Are you trying to choose between Redbubble and Zazzle for your creative needs? You're in the perfect place! These platforms allow artists and designers to showcase and sell their work on various items without the hassle of managing inventory or logistics. With my extensive experience in digital marketing and e-commerce spanning over two decades, I can guide you in selecting the best platform to boost your visibility and income. Join me on this journey of discovery to find the perfect print-on-demand platform for you!
Artists often face challenges in choosing between Redbubble and Zazzle due to differences in product range, customization options, and royalty structures. This guide aims to alleviate these pain points by providing an in-depth analysis of Redbubble and Zazzle. Whether you're a digital artist, graphic designer, or creative entrepreneur, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.
TL;DR 📌 For most independent artists, Redbubble is the better choice due to its ease of use, artist-friendly policies, and global marketplace offering a wide range of products. However, if you're seeking extensive customization options, higher control over pricing, and a broader customer base interested in personalized items, Zazzle might be the ideal option.
Quick Comparison Table
| 🏆 Redbubble (My Top Pick!) | Zazzle | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Range | Redbubble offers a wide range of products including clothing, stickers, home decor, and more. | Zazzle also offers a wide variety of products, from clothing to home decor, but also includes unique items like business cards and wedding invitations. |
| Ease of Use | Redbubble's interface is simple and easy to use for both artists and customers. | Zazzle's platform is also user-friendly, but some users find it slightly more complex due to the greater customization options. |
| Print Quality | Redbubble is known for its high-quality prints and durable products. | Zazzle also has a reputation for high-quality prints, but some users have noted inconsistencies. |
| Shipping | Redbubble ships worldwide with varying costs and delivery times. | Zazzle also ships worldwide, and shipping cost varies depending on the product and location. |
| Pricing and Artist Commission | Artists set their own markup on Redbubble, which can vary greatly. | Zazzle allows artists to set their royalty rate, typically between 5% – 99% of the base price. |
| My View | Best for artists looking for a wide audience and a simple interface. | Best for creatives wanting a wider range of product customization and faster shipping. |
| Try For Free | Try For Free |
Overview of Redbubble Vs Zazzle
Here’s a concise comparison of Redbubble and Zazzle, highlighting their key features, pricing, strengths, and weaknesses:
Redbubble:
- Key Features:
- Artist-Friendly Platform: Specifically designed for artists to sell their work on various products without handling production or shipping.
- Product Variety: Offers a wide range of products including apparel, home decor, accessories, and stationery.
- Print-on-Demand: Manages all aspects of production, shipping, and customer service, allowing artists to focus on creating.
- Global Marketplace: Provides access to a large international audience, enhancing exposure.
- Artist Dashboard: Includes tools for tracking sales, managing products, and optimizing listings.
- Pricing:
- Royalties: Artists set their own profit margins above the base price of products, influencing their earnings.
- Strengths:
- Diverse Product Offerings: Extensive catalog allows artists to showcase designs on various products.
- No Upfront Costs: Artists can start selling without any initial investment.
- Global Reach: Strong international presence, increasing potential market size.
- Weaknesses:
- Lower Profit Margins: High base prices can limit the amount artists can mark up, affecting profitability.
- Quality Control: Variability in product quality due to different manufacturers.
- High Competition: Large number of artists can make it difficult to gain visibility.
Zazzle:
- Key Features:
- Extensive Customization: Allows customers to personalize products with their own text and images.
- Wide Product Range: Extensive selection including unique products like custom stamps and electronics.
- Maker and Designer Platforms: Separate platforms for artists (designers) and product creators (makers).
- Royalty Structure: Artists set their own royalty rates, giving them control over earnings.
- Pricing:
- Royalties: Artists can set their own royalty rates, typically ranging from 5% to 99%.
- Strengths:
- High Customization: Allows for a high degree of product personalization, appealing to a broad audience.
- Unique Product Offerings: Offers products not commonly found on other platforms, such as custom invitations and tech accessories.
