what you do best: creating art and growing your business.