(Vetted & Scored) Top Niche Research Tool for Print on Demand (Free & Paid) For 2025

Written by: Nasir Uddin Shamim

November 16, 2024

Updated on December 22, 2024

Nasir Uddin Shamim

I have been running Internet Marketing Businesses For a Decade. I constantly buy new tools and apps for my businesses. With over a decade of experience, I know what works and what's not in different type of Online Businesses. Atleast, I know how to vet them and use for the good of an Online Business and this blog is the all you need to read. 🙂

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Expertises: Artificial Intelligence,, Marketing, Apps, Software, Business Tools

I have personally tried Print on Demand couple of years ago. I tried everything like POD Tshirt Designs, Phone Case Designs, POD Mug Designs and so on in different platform like Redbubble and Amazon. But, I miserably failed. 

After a year of rest from that industry, I dug into the industry again and tried to find out why I failed? 

I failed because I tried too many things in the POD Industry. I knew nothing about niches, keywords and titling, had no data to stay focused on, had no idea about what people will like or not and didn’t know what are trending in all over the world and all of my POD category was too competitive to start for beginners like me. 

Fortunately, the whole niche research process is easy these days. 

Let’s get straight to the point and discuss the top tools to help you finding the right niches for your Print on Demand (POD) journey. 

How This Review and Research Is Done? 

We have analzyed 20+ tools from various vendors found online and analyzed their review and user feedback on different forums and pages (Facebook, Trustpilot) and sorted just 9 tools to review in depth. We focused on “User friendliness” and “Niche Researching Capability Scores” to review the tools. The review is expertly conducted and meticulously guided by Nasir Uddin Shamim. 

Which POD & Merch Research Tool Is The Best? 

If you want to succeed in selling designs online, Merch Dominator is one of the best tools you can use! It helps you find trending designs and profitable niches for places like Amazon, Etsy, and Redbubble.

With real-time data, you can see what’s popular right now, and it even checks for trademark issues to protect your ideas. Plus, it’s super easy to use, and many sellers say it saves them a lot of time!

You can start for just $24.5 a month (after a 50% Discount) , and there’s a free account options to create (with limited features) to test it out. Overall, Merch Dominator is highly recommended by VettedThis to get started.

9.4

MerchDominator

• Merch Dominator offers a suite of features for Merch By Amazon, Etsy, KDP, and Redbubble
• Real-Time Data Access
• Trademark Check Technology
• Quick identification of profitable niches and trends
• User-Friendly Interface

Get 50% Off

The Best Niche Research tools for Print on Demand Business (The Table)

We have used different factors like Price, Platform Compatibility, User Interface Design, Tracking Data (real time or not), Support Availability, Trend Analysis feature present or not, Merch analysis feature present or not and keyword research feature present or not and different other useful metrics in consideration while making the table.

So, keep exploring: 

Review of Top Print on Demand Niche Research Tool

PODcs can significantly improve your niche research for print on demand (POD) products though it is a new tool compared to the other tools on the market. The platform offers a free-to-start model, allowing you to test its features without any initial investment. It is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for beginners to navigate. Additionally, PODcs provides a comprehensive suite of tools that cover everything from niche research to keyword analysis, setting it apart from competitors.

Features of PODcs

PODcs boasts several standout features. 

The Niche Trends Tool helps identify trending niches, ensuring that you stay ahead of market demands. 

The Keyword Finder quickly pinpoints relevant keywords, aiding in effective product listings. 

The Trademark Check feature ensures your tags or titles don’t infringe on existing trademarks, while the Profit Estimation tool projects potential earnings for your products. 

Finally, PODcs offers 24/7 Support (which is rare in the industry) which we, the new POD business owners needs all the time. 

Unique Value/Benefits

PODcs offers a large database with over 45 million POD products, continuously updated with new trends and products. Its Social Media Spies feature monitors popular products and feedback on social media, providing valuable insights. PODcs offers specialized tools for Etsy sellers, such as product research and profit calculators, making it highly valuable in this market. This tool is easy to use and wellknown for their reliable customer support. 

Pricing Model

The pricing model for PODcs is both flexible and affordable. A Free Version is available, offering basic features to get you started. The Pro Version costs $19.8/month, granting unlimited access to all tools. Occasionally, PODcs offers discounts like 2 months free or 50% off, adding value for money.

Drawbacks and Alternatives

While PODcs offers many benefits, it does have some drawbacks. The Trademark Check feature is not 100% accurate, and the monthly fee might be high for some users.