- Control Over Royalties: Artists can set their own royalty rates, providing flexibility in pricing.
- Weaknesses:
- Complexity: More complex setup process, especially for new users.
- Customer Base: Generally more U.S.-centric, which may limit international exposure.
- Variable Product Quality: Quality can vary, similar to other print-on-demand platforms.
Ease of Use:
Redbubble:
This unique online marketplace/print-on-demand hub makes things so much easier for both creatives and their customers, as 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 afterwards, you can go into 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 and it is also recommended that your backgrounds be transparent.
Zazzle:
Register, create your store, post a variety of products, and start selling then earning – yes, Zazzle’s onboarding process is that simple and your store will be up and running in less than an hour.
The beauty of Zazzle is that there are no hidden fees, there’s no need to buy a domain, and this is a platform that relies on more than just one or two graphic formats to help their users get the job done.
Indeed, Zazzle accepts image files in JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF, and Adobe Illustrator files within a resolution range of between 150 and 300 pixels per inch depending on the item you’re planning to put the image on.
Winner – Draw! All things considered, this ease of use round between Redbubble vs Zazzle is tied.
Features:
Product Range
Redbubble:
Redbubble offers a broad array of product categories ranging from clothing (t-shirts, hoodies, leggings, etc.), stickers, and masks, to home & living items (posters, wall art, pillows, etc.), and even phone cases and accessories. It's a platform that provides ample scope for artists to display their creativity across a wide spectrum of everyday items.
Zazzle:
Zazzle has an extensive product range that goes beyond clothing and home decor. It includes categories like office supplies, business cards, wedding invitations, custom-made shoes, and even pet accessories. Zazzle's strength lies in the customization options it offers, enabling customers to personalize virtually every product they purchase.
Out of the box:
Redbubble:
Simple Three-step Workflow
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 Redbubble;
Open-ended Call for Creatives
The beauty of Redbubble is that it does not discriminate when it comes to the art it accepts in its UI for production. Indeed, everyone from graphic designers to fan-artists can contribute and produce items within a wide range of categories; specifically: apparel, tote bags, shower curtains, art prints metal prints, stickers and stationery, phone cases and accessories, wall art, home accessories and lifestyle products, kid-friendly items, and personal accessories. Having said this, many independent artists find that it's much easier to work with Redbubble than it is with other print on demand hubs. All they really need is to set a price and they're good to go;
Zazzle:
Design Services
Referred to in-platform as Zazzle Live, the design service allows users to consult with an actual designer as to the best approach to take with their work. While it will cost you (you get charged a flat fee to work with a designer), you get the benefit of working with an expert in real time and even have someone look into your design, make the necessary edits, or even write compelling copy to go with your design;
Open Personalisation
Need a custom gift? Zazzle has you covered. The platform covers all the bases when it comes to creating specific items for certain occasions, gender-specific items, and even gifts within specified age ranges.
Themes & Template Design:
Redbubble:
Redbubble offers a variety of templates and does not discriminate when it comes to the art it accepts in its UI for production. As a result, everyone from graphic designers to fan artists can contribute and produce items within a wide range of categories; specifically: apparel, stickers and stationery, phone cases and accessories, wall art, home accessories and lifestyle products, kid-friendly items, and personal accessories.
Zazzle:
Zazzle's mockup generator is a great way users can see how a wide range of designs will look on an object before they commit to full-stop production. The mockup generator tool allows users to put designs on both small and large objects, enabling them to make adjustments in terms of image placement, size, and even colour prior to offering the product on their Zazzle store.
Print Quality:
Redbubble:
Redbubble is widely recognized for its high-quality prints. The platform uses a direct-to-garment (DTG) printing technique for clothing items, which results in durable and detailed prints. For art prints and decor items, Redbubble uses top-notch printing technology to ensure vibrant and crisp images.
