Gelato Review: Is it the Best Print on Demand Supplier of 2026?

Looking for a fast, eco-friendly print on demand supplier with global reach?

Gelato might be your answer, but is it the right fit for your business in 2026?

We tested Gelato's platform ourselves. We checked the integrations and shipping times, and we dug into its design tools and sustainability efforts.

The promise is local production in 32 countries, lower emissions, and faster delivery - but there are trade-offs.

In this review, you'll learn what Gelato does well and where it falls short. You'll also see whether it's a smart choice for your Shopify, Etsy or WooCommerce store:

Gelato Overview
Shopify App Store Rating	4.8 out of 5.0 (300+ reviews)
Trustpilot Rating	4.7 out of 5.0 (2k+ reviews)
Pros	- Automatic routing of orders - Intuitive website and design editor - Eco-friendly efforts in sustainability - TikTok Shop and Amazon integrations
Cons	- Need to have a subscription to access stock images - No warehousing and same-day fulfillment services - Limited printing options
Pricing	Free / $23.99 monthly / $19.99 monthly (billed annually at $239.88)
Shipping location	Worldwide
Shipping time	2 to 10 business days (depending on the supplier and destination)
Free trial?	You can sign up for free here!

From real user feedback to pricing tiers and platform limitations, we cover it all.

Let's break down Gelato's features, pros, and gaps so you can decide with confidence!

Gelato Review: Is it the Best Print on Demand Supplier?

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What is Gelato?

Gelato is a global print on demand (POD) supplier. You can order all kinds of products through it: apparel, home goods, and plenty of eco-friendly options.

Thousands of sellers use it, from small entrepreneurs to large multinational companies. Everyone gets 24/7 customer support and a 100% quality guarantee on orders.

Gelato is picky about its print partners too. Partners need professional equipment, and Gelato adds automatic machine calibration and keeps monitoring their performance.

They've even worked out a standard group of print machine settings, which they're rolling out to all print partners for consistent quality.

Sounds cool, right? Let's read on.

How does Gelato work?

Gelato operates by connecting customers with a network of print partners worldwide.

Here is how it works:

Creating an account. To use Gelato, users must first create an account on the platform. They can sign up for free, and there are no setup fees or minimum order requirements.
Uploading designs. Once users have created an account, they can upload their designs to the Gelato platform. Gelato supports many file formats, including PDF, JPEG, and PNG.
Selecting products. After uploading their designs, users can choose the products they want to print, such as business cards, flyers, or brochures. Gelato offers a variety of product options, including paper type, size, and finish.
Customizing designs. Users can customize their designs on the Gelato platform, adding text, images, or other design elements. They can also preview their designs before submitting them for printing.
Placing an order. Once a design is finalized, users can place an order on the Gelato platform. Gelato automatically routes the order to the print partner closest to the shipping address, which helps reduce shipping costs and delivery times.
Printing and shipping. The print partner receives the order and prints the product according to the user's specifications. Gelato then handles the shipping and delivery of the product directly to the user's address.

Gelato's pricing plans

Let's now look at the pricing of Gelato:

Gelato keeps it simple: a free plan and one main subscription called Gelato+. Between them you get discounts, helpful tools, and stronger branding options.

Gelato offers several subscription plans. These plans provide discounts on printing costs, priority support, and other benefits.

Gelato free

The Free plan works well for new users.

Free plan features:

Local production in 32 countries
Sell on Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and more
API and Order Desk integrations
Easy-to-use design editor

The plan has no fees and no order minimums. It works for small shops or anyone testing Gelato before upgrading.

Gelato+

Gelato+ includes everything in the Free plan plus many advanced tools.

Updated pricing:

$23.99 per month
$19.99 per month billed annually ($239.88/year)
14-day free trial

Gelato+ features:

Up to 25-35% off products (higher discounts on annual plan)
Unlimited stores on one account
Magic Mockups, Instant Collections, and Price Navigator
Product migration with Velocity Switch
Millions of stock images, graphics, and fonts
Branded labels and packaging inserts

This plan fits sellers who want better margins and stronger branding tools.

