Redbubble Vs Etsy 2026 🚀 Best Platform For Creators?

Are you in search of a detailed comparison between Redbubble and Etsy to decide on the best platform for selling your creative products? Look no further. Redbubble and Etsy are popular choices for artists, designers, and crafters, each offering distinct features and benefits. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and e-commerce, I can assist you in understanding the differences and selecting the ideal platform to display and sell your unique creations.

Artists and crafters often face challenges in choosing between Redbubble and Etsy due to differences in product focus, audience reach, and fee structures. This guide aims to alleviate these pain points by providing an in-depth analysis of Redbubble and Etsy. Whether you're looking to sell digital art, handcrafted goods, or custom merchandise, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.

TL;DR 📌 For most independent artists and creators, Redbubble is the better choice due to its ease of use, built-in customer base, and hands-off approach to production and fulfillment. However, if you're looking for more control over your brand, pricing, and customer relationships, Etsy might be the ideal option.

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Quick Comparison Table

	🥇 Redbubble (My Top Pick!)	Etsy
Product Range	Redbubble offers a wide array of products designed by independent artists, including clothing (t-shirts, hoodies, leggings, etc.), stickers, masks, home & living items (posters, wall art, pillows, etc.), phone cases, and accessories.	Etsy is a marketplace for unique and creative goods. It includes a vast range of products from handmade items, vintage goods, and craft supplies, to jewelry, clothing, home & living items, and much more.
Ease of Use	Redbubble provides a straightforward platform for artists to upload their designs and apply them to a variety of products. Customers find it easy to navigate and order products.	Etsy offers an easy-to-use platform for both sellers and buyers. Sellers can list their products with ease and buyers find the platform user-friendly for shopping.
Print Quality	Redbubble is known for its high-quality prints. It uses a direct-to-garment (DTG) printing technique for clothing items, and high-quality printing technology for art prints and decor items.	As Etsy is a marketplace for individual sellers, print quality can vary greatly depending on the seller. However, Etsy's review system allows buyers to rate sellers on the quality of their products, helping future buyers make informed decisions.
Shipping	Redbubble ships worldwide from manufacturing locations in the US, Australia, and Europe. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on the product type, quantity, and destination.	Shipping on Etsy varies as it depends on individual sellers. Some sellers offer worldwide shipping, while others may have more limited options. Shipping costs and times are determined by the sellers and the product's location.
Pricing and Artist Commission	Artists set their own markup on Redbubble, which can vary greatly.	Etsy allows sellers to set their own prices. They charge a listing fee and take a small percentage of each sale.
My View	Best for artists looking to sell prints of their work on a variety of products.	Best for artists and craftspeople selling handmade or vintage items.
	Try For Free	Try For Free

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Overview:

Redbubble:

• Key Features:
  • Product Variety: Offers a wide range of products including apparel, home decor, accessories, and more, featuring artists' designs.
  • Print-on-Demand: Handles all production, shipping, and customer service, allowing artists to focus on creating.
  • Global Marketplace: Access to a large international audience.
  • Artist Dashboard: Provides tools for tracking sales, managing products, and optimizing listings.
• Pricing:
  • Royalties: Artists set their own profit margins above the base price of products, determining their earnings.
• Strengths:
  • Diverse Product Offerings: Allows artists to showcase their designs on a broad range of products.
  • No Upfront Costs: Artists can start selling without any initial investment.
  • Global Reach: Strong presence in multiple markets worldwide.
• Weaknesses:
  • Lower Profit Margins: Base prices can be high, limiting potential earnings.
  • Quality Variability: Product quality can vary depending on the manufacturer.
  • High Competition: Large number of artists on the platform can make it challenging to stand out.

