Starting a dropshipping business on Shopify does not require a large upfront investment. Thanks to free and freemium dropshipping apps, you can source products, automate fulfillment, and manage orders without paying monthly fees at the beginning.
However, not all “free” dropshipping apps work the same way. Some are completely free with limits, while others are free to install but charge per order or unlock features through paid plans.
This guide breaks down the best free dropshipping apps for Shopify, explains how their free plans work, and helps you choose the right app based on your business goals.
What Are Dropshipping Apps for Shopify?
A Shopify dropshipping app connects your store to suppliers who handle inventory, packaging, and shipping on your behalf. These apps automate key tasks such as:
- Importing products into your Shopify store
- Syncing inventory and prices
- Processing orders automatically
- Sending tracking information to customers
Free dropshipping apps allow you to start without monthly subscription fees, making them ideal for beginners, side hustles, and budget-conscious sellers.
Dropshipping Apps for Shopify Free Plan vs Free to Install (Important Difference)
Before choosing an app, it’s critical to understand how Shopify defines “free.”
Free Plan
- Ongoing free usage
- Usually includes limits on orders, products, or features
- Suitable for testing or small stores
Free to Install
- No upfront installation cost
- Charges may apply per order, per shipment, or for premium features
- Often required once sales increase
Most Shopify dropshipping apps fall into one of these two categories, not both.
Best Free Dropshipping Apps for Shopify
Below are the most reliable and widely used free or freemium dropshipping apps, based on Shopify App Store data and real-world usage.
AeroDrop Best Free Dropshipping App for Shopify
Best for: Data driven product research and faster decision making
AeroDrop is a modern dropshipping platform designed to help Shopify sellers identify winning products, track trends, and validate demand before investing time or money. Unlike traditional sourcing only apps, AeroDrop focuses on product intelligence and growth insights, making it especially useful for sellers who want to reduce guesswork.
Free plan includes:
- Access to trending and high potential product data
- Product performance insights based on real market signals
- Shopify friendly workflow for faster product validation
Why AeroDrop stands out:
- Helps sellers choose products based on data, not assumptions
- Reduces failed product launches by validating demand early
- Complements sourcing apps like DSers or CJdropshipping instead of replacing them
Limitations:
- Does not directly fulfill orders or ship products
- Advanced analytics and automation require a paid plan
AeroDrop is best used alongside a sourcing app, acting as the decision engine behind what products to sell. For sellers who want to move beyond trial and error dropshipping and build a scalable Shopify business, AeroDrop provides a strategic edge even on its free plan.
DSers – Best Free AliExpress Dropshipping App
Best for: AliExpress dropshipping beginners
DSers is the official AliExpress dropshipping partner for Shopify. It offers a free plan that allows product imports, order syncing, and basic automation.
Free plan includes:
- AliExpress product imports
- Bulk order processing
- Order tracking sync
Limitations:
- Supplier limited to AliExpress
- Advanced automation requires paid plans
DSers is one of the easiest ways to start dropshipping on Shopify with no upfront cost.
CJdropshipping – Free Global Supplier Network
Best for: Product variety and global warehouses
CJdropshipping is free to install and provides sourcing, private labeling, and fulfillment services. You only pay for products and shipping.
Key benefits:
- Global warehouses
- Product sourcing on request
- Branding and packaging options
Limitations:
- Shipping costs vary by product
- Processing times can differ by warehouse
CJdropshipping works well for sellers who want alternatives beyond AliExpress.
Printful – Best Free Print on Demand App
Best for: Custom products and branding
Printful allows you to sell custom-designed products like apparel, accessories, and home goods without inventory.
Free plan includes:
- Product creation
- Design tools
- Automated fulfillment
Limitations:
- Higher product costs than bulk sourcing
- No control over base product pricing
You only pay when a customer places an order, making it ideal for creatives.
Printify – Low-Cost POD Alternative
Best for: Print on demand with supplier choice
Printify connects you to multiple print providers worldwide, often at lower base costs than Printful.
Free plan includes:
- Product creation
- Multiple supplier options
- Shopify integration
Limitations:
- Branding options vary by supplier
- Shipping quality depends on provider
Printify is popular for sellers optimizing margins on POD products.
Zendrop – Beginner-Friendly Dropshipping
Best for: Easy setup and faster shipping
Zendrop offers a free plan that focuses on automation and simplicity, with optional US-based shipping.
Free plan includes:
- Product sourcing
- Order automation
- Tracking updates
Limitations:
- Branding features locked behind paid plans
- Smaller catalog than AliExpress
Zendrop is often chosen by beginners who want a clean, guided experience.
Spocket – US & EU Supplier Marketplace
Best for: Fast shipping to Western markets
Spocket connects Shopify stores with suppliers based in the US and EU, reducing delivery times.