I would suggest using TrendHunter for trend research and product analysis, Google Trends for free trending topics and keyword insights, or Ahrefs for advanced keyword research, though it comes at a higher cost.

If you’re exploring options beyond PODcs, TrendHunter offers comprehensive trend research tools and in-depth product analysis. 

• You can explore TrendHunter at this link. 
• Google Trends is a free option for finding trending topics and keywords, accessible at this link. 
• For more advanced needs, Ahrefs offers robust keyword research tools, available at this link.

MerchTitans can significantly enhance your niche research for print-on-demand (POD) products. MerchTitans is an all-in-one tool that combines multiple research capabilities into a single platform, saving you valuable time. Its user-friendly interface ensures ease of use, even for beginners. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of features – including Product Search, SEO Analyzer, Trademark Alert, and more; making it a top choice for POD businesses.

Features of MerchTitans

MerchTitans stands out due to its extensive range of features. The Product & Brand Search feature allows users to easily find products and brands relevant to their niche. The SEO Analyzer helps optimize product listings for better search visibility. Additionally, the Product Tracker provides insights into product performance, while the Trademark Alert feature notifies users of any potential trademark issues. The Titan Vault securely stores all your research data, ensuring it is always accessible when needed.

Unique Value/Benefits

What sets MerchTitans apart is its ability to save time by consolidating all necessary research tools into one platform. This allows users to focus more on design and sales rather than spending hours on research. MerchTitans provides detailed insights and in-depth market research, helping users make informed decisions. Its automation feature streamlines the upload process to multiple POD platforms, further enhancing efficiency.

MerchTitans ensures the security of your research data with the Titan Vault feature. Reliable customer support is also available to assist users whenever needed.

Pricing Model

MerchTitans offers flexible pricing models to suit different needs. The Monthly Plan is available at $49.99 per month, while the Annual Plan offers a reduced rate of $39.99 per month (billed annually). The platform also provides a free plan with limited features and a money-back guarantee, making it an affordable and value-for-money option compared to other tools.

Drawbacks and Alternatives

While MerchTitans offers numerous advantages, it does have some drawbacks. The monthly fee may be considered expensive for some users, and the abundance of features can be overwhelming for beginners. For those seeking alternatives, Merch Informer provides similar research tools and insights, Pretty Merch focuses on analytics and design optimization, and Merch Buddy simplifies the t-shirt uploading process.

If you’re exploring alternatives to MerchTitans, consider Merch Informer for comprehensive research tools, Pretty Merch for analytics, and Merch Buddy for easier product uploads. 

Each of these tools offers unique features that can complement or replace specific functionalities of MerchTitans.

Helium 10 offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed specifically for Amazon sellers. It helps you find profitable product ideas, conduct keyword research, optimize product listings, and track your progress1. With Helium 10, you can uncover hidden opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.

Unique Features of Helium 10

Helium 10’s Black Box tool helps you find profitable product ideas from a database of over 450 million Amazon products. It also offers tools like Xray for product research, Cerebro for keyword research, and Review Insights for optimizing product listings. These features make it easier to find winning products and improve your listings.

Value/Benefits Compared to Other Tools

Compared to other tools in the industry, Helium 10 provides accurate data and actionable insights. Its commitment to data accuracy ensures that you make informed decisions, reducing the risk of missed opportunities2. Additionally, Helium 10 offers a community-driven approach, providing support and resources to help you succeed.

Pricing Model

Helium 10 offers several pricing plans to fit different needs and budgets. The Starter Plan starts at $29 per month, the Platinum Plan at $79 per month, and the Diamond Plan at $229 per month. There’s also a free Chrome extension and a free trial option. These plans are competitively priced and offer good value for money.

Benefits of Helium 10

• Comprehensive suite of tools for Amazon sellers
• Accurate data and actionable insights
• Community-driven support and resources
• Flexible pricing plans to fit different budgets
• Free Chrome extension and trial options

Drawbacks of Helium 10

• Can be considered expensive for some users
• Some features may be limited in the lower-tier plans

Alternatives to Helium 10

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider tools like Jungle Scout, Viral Launch, and Sellics. These tools also offer features for product research, keyword optimization, and listing management.

ResearchBasePRO provides a complete set of tools to streamline your print-on-demand or Merch by Amazon business. It’s user-friendly, packed with powerful keyword search capabilities, and provides detailed insights to help you stay ahead of the competition.

Unique Features and Value

ResearchBasePRO stands out from other tools in the industry due to its keyword base feature, which allows you to save and organize your favorite keywords, and its search volume data, helping you make informed decisions. It also offers product-specific searches, making it easier to find niche keywords for different products.

