Amazon Merch vs Redbubble vs Etsy: Which POD Platform is Best in 2026?
Choosing the right print-on-demand platform can make or break your POD business. Amazon Merch on Demand, Redbubble, and Etsy are the three most popular options, each with distinct advantages and limitations. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which platform—or combination of platforms—is right for your goals.
Platform Overview
Amazon Merch on Demand
What It Is: Amazon's in-house print-on-demand service where approved sellers upload designs sold directly on Amazon.com.
Best For: Sellers who want access to the largest e-commerce audience and are willing to wait for approval and work within strict guidelines.
Redbubble
What It Is: A global marketplace connecting independent artists with customers seeking unique designs on various products.
Best For: Artists and designers who want creative freedom and immediate access without application barriers.
Etsy (with Print Provider)
What It Is: A marketplace for handmade and unique items. POD sellers connect their Etsy shop to print providers like Printful or Printify.
Best For: Sellers who want to build a brand, target craft-focused buyers, and have more control over their business.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Getting Started
| Factor | Amazon Merch | Redbubble | Etsy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Required | Yes (long wait) | No | No (but need print provider account) |
| Time to First Listing | Weeks to months | Minutes | Hours |
| Initial Investment | $0 | $0 | $0.20 per listing + print provider setup |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
Winner: Redbubble (fastest to start)
Audience and Traffic
| Factor | Amazon Merch | Redbubble | Etsy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Visitors | 2.5+ billion (Amazon overall) | 30+ million | 400+ million |
| Built-in Traffic | Massive | Good | Very Good |
| Customer Trust | Highest | Moderate | High |
| International Reach | US-focused (primarily) | Global | Global |
| Buyer Intent | High (shopping destination) | Moderate (browsing + buying) | High (shopping for unique items) |
Winner: Amazon Merch (unmatched audience size and buyer trust)
Product Options
| Factor | Amazon Merch | Redbubble | Etsy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Types | ~12 (apparel-focused) | 70+ | Unlimited (via print providers) |
| Product Quality | Good (standard) | Good | Varies by provider (Printful = premium) |
| All-Over Prints | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Non-Apparel Options | Few | Many (stickers, home decor, etc.) | Many |
Winner: Tie - Redbubble and Etsy (more product variety)
Profit Margins
| Factor | Amazon Merch | Redbubble | Etsy |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Shirt Royalty (typical) | $3-6 | $2-4 | $5-10 (you set price) |
| Control Over Pricing | Limited | Margin adjustment | Full control |
| Fees | None | None | $0.20 listing + 6.5% transaction + payment processing |
| Best Margin Potential | Medium | Low-Medium | Highest |
Winner: Etsy (highest profit potential with good pricing strategy)
Competition and Discoverability
| Factor | Amazon Merch | Redbubble | Etsy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition Level | Extremely High | High | Very High |
| SEO Importance | Critical | Important | Critical |
| Algorithm Complexity | High | Moderate | High |
| External Traffic Impact | Moderate | Low | Very Positive |
Winner: None clearly (all highly competitive)
Business Control
| Factor | Amazon Merch | Redbubble | Etsy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branding Options | None | Limited | Full shop branding |
| Customer Data Access | None | None | Yes (email, etc.) |
| Customer Communication | None | Limited | Direct messaging |
| Building Email List | No | No | Yes |
Winner: Etsy (best for building a real business)
Rules and Restrictions
| Factor | Amazon Merch | Redbubble | Etsy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content Restrictions | Strictest | Moderate | Moderate |
| Account Termination Risk | High (strict enforcement) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Trademark Enforcement | Proactive (automated) | Reactive (DMCA) | Reactive (DMCA) |
| Design Limits | Tier-based (10 to unlimited) | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Winner: Redbubble and Etsy (more flexibility)
Platform Deep Dives
Amazon Merch on Demand: Detailed Analysis
Biggest Strengths:
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Unmatched Traffic: Amazon's 2.5+ billion monthly visitors means massive exposure potential.
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Prime Shipping: Products qualify for Prime, increasing conversion rates significantly.
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Customer Trust: Amazon has the highest trust factor of any e-commerce platform.
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Zero Fulfillment Hassle: Amazon handles everything—you just upload designs.
Biggest Weaknesses:
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Application Process: Wait times can be months; many applicants are rejected.
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Tier System: New sellers are limited to 10 designs. Progress requires sales.
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No Customer Data: You never learn who buys your products.
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Strict Rules: One mistake can lead to permanent account termination.
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No Branding: Products are Amazon products, not YOUR products.