Etsy:

• Key Features:
  • Marketplace for Handmade and Vintage Goods: Focuses on handmade items, vintage products, and craft supplies.
  • Customizable Shopfront: Offers sellers the ability to customize their shop's appearance.
  • Built-in Marketing Tools: Includes tools for SEO, promotions, and social media integration.
  • Etsy Payments: Handles all transactions, offering various payment options to buyers.
• Pricing:
  • Listing Fee: $0.20 per listing.
  • Transaction Fee: 6.5% on each sale.
  • Payment Processing Fee: Additional fee for payment processing.
• Strengths:
  • Established Marketplace: Large, engaged audience looking specifically for handmade and unique items.
  • Community and Support: Active community with forums, resources, and customer support.
  • Custom Branding: Allows sellers to create a branded shop experience.
• Weaknesses:
  • Fees: Various fees can add up, impacting overall profitability.
  • High Competition: Large number of sellers, especially in popular categories.
  • Limited Product Types: Primarily supports handmade, vintage, and craft-related products, limiting other types of sales.

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Ease of Use:

Redbubble:

Redbubble is a print on demand hub makes things so much easier for both creatives and their customers. I mean, all you really need to do is create an account on the platform.

Thanks to its easy sign-on process, creating a Redbubble account is easy as pie. Almost immediately afterward, you can go to your profile page, click the Add New Work button, and start uploading your designs.

Keep in mind, though, that you will need to upload your graphics in PNG format for the best possible printing quality in the finished product. Plus, all designs need to support a CMYK profile for faster, stress-free printing. It is also recommended that your background be transparent.

Etsy:

Just how easy is it to get started on Etsy shop? It’s just a matter of creating an account – and it’s all systems go.

It’s literally a matter of making your account, choosing a store name, adding a selection of items to your stock, and putting in your billing details. All in all, you could be running your store in less than an hour. This is regardless of whether you have any prior experience creating web pages or selling online.

Winner – Redbubble! We find in favour of Redbubble in this Redbubble vs Etsy ease of use comparison. We like its ‘set it and forget it' approach from selling to shipping.

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Features and Flexibility:

Product Range:

Redbubble:

Redbubble allows independent artists to sell their artwork on a variety of products. The product range is extensive, including apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, dresses, and leggings, home decor items like posters, duvet covers, and wall tapestries, and accessories like tote bags, scarves, and phone cases. Additionally, they offer stationery items, stickers, and a unique range of products such as jigsaw puzzles and masks. The broad range of products means that artists have a wide canvas for their creativity, and buyers have a multitude of options to choose from.

Etsy:

Etsy's product range is vast and diverse, as it's a platform where individual sellers can offer their unique and creative goods. This includes handmade items, vintage goods, and craft supplies. Categories range from jewelry, clothing, shoes, home decor, wedding items, toys, art, and collectibles, to craft supplies and tools. You can find everything from antique furniture to handmade soap, bespoke clothing, personalized gifts, and much more. The vast product range makes Etsy a go-to platform for unique, one-of-a-kind items.

Out of the box:

Redbubble:

Using Redbubble only has three key steps for users. Initially, the user must create their designs and familiarise themselves with the Redbubble UI. Second, one selects the product on which they want to have their design printed, looking over more than 70 available options at their fingertips. Finally, once the choice has been made, they need to determine how much they want to charge for the finished item. Everything else that follows afterwards is taken care of by the platform.

Etsy:

For those who want to create a truly unique online shop for their work, Etsy provides its own site building platform with which to create a gorgeous and engaging online store. It may come off as somewhat amateurish compared to the more sophisticated tools offered by other platforms, but if it works, there’s no need to fix it.

Themes & Template Design:

Redbubble:

Here’s the thing: because Redbubble is more of a print on demand facility for creatives, it does not offer site themes and templates. Instead, it offers a sizable number of templates to use for individual products on Redbubble.

Etsy:

At last count, Etsy had over 5,000 working themes and related templates ready to be selected and implemented by users. Likewise, these themes are categorised based on product type and market niche, so it’s quite easy to select a template that is appropriate for one’s Etsy site.

Print Quality:

Redbubble:

Redbubble is renowned for its high-quality prints, which are vibrant, sharp, and durable. They use direct-to-garment (DTG) printing for apparel, which results in a soft feel where the print becomes part of the fabric. For art prints, they use gallery-standard inks that are resistant to fading. The print quality is consistently high across the range of products, ensuring that the artist's work is reproduced faithfully and the buyer receives a product they can enjoy for a long time.

