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I’ve helped ecommerce sellers streamline their operations for over a decade. In that time, I’ve tested and reviewed dozens of Shopify apps.
If you’re running a dropshipping or print-on-demand store, automation isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential for taking your business to the next level.
Whether you want to automate product sourcing, order fulfillment or tracking, the right app will save you a ton of time, cut down on mistakes and make scaling your store a whole lot more realistic.
These are my top 7 Shopify apps for dropshipping automation based on my own testing, pricing, ease of use and reliability.
Quick Glance Comparison
| App | Rating | Starting Price | Best For | Free Plan |
| AutoDS | ★ 4.8 | $24.90/mo | Full automation | ✅ |
| DSers | ★ 4.6 | Free | AliExpress fulfillment | ✅ |
| Zendrop | ★ 4.5 | $49/mo | Branding & bundling | ✅ |
| CJdropshipping | ★ 4.3 | Free (pay per order) | Global warehousing | ✅ |
| Spocket | ★ 4.3 | $39.99/mo | US/EU suppliers | ✅ |
| Printify | ★ 4.2 | Free | Print-on-demand variety | ✅ |
| Printful | ★ 4.1 | Free | Branded POD fulfillment | ✅ |
#1. AutoDS – The Best For Full Dropshipping Automation

Rating: 4.8/5
Price: $24.90/month
Free Trial: Yes
What It Does: Multi-supplier automation (AliExpress, eBay, Amazon)
AutoDS is the most advanced dropshipping automation app I’ve ever come across.
It basically covers the whole process from product import to fulfillment – all in one place and with minimal effort required.
Key Features:
- One-click product import from 25+ suppliers
- Real time price and stock monitoring
- Auto order fulfillment and tracking
- Auto customer messaging – just to keep your customers in the know
- Bulk import and editing
- Built-in product research tool to find trending items
Pros:
- Works with multiple suppliers (AliExpress, Amazon, Walmart – you name it)
- Fully automated fulfillment system – no more messing around
- In-app product finder to help you find the hottest products
- Advanced pricing rules and margin settings to help you stay in profit
Cons:
- Paid plans are required for order automation – sorry, no freebies here
- There’s a learning curve if you’re new to dropshipping automation
If you’re after true set-it-and-forget-it automation and want to scale your store fast, AutoDS is the way to go. It basically replaces the need for multiple separate apps.
AutoDS also includes an analytics dashboard so you can keep an eye on profit, cost, and fulfillment trends at a glance.
It’s a real game-changer when managing multiple stores across multiple platforms like Shopify, Facebook and eBay.
#2. DSers – Best For AliExpress Fulfillment

Rating: 4.6/5
Price: Free (paid plans start at $19.90/month)
What It Does: AliExpress-only dropshipping made easy
DSers is the official AliExpress automation partner and has replaced Oberlo in Shopify’s app store.
It’s been built specifically for importing and managing AliExpress products.
Key Features:
- Bulk product imports
- Supplier mapping and backups – so you can keep your suppliers safe
- Auto order fulfillment – because who likes doing paperwork?
- Real time price and stock sync – stay on top of your suppliers
- Split orders to multiple suppliers – just in case one supplier runs out of stock
Pros:
- Fast integration with AliExpress
- Great for bulk testing products before committing to a purchase
- Allows multiple store management – useful if you have multiple stores
- Free plan available – so you can give it a go before committing
Cons:
- Only works with AliExpress – so if you want to use other suppliers, this isn’t for you
- No product research tools – you’ll have to do that elsewhere
For stores that rely heavily on AliExpress, DSers is still the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable automation tool available.
The app also integrates with Shopify’s order tags and customer segmentation, helping you manage customer service and order workflows more efficiently.
This kind of workflow control can be super useful at scale if you’re using VA teams or support agents.
#3. Zendrop – Best For Branding & Bundling

Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $49/month
Free Plan: Yes
What It Does: Branding-focused sellers – this one’s for you
Zendrop is designed for sellers who want better branding and faster fulfillment.
It connects you with vetted suppliers and offers a streamlined dashboard for managing everything.
Key Features:
- Auto product import and fulfillment
- Custom branding options – so you can make your store stand out
- Bundled product creator – because sometimes selling more than one item at a time is a good idea
- US warehouse access (Pro Plan) – for faster shipping
- Order tracking and analytics
Pros:
- Branded invoices and packaging – because first impressions count
- Faster shipping than AliExpress – because who doesn’t love fast shipping?
- Clean, beginner-friendly dashboard – so you can get started straight away
- Great for product bundling – because selling more than one item at a time can boost revenue
Cons:
- High minimum pricing for branding features – sorry, but you get what you pay for
- Smaller product catalog than some of the other apps – but it’s still pretty comprehensive
Building a real brand (not just a store) isn’t always easy.
But if that’s your goal, check out what Zendrop has to offer – it’s got the flexibility you need to stand out, but you’ll have to pay a bit more each month to make it happen.
#4. CJdropshipping – Perfect for Global Warehousing

Rating: 4.3 Stars
Starting Price: Zero (You only pay for the products and shipping)
Best For: Sellers who need to get orders to customers all over the world
CJdropshipping is more than just an app – it’s a full-service dropshipping platform that helps you with sourcing, warehousing, and fulfillment.
That means you can get your products shipped out to customers anywhere in the world.
Key Features:
- Product sourcing (you name the product and they’ll do the rest)
- Bulk order processing (keep your costs down)
- Custom packaging and private labeling (look like a pro with your brand’s name on the box)
- Warehouses in the US and EU
- Print-on-demand options (no inventory hassles)
Pros:
- No monthly fee – you only pay per order
- You can track down those hard-to-find products
- International shipping made easy
- Live support and video tutorials to help you get started
Cons:
- Their dashboard could be a bit quicker to navigate than some of the other apps out there
- Not the most intuitive for beginners (but don’t worry, they’ll get the hang of it)
CJ is a great choice for sellers who need to get products to international customers, or who need to source specific products for their store.
It’s also a good option if you want a lot of flexibility when it comes to your supply chain and order fulfillment.
One of the perks of using CJ is that they give you a dedicated agent once you start selling in volume.
This means you get priority support, can negotiate bulk deals, and get help with coordinating with overseas warehouses – it’s a great way to scale your business.
#5. Spocket – Best for US and EU Suppliers

Rating: 4.3 Stars
Starting Price: $39.99 a month
Free Plan: They’ve got a free plan (but it’s got some limitations)
Best For: Sellers who want to get orders to customers fast in the US and EU
Spocket focuses on getting you access to suppliers in the US and EU, which means you get faster shipping, higher-quality products, and less stress when it comes to customer support.
Key Features:
- A vetted marketplace of US and EU suppliers
- Real-time inventory updates (so you know what’s available)
- Auto-fulfillment (easy order processing)
- Branded invoices (make your customers happy)
- Sample ordering (test products before you sell them)
Pros:
- Most products get to customers in 2-7 days
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Higher product quality
- Great for selling fashion, accessories, and gifts
Cons:
- They don’t have as many products as some of the other apps out there
- Suppliers can be a bit more expensive
If you’re a seller who cares about customer satisfaction and fast shipping, then Spocket is a smart investment – especially if you’re selling to customers in the US or Europe.
I’ve found Spocket’s support and supplier vetting process to be top-notch, which makes it a reliable choice for sellers who want to attract repeat customers and boost their customer lifetime value.
#6. Printify – Best for Print-on-Demand Variety