Pricing Model

ResearchBasePRO offers a freemium model, with a free version that includes basic features and a Pro version with advanced features. The Pro version is priced competitively, making it affordable and providing great value for money compared to other tools in the market1.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits:

• Comprehensive keyword search capabilities
• Detailed search volume data
• Product-specific searches
• User-friendly interface

Drawbacks:

• Limited free version features
• May require a learning curve for new users

Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider tools like Google Trends, Exploding Topics, and Ahrefs. These tools also offer robust keyword research capabilities and can be good substitutes depending on your specific needs.

Sale Samurai is a specialized research tool designed for print-on-demand (POD) sellers, particularly those selling on platforms like Etsy and Amazon Merch. It helps creators find profitable niches and analyze market trends.

Sale Samurai stands out because it specifically focuses on POD markets. It helps you find what’s actually selling, not just what looks popular. The tool analyzes millions of listings to show you real sales data, trending keywords, and competition levels. This means you can make better decisions about what products to create.

Unique Features:

• Keyword tracking and analysis
• Competition analysis
• Real-time sales tracking
• BSR (Best Seller Rank) tracking
• Trademark checking
• Search volume data
• Seasonal trend analysis
• Multiple marketplace research (Etsy, Amazon, etc.)

Unlike some competitors, it provides clear insights about which niches are oversaturated and which have potential. The built-in trademark checker helps avoid legal issues, and its seasonal trends feature helps plan ahead for holidays and special events.

Pricing

Sale Samurai typically offers a monthly subscription around $9.99/month when paid annually, or $14.99 on a month-to-month basis. Compared to competitors like Merch Informer ($20-30/month) or Merchant Words ($30/month), it’s one of the more affordable options in the market.

Benefits

1. User-friendly interface suitable for beginners
2. Keyword Research system that are Easy to follow and easy to decide on
3. Built-in trademark checking
4. Affordable pricing
5. Regular updates and new features
6. Good customer support
7. Multiple marketplace analysis
8. Time-saving research tools

Drawbacks and Alternatives:

1. Limited historical data (Alternative: Merch Informer offers deeper historical analysis)
2. Sometimes slow loading times (Alternative: Merchant Words has faster processing)
3. Basic design tools (Alternative: Canva for better design capabilities)
4. Limited marketplace coverage (Alternative: Helium 10 covers more platforms)
5. Merch Informer – Better for advanced sellers
6. Merchant Words – Stronger Amazon focus
7. Helium 10 – More comprehensive e-commerce tool
8. PrettyMerch – Good for Amazon Merch focus
9. Everbee – Strong Etsy analytics

Merch Informer is a powerful tool designed to help you find profitable products to sell on Amazon. It offers a variety of features that can save you time and effort in your product research process.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Product Database: Access a vast database of millions of products to identify high-demand items.
• Niche Finder: Discover profitable niches based on keyword research and sales data.
• Keyword Research: Uncover valuable keywords to optimize your product listings and attract more buyers.
• Sales Estimator: Estimate potential sales and profits for different products.
• Trend Analysis: Stay ahead of the curve by tracking emerging trends and predicting future market shifts.
• Competitor Analysis: Analyze your competitors’ strategies to gain insights into successful marketing techniques.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy-to-navigate dashboard and intuitive tools make research a breeze.
• Time-Saving Features: Automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow.
• Accurate Data: Reliable data sources ensure you make informed decisions.

Pricing and Value:

Merch Informer offers flexible pricing plans to suit different budgets. Pricing is generally affordable and provides great value compared to similar tools.

Drawbacks and Alternatives:

While Merch Informer is a powerful tool, it may not be perfect for everyone. Some potential drawbacks include:

• Steep Learning Curve: Some users may find the interface and features complex to master initially.
• Limited Customization Options: While the tool offers a wide range of features, customization options may be limited for advanced users. 
• Limited Customization Options: The tool has many features, but advanced users may find the customization options insufficient.
• Limited Customization: The tool has many features, but advanced users may find customization options insufficient.

If you encounter these issues, consider exploring alternative tools like:

• Jungle Scout: A popular choice for Amazon sellers, offering comprehensive product research and sales tracking features.
• Keyword Tool Dominator: A robust keyword research tool that can help you discover high-traffic keywords for your niche.
• Google Keyword Planner: A free tool from Google that provides keyword suggestions and estimated search volume.