Etsy:

As Etsy is a marketplace for individual sellers, print quality can vary significantly. It entirely depends on the individual sellers, their chosen materials, and printing methods. That being said, many sellers on Etsy offer high-quality prints, whether that's for art prints, printed clothing, or other items. Because Etsy's review system allows buyers to rate and review sellers, future buyers can gauge the print quality based on past customer experiences.

Shipping:

Redbubble:

Redbubble ships products worldwide. They have third-party fulfillers located in various locations around the globe, including the US, UK, Australia, Germany, and more. This allows them to print the products closer to where the buyer is, reducing shipping times and costs. However, shipping cost and delivery times can still vary depending on the product type, the quantity, and the destination. Redbubble provides a shipping guide on their website to help customers understand shipping times and costs.

Etsy:

Shipping policies on Etsy are set by individual sellers and can, therefore, vary significantly. Some sellers offer worldwide shipping, while others may only ship locally. The shipping cost and delivery time depend on the seller's location, the buyer's location, and the type and weight of the item. However, Etsy provides tools for sellers to set competitive and accurate shipping prices, and buyers can filter search results based on shipping costs and locations.

3rd party apps market:

Redbubble:

Redbubble offers no third-party integrations.

Etsy:

Along with the usual payment gateways, Etsy also interfaces with a number of third party applications for marketing, SEO, editing, and store management. The current roster includes ReferralCandy, Putler, Mad Mimi for email marketing as an alternative to the more ubiquitous MailChimp, and Marmalead for SEO.

Hosting:

Redbubble:

As a print on demand site, Redbubble does not have any site hosting options.

Etsy:

Since 2018, Etsy has relied on cloud-based hosting for user sites via Google Cloud.

Security:

Redbubble:

Redbubble makes it a point to advise its users to monitor their accounts for any online vulnerabilities. These issues include vulnerabilities listed under the OWASP Top 10, remote code execution, and vulnerabilities related to authentication and authorization. Once these issues are reported, the tech team steps in to resolve the issue.

Etsy:

Etsy has a feature called Pattern which has made the creation of more secure custom sites easier for its users. Pattern already manages each site’s SSL certificates and also ensures that sites are secured under HTTPS protocol.

Backups:

Redbubble:

Redbubble does not offer site backups.

Etsy:

The platform’s automated shop backup feature is part of its Seller Toolsuite and, much like Big Cartel’s, can be programmed to back files up within a set schedule – and that can be done by simply linking one’s file storage account with the feature.

Migration:

Redbubble:

Redbubble does not offer site migration.

Etsy:

You may not necessarily be able to migrate your site to Etsy, but those who own Etsy sites can actually migrate these to other platforms like Shopify and Cart2Cart. However, the methods and tools used will differ from one platform to another.

POS:

Redbubble:

Unfortunately, Redbubble does not offer point of sale measures for its users.

Etsy:

Etsy doesn’t have its own native POS feature. Instead, it offers several third-party options for its users to consider. In which case, any related POS hardware will be dependent on which options they go for.

Abandoned cart saver:

Redbubble:

Alas, this platform does not offer cart recovery solutions.

Etsy:

Users have the option of sending customers one-time discount coupons as Etsy’s means of cart recovery.

Payment Gateways:

Redbubble:

You can use either a business or personal PayPal account to be able to sell on Redbubble.

Etsy:

Etsy’s native payment feature Etsy Payments not only allows users to opt for the usual suspects in terms of gateways, but also localised options which accept credit and debit cards or virtual accounts in the countries they’re in.

SEO:

Redbubble:

The thing about Redbubble SEO is that it involves a manual process. While not officially mandated by the platform, they offer a step-by-step guide.

Etsy:

Here’s our problem with Etsy: much like the crafted items its users sell, SEO here is pretty much a DIY thing. Nevertheless, the platform offers an online guide on how users can improve their site’s rankings on both Etsy SEO and Google SEO.

