Custom Ink vs Vistaprint
Custom Ink
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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 Vistaprint if…
You’re small businesses ordering shirts alongside other branded materials. Handy if you already buy business cards and signs there: no minimum for DTG and heat transfer, screen printing from six pieces, and a live preview on different fabrics.
Visit siteSide by side
| Custom Ink | Vistaprint | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.4/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Price | 3.4/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Print quality | 4.6/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Speed | 4.3/5 | 4/5 |
| Ease of ordering | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Service | 4.8/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Type of service | Group & event orders | Small business & one-offs |
| Minimum order | None on select styles; others vary | None for DTG & heat transfer; 6 for screen printing |
| Print methods | Screen printing, Digital (DTG), Embroidery | Digital (DTG), Heat transfer, Screen printing, Embroidery |
| Example price | All-inclusive quote (set-up included) | DTG from about $13.99 a shirt |
| Turnaround | About 2 weeks standard | About 2-8 business days |
| Rush options | One-week rush and 3-day super rush (extra %) | Faster delivery options |
| Shipping | Delivery date guaranteed in the contiguous US | Combine apparel with other Vistaprint orders |
| Guarantee | Delivery-date guarantee; 15-day satisfaction refund | Satisfaction guarantee |
| Design tool | Excellent online design lab + free artist review | Simple editor with real-time fabric preview |
| Store integrations | Group order links; fundraising pages | - |
| Best for | Teams, schools, reunions and companies that want it done right the first time | Small businesses ordering shirts alongside other branded materials |
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
Vistaprint: pros & cons
- Order shirts with your cards and signs in one place
- No minimum on DTG
- Frequent discounts
- Garment choice is narrower than specialists
- Screen print needs 6+ shirts