Free plan includes:
- Limited product browsing
- Supplier previews
Limitations:
- Product access restricted on free plan
- Premium suppliers require upgrade
Spocket is best if shipping speed matters more than product variety.
Trendsi – Fashion Dropshipping
Best for: Clothing and apparel stores
Trendsi focuses on fashion dropshipping with curated apparel and branding options.
Free plan includes:
- Product imports
- Inventory syncing
Limitations:
- Fashion niche only
- Branding options limited on free tier
Ideal for Shopify fashion brands starting with no inventory.
AutoDS – AI Dropshipping Platform (Free Trial)
Best for: Automation and scaling
AutoDS provides advanced tools for product research, price monitoring, and fulfillment automation.
Free access includes:
- Limited-time free trial
- Product research tools
Limitations:
- No permanent free plan
- Paid subscription required long-term
AutoDS suits sellers planning to scale quickly after testing.
Syncee – Multiple Supplier Dropshipping
Best for: Multiple suppliers and global sourcing
Syncee connects Shopify stores to global suppliers and wholesalers with real-time inventory sync.
Free plan includes:
- Limited product imports
- Supplier browsing
Limitations:
- Import caps on free tier
- Advanced features require upgrade
Syncee is useful for stores selling from multiple suppliers.
Shopify Collective – Native Shopify Solution
Best for: Brand-to-brand dropshipping
Shopify Collective allows merchants to sell products from other Shopify brands without holding inventory.
Free access includes:
- Direct supplier connections
- Native Shopify integration
Limitations:
- Requires approved suppliers
- Not suitable for AliExpress-style dropshipping
Best for established stores collaborating with other brands.
Best Free Dropshipping Apps for Shopify by Use Case
Best for Beginners
- AeroDrop
- DSers
- Zendrop
- Spocket
Best for AliExpress Dropshipping
- AeroDrop
- DSers
- CJdropshipping
- Dropshipman
Best for Print on Demand
- Printful
- Printify
Best for Fast Shipping
- Spocket
- Zendrop
- Trendsi
Best for Multiple Suppliers
- Syncee
- AutoDS
- CJdropshipping
How to Start Dropshipping on Shopify Using Free Apps
Starting dropshipping on Shopify with free apps works best when you separate product selection, store setup, and fulfillment into clear steps. Using the right tools at each stage helps reduce mistakes and unnecessary costs.
Step 1: Set up your Shopify store
Create your Shopify store and choose a clean, simple theme. Focus on usability rather than design complexity. At this stage, avoid spending on premium themes or paid apps until you validate demand.
Step 2: Find winning products using AeroDrop
Before importing products, use AeroDrop to discover items with real selling potential. AeroDrop is built as an all in one dropshipping platform for Shopify and focuses heavily on smarter product sourcing rather than trial and error .
With AeroDrop, you can:
- Discover trending products from trusted suppliers
- Access product details and images instantly
- Choose from a wide variety of products with no MOQ
- Save hours each week by avoiding manual research
This step helps you validate products early and prevents wasted time importing items that do not convert.
Step 3: Import products to Shopify with one click
Once you identify products, AeroDrop allows one click product setup, meaning products can be added directly to your Shopify store without technical skills .
You can:
- Add products instantly to your store
- Edit titles, descriptions, and prices inside the dashboard
- Manage everything from one simple interface
This simplifies product setup compared to manually importing from multiple supplier platforms.
Step 4: Track orders, shipping, and performance in real time
After launching products, AeroDrop helps you manage operations from a single dashboard. The platform provides real time performance insights, including live views of orders, earnings, and trends .
These insights allow you to:
- See what products are working
- Improve pricing and product mix
- Spend less time on backend tasks and more time on sales
Step 5: Add branding and scale when ready
As sales grow, AeroDrop supports custom branding options such as unique product sourcing on request and custom packaging, which is especially useful for fashion, lifestyle, and niche brands .
The platform is designed to be:
- Quick to launch with no coding required
- Beginner friendly with simple onboarding
- Built to scale gradually as your store grows
Step 6: Combine AeroDrop with other free apps when needed
While AeroDrop handles product sourcing, setup, and performance tracking, some sellers may still use additional free Shopify apps for specific needs such as AliExpress sourcing or print on demand. AeroDrop works best as the central system that helps sellers decide what to sell and scale smarter.
By starting with AeroDrop’s free access, Shopify sellers can launch faster, make data informed product decisions, and scale with less risk compared to relying only on traditional sourcing apps.
Hidden Costs to Expect When Using Free Dropshipping Apps
Free dropshipping apps for Shopify remove monthly subscription fees, but they do not eliminate all costs. Understanding these expenses upfront helps you price products correctly and avoid surprises as your store grows.
