Custom Ink vs Underground Printing
Custom Ink
Underground PrintingWe 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 4 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 Underground Printing if…
You’re schools, clubs and nonprofits that want a team store. A traditional screen printer with consultative service, embroidery, team stores for schools and clubs, and a two-day rush on selected styles.
Visit siteSide by side
| Custom Ink | Underground Printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.4/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Price | 3.4/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Print quality | 4.6/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Speed | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Ease of ordering | 4.8/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Service | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Type of service | Group & event orders | Screen printing & team stores |
| Minimum order | None on select styles; others vary | Varies; many items none, screen print typically 12+ |
| Print methods | Screen printing, Digital (DTG), Embroidery | Screen printing, Embroidery |
| Example price | All-inclusive quote (set-up included) | From about $13.30 each for 12 heavy cotton tees, 1 print location |
| Turnaround | About 2 weeks standard | Standard production; quotes can take longer |
| Rush options | One-week rush and 3-day super rush (extra %) | Two-day “Lightning Rush” on select styles |
| Shipping | Delivery date guaranteed in the contiguous US | Ship or pick up at retail locations |
| Guarantee | Delivery-date guarantee; 15-day satisfaction refund | Satisfaction guarantee |
| Design tool | Excellent online design lab + free artist review | Online designer plus human quotes |
| Store integrations | Group order links; fundraising pages | Team & fundraiser stores |
| Best for | Teams, schools, reunions and companies that want it done right the first time | Schools, clubs and nonprofits that want a team store |
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
Underground Printing: pros & cons
- Helpful humans and real screen-printing know-how
- Team stores collect orders for you
- Embroidery available
- Quotes can be slower
- Small orders cost more per shirt