Shopify vs Printify: which one do you actually need?
They get compared constantly, but they’re not really competing. Here’s what each one does, and whether you need one or both.
Quick answer: Shopify is the store where customers buy from you. Printify is a print-on-demand supplier that makes and ships the products. If you’re selling custom-printed goods, most sellers use both together — Printify plugs directly into a Shopify store.
Two different jobs
Understanding the difference is the fastest way to know what you actually need.
The store platform
- Hosted store & checkout
- Payment processing built in
- Thousands of apps & themes
- Works for any product type
The print-on-demand supplier
- No inventory to buy or store
- 900+ customizable products
- Auto-syncs orders & fulfillment
- Global print network
Using them together
You never touch the product. Printify connects to Shopify as an app — when someone buys, the order flows straight through and Printify handles production and shipping under your brand.
Pick based on what you’re selling
Just need a store?
If you already make or source your own products, you only need Shopify. Printify is irrelevant unless you’re doing print-on-demand.
Selling custom-printed designs?
You’ll want both — Shopify as your storefront, Printify to produce and ship each order as it comes in.
Just testing an idea?
Printify’s free plan plus Shopify’s trial let you validate a product idea before spending much at all.
Side by side
| Shopify | Printify | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Ecommerce store platform | Print-on-demand supplier |
| Starting price | $5/mo | Free |
| Handles checkout & payments | Yes | No |
| Makes & ships products | No | Yes |
| Requires the other to sell online | No, works standalone | Yes, needs a store like Shopify |
Questions we get asked
Do I need to choose between Shopify and Printify?+
Not usually. They serve different purposes — Shopify is your storefront, Printify is your product supplier. Most print-on-demand sellers use both.
Can I use Printify without Shopify?+
Yes, Printify connects to other platforms too (like Etsy or WooCommerce), but Shopify is one of its most popular and well-supported integrations.
Can I use Shopify without Printify?+
Absolutely. Shopify works for any kind of product — physical, digital, or dropshipped. Printify is only relevant if you’re doing print-on-demand.
How much does it cost to run both together?+
You’ll pay Shopify’s monthly plan for your store, plus whatever Printify plan you choose (a free tier is available). Product cost is paid per order as customers buy.
Ready to launch your store?
Start with Shopify for your storefront, then connect Printify if you’re selling custom-printed products.