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Comparison

Shopify vs Zendrop: What Each Does and Do You Need Both?

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Shopify is the store builder where customers buy, from $29/mo billed yearly. Zendrop is the supplier app that sources and ships products, free to start or $79/mo for Plus. Most dropshippers use both.

Illustration of an online storefront connected to stacked shipping boxes and a shopping cart

Key takeaways

  • Shopify hosts your store, checkout and payments.
  • Zendrop finds products, fulfills orders and connects to Shopify.
  • Shopify starts with a 3-day free trial, then $1/mo for 3 months.
  • Zendrop Plus is $197/yr on Black Friday instead of $549, plus $300 in order credits.

Shopify · Best all-in-one store builder

Basic from $29/mo billed yearly ($39 monthly)

Start your Shopify trial

Quick answer

Quick answer

Shopify is your store. Zendrop is your supplier. If you want to dropship, you usually need both: Shopify to sell and Zendrop to source and ship.

Our picks at a glance

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Side by side

ShopifyZendrop
What it isOnline store builderDropshipping supplier and fulfillment
Free option3-day trial, then $1/mo for 3 monthsFree plan
Main planBasic $29/mo yearly ($39 monthly)Plus $79/mo monthly
Black Friday—Plus $197/yr + $300 order credits
Works withThousands of apps, including ZendropShopify stores

Reference · checked on each vendor's official page on November 14, 2026 (USD). Prices and offers can change.

Shopify: the store

Shopify gives you hosting, SSL, themes, checkout and payments in one place, plus point of sale for in-person sales. Read our Shopify review and Shopify vs WooCommerce.

Zendrop: the products

Zendrop lets you import products, automate fulfillment and add custom branding and print-on-demand on Plus. See our Zendrop review.

How they work together

  1. Open a Shopify store and pick a theme.
  2. Install Zendrop and import products.
  3. When a customer orders, Zendrop ships it and updates tracking in Shopify.
  4. Shipping your own stock too? Add Easyship.

Step-by-step setup: how to start a dropshipping store. Prefer WordPress? Read how to choose web hosting.

Ready to open your store?

Start Shopify with a 3-day free trial, then $1/mo for 3 months, and connect Zendrop for products.

Start your Shopify trial

Frequently asked questions

Is Zendrop an alternative to Shopify?

No. Zendrop is a supplier and fulfillment app; it needs a store such as Shopify to sell.

How much do Shopify and Zendrop cost together?

Shopify Basic is $29/mo billed yearly. Zendrop has a free plan; Plus is $79/mo monthly or $197/yr during Black Friday.

Do I need Zendrop Plus to start?

No. You can test products on the free plan and upgrade when you need branding or faster shipping.

What about shipping my own stock?

If you ship your own products, a tool like Easyship gives discounted labels from many carriers.

Sources checked

General information, not professional advice. Plans, prices and features change: confirm them on the vendor’s official site before you buy. Affiliate disclosure · How we review