Podly is a powerful tool designed specifically for print-on-demand (POD) businesses. It helps you find profitable niches, discover trending products, and analyze your competition.

What Makes Podly Unique?

• Niche Discovery: Podly uses advanced algorithms to identify lucrative niches with high demand and low competition.
• Product Research: It helps you find popular products that are easy to source and sell.
• Keyword Research: Podly provides valuable keyword suggestions to optimize your product listings.
• Competitor Analysis: You can analyze your competitors’ strategies to gain a competitive edge.
• Trend Analysis: Stay ahead of the curve by tracking the latest trends in the POD industry.
• User-Friendly Interface: Podly’s intuitive interface makes it easy to use, even for beginners.

Pricing and Value

Podly offers affordable pricing plans to suit different budgets. It’s considered excellent value for money, especially considering the time and effort it can save you in your research.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits:

• Saves time and effort in niche research
• Helps you find profitable products
• Provides valuable insights into the POD market
• Easy to use and learn
• Affordable pricing

Drawbacks:

• Limited customization options
• Some users may find the learning curve steep

Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to Podly, consider:

Jungle Scout: A popular tool for Amazon sellers, but it can also be used for POD research.

Keyword Tool Dominator: A powerful keyword research tool that can help you find high-traffic keywords.

Google Keyword Planner: A free tool from Google that can provide keyword suggestions and search volume data.

Switching to MerchDominator is a smart choice due to its comprehensive data analysis, real-time updates, and AI-driven niche insights. This means you can quickly find profitable niches, estimate sales, and stay ahead of the competition.

Unique Value/Benefits

MerchDominator stands out because it supports multiple platforms like Merch by Amazon, KDP, Etsy, and Redbubble. It also offers advanced filters, keyword research, and trademark compliance checks. These features make it easier to manage your Print on Demand (POD) business efficiently1.

Pricing Model

MerchDominator offers a subscription-based pricing model starting at $49 per month. This is affordable compared to other tools in the industry, providing great value for money2.

Benefits and Features

• Comprehensive Data Analysis: In-depth niche exploration.
• Real-Time Data Sync: Live data updates.
• Niche Validation: Find profitable niches quickly.
• Advanced Filters & Sorting: Customize your searches.
• Keyword Research: Discover long-tail keywords.
• Favorites & Sync: Organize and sync your favorites.
• AI Niche Analysis: Gives us the scores like demand and estimates the future sales.
• Intuitive Interface: Easy to use with grid/list views.
• Multi-Market Compatibility: Supports various platforms.
• Easy Data Export: Export data to CSV.
• Trademark Compliance: Automated checks.
• Optimized Performance: Quick data processing.
• One-Click Search: Instant searches.
• Real-Time Trends: Track current trends.
• Historical Insights: Access past data.
• Image Downloads: Download product images.

Similar Alternatives and CTAs

If you want to, you can use InsightFactory or Sell The Trend for similar features. If you’re ready to boost your POD business, buy MerchDominator now with special offers from their official website.  

Ways To Find Low Competitive Print on Demand Niches

Lets use Helium 10 (as we found out that this is the best tool to research POD niches) to find some low competitive POD niches. Giving a step-by-step research process  below: 

Step 1: Start with Black Box

1. Log in to Helium 10 and navigate to the Black Box tool.
2. Enter your seed keyword related to the niche you’re interested in.
3. Analyze the results to find products with low competition and high demand.

Step 2: Use Xray for Product Research

1. Select a product from the Black Box results.
2. Click on Xray to get detailed insights about the product, including search volume, sales rank, and competition.
3. Look for products with low competition and high search volume.

Step 3: Conduct Keyword Research with Cerebro

1. Enter the product name or a related keyword in Cerebro.
2. Analyze the keyword suggestions to find long-tail keywords with low competition.
3. Select keywords that have a good balance of search volume and competition.

Step 4: Check Trademark Compliance

1. Use the Trademark Alert tool to ensure your chosen keywords and product names are not trademarked3.
2. Make adjustments if necessary to avoid any legal issues.

Step 5: Finalize Your Niche

1. Review your findings and select the niche with the best potential for low competition and high demand.
2. Create a business plan based on your research and start sourcing products.

Best RedBubble Niche Research Tools

Here are five niche research tools that are particularly good (InsightFactory is really good) for RedBubble Print on Demand:

1. Redbubble.dabu.ro

This tool offers a weekly base rank with popular tags and the quantity of designs offered in each category. It’s great for finding trending niches and understanding the competition level for specific tags.

