Custom Ink vs Printful
Custom Ink
PrintfulWe may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks. How we make money.
Quick verdict
Custom Ink edges it overall, winning 2 of 5 rating categories.
Choose Custom Ink if…
You’re teams, schools, reunions and companies that want it done right the first time. The best-known name for group shirts: an easy design lab, all-inclusive quotes, a free artwork review and a guaranteed delivery date. Not the cheapest, but the most reliable.
Visit siteChoose Printful if…
You’re brands that care about consistent quality and branded unboxing. The premium print-on-demand choice: Printful prints in its own facilities, offers branding (labels, pack-ins) and plugs into Shopify, Etsy and WooCommerce.
Visit siteSide by side
| Custom Ink | Printful | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Price | 3.4/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Print quality | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Speed | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Ease of ordering | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Service | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Type of service | Group & event orders | Print-on-demand |
| Minimum order | None on select styles; others vary | None |
| Print methods | Screen printing, Digital (DTG), Embroidery | DTG, DTF, Embroidery, All-over print |
| Example price | All-inclusive quote (set-up included) | Tees from about $17.95 base cost (branding +$1-$3) |
| Turnaround | About 2 weeks standard | About 2-5 business days to fulfill |
| Rush options | One-week rush and 3-day super rush (extra %) | Faster shipping options |
| Shipping | Delivery date guaranteed in the contiguous US | Calculated per order; ships worldwide |
| Guarantee | Delivery-date guarantee; 15-day satisfaction refund | Reprints for print or product defects |
| Design tool | Excellent online design lab + free artist review | Mockup generator & design maker |
| Store integrations | Group order links; fundraising pages | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, Amazon and more |
| Best for | Teams, schools, reunions and companies that want it done right the first time | Brands that care about consistent quality and branded unboxing |
Custom Ink: pros & cons
- Quote includes set-up: no surprise fees
- A real artist reviews every design for free
- Delivery date guaranteed or money back
- Group order links let people pick their own size
- Usually pricier than bulk-focused printers
- Rush options add a percentage of the order
- Prices aren’t shown until you design
Printful: pros & cons
- Consistent quality from in-house facilities
- Branded labels, inserts and packaging
- Excellent store integrations
- Higher base costs mean thinner margins
- Shipping costs can be steep