Alternatives · Print on Demand
Amazon KDP alternatives
As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded Amazon KDP alternative is Blurb (2.4 GPA). It's also the best free one.
Amazon KDP compared with 4 alternatives: IngramSpark, Lulu Direct, Blurb and Merch by Amazon.
Amazon KDP is free to use. All 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon KDPThis tool | Free | Free | Web |
| IngramSpark | Free | Free | Web |
| Lulu Direct | Free | Free | Web |
| Blurb | Free | Free | Web, macOS, Windows |
| Merch by Amazon | Free | Free | Web |
Price against what you get
Amazon KDP has no paid plan and scores 2.3 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 4 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
How each one differs from Amazon KDP
IngramSpark
Print-on-demand and wholesale distribution for self-published books
- IngramSpark is free.
- IngramSpark does not cover amazon selling, which Amazon KDP does.
Suits: Authors and small presses that want books in bookstores and libraries, not only online
Lulu Direct
Print API that prints and ships books to your customers
- Lulu Direct is free.
- Lulu Direct also covers online store and shipping labels.
- Lulu Direct does not cover digital downloads and amazon selling, which Amazon KDP does.
Suits: Businesses that want books printed and shipped automatically from their own store or app
Blurb
Print-on-demand photo books, books, magazines and wall art
- Blurb is free.
- Blurb also lists macOS and Windows apps.
- Blurb also covers online store.
- Blurb does not cover digital downloads and amazon selling, which Amazon KDP does.
Suits: Photographers and artists making photo books and wall art
Merch by Amazon
Amazon program for uploading designs and earning royalties
- Merch by Amazon is free.
- Merch by Amazon does not cover digital downloads, which Amazon KDP does.
Suits: Designers who want to reach Amazon shoppers without handling stock
Limits worth knowing in Amazon KDP
- Printing cost comes off each print sale: KDP's own example is $5.00 for a 333-page black-ink paperback sold on the US marketplace.
- Sales through Expanded Distribution pay a lower 40% rate, and those royalties appear about 30 days after the month ends.
- A minimum list price applies so that the royalty always covers printing cost.
- Per-page-read royalties through Kindle+ require enrolling the ebook in KDP Select.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Amazon KDP?
The alternatives to Amazon KDP in this directory are IngramSpark, Lulu Direct, Blurb and Merch by Amazon. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Amazon KDP.
Is there a free alternative to Amazon KDP?
Yes. IngramSpark, Lulu Direct, Blurb and Merch by Amazon are free to use.
Which Amazon KDP alternatives work on Windows?
The Amazon KDP listing does not include a Windows app. Blurb lists one.
Which Amazon KDP alternatives work on macOS?
The Amazon KDP listing does not include a macOS app. Blurb lists one.
When were these prices checked?
Every listing on this page was checked on Nov 12, 2026, against the pages it cites. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.