Gelato Platinum

Platinum is a custom plan for large businesses.

Platinum includes:

Tailored discounts
A rewards program
A concierge team
Implementation support
A dedicated success manager
Access to special events

Important pricing update

The Gelato+ Gold plan is discontinued. All features now fall under Gelato+ and Platinum.

Platinum gets you a bespoke pricing model and discounts tailored to your business. You also get a customer success manager and direct consultations with Gelato's team.

Now on to the ecommerce integrations of Gelato!

Which ecommerce integrations work with Gelato?

Gelato integrations — Gelato's integrations

Gelato connects with many ecommerce platforms, so your print on demand workflow stays simple. The popular ones include:

Shopify
WooCommerce
Etsy
Order Desk
API Integration

What are the print quality and product selection?

Gelato takes real pride in its print quality, and you get some customization options too.

The prints come out sharp and vibrant, thanks to modern digital printing technology. You can also pick from a variety of paper stocks and finishes to match your project.

Here are some details on the print quality and product selection that Gelato offers:

Print quality

The digital printing tech is modern, and it shows: vibrant colors and sharp details on every print.

Just know that Gelato doesn't offer sublimation or screen printing.

Paper stock and finishes

There's a good spread of paper stocks and finishes too, whatever your project needs.

The paper options include uncoated, coated, and premium papers with different weights and textures.

For finishes you can go matte, gloss, or museum quality. Each gives your prints a professional look and feel.

Product selection

The product range is wide. Think embroidered hats and apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, and baby bodysuits. Gelato also prints framed posters, canvases, and phone cases.

You can customize each product on the Gelato platform. Pick the size, shape, and finish.

Custom packaging

Gelato's commitment to sustainability extends to its packaging materials. The company uses eco-friendly packaging materials whenever possible.

For example, they use biodegradable plastic wrap for some of their products and recyclable cardboard boxes for shipping.

Want a unique unboxing experience for your customers? Gelato offers custom packaging options too.

Gelato+ subscribers can choose from two custom packaging options: inserts and branded labels.

Eco-friendly

Gelato takes its environmental impact seriously, and it shows in how the printing services are set up.

For example, they use responsibly sourced materials. Printed paper products and canvases are made from paper and wood from sustainably managed forests.

Plus, every print partner has signed Gelato's Supplier Code of Conduct.

Local printing also cuts carbon emissions per order. Your product travels the shortest possible route from printer to customer.

Energy-efficient practices shrink their carbon footprint further. It's one of the many ways Gelato works on sustainability.

Personalization Studio

Gelato's Personalization Studio is an easy-to-use tool for customizing products in a few clicks.

Let's take a closer look:

Easy to use

With a few clicks, you can add personalized products to your Shopify or Etsy store.

It quickly shows you what's needed to get your designs onto a product for your customers.

Time-saving automation

Personalization Studio automates the custom order process for Etsy and Shopify sellers, turning customer requests into ready-to-ship designs.

On Etsy, the feature speeds up the design process. On Shopify, your customers can preview their customizations in real-time.

That means less back-and-forth for you, and a smoother shopping experience for them.

The automation saves you serious time. Time you can spend on marketing and customer support instead.

The Personalized Studio pricing

Personalization Studio uses tiered pricing, so it scales along with your store.

The entry-level Tier 0 costs €0/month with a €1.00 transaction fee per order. That's perfect if you're just testing personalization.

As your order volume grows, the tiers grow with you. The top level, Tier 5, is built for high-volume sellers: €749/month with the transaction fee dropping to €0.15 after the 5001st order.

So whatever size your store is, there's a tier that fits, and a clear path to grow into the next one.

Check out the rest of what Gelato's Personalized Studio can do by visiting their webpage here.

