If you’re a creative looking to make money online with your designs, chances are you’ve come across two big names: Etsy + Printify and Redbubble. Both are super popular platforms in the world of print-on-demand (POD), and they offer a way for artists, entrepreneurs, and side hustlers to turn designs into dollars—without having to stock inventory or ship anything yourself.
But here’s the big question: Which one actually pays more?
At first glance, it might seem like a toss-up. Redbubble is simple and hands-off—you just upload your art, and they take care of the rest. Etsy, when combined with Printify, gives you more control but also adds some setup work. So which is better for your bank account?
In this article, we’re going to break it all down using 10 key comparisons—things like pricing control, fees, branding, and scalability—to figure out where you can earn the most money. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking of switching platforms, this guide will help you decide which one fits your goals and your wallet.
Platform Breakdown
Before we compare which one pays more, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what these platforms actually are—because Etsy + Printify and Redbubble work very differently under the hood.
What Is Etsy + Printify?
Think of Etsy as your online shop, kind of like your own digital boutique. You set it up, choose your shop name, add your branding, and list your products. Pretty cool, right?
Now, here’s where Printify comes in. Printify is a print-on-demand service that connects to your Etsy store. You upload your design to Printify, pick the products you want it printed on (like mugs, T-shirts, or hoodies), and then Printify fulfills the order when someone buys it on Etsy.
So you’re running your own branded storefront—but without having to print or ship anything yourself. It’s a bit more involved than Redbubble, but you get a lot more control over your products, prices, and how your shop looks.
What Is Redbubble?
Redbubble, on the other hand, is more like a big art marketplace. You create an account, upload your artwork, and Redbubble automatically places your design on dozens of products—stickers, shirts, posters, phone cases, and more.
You don’t need to worry about setting up a storefront or dealing with fulfillment. Redbubble handles all of that: they print, ship, and even handle customer service. It’s super beginner-friendly, especially if you just want to focus on creating and skip the business setup.
But the tradeoff? You get less control over pricing, branding, and customer interaction. You’re kind of one small artist in a very big art mall.
Etsy + Printify vs. Redbubble: Two Different Mindsets
Now that we’ve got that sorted, let’s get into the real question: Which one actually makes you more money?
Top 10 Key Profitability Comparisons
Alright, let’s get to the part you’re really here for: Which platform helps you earn more money—Etsy + Printify or Redbubble?
To answer that, we’re going to break it down into 10 key comparisons that directly affect your ability to make a profit. Each one looks at a specific area—from how pricing works to how much control you have over your store—and at the end of each section, we’ll give you a quick “Who Wins on Profit?” verdict to help you decide what fits your goals best.
Let’s jump in.
1. Platform Type
Who Wins on Profit?
Etsy + Printify—more control means more ways to maximize earnings, especially if you’re business-minded.
2. Branding
Who Wins on Profit?
Etsy + Printify, hands down. Strong branding = repeat customers and higher trust = more sales.
3. Traffic
Who Wins on Profit?
Tie. If you don’t want to market, Redbubble is better. If you do want to market and scale, Etsy can outperform.
4. Pricing & Profit Margins
Who Wins on Profit?
Etsy + Printify—you control the price, the supplier, and the profit margin.
5. Upfront Costs
Who Wins on Profit?
Redbubble—no upfront costs = no risk. Great for beginners or experimenting with new designs.
6. Fulfillment Control
Who Wins on Profit?
Etsy + Printify—custom fulfillment lets you balance speed, quality, and cost for better margins.
7. Product Range
Who Wins on Profit?
Etsy + Printify—more products = more ways to earn.
8. Customization & Listing Control
Who Wins on Profit?
Etsy + Printify—better listings mean better visibility and more conversions.
9. Ease of Use
Who Wins on Profit?
Redbubble, for beginners. But Etsy pays off more if you’re willing to put in the effort.
10. Scalability
Who Wins on Profit?
Etsy + Printify—ideal for turning side hustle into a long-term business.
Real Earnings Examples
So now that we’ve compared Etsy + Printify and Redbubble from every angle, let’s talk real numbers. Because all the customization and branding in the world doesn’t matter if you’re not actually making money.
To keep it simple, we’ll break down the profit potential for a few popular products—like T-shirts and mugs—on both platforms. These aren’t made-up numbers either; they’re based on actual seller experiences and common pricing strategies.
Example 1: Classic T-Shirt
On Etsy + Printify:
You control the price, the print provider, and the profit margin. If you find a supplier with better rates or optimize shipping, you can boost that even more.
On Redbubble:
You can increase your markup, but that also makes your product more expensive than competitors, which could hurt sales.