2. Topbubbleindex.com

A free platform that provides information about RedBubble and Etsy. It offers keyword research tools to find relevant trends and design ideas, helping you discover profitable niches2.

3. InsightFactory

While mainly geared towards Etsy, InsightFactory also contains information about niches on different platforms, including RedBubble. It’s useful for analyzing niche performance and competition.

4. Bubblescout.com

This Chrome extension offers information about prices, sales, and scores for every search inside RedBubble. It’s a handy tool for quickly assessing the viability of new niches.

5. The T-Shirt Academy

This resource provides guides and tools for conducting niche research on RedBubble. It’s a comprehensive source for learning how to find and capitalize on profitable niches.

Best Etsy Niche Research Tools

Here are 5 print on demand niche research tools (Alura is very popular from this list) are specifically good for Etsy Niche Research: 

1. EtsyHunt

EtsyHunt is a comprehensive tool with a database of over 48 million products. It helps you identify winning products within your niche by providing detailed filters and in-depth analysis of individual listings1. This makes it easier to find products with high demand and low competition.

2. Alura

Alura offers a suite of features including a Chrome extension to find winning product ideas, a keyword finder to get keyword ideas, and a shop analyzer to improve your listings. It provides useful insights to help you optimize your Etsy shop for better visibility and sales.

3. Sale Samurai

Sale Samurai is known for its standout keyword research feature, which provides a large amount of useful keywords. It’s especially helpful when brainstorming and creating new products, making it easier to find profitable niches on Etsy.

4. eRank

eRank offers a free tool for Etsy SEO, keyword research, and trend analysis. It helps you find keyword opportunities with high demand and low competition, allowing you to optimize your listings for better search rankings and sales.

5. Marmalead

Marmalead is a powerful tool for Etsy sellers, providing insights into keyword performance, competition, and sales trends. It helps you identify profitable niches and optimize your product listings to attract more customers.

Best Amazon KDP Niche Research Tools

Here are five top Amazon KDP niche research tools (I personally like PublisherRocket)  and why they are particularly good for Amazon KDP:

1. Publisher Rocket

Publisher Rocket is a comprehensive tool that helps authors find profitable niches and keywords for their books. It provides detailed insights into search volume, competition, and sales data, making it easier to choose the right keywords and optimize your book listings.

I am personally using this tool for a long time and if you ask me – what is the most matured tool for Amazon Publisher, then my answer would be – “Publisher Rocket”. 

2. KDSPY

KDSPY offers deep insights into market data, enabling you to analyze what’s working in your chosen niche. It offers insights on best-selling books, sales ranks, and keyword effectiveness to help you choose book topics and keywords wisely.

3. AMZScout

AMZScout is a powerful tool for finding profitable niches and products on Amazon. It has a Chrome extension that helps you search for products and view their sales data, competition, and profitability potential. This helps you identify niches with high demand and low competition.

4. Book Bolt

Book Bolt is a niche research tool specifically designed for Amazon KDP. It helps you find profitable niches by providing data on search volume, competition, and sales trends. It also offers a keyword research feature to help you optimize your book listings.

5. KDP Wizard

KDP Wizard is a tool that helps authors find profitable niches and keywords for their books. It provides detailed insights into search volume, competition, and sales data, making it easier to choose the right keywords and optimize your book listings.

Things To consider while choosing a POD niche research tool

Choosing the right niche research tool for Print on Demand (POD) is crucial for success. Here are ten important factors to consider:

1. Comprehensive Data Analysis

You need to make sure that  the tool you are picking provides detailed and accurate market data to help identify profitable niches.

2. Keyword Research

Look for tools that offer robust keyword research capabilities to find relevant and high-demand keywords.

3. Competition Analysis

The tool should provide insights into competition levels, helping you choose niches with lower competition and higher potential.

4. Product Tracking

Check if the tool allows you to track product performance and trends over time.

5. User-Friendly Interface

A tool with an easy-to-use interface will save you time and make the research process more efficient.

6. Platform Compatibility

Make sure that the tool supports multiple POD platforms like Amazon, Etsy, Redbubble, and others.

7. Real-Time Data

Real-time data synchronization is essential for staying updated with the latest market trends and demands. So you need to keep this specific feature in mind, all the time. 

8. Pricing

Consider the pricing model and ensure it offers good value for money. Look for tools that fit your budget without compromising on essential features.

9. Support and Resources

Good customer support and access to tutorials, guides, and a community can be very helpful.

10. Additional Features

Find a tool with unique features like trademark compliance checks, AI insights, or social media monitoring to enhance your research.