What are the shipping times and costs?

Gelato ships to over 200 countries worldwide. Shipping times and costs depend on the destination and the shipping method you pick.

Shipping times

In the United States you can choose between Standard, Expedited, and Overnight domestic shipping.

Standard shipping typically takes 3-5 business days. Expedited cuts that to 2-3 business days, and Overnight gets it there in 1-2 business days.

International orders reach over 200 countries. Depending on where your customer lives and which method you pick, delivery takes 2-10 business days.

Shipping costs

Shipping costs depend on the destination, the package weight, and the method. For domestic orders, they start at around $5.

For international orders, shipping costs can range from $10-$50, depending on the destination and selected shipping method.

Production time depends on the product, the quantity, and the destination. For most products, it's 1-5 business days.

For more information, check out their shipping and delivery page.

What's the customer service quality?

Gelato has a strong reputation for customer service.

Here are some details on Gelato's customer service quality:

1. Support channels

Support runs through several channels, including email and live chat. Phone support isn't one of them, though.

You can reach out about ordering, design, or shipping. Any other questions are welcome too.

2. Response times

Gelato's support team is known for being responsive and helpful.

Gelato aims to reply within 24 hours, and many customers say the answers come quickly and actually help.

3. Online resources

Beyond direct support, Gelato has an online resource center to help you get the most out of the platform.

You'll find a blog, an academy, and customer stories there. They're packed with tips, tutorials, and best practices for creating and ordering print products.

The pros of Gelato

Here's what Gelato does notably well:

1. Automatic routing of orders

A big pro: your orders are automatically routed to the best available print providers.

This means your products are printed and shipped from the location closest to your customer. Faster delivery, lower shipping costs!

2. Intuitive website and design editor

The website and design editor are intuitive, so creating and customizing products feels easy.

The platform offers various products and design tools to help you create high-quality designs.

3. Eco-friendly efforts in sustainability

Gelato takes sustainability seriously and backs it up with real steps.

They print on certified paper, and the production process is set up to cut waste and carbon emissions.

They even offer carbon-neutral shipping options.

4. TikTok Shop and Amazon integrations

A unique feature of Gelato is that you can use them as your supplier to sell on TikTok Shop (US & UK) or on Amazon (US only):

Sell on Amazon or TikTok Shop with Gelato

The cons of Gelato

Here are some aspects of Gelato to be aware of:

1. Need to have a subscription to access stock images

Without a Gelato subscription, you may have to rely on your images or purchase them at an additional cost.

That's annoying if you want high-quality images without paying extra.

Pro tip: To make your POD store stand out, you can use an app like OnModel or Botika to turn the existing product photos into unique images using AI!

2. No warehousing and same-day fulfillment services

Another drawback: Gelato doesn't offer warehousing or same-day fulfillment.

This means you'll need to find other solutions for storing and shipping your products if you need those services.

The upside of all that local production? Faster delivery times than other POD options.

3. Limited printing options

Gelato covers the main printing options.

It doesn't offer sublimation or screen printing, though. That may limit the products you can offer your customers.

They don't do all-over printing either, which is a shame if you want designs with full coverage.

FAQs about Gelato

Here's a look at what you need to know about Gelato as simply as possible.

Is Gelato print on demand good?

Yes, Gelato print on demand is a great company to consider when starting a business. It has a broad international network of print providers that process orders as close to the customer as possible.

This ensures customers get their products faster while minimizing upfront costs and the carbon footprint.

Where is Gelato located?

Gelato has 140+ locations across 32 countries worldwide, including Brazil, the US, Chile, China, Norway, Germany, and Japan.

Which ecommerce integrations work with Gelato?

Gelato offers many ecommerce integrations to help users streamline their print on demand workflows. Some popular ecommerce platforms that Gelato integrates with include Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and Squarespace.

What's the print quality and product selection like?

