Zendrop vs AutoDS: Which Dropshipping Tool Is Better for Print on Demand?

Zendrop and AutoDS are two of the biggest names in dropshipping automation – but which one is actually better if you’re running a print on demand business?

I’ve tested both tools and compared them across key areas like pricing, product sourcing, automation, and print-on-demand capabilities.

Each platform brings something unique to the table, but your choice should ultimately align with your business model, volume, and what you want to automate.

Here’s the short answer:

Quick Verdict: Zendrop vs AutoDS

• AutoDS – Best for print-on-demand sellers who want integrations with Printify, Printful, and other POD platforms
• Zendrop – Best for general dropshipping with fast US shipping and a simpler setup

Both platforms are powerful in their own right.

The best one for you depends on your focus — whether it’s automation at scale, or fast delivery and ease of use.

Quick Comparison: Zendrop vs AutoDS

Here’s how the two platforms stack up at a glance:

Best for Print on Demand: AutoDS

When it comes to print-on-demand, AutoDS clearly leads.

It connects directly with platforms like:

• Printify
• Printful
• Gooten
• CustomCat

I was able to import custom-designed products, automatically fulfill orders, and sync everything from price to stock levels — all within the AutoDS dashboard.

Here’s what I found particularly useful:

• Auto-ordering for POD products
• Built-in integrations with top print-on-demand apps
• Tracking and updates all handled inside AutoDS
• Easy control over product variants, designs, and pricing

On the other hand, Zendrop’s POD capabilities are still in beta.

While you can upload some custom products, it doesn’t yet match what AutoDS can do.

Why AutoDS Wins for POD:

• Full control with major POD platforms
• Auto-fulfillment of POD orders
• Faster product import and sync
• Great for scaling a custom merchandise brand

If you’re running a full POD store with hundreds of SKUs or designs, AutoDS makes day-to-day management significantly easier.

Best for Product Sourcing: AutoDS

If you’re looking for variety and flexibility, AutoDS wins again.

It integrates with over 25 major suppliers, including:

• AliExpress
• Amazon
• Walmart
• CJ Dropshipping
• Etsy

This opens up thousands of products across multiple categories — perfect if you’re testing new niches or managing several stores.

Key Sourcing Features in AutoDS:

• Chrome extension for one-click imports
• Product research tool to find trending items
• Built-in filters for shipping time, price, and supplier location
• Supplier switching if a product goes out of stock

Zendrop takes a more curated approach, which is great if you’re overwhelmed by too many options.

Its catalog focuses on quality over quantity, with a strong emphasis on US-based inventory.

Summary:

Zendrop works better if you want a hand-picked list of trending items.

AutoDS works better if you want control over your entire supply chain.

Best for Shipping Speed: Zendrop

This is where Zendrop pulls ahead.

If you’re targeting customers in the United States, Zendrop gives you access to US-based fulfillment centers and shipping speeds of 3–8 business days.

That’s a game-changer if you’re running paid ads or trying to maintain a high feedback score on marketplaces.

Zendrop’s Shipping Advantages:

• Pro suppliers with faster fulfillment times
• Real-time tracking and delivery estimates
• Less customer service stress from late shipments

AutoDS, by comparison, relies mostly on AliExpress suppliers, unless you spend time filtering for faster options.

That means longer shipping times, sometimes up to 30 days for standard China-based orders.

In Practice:

When I ran the same product through both platforms:

• Zendrop delivered it to California in 6 business days
• AutoDS (AliExpress supplier) took 18 business days

If delivery time is a priority for your business, Zendrop is the better choice.

Best for Automation: AutoDS

If your business is growing and you’re tired of manual work, AutoDS offers one of the most powerful automation suites in dropshipping.

Here’s what you can automate:

• Price monitoring — adjust prices based on cost changes
• Stock sync — automatically unlist out-of-stock products
• Auto-fulfillment — place orders automatically (even on AliExpress)
• Customer messages — send order confirmations and shipping updates
• Multiple stores — manage all your shops in one dashboard

Zendrop includes some automation like auto-fulfillment and tracking, but it doesn’t go as deep as AutoDS.

If you want more advanced workflows or you’re managing multiple suppliers, AutoDS handles that better.

Best for Ease of Use: Zendrop

AutoDS has more tools, but it also has a steeper learning curve.

Zendrop’s interface is simple, clean, and beginner-friendly. You can:

• Import products with one click
• Track all orders from a single dashboard
• Set up your account and start fulfilling orders in minutes

If you’re new to dropshipping or want to avoid technical complexity, Zendrop is much easier to get started with.

In contrast, AutoDS feels more advanced — which is great if you’re experienced, but overwhelming if you’re not.

Best for Analytics and Reporting: AutoDS

AutoDS provides more in-depth reporting tools across your entire store:

• Profit margins per product
• Order volume over time
• Supplier performance
• Cost of goods sold (COGS) breakdown
• Return rates and refund tracking

Zendrop offers basic sales reporting — total orders, revenue, and fulfillment status — but not much more.

For data-driven sellers or agencies, AutoDS gives you better insight into your margins and performance.

Best for Pricing: It Depends

Here’s a quick look at current pricing as of September 2025.

Zendrop Pricing:

• Free Plan – $0/month (limited product access)
• Pro Plan – $49/month
• Plus Plan – $79/month

All major features are included in the Pro Plan — including US shipping and automation.

AutoDS Pricing:

• Starter Plan – Free (limited imports)
• Advanced Plan – $47/month
• Auto-fulfillment add-on – $19/month
• Import credits – Paid separately (per product)

With AutoDS, you can customize your plan by only paying for what you need.

But that can also make the total monthly cost hard to predict.

Pricing Comparison Table

If you want predictable pricing and most features in one plan, Zendrop is better.

If you want modular pricing and control over what you pay for, AutoDS gives you that flexibility.

Final Verdict: Which Is Better?

Both platforms are great — just for different use cases.

Choose AutoDS if:

• You’re running a print-on-demand store with lots of custom products
• You need automation at scale
• You’re sourcing from multiple suppliers or managing several stores
• You want direct integrations with Printify, Printful, etc.

Choose Zendrop if:

• You’re focused on fast US shipping
• You want a simple, beginner-friendly platform
• You’re primarily selling general dropshipping products
• You prefer a fixed monthly cost with fewer moving parts

Try Them Both

Both Zendrop and AutoDS offer free plans, so there’s no risk in testing them out.

I’d recommend signing up for both and spending a couple of hours importing a few products and exploring the dashboard.

What you’ll find is that Zendrop is faster to set up, but AutoDS becomes more powerful the more you scale.

If you’re still unsure which one to choose, ask yourself: “Am I selling custom products that need full control and automation, or trending products that need to ship fast?”

Your answer will point you in the right direction.