Mobile:

Redbubble:

The Redbubble app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Etsy:

Installing Sell on Etsy, the platform’s mobile application is an excellent way to improve an online store’s efficiency and impact. Much like the one deployed by Big Cartel, Etsy’s app allows users to keep tabs on their orders, payments, and reviews. While it is rather basic compared to the more elaborate online sales applications deployed by competing platforms, it is a great way to help store owners get things done without needing to lug along a laptop wherever they go.

Marketing:

How is it selling on Redbubble vs Etsy? What are their marketing features?

Redbubble:

Metrics and Analytics

Redbubble gives its users regular updates on how much traffic they're getting within a given time period, along with how many products have been sold within the same amount of time. Demographics as to the age and location of customers is also given, enabling users to calibrate their product offerings for emergent markets.

Social Media Integration

Today's social media-linked world means that creatives need to have an active presence on leading networks like Facebook and Instagram. Redbubble allows users to connect their shops to their social media accounts on different platforms to gain both a loyal following and sell their work to the audiences that matter the most to them.
Etsy:

Now, this is Etsy’s ace in the hole: a whole plethora of tools with which to promote your work through numerous channels. The marketing suite allows users to cross-post to their social media platforms, boost the visibility of your store, and even offer discounts for loyal customers;

Pagespeed:

Redbubble:

Not that fast, unfortunately. Our speed test showed that Redbubble loads in 3.98 seconds – well below the average – with a performance grade of 61 out of 100.

Etsy:

Etsy fares a little better in this category. Based on our last test, its average loading speed is a much slower 1.59 seconds. Its overall performance grade is 86 out of 100.

Winner – Draw! If you compare Redbubble vs Etsy on features, we say they're levelled.

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Support and Resources:

Redbubble:

Even if you’re just learning how to use Redbubble, the platform makes it a great deal easier to navigate through it via its video-centric knowledge base RBTV. This unique YouTube channel offers numerous tips and tricks that users can implement, making their creative and mercantile experience more meaningful over time.

Likewise, Redbubble also has a text-centric knowledge base which covers everything from shopping, buying, designing, selling, and even offers guidelines for fan art that protect both artists and the original creators.

However, online customer support is limited to direct messaging on-site or through Twitter and Facebook Messenger.

Etsy:

Etsy has a regularly updated Help Centre that has relevant information on most of the likely issues one may encounter as either a buyer or seller.

It also has an order-specific support platform that allows sellers to take action regarding individual orders, along with a more general technical support platform.

Keep in mind, however, that while you can sign onto the support platform using your Google, Apple, or Facebook credentials, Etsy does not offer cross-platform support.

Winner – Redbubble! Betweeb Redbubble vs Etsy's customer service, Redbubble has a slight edge.

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Redbubble Vs Etsy Pricing:

Pricing Comparison Table

Pricing Feature	Redbubble	Etsy
Listing Fees	No listing fees	$0.20 USD per listing
Transaction Fees	20% base commission fee	6.5% transaction fee per sale
Payment Processing Fees	No separate fees for payment processing; integrated into commission	3% + $0.25 USD per sale (varies by region)
Monthly Subscription	None	Etsy Plus: $10 USD/month
Currency Conversion Fees	Included in commission fees	2.5% currency conversion fee (if applicable)
Payout Fees	None	$0.25 USD fee per bank deposit (US only; may vary)
Ad Fees	Optional paid marketing campaigns	Offsite Ads: 12% fee for sellers making less than $10,000/year; 15% for those making $10,000+ annually
Custom Domain	Not supported	Available through Etsy Pattern for $15 USD/month
Free Trial	No free trial available	No free trial available
Ideal For	Artists and designers looking to showcase and sell art, apparel, and accessories.	Sellers of handmade, vintage items, and unique goods seeking a large audience and built-in marketplace tools.

Pricing Options:

Redbubble:

Pricing is where Redbubble differs from the competition. Everything that can be bought on site has a Redbubble base price and markup is determined by individual creators. Therefore, you have autonomy on deciding retail price.