Gelato prides itself on providing high-quality print products with various customization options.

The company uses state-of-the-art digital printing technology to produce sharp and vibrant prints. It offers a variety of paper stocks and finishes to meet the needs of different projects.

What are the shipping times and costs?

Gelato offers to ship to over 200 countries worldwide, and shipping times and prices can vary depending on the destination and the shipping method selected.

What's the customer service quality?

Gelato has a reputation for providing high-quality customer service and support to its customers.

What do other users say about Gelato?

You can find user reviews of Gelato in several places!
Here are some examples:

Trustpilot

Gelato scores 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on over 800 reviews. That's the highest in the POD industry!

Customers praise the quality prints, the fast shipping, and the excellent customer service. Some negative reviews mention order fulfillment issues or shipping delays.

G2

Gelato has a 4.1 out of 5 rating on G2 based on five reviews.

Reviewers there like the global printing network, the user-friendly interface, and the wide product range. Some do mention a lack of product selection.

Shopify App Store

Gelato has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on the Shopify App Store based on over 150 reviews.

Shopify merchants like how smoothly it integrates, plus the competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Negative reviews mention order fulfillment or quality control issues.

Keep in mind that reviews are subjective. Your experience might turn out different!

Gelato alternatives

Here are the biggest competitors to Gelato that may be worth checking out!

1. Printful

Printful is a print on demand company with a wide product range. It covers apparel, accessories, home decor and more.

It integrates with many ecommerce platforms too. Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy are all covered.

You get a product design tool where you can create designs or use existing templates. Printful even offers warehousing and fulfillment, meaning it can store and ship products for you.

2. Printify

Printify is another print on demand company, and its product range is even larger than Gelato's and Printful's. It covers niche products like ping-pong balls and mouse pads.

It also plays nicely with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and eBay.

Related article: Wondering what the difference is between Printify and Printful? Check out our in-depth comparison guide here!

3. CustomCat

CustomCat is a print on demand company that specializes in custom apparel and accessories. It has a broader range of clothing styles and colors, including options for kids and toddlers.

CustomCat also has a design tool where you can create designs or use existing templates.

Its standout feature is embroidery. You can add embroidered logos or designs to your products.

Related reviews

Not sure yet about using Gelato for your online business? Or are you interested in seeing what other companies are out there?

We've got you covered! Check out the reviews below to find great companies that will help you:

And for more reviews, visit the review hub!

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More print on demand suppliers

Want to explore more print on demand options before you decide? Check out the guides below for other great print on demand suppliers:

Tip: Want a full breakdown of the costs? See our Gelato Pricing Plans guide.

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Taking action

Reading and absorbing information and knowledge is excellent (definitely if it's free!), but do you know what's even better?

Taking action!

So, to help you take action on what you've learned, take a look at these bullet points:

To use Gelato's services, you must create an account on their platform for free without setup fees or minimum order requirements.
If you've used Gelato's services before, consider leaving a review on Trustpilot, G2, or the Shopify App Store to share your experience with other users.
If you need to print frequently or in large volumes, consider subscribing to Gelato's subscription plans to save on printing costs and access additional benefits.
Gelato offers a range of eco-friendly printing options, such as recycled paper and soy-based inks, to help reduce your environmental impact.
You can also use Gelato's custom packaging options to create a memorable unboxing experience for your customers and enhance your brand's image.

Conclusion

Gelato is a great print on demand company. You get a wide range of high-quality products, fast shipping, and excellent customer service.

Thanks to local production, delivery is quick and shipping stays affordable.

And if ethical, eco-friendly production matters to you, Gelato is one of the best picks around.

There are drawbacks, though. One is the limited range of apparel printing variations.

Even though Gelato has some problems, it still stands out because of its unique features and a strong commitment to sustainability.

That's why it's a great choice if you want a print on demand service you can rely on and feel good about using. And judging by the reviews from happy customers, the quality really is there.