Zazzle:
Zazzle also offers high-quality printing. However, as they provide a greater range of products and printing techniques (including embroidery and engraving), quality can occasionally vary between items. Nonetheless, customer reviews generally praise Zazzle for its print quality, particularly on personalized items like invitations and business cards.
Shipping:
Redbubble:
Redbubble ships worldwide, with manufacturing locations in the US, Australia, and Europe to facilitate faster delivery. Shipping costs depend on the product type, quantity, and destination. Delivery times can vary, with domestic orders typically arriving within 4-6 days, and international orders taking longer.
Zazzle:
Zazzle also offers worldwide shipping, with manufacturing facilities in the US, Australia, and the UK. Shipping cost and delivery times can vary greatly depending on the product and destination. However, Zazzle offers several shipping options, including express delivery for customers who need their orders quickly.
3rd party apps market:
Redbubble:
The platform has no third-party integrations.
Zazzle:
Zazzle integrates with other tools via API. It can also integrate with WooCommerce, Canva, and Shopify.
Security:
Redbubble:
Redbubble lets you know if there are threats and vulnerabilities to your site. You may encounter several 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.
Zazzle:
Zazzle protects seller and buyer information via the transport layer security software (“TLS”). This tools encrypts all data you input before it is sent to the platform.
eCommerce Tools:
Payment Gateways:
Redbubble:
You can use either a business or personal PayPal account to be able to sell on Redbubble.
Zazzle:
The following payment methods are accepted: all major credit and debit cards, PayPal, and Klarna.
SEO:
Both Redbubble and Society6 don't come with SEO features, but they do offer tutorials on how to optimize your pages for search engines.
Mobile First:
The Redbubble app is available for both iOS and Android devices while Zazzle is available also for iOS and Android.
Marketing:
Redbubble:
Metrics and Analytics
This is a feature that we found a pleasant surprise; it's not often that you have an integrated ecommerce platform and print on demand service that has the ability to tell a user how well their shop is doing online. 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 makes this possible by allowing 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.
Zazzle:
Zazzle allows you to promote your products and materials via social media such as Facebook and Instagram. It also uses real-time marketing analytics to determine trends and attract a specific audience.
Winner – Redbubble! All things considered, we are giving the win on features to Redbubble in this Redbubble vs Society6 comparison.
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.
Zazzle:
Support and interconnectivity are practically the only two real issues we have with Zazzle.
For one thing, Zazzle offers no third-party integrations with any of the leading ecommerce platforms.
Nor does it offer interconnection with leading online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
For another, it only offers technical support through its online Help Centre and one-on-one support is limited to phone calls which may only be done during business hours.
Winner – Draw! Things are leveled between Redbubble vs Zazzle in the support category.
Redbubble vs Zazzle Pricing and Artist Commissions:
Quick Pricing Comparison Table
| Feature | Redbubble | Zazzle |
|---|---|---|
| Product Pricing | Determined by Redbubble, with set artist margin (20% default) | Set by the seller; seller earns a royalty (5-15%) |
| Base Product Costs | Varies per product type (e.g., $15 for t-shirts) | Varies based on product type and customization |
| Artist Margin | Default is 20%, but customizable | Royalty range is customizable, typically 5-15% |
| Transaction Fees | No upfront costs or listing fees; margin deducted post-sale | No listing fees; Zazzle retains base cost, seller gets royalty |
| Payout Options | Monthly payouts via PayPal | Monthly payouts via PayPal or Check (U.S. residents only) |
| Custom Pricing Adjustments | No custom pricing, only control over margin | Full control over pricing, seller sets product price and profit margin |
| Premium Plan | No premium plans | Zazzle Plus Membership: Starts at $9.95/year (for discounted shipping) |
| Free Trial | N/A | N/A |
| Additional Fees | No additional fees | Additional costs for premium features and better visibility |
Redbubble:
Pricing is where Redbubble differs from the competition. Everything that can be bought on site has a specific price and markup is determined by individual creators.
