Explore the best services for budget-friendly custom t-shirt printing and design your own for less

When it comes to custom t-shirts, the growing popularity of print-on-demand (POD) services has made it easier than ever to design and sell your own creations. Whether you're looking to create custom t-shirts for your business, events, or personal use, finding the most cost-effective print-on-demand provider is crucial. In this guide, we will explore the best options for the cheapest print-on-demand t-shirt services, providing you with insights on pricing, quality, and features to consider. Read on to discover the most affordable ways to print custom t-shirts without sacrificing quality!

Understanding Print on Demand (POD) for T-Shirts

Print-on-demand is a business model that allows individuals and businesses to design custom products without the need for upfront inventory or large-scale printing investments. When you place an order, the POD provider prints the design on the product (in this case, a t-shirt) and ships it directly to the customer. This method has gained massive popularity due to its low financial barrier and simplicity for sellers and creators. For those interested in cheap custom t-shirts, it’s important to understand how POD services operate and what factors affect their prices.

Typically, the cost of a print-on-demand t-shirt includes the base price of the shirt itself, the printing fee, and shipping charges. These prices can vary significantly between providers, so it's important to research and compare options to find the best deal. Additionally, factors such as print quality, production speed, and customer support are all crucial elements to consider when selecting the right service for your needs.

Top Print on Demand Providers for Cheap T-Shirts

There are numerous print-on-demand platforms that offer custom t-shirt printing services at varying price points. Below are some of the most affordable and well-regarded platforms that can help you create high-quality custom t-shirts on a budget:


Printful – Printful is one of the most popular POD platforms, known for its quality and customer service. While their base price for t-shirts may be slightly higher than some other services, their product range, printing options, and shipping quality are excellent. They also offer integrations with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy, which is ideal for anyone looking to sell their designs online.
Teespring – Teespring (now known as Spring) is known for offering free access to their platform and a relatively low cost for each item. They are a great choice for creators who want to design t-shirts and sell them online without incurring additional fees. Teespring also offers a wide range of promotional tools, making it easier to market and sell your designs.
Printify – Printify is another popular POD service with a reputation for affordability. They offer a wide selection of t-shirt brands at competitive prices. Printify works with a global network of print providers, which can also affect the price based on location and shipping costs. The platform integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce.
Redbubble – Redbubble is a print-on-demand marketplace where artists can upload their designs, and the platform takes care of production and shipping. While Redbubble has higher profit margins, it remains a solid option for those looking for an easy entry into the world of POD. The platform also offers various ways to promote your designs, but you are mainly selling through Redbubble’s marketplace.
Gooten – Gooten provides competitive pricing and a variety of products, including t-shirts. With Gooten, you can easily scale up your POD business, and their network of printing partners ensures a high level of flexibility in terms of product selection and pricing.


Each of these services has unique features that might be more or less suitable depending on your needs. If you’re looking for the lowest upfront costs, Teespring and Printify are among the best options for affordability. For those who want a more robust platform with better control over branding, Printful is worth considering. It’s important to evaluate what works best for your business model and creative vision.

Factors That Affect the Cost of POD T-Shirts

To make an informed decision when choosing a print-on-demand service, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence the overall cost of your t-shirts. These factors include:


Base Shirt Price – The cost of the blank t-shirt itself is one of the largest components of the overall price. Most print-on-demand platforms offer a range of t-shirt options, including budget, mid-range, and premium quality shirts. The base price varies based on the brand, material, and quality of the t-shirt. Generally, budget options can be found for as low as $5 per shirt, while higher-end brands can cost $10 or more.
Printing Fees – Printing fees depend on the complexity of the design, the type of printing method used (screen printing, direct-to-garment printing, etc.), and the number of colors in the design. Simple, single-color designs are usually cheaper to print, while multi-color or intricate designs may cost more. The price can range from $3 to $8 per shirt.
Shipping Costs – Shipping costs can significantly impact the total price of your order. Some POD services offer free shipping, while others charge based on weight, destination, and delivery time. Be sure to check for any hidden shipping fees that might increase your costs.
Order Volume – Many POD platforms offer discounts for bulk orders. If you plan to order a large quantity of t-shirts, you may be able to save money per unit. However, the upfront cost for bulk orders can be higher, so consider whether buying in bulk is a cost-effective choice for your specific needs.


To save money, it's also a good idea to look for discounts, promotions, or wholesale pricing offered by the POD platforms. Some services offer deals for first-time customers, volume discounts, or seasonal promotions that can help lower the overall cost of your custom t-shirts.

Tips for Saving Money on POD T-Shirt Printing

Now that you know the factors affecting the price of POD t-shirts and have explored some of the most affordable platforms, here are a few tips for saving even more money when printing your custom designs:


Shop for the Best Base Shirt Prices – Don’t settle for the first t-shirt option you see. Compare the base prices for different brands and materials across various POD platforms. Sometimes, a slight change in shirt quality can lead to a noticeable price difference.
Use Simple Designs – Complex designs with lots of colors or intricate details tend to be more expensive to print. Stick to simple, high-impact designs that use fewer colors and have minimal printing elements. This can help reduce printing fees.
Leverage Bulk Discounts – If you're planning on selling your designs, ordering in bulk is a smart way to reduce costs. Even if you’re only printing a few designs at first, consider ordering a larger batch to save on per-unit costs.
Take Advantage of Free Shipping Offers – Keep an eye out for free shipping deals or offers that cover part of your shipping costs. Many POD platforms run promotions that can help offset shipping expenses, which can otherwise eat into your profits.


By following these tips and choosing the right POD service, you can create custom t-shirts that are both affordable and of high quality. With so many options available, there’s no need to pay exorbitant prices for print-on-demand t-shirts. Whether you’re designing t-shirts for a special event, promoting a business, or just expressing yourself, the right platform can make all the difference.