Example 2: Ceramic Mug
On Etsy + Printify:
Again, you can experiment with price points and even offer bundle deals to increase order value.
On Redbubble:
And that’s assuming the customer doesn’t abandon their cart because of Redbubble’s higher shipping costs on smaller orders.
What Do These Numbers Tell Us?
Final Verdict: Which Pays More?
Alright—time for the big question: Etsy + Printify or Redbubble—who actually puts more money in your pocket?
After digging into all the comparisons and crunching the real-life numbers, here’s the honest truth:
If You Want to Build a Real Business…
Etsy + Printify is the clear winner.
You get to set your own prices, choose your print provider, and build a brand that can grow with you. Sure, there’s a bit more setup in the beginning, and you’ll need to work on things like SEO, mockups, and marketing—but the higher profit margins and long-term potential are totally worth it.
Want to turn your POD side hustle into a full-time gig someday?
If You Just Want to Upload Designs and See What Happens…
Redbubble is a great place to start.
There’s no upfront cost, no customer service to worry about, and no storefront to build. It’s easy, low-pressure, and great for passive income—especially if you’re not ready to dive into the business side just yet.
Want a totally hands-off, no-risk way to make a few extra bucks with your art?
TL;DR:
At the end of the day, it really comes down to your goals. Are you testing the waters? Go Redbubble. Ready to dive in and build something bigger? Etsy + Printify all the way.
Bonus Tips to Maximize Your Profits
No matter which platform you choose—Etsy + Printify or Redbubble—there are smart ways to squeeze more earnings out of your designs. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to grow what you’ve already built, these tips can help you earn more with less stress.
1. Start With Evergreen Designs
Instead of chasing trends that come and go, focus on creating timeless designs—like quotes, hobbies, professions, pets, or holidays. These sell year-round and require fewer updates, meaning more passive income over time.
2. Optimize Your Tags and Titles
This one’s HUGE, especially for both Etsy and Redbubble. Use relevant keywords in your titles, tags, and descriptions so your products show up in search. Think like a customer—what would you type in if you were looking for your product?
For example:
3. Invest in Better Mockups
On Etsy especially, your product photos can make or break a sale. Instead of relying on the default Printify mockups, try using lifestyle mockups—like a mug on a desk or a shirt on a real person. You can find great ones on Canva or Placeit.
More professional = more trust = more sales.
4. Offer Bundles or Discounts
On Etsy, try offering things like:
These small tweaks can increase your average order value—meaning you earn more per customer without doing more work.
5. Track What’s Working
Whether it’s Redbubble or Etsy, keep an eye on your stats. Which products get clicks? Which ones get sales? Double down on your winners and retire the ones that flop.
Pro tip: Make small tweaks instead of big overhauls so you can test what actually makes a difference.
6. Keep Uploading Consistently
The more products you have, the more chances you have to be seen and make sales. Set a goal—like uploading 5 designs a week—and stick to it. Over time, this builds serious momentum.
Even if each product only earns a few bucks a month, 100+ listings can turn that into a steady income stream.
7. Build an Email List or Social Following
This one’s more advanced, but especially powerful for Etsy sellers: start capturing emails or building a community on Instagram or TikTok. When you launch new products, you’ll have a ready-made audience to sell to.
It’s one of the best ways to move from “just a shop” to “actual brand.”
Final Tip: Pick One and Focus
It’s tempting to try both platforms at once, but if you’re serious about making money, pick one and go all in for at least 30–60 days. Learn the platform, build momentum, and give it a fair shot. You can always expand later.
Whichever path you take—whether it’s Etsy + Printify, Redbubble, or even both—you’ve got all the tools you need to turn your designs into income. Now it’s just a matter of getting started and sticking with it.
You’ve got this!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, choosing between Etsy + Printify and Redbubble isn’t about which one is “better”—it’s about which one works better for you.
If you’re the type who loves design but doesn’t want to mess with customer service, pricing, or fulfillment—Redbubble is the perfect low-maintenance option. It’s simple, stress-free, and a great way to dip your toes into the world of selling art online.
But if you’re dreaming bigger—maybe turning your side hustle into a full-time income, building a brand, or creating a customer base that keeps coming back—then Etsy + Printify is where the real money potential lives. Yes, it takes a little more effort upfront, but the reward? Way more control and much higher profits per sale.
Here’s the good news:
You don’t have to be perfect to start. You just have to start.
Try one platform, play around with a few designs, and see what works. You’ll learn as you go—and with every new listing, you’re getting closer to your goals.
So whether you’re uploading your first design or scaling your shop to the next level, just remember: there’s real money to be made out there—and it starts with your creativity.
Now go make something awesome.