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
Zazzle:
Prices are determined by the base price set by the platform for different products and the markup you need to set yourself. Zazzle offers a 15% per sale standard commission rate, with a 17% volume bonus.
All earnings are reflected in the Earnings Dashboard located in one’s account page.
Click for the latest Zazzle pricing
Redbubble vs Zazzle Free trial, refund policy, and money-back guarantee:
Users may create accounts on Redbubble for free. Meanwhile, creating and managing a store account on Zazzle is free, and you only need to pay for custom items. You may keep the profits and set your own rates for royalties and retail pricing for individual items.
Based on Zazzle's terms and conditions, there's a 30-day refund policy. Meanwhile, Redbubble's user terms provides for returns within 90 days of delivery receipt.
Winner – Draw! Things are tied between Redbubble vs Zazzle in the pricing category.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Choosing between Redbubble and Zazzle depends on your priorities as an artist or designer. Redbubble is excellent if you're looking for a straightforward platform focused on showcasing and selling your art with minimal effort. It's ideal for reaching a global audience and preferring a hands-off approach to production and customer service.
Conversely, Zazzle is perfect if you want more control over product customization and pricing, targeting customers interested in personalized items. Zazzle's user base often seeks unique, customizable products, which can lead to higher sales if your designs cater to that market.
Who Is It Best For?
- Redbubble: Independent artists and designers seeking an easy-to-use platform to sell artwork on various products without handling production.
- Zazzle: Designers wanting greater control over pricing, offering customizable products, and targeting customers looking for personalized items.
Who Is It Not Best For?
- Zazzle: Artists preferring a simpler setup without engaging in product customization options.
- Redbubble: Those wanting to offer product customization or needing higher control over the customer experience.
Redbubble vs Zazzle Alternatives:
Some of the best Redbubble vs Zazzle alternatives include:
Compare print-on-demand services for selling custom products without holding inventory. This table helps you assess product range, fulfilment options, integrations, branding control, and which POD platform best fits your store or creator business.
| Platform | Price / Basic Plan + CTA | Best For | Key Features | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Printful | Free / Growth from $24.99/mo; free for eligible high-volume sellers | Check Pricing | Best overall print-on-demand service | Large product catalog, global fulfilment, strong integrations, branding options, mockup tools, reliable quality control | Printful Review |
| 2. Printify | Free / Premium from $39/mo or $299/year | Check Pricing | Best for low product costs | Large supplier network, broad catalog, multiple print providers, product discounts, Etsy and Shopify integrations | Printify Review |
| 3. Gelato | Free / Gelato+ from $19.99/mo annually or $23.99/mo monthly | Check Pricing | Best for global local fulfilment | Local production network, international shipping, sustainable fulfilment focus, design tools, ecommerce integrations | Review Coming Soon |
| 4. Gooten | Free / pay per order | Check Pricing | Best for scaling ecommerce brands | Global fulfilment network, automated order routing, 300+ products, Shopify/Etsy integrations, API-friendly operations | Review Coming Soon |
| 5. CustomCat | Free / Pro from $30/mo or $300/year | Check Pricing | Best for high-volume apparel sellers | Fast US fulfilment, apparel-heavy catalog, discounted Pro pricing, Shopify integration, bulk-friendly operations | Review Coming Soon |
| 6. Apliiq | Free to install / optional VIP plan available | Check Pricing | Best for custom branded apparel | Private label apparel, embroidery, woven labels, patches, streetwear-style products, Shopify and WooCommerce integrations | Review Coming Soon |
| 7. Spreadconnect | Free / pay per product | Check Pricing | Best for fast direct fulfilment | Formerly SPOD, 48-hour production focus, 350+ products, Shopify integration, Spread Group fulfilment network | Review Coming Soon |
| 8. Spring | Free / pay per product | Check Pricing | Best for creators and influencers | Free storefront, social selling, YouTube and creator integrations, physical and digital products, fan merch tools | Spring / Teespring Review |