Product and supplier costs
Even when an app is free, you still pay the supplier for each product sold. Product costs vary by supplier, quality, and region. Some platforms also adjust pricing based on demand or availability.
Shipping and fulfillment fees
Shipping is one of the most common hidden costs. Faster delivery options, tracked shipping, or US and EU fulfillment usually cost more. These fees must be included in your product pricing to maintain healthy margins.
Transaction and processing fees
Some free to install apps charge per order, per fulfillment, or per transaction. In addition, Shopify payment processing fees apply to every sale, regardless of which dropshipping app you use.
Branding and packaging upgrades
Custom packaging, branded inserts, or private labeling are rarely included in free plans. These features often become paid add ons once you want to improve customer experience and brand recognition.
Advertising and marketing costs
While not tied directly to dropshipping apps, paid advertising is often required to generate traffic and test products. This is one of the biggest expenses for new stores and should be planned from the start.
Time and opportunity costs
Free plans may limit automation, requiring more manual work for product setup, pricing updates, or order management. Tools like AeroDrop help reduce this cost by saving time on product research and validation, allowing sellers to focus on products with higher potential instead of testing blindly.
Free dropshipping apps are an excellent way to start, but successful stores plan for these costs early. Factoring them into your strategy helps you price accurately, scale responsibly, and avoid common beginner mistakes.
How to Choose the Best Free Dropshipping Apps for Shopify
When selecting a free Shopify dropshipping app, consider:
- Supplier location and shipping speed
- Automation level
- Product niche compatibility
- Branding options
- Upgrade costs after scaling
The best app depends on your product strategy, not popularity alone.
Common Limitations of Free Dropshipping Apps for Shopify
Free plans often include:
- Order limits
- Restricted automation
- Limited branding
- Slower support
These are expected trade-offs and usually become relevant only after consistent sales.
When Should You Upgrade From Free Dropshipping Apps?
Free dropshipping apps for Shopify are ideal for getting started, testing products, and learning how the business works. However, as your store grows, free plans often reach their limits. Knowing when to upgrade helps you avoid bottlenecks without overspending too early.
When you start getting consistent orders
Once your store receives steady daily or weekly orders, free plan limits such as order caps, restricted automation, or manual workflows can slow you down. Upgrading at this stage helps maintain order accuracy and fulfillment speed.
When product validation becomes more important than testing
Early on, free plans are enough for basic testing. As you scale, making the wrong product decision becomes more expensive. Tools like AeroDrop become more valuable at this stage by providing deeper performance insights, trend analysis, and data driven decision support to help you scale winning products instead of guessing.
When you need better automation and time savings
Free apps often require manual steps for pricing updates, product edits, or order management. If you are spending more time managing the backend than growing your store, upgrading to unlock automation can save hours each week.
When branding and customer experience matter more
As sales increase, customers expect faster shipping, better packaging, and consistent product quality. Paid plans often unlock branding options, supplier flexibility, and improved fulfillment control. AeroDrop supports this transition by offering branding focused features and scalable workflows as your store grows.
When your revenue justifies the cost
A good rule is to upgrade only when the additional features help you earn or save more than they cost. If a paid plan improves conversion rates, reduces failed product launches, or saves significant time, the upgrade is usually justified.
The most effective approach is to use free dropshipping apps to validate your store and products, then upgrade strategically when growth demands better data, automation, and control. This keeps risk low while allowing you to scale your Shopify dropshipping business with confidence.
FAQs
Is there a completely free dropshipping app for Shopify?
Most apps are free to install or offer limited free plans. You typically pay for products and shipping.
What is the best free Shopify dropshipping app for AliExpress?
DSers is the official AliExpress partner and the most reliable free option.
Can I start dropshipping on Shopify with no money?
You can start with minimal cost, but product and advertising expenses still apply.
Are free dropshipping apps good for beginners?
Yes. Free plans are ideal for testing products and learning operations.
Which free app offers the fastest shipping?
Spocket and Zendrop offer the fastest delivery through US and EU suppliers.
Final Recommendation
Free dropshipping apps for Shopify allow you to start selling without committing to monthly fees. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize AliExpress sourcing, print on demand, fast shipping, or automation.
For sourcing and fulfillment, apps like DSers, CJdropshipping, Printful, and Spocket handle the operational side of dropshipping. However, choosing the right products remains the biggest challenge for most sellers.
This is where AeroDrop fits into the stack. Instead of focusing on fulfillment, AeroDrop helps Shopify sellers identify high potential products, analyze trends, and validate demand before launching. Using AeroDrop alongside a free sourcing app reduces trial and error and helps sellers make informed decisions from the start.
The most effective approach is to begin with free plans, use data to validate demand, and upgrade tools only when sales justify the investment. This keeps risk low while giving you a clear path to scale a sustainable Shopify dropshipping business.