Rating: 4.2 Stars
Starting Price: Free (They don’t charge you to get started)
Premium Plan: $29 a month (for extra perks)
Best For: Sellers who want to offer a huge variety of print-on-demand products
Printify is one of the largest print-on-demand networks around, which means you get access to dozens of print providers and thousands of customizable products.
Key Features:
- A huge product catalog (it’s like having a one-stop shop)
- Syncs directly with Shopify (no extra hassle)
- Print provider selection by location (so you can choose the fastest and best option)
- Automated order routing (make sure your orders get to the right place)
- Custom branding on products (make it look like your store made it)
Pros:
- No upfront cost to get started (just pay for the products)
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Works with multiple print providers (so you can test out different options)
- Affordable base product pricing
Cons:
- Print quality depends on the provider (so be sure to test out a few options)
- International returns can be a bit tricky (but they’ve got a support team to help you out)
Printify is a great tool for testing out print-on-demand products without breaking the bank.
With their provider flexibility, you get full control over pricing and shipping speed.
One of the cool things about Printify is that you can switch providers without having to edit the product.
This is handy if you’re having delivery issues or if you want to scale globally without having to create duplicate listings.
#7. Printful – Best for Branded POD Fulfillment

Rating: 4.1 Stars
Starting Price: Free
Best For: Sellers who want to create a high-end ecommerce brand
Printful is a premium print-on-demand solution that’s focused on giving you top-tier branding options and warehousing.
If you’re looking to create a more established ecommerce brand, then Printful is the way to go.
Key Features:
- Automated order fulfillment (so you don’t have to lift a finger)
- Branding: pack-ins, labels, custom packaging (make it look like your store made it)
- High-quality mockups (so you can see what your products will look like before you sell them)
- US, EU, and international shipping (so you can reach customers all over the world)
- Warehousing & inventory storage (so you don’t have to worry about inventory management)
Pros:
- Excellent branding support (make your store look like a pro)
- High print and packaging quality (so your customers are happy)
- Warehousing support available (so you can scale your business)
- Great for selling apparel and fitness products
Cons:
- Higher product base costs (but it’s worth it for the quality)
- Fewer products than some of the other apps out there
Printful is the go-to option for sellers who want to create a premium print-on-demand brand.
It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the branding features and reliability make it worth the investment.
I’d recommend Printful for sellers who really care about the look and feel of their brand and about giving their customers a top-notch shopping experience.
It’s also a great fit for influencers who are just getting into selling merch or creators who want to turn their online content into a physical product line.
Choosing the Best Automation App for Your Store
Picking the right automation app really depends on your business – what kind of products you’re selling, what you’re trying to achieve and how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are the things to keep in mind:
Dropshipping vs. Print-on-Demand
| Feature | Dropshipping Apps | POD Apps |
| Product sourcing | External suppliers | In-house product customization |
| Shipping time | 5–25 days (depends on supplier) | 2–10 days |
| Branding options | Limited (unless using Zendrop or CJ) | Extensive with Printful/Printify |
| Setup speed | Fast | Requires design work |
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Where are your customers based?
- Are you building a long-term brand or just testing out some ideas?
- Are you comfortable paying a monthly fee for automation?
- Do you want to be able to pick and choose who you’re working with?
The truth is that most sellers who are looking for full automation and scale end up using a combination of different tools – one for sourcing products and one for branding or print on demand fulfillment.
It’s also a smart idea to test out a few different apps at the same time when you’re just starting out – most of them offer free trials or plans, so it’s easy to compare them side by side before committing to a paid plan.
Which Shopify Dropshipping App Should You Choose?
All in all, here’s my shortlist, based on my real world experience and testing:
- For full automation: AutoDS – just the ticket if that’s what you’re after
- For AliExpress dropshipping: DSers – it’s the one I’d recommend if you’re working with suppliers there
- For building a brand: Zendrop – I think this one is the best for building a real brand
- For print on demand with a lot of variety: Printify – it’s the one I go to when I need to create a lot of different products
- For print on demand with good branding options: Printful – that’s the one I use when I need to make sure my branding is looking its best
- For international storage and shipping: CJdropshipping – good to know if you need that
- For quick US or EU shipping: Spocket – just what I need when I need to get products to my customers fast
Each one has its strengths and weaknesses, and you might find that your ideal setup involves using more than one of them.
Take the free plans for a spin and see what works best for you before shelling out for a paid plan.
And if you’re planning on building a real brand – or better yet, scaling to 6 or 7 figures – invest in a solid automation stack early on.
It’ll pay for itself many, many times over – and cut down on the hours of manual work you have to do.
