The global dropshipping market is growing, but for a new entrepreneur, the barrier to entry isn't just finding a product—it's keeping overhead low.
AutoDS is a powerhouse in the industry, known for its robust automation. However, for a bootstrapper, the subscription model (starting around $9.90/month after the trial) is a recurring cost that eats into your initial budget. If you haven't made your first sale yet, paying for software can feel like a risk.
The good news is that you don't strictly need a paid subscription to launch. Several platforms offer "forever free" plans or pay-as-you-go models that allow you to scale without monthly fees.
This guide reviews EPROLO and other top competitors to help you find a tool that fits your budget and business model.
Key Takeaways
- Free Alternatives to AutoDS: Platforms like EPROLO, DSers, and CJ Dropshipping offer no monthly fees, making them ideal for budget-conscious beginners who want to keep overhead low while launching their dropshipping business.
- EPROLO's Unique Advantages: EPROLO stands out with a "forever free" plan, low-cost branding options for clothing (no MOQ), and a seamless supply chain, including warehousing in the US, UK, EU, and China.
- Automated Fulfillment: Free tools like EPROLO automate product imports, order processing, and tracking, making it easy to run a store without needing to manage every detail manually.
- Variety and Flexibility: Depending on your needs, alternatives like DSers (best for AliExpress), Zendrop (best for US shipping), and CJ Dropshipping (best for variety) offer features tailored to different business models.
- Cost-Effective Growth: By using free alternatives, new entrepreneurs can save on software costs, reinvesting that budget into marketing or product testing to grow their store.
Why Swap AutoDS for a Free Alternative?
AutoDS is excellent, but it isn't the only way to run a store. Here is why shifting to a free alternative often makes sense for new or lean businesses:
- Protecting Cash Flow: When margins are thin, every dollar counts. Saving $120 a year on software can be reinvested into Facebook Ads or TikTok creative testing.
- Different Sourcing Models: AutoDS is an automation tool that connects to suppliers. Alternatives like CJ Dropshipping or EPROLO act as the supplier and the fulfillment center, often simplifying the supply chain.
- Avoiding "Feature Bloat": Beginners often get overwhelmed by complex dashboards. Free alternatives usually focus on the essentials: importing products and shipping orders.
- Pro Tip: Free platforms usually monetize by adding a small markup to the product cost. While you pay no monthly fee, always compare the total landed cost (Product + Shipping) against paid tools to ensure your margins remain healthy.
EPROLO: The "Forever Free" All-In-One Solution
EPROLO has gained significant traction (over 1.6 million users) because it positions itself as a direct bridge between suppliers and merchants without the subscription paywall.
Unlike AutoDS, which acts as a connector to marketplaces like Amazon or Walmart, EPROLO manages the supply chain. You do not pay a membership fee; you only pay for the product and shipping when you make a sale.
Key Features
- 100+ Product Categories: Ranges from clothing and jewelry to home improvement.
- No MOQ Branding for Clothing: This is EPROLO's "killer feature." You can add custom labels, hangtags, and scotch tape to your clothing packages without hitting a massive Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ). This is rare for free platforms.
- Global Warehousing: They operate warehouses in China, the US, the UK, and EU.
- Print-on-Demand (POD): Through their integration with Inkedjoy, you can sell custom merchandise without holding inventory.
- Shipping Guarantee: They offer a refund policy if orders do not arrive within 30 days—a safety net that builds trust with payment processors like Stripe and PayPal.
EPROLO vs. AutoDS: The Breakdown
If you are trying to decide between the two, here is how they stack up:
| Feature | EPROLO | AutoDS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Forever Free (Pay per order) $19.90/year for Clothing Branding |
Starts at $9.90/mo (billed annually) |
| Sourcing | Internal Catalog, AliExpress, POD | AliExpress, Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair, etc. |
| Fulfillment | EPROLO handles fulfillment | Automated ordering from 3rd party suppliers |
| Branding | High (Custom tape/labels available for clothing without MOQ) | Low (Dependent on the supplier) |
| Target | Brand-builders & beginners | High-volume scalers & generalists |
| Shipping | 5–15 Days (Avg. 4-5 for express) | Varies heavily by supplier chosen |
How "Automated" is EPROLO?
While AutoDS is famous for "set and forget" automation, EPROLO handles the heavy lifting differently:
- Product Import: One-click import to Shopify/WooCommerce and other main platforms.
- Order Processing: When you get an order, it syncs to EPROLO. You pay them, and they ship it.
- Tracking: Tracking numbers are automatically pushed back to your store and sent to the customer.
Top 5 Other Free Alternatives to AutoDS
If EPROLO doesn't fit your niche, here are the best alternatives based on specific business needs.
1. DSers (Best for AliExpress)
If your strategy relies strictly on AliExpress, DSers is the industry standard (and the official AliExpress partner).
- The Free Plan: Very generous. It allows you to process unlimited orders and manage up to 3,000 products.
- Best For: High-volume sellers who found a winner on AliExpress and need to bulk-process orders instantly.
2. CJ Dropshipping (Best for Variety)
CJ Dropshipping is the closest direct competitor to EPROLO. They act as the fulfillment center and have no monthly fees.
- The Edge: Their sourcing service. If you can't find a product, you can post a request, and their team will find a factory to make it for you.
- Best For: Sellers who want a massive catalog and faster shipping than standard AliExpress.
3. Zendrop (Best for US Shipping)
Zendrop focuses heavily on the US market and fast shipping times.
- The Free Plan: It is "Free Forever," but with limitations. You can access US products and automated fulfillment, but advanced branding features usually require an upgrade.
- Best For: Beginners targeting American customers who are terrified of 30-day shipping times.
4. Spocket (Best for EU/US Quality)
Spocket focuses on vetted suppliers in the EU and US rather than China.
- The Catch: Spocket has a free trial and a free "browsing" tier, but to actually sell premium products effectively, you often need to upgrade. It is more of a "Freemium" model.
- Best For: Boutiques selling higher-ticket items where quality matters more than cheap pricing.
5. Syncee (Best for B2B/High Ticket)
Syncee connects you with local suppliers and wholesalers globally.
- The Free Plan: Allows you to browse millions of products and keep up to 25 products in your store for free.
- Best For: Curated stores looking for unique, non-commodity items (e.g., eco-friendly toys, artisanal watches).
Summary Comparison Table
| Platform | Pricing Model | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| EPROLO | Forever Free | Branding & Custom Packