Alternatives · Print on Demand
Lulu Direct alternatives
As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded Lulu Direct alternative is Prodigi (3.2 GPA). It's also the best free one.
Lulu Direct compared with 4 alternatives: Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Blurb and Prodigi.
Lulu Direct 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lulu DirectThis tool | Free | Free | Web |
| Amazon KDP | Free | Free | Web |
| IngramSpark | Free | Free | Web |
| Blurb | Free | Free | Web, macOS, Windows |
| Prodigi | Free plan · from $47/mo | Yes | Web |
Price against what you get
Lulu Direct 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.
Prodigi scores higher without starting 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 Lulu Direct
Amazon KDP
Amazon's free self-publishing for ebooks and print-on-demand books
- Amazon KDP is free.
- Amazon KDP also covers digital downloads and amazon selling.
- Amazon KDP does not cover online store and shipping labels, which Lulu Direct does.
Suits: Authors who want their book on Amazon with no upfront cost
IngramSpark
Print-on-demand and wholesale distribution for self-published books
- IngramSpark is free.
- IngramSpark also covers digital downloads.
- IngramSpark does not cover online store and shipping labels, which Lulu Direct does.
Suits: Authors and small presses that want books in bookstores and libraries, not only online
Blurb
Print-on-demand photo books, books, magazines and wall art
- Blurb is free.
- Blurb also lists macOS and Windows apps.
- Blurb does not cover shipping labels, which Lulu Direct does.
Suits: Photographers and artists making photo books and wall art
Prodigi
Print-on-demand platform for wall art, prints and gifts, with an API
- Prodigi starts at $47 per month, billed annually ($55 billed monthly).
- Prodigi does not cover online store and shipping labels, which Lulu Direct does.
Suits: Artists and photographers selling prints, canvas and framed wall art
Limits worth knowing in Lulu Direct
- Lulu publishes no subscription or per-book price on its pages; the book cost calculator on the pricing page is the way to get a figure for a given size, paper and binding.
- Print and ebook titles sent for retail distribution carry a one-time distribution fee, and Lulu says review can take up to 12 weeks.
- Not every product option is eligible for retail distribution; Lulu publishes an eligible products guide.
- Books are printed from PDFs you supply; Lulu's pages describe printing books, magazines, calendars and notebooks rather than apparel or other merchandise.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Lulu Direct?
The alternatives to Lulu Direct in this directory are Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Blurb and Prodigi. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Lulu Direct.
Is there a free alternative to Lulu Direct?
Yes. Amazon KDP, IngramSpark and Blurb are free to use. Prodigi has a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Lulu Direct alternatives work on Windows?
The Lulu Direct listing does not include a Windows app. Blurb lists one.
Which Lulu Direct alternatives work on macOS?
The Lulu Direct listing does not include a macOS app. Blurb lists one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 18, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.