Ideal Seller Profile:
- Patient and disciplined
- Focused on volume over branding
- Good at keyword research
- Comfortable with platform dependency
Redbubble: Detailed Analysis
Biggest Strengths:
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Immediate Access: Create an account and start uploading in minutes.
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Product Variety: 70+ products from stickers to wall art to apparel.
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Global Reach: Strong international presence and local fulfillment.
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Artist Community: Supportive community and social features.
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Partner Programs: Some fan art is legally permitted through official partnerships.
Biggest Weaknesses:
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Lower Margins: Default royalties are slim; competitive pricing is necessary.
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Frequent Sales: Site-wide sales reduce already-thin margins further.
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Algorithm Dependency: Discoverability relies heavily on Redbubble's algorithm.
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No Customer Data: Like Amazon, you don't own customer relationships.
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Quality Perception: Sometimes perceived as lower quality than premium POD.
Ideal Seller Profile:
- Artists and designers
- Creative types who enjoy making many designs
- Those wanting to start immediately
- Sellers comfortable with passive income (upload and wait)
Etsy (with Print Provider): Detailed Analysis
Biggest Strengths:
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Brand Building: Full control over shop branding, story, and customer experience.
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Customer Ownership: Access to customer emails and data (with consent).
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Profit Potential: Set your own prices; highest margin potential of the three.
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Buyer Intent: Etsy shoppers specifically seek unique, personalized items.
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External Traffic Rewards: Etsy's algorithm favors shops that bring outside traffic.
Biggest Weaknesses:
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Listing Fees: $0.20 per listing adds up with large catalogs.
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More Complexity: Must manage Etsy shop + print provider integration.
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Shipping Perception: Non-Prime customers used to slower POD shipping.
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Customer Service: You're responsible for customer inquiries and issues.
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More Work: Building a brand requires more effort than uploading and forgetting.
Ideal Seller Profile:
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Willing to invest in brand building
- Comfortable with customer service
- Marketing-savvy or willing to learn
- Long-term business builder
Which Platform Should You Choose?
Choose Amazon Merch If:
- You're patient (application wait)
- You want maximum potential traffic
- You're comfortable following strict rules
- You don't need to build a brand
- You're good at keyword optimization
- You can handle slow tier progression
Choose Redbubble If:
- You want to start immediately
- You enjoy creating many varied designs
- You want access to diverse products (stickers, home decor)
- You're an artist who values creative freedom
- You want passive income (upload and wait)
- You're okay with lower per-sale profits
Choose Etsy If:
- You want to build a real brand
- You're willing to do customer service
- You have or will develop marketing skills
- You want higher profit margins
- You want to own customer relationships
- You're building for long-term business value
The Best Strategy: Use Multiple Platforms
Most successful POD sellers don't choose just one platform—they use several strategically.
Recommended Multi-Platform Approach
Phase 1: Start with Redbubble
- Zero barriers to entry
- Learn what designs sell
- Build portfolio while waiting for Amazon
Phase 2: Apply to Amazon Merch
- Apply early (long wait times)
- Continue Redbubble while waiting
- Once approved, prioritize Amazon for traffic
Phase 3: Add Etsy for Branding
- Create Etsy shop for brand-building
- Connect to Printful for premium quality
- Drive external traffic (Pinterest, social media)
Phase 4: Scale Winners Across Platforms
- Designs that sell on one platform often sell on others
- Adapt sizing and formatting for each platform
- Maximize successful designs across all channels
Platform Allocation Strategy
A balanced portfolio might look like:
| Platform | Time Investment | Revenue Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Merch | 40% | 50% of revenue |
| Etsy | 35% | 30% of revenue |
| Redbubble | 25% | 20% of revenue |
Making Your Decision
Quick Decision Framework
I want to start TODAY → Redbubble
I want maximum potential traffic → Amazon Merch
I want to build a business/brand → Etsy
I want the highest margins → Etsy
I want the lowest maintenance → Redbubble or Amazon Merch
I'm patient and strategic → All three (recommended)
Conclusion
There's no single "best" platform—the right choice depends on your goals, patience, skills, and resources. Most successful POD sellers eventually sell on multiple platforms, letting each platform's strengths complement the others.
Key Takeaways:
- Amazon Merch offers unmatched traffic but requires patience and strict rule-following
- Redbubble is perfect for immediate start and product variety
- Etsy provides the best brand-building and profit potential
- Multi-platform selling is the optimal long-term strategy
- Start somewhere - you can always expand to other platforms later
Ready to research what's selling across these platforms? Use our Free Niche Research Tool to discover trending Amazon merch on demand shirts and find winning niches for any platform!