| 9. Amazon Merch on Demand | Free application / royalty-based | Check Pricing | Best Amazon marketplace POD | Amazon product pages, Prime-style marketplace exposure, no upfront inventory, royalties on each sale | Review Coming Soon |
| 10. Redbubble | Free account / marketplace fees may apply by tier | Check Pricing | Best artist marketplace exposure | Artist marketplace, passive product listings, wide product range, marketplace traffic, no separate store setup needed | Redbubble Review |
| 11. Zazzle | Free / marketplace commission model | Check Pricing | Best for custom product variety | Marketplace selling, many customizable products, design tools, invitations, gifts, apparel and home products | Review Coming Soon |
| 12. Society6 | Artist approval process / marketplace earnings model | Check Pricing | Best for art and home decor | Artist marketplace, wall art, home decor, lifestyle products, production and customer support handled by Society6 | Review Coming Soon |
| 13. Teemill | Free / pay per product | Check Pricing | Best sustainable apparel platform | Organic cotton apparel, circular fashion positioning, storefront tools, fulfilment, sustainability-focused branding | Review Coming Soon |
| 14. T-Pop | Free / paid plans available | Check Pricing | Best eco-friendly EU POD | Eco-conscious fulfilment, plastic-free packaging focus, Shopify/WooCommerce style integrations, European fulfilment angle | Review Coming Soon |
| 15. AOP+ | Free / paid plans available | Check Pricing | Best for all-over-print products | All-over-print apparel, sublimation products, branding options, Shopify and Etsy integrations | Review Coming Soon |
| 16. Prodigi | Free / pay per order | Check Pricing | Best for art prints and global fulfilment | Fine art prints, photo products, global fulfilment, API access, ecommerce integrations | Review Coming Soon |
| 17. Lulu Direct / Lulu xPress | Free / pay per book order | Check Pricing | Best for books and publishing | Print-on-demand books, global book fulfilment, ecommerce integrations, author and publisher tools | Review Coming Soon |
| 18. JetPrint | Free / pay per product | Check Pricing | Best for niche products | Watches, shoes, accessories, homeware, mockup generator, Shopify integration | Review Coming Soon |
| 19. Spreadshirt | Free / marketplace and shop model | Check Pricing | Best for simple apparel shops | T-shirt and apparel marketplace, custom shop tools, global selling, Spread Group fulfilment | Review Coming Soon |
| 20. Fine Art America | Free / paid premium membership available | Check Pricing | Best for photographers and fine artists | Wall art, prints, framed products, home decor, artist marketplace, fulfilment and customer service handled | Review Coming Soon |
Final Word:
For most independent artists, Redbubble is the recommended choice due to its ease of use, artist-friendly policies, and global marketplace. However, if you're looking for greater control over pricing and product customization, Zazzle is a strong contender.
Ready to start selling your designs?
Get started with Redbubble today!
That's all for now:
If you've read all the way through this Redbubble vs Zazzle comparison, we are thankful. We hope you can now answer the question of what are the pros and cons of this print-on-demand 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;
Hi, I’m Stuart Kerr Spindlow; the publisher behind StuartKerrs.com.
I review and evaluate digital marketing software used by businesses, marketers, and website owners; including hosting platforms, website builders, email marketing tools, SEO software, analytics, and automation systems.
I hold a degree in Computer Science from The Open University and began my career working in financial technology, developing and supporting production software systems, banking intranets, and web platforms. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve tested, implemented, and analysed a wide range of digital tools across real-world business environments.
Today, this site focuses on independent, experience-led software reviews. Tools are assessed based on usability, performance, pricing transparency, long-term value, and suitability for real businesses; not vendor claims or sponsorships.
I don’t run an agency and I don’t sell services through this site. The goal is simple: publish honest, practical software reviews that help people choose the right tools with confidence.
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