- Vistaprint alternatives at a glance
- Ten online print shops to compare with Vistaprint
- What to check before you order business print online
- Business cards, flyers and signs: which print products suit which business
- How to get your print files ready without a rejected proof
- Moving from Vistaprint to another printer without a messy switch
- Why a smaller online printer can be a smart pick
- A quick checklist before you place your first print order
- Frequently asked questions
The right online printer depends on what you're printing and how particular you are about paper and colour. Look at sample packs, proofing, file checks and delivery times. This page lists ten options in no particular order, then covers how to choose one, how to prepare your files and how to switch without a messy first order.
Vistaprint is one of the best-known names for ordering business cards, flyers, signs and promotional items online. It's easy to see why: you pick a template, upload your logo and the order turns up at your door. But it isn't the only way to do it. Some owners want a UK-based printer, a specialist for stickers, a firmer feel to their paper or a different way of proofing the artwork, and that's where Vistaprint alternatives come in.
Here are ten alternatives to Vistaprint in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Most are smaller or more focused printers and a few are household names. Each description comes from the company's own website or help pages, so double-check the current range before you order. If you're still deciding what to print, my guide to buying business cards online is a good place to start.
Vistaprint alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the company's own site names a free plan. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. No means the site doesn't name one, which is normal for printers. Many of them do offer free sample packs, online proofs or design tools, and those are worth asking about. They're helpful extras rather than a plan.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48HourPrint | Online printer | Fast turnaround on everyday print | No |
| instantprint | UK online printer | Flyers, cards and signage in the UK | No |
| Jukebox Print | Online printer | Cards, stickers, labels and booklets | No |
| MOO | Design-led printer | Business cards and stationery | No |
| Overnight Prints | Online printer | Cards, postcards and brochures | No |
| Printed.com | UK online printer | Flyers, stationery and signage | No |
| PrintPlace | Online printer | Cards, flyers, labels and boxes | No |
| Sticker Mule | Sticker specialist | Stickers, labels and magnets | No |
| UPrinting | Online printer | Everyday business print and packaging | No |
| Zazzle | Custom products site | Cards, invitations and gifts | Trial only |
Ten online print shops to compare with Vistaprint
48HourPrint
Best for: Business owners who need brochures, flyers, banners or packaging printed quickly and want to request a sample kit first.
instantprint
Best for: UK businesses wanting a wide range from business cards to roller banners, with a free online design tool and sample pack.
Jukebox Print
Best for: Small brands that want business cards, roll labels and marketing materials in one place, with sample packs available.
MOO
Best for: Freelancers and studios who care about paper and finish and like to feel a free business card sample pack first.
Overnight Prints
Best for: US businesses that want business cards, postcards, booklets and flyers with quick delivery on many orders.
Printed.com
Best for: UK owners who want flyers, business stationery or signage from a UK-based printer that offers free sample packs.
PrintPlace
Best for: Owners who want one US supplier for business cards, labels, banners, boxes and even branded apparel.
Sticker Mule
Best for: Brands that mainly want custom stickers, labels, magnets or buttons and like to see an online proof before they order.
UPrinting
Best for: US businesses who want cards, flyers, labels and boxes, with a free artwork check on the files they upload.
Zazzle
Best for: People who want to design their own cards, invitations, gifts or business cards from a huge catalogue of templates.
What to check before you order business print online
Printers all sell the same basic things, so the differences are in the detail. These are the questions worth asking before you upload your artwork.
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- Paper stock. Is the weight and finish listed clearly, and can you order a sample pack to hold in your hand?
- Proofs. Do you see a digital proof before printing, and does anyone check your file for errors?
- Colour. Does it print in CMYK, and does it warn you if your file is in a different colour mode?
- Bleed and margins. Does the site give templates showing where the cut line and safe area sit?
- Turnaround and delivery. Is the production time separate from the delivery time, and which couriers does it use?
- Reprints. What happens if the order arrives damaged or looks different from the proof?
- Reordering. Can you save a design and repeat the order later without starting again?
Business cards, flyers and signs: which print products suit which business
- Consultants and freelancers usually need business cards first, often with a thicker stock that feels memorable.
- Shops and cafes tend to use flyers, menus, posters and window signage.
- Product sellers often want stickers, labels, thank-you cards and packaging inserts.
- Event organisers need banners, roller stands, invitations and name badges.
- Trades and local services do well with magnets, leaflets and vehicle stickers.
If your leaflet is the main job, my notes on designing a leaflet for print cover the layout points that matter most before you send a file.
How to get your print files ready without a rejected proof
Most printing problems start with the file, not the printer. A few checks before you upload save you waiting for a second proof.
- Build the design at the exact trim size the printer gives you.
- Extend backgrounds and photos past the cut line so a small shift doesn't leave a white edge.
- Keep text and logos well inside the safe area.
- Use images at print resolution, not the small versions from your website.
- Convert text to outlines or embed the fonts if you're sending a PDF.
- Save a final PDF and keep the original design file somewhere safe.
If you still need a logo to put on that file, my round-up of free logo makers is worth a look.
Moving from Vistaprint to another printer without a messy switch
Before you move, collect everything you've already ordered. Download your artwork files, note the paper stocks and sizes you used and take a photo of your last printed batch so you can compare it with the new one.
- Order a small test batch of your most important item first.
- Compare colours against your last order in daylight.
- Check whether the new printer keeps your saved designs.
- Ask how it handles repeat orders and delivery to more than one address.
- Keep your old printer's details until the new batch has arrived and looks right.
Why a smaller online printer can be a smart pick
Smaller printers often specialise, whether that's stickers, stationery or a particular region, and they can be quicker to answer a question about your file. The flip side is that you should read their delivery and reprint policies carefully, and check the company is still trading and answering messages before you commit.
Do you make online printing for businesses? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
A quick checklist before you place your first print order
Pick two or three printers that suit your product, ask for sample packs, and send the same artwork to each for a proof. Compare paper, colour and finish, read the reprint policy, then place a small first order. Keep notes on what you like so reordering is quick.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in an online printer?
Look at the paper stocks, the proofing process, how colour is handled, the production and delivery times, and what happens if something arrives wrong.
Do I need to order a sample pack first?
It's a good idea for business cards, because the weight and finish are hard to judge on a screen. Many printers offer sample packs, so check the details on each site.
What is bleed and why does it matter?
Bleed is extra artwork that runs past the edge of the cut line. It stops thin white edges appearing if the paper moves slightly when it's trimmed.
What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?
Screens use RGB. Most printers use CMYK inks, so bright screen colours can look slightly duller on paper. Ask your printer which colour mode it prefers.
Can I reuse my old artwork with a new printer?
Usually yes, if you've kept the original design file or a print-ready PDF at the right size. You may need to adjust bleed and margins to the new printer's template.