Likewise, getting paid for one's work is also easy, but you will need to hit a threshold before you can start collecting your payments.

Click for the latest Redbubble pricing

Etsy:

Keep in mind that you really need to read the fine print before you set up shop on Etsy as there are a number of fees you need to take into consideration.

First, the platform charges a flat listing fee of around $0.20 per product you choose to put online, regardless of whether it's a physical or digital item. Note that product listings expire after four months, so you'll need to pay the fee again for any products that haven't sold but you want to keep in your inventory. This may be done manually or you could set it up so that it renews automatically.

Second, there is the matter of transaction fees. As of April of this year, Etsy now charges a 6.5% transaction fee on top of the final price for all items sold through the platform. This includes shipping fees, product customisations, and even gift wrapping.

Then, while you can technically use Etsy for free, those who want to avail of the additional perks offered under the Etsy Plus feature can subscribe to the service at an additional $10.00 a month. You can use their pricing tool to have an idea about costing.

Etsy also charges a number of transactional fees, including additional charges for purchases made during in-person trade shows, currency conversion, and even regulatory fees. That said, you may need substantial capitalisation if your business is to survive and thrive through this particular platform.

Click for the latest Etsy pricing

Free trial, refund policy, and money-back guarantee:

Users may create accounts on Redbubble for free. You may also create a free account on Etsy, but we strongly advise you to reread the previous section on the different fees charged per transaction. Based on Etsy's terms and conditions, there are specific rules for refunds and deliveries – so better read it. Meanwhile, Redbubble's user terms provides for returns within 90 days of delivery receipt.

Winner – Redbubble! Comparing Redbubble vs Etsy, we prefer how the former lets individual creators have the say on prices. However, Etsy offers better commissions.

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Conclusion and Recommendation

Choosing between Redbubble and Etsy depends on your business model, the level of control you desire, and how much effort you're willing to invest in managing your store.

Redbubble is an excellent choice if you're an artist or designer looking for a hassle-free way to sell your designs on various products. With its print-on-demand model, Redbubble handles production, shipping, and customer service, allowing you to focus solely on creating. It's ideal for those who prefer a passive selling approach and want to leverage Redbubble's built-in audience.

On the other hand, Etsy is perfect for creators who want more control over their products, branding, and customer interactions. If you're selling handmade items, craft supplies, or vintage goods and are willing to handle production and fulfillment, Etsy offers a platform to build a more personalized shop. It's ideal for entrepreneurs who want to establish a unique brand identity and are prepared to invest time in marketing and customer service.

Who Is It Best For?

• Redbubble: Best for artists and designers seeking a low-maintenance platform to sell their designs on a variety of products without handling production or shipping.
• Etsy: Best for makers, crafters, and vintage sellers who want full control over their products, branding, and customer relationships, and are willing to manage fulfillment and customer service.

Who Is It Not Best For?

• Etsy: Not ideal for artists who prefer a hands-off approach to selling and do not want to handle production, shipping, or customer service.
• Redbubble: May not suit those who want to sell handmade physical products, have more control over customer data, or desire to build a unique brand outside of the Redbubble ecosystem.

Redbubble vs Etsy Alternatives:

• If you are focusing purely on Print-on-Demand, consider Printful or Teespring as Redbubble alternatives.
• If you want to sell handmade or vintage items, explore Amazon Handmade or eBay as alternatives to Etsy.
• If you want more control over your store and are considering building your own ecommerce site, go with Shopify or Squarespace for robust features and integrations.

Final Word:

For most independent artists and creators, Redbubble is the recommended choice due to its ease of use, built-in customer base, and hands-off approach to production and fulfillment. However, if you're looking to build a unique brand and have more control over your business operations, Etsy is a strong contender.

Ready to start selling your creations?

Get started with Redbubble today!

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That's all for now:

If you've read all the way through this Redbubble vs Etsy comparison, we are thankful. We hope you can now answer the question of what are the pros and cons of these platforms! We have a large collection of articles, guides, and comparison reviews of eCommerce solutions, web hosting providers, website builders, and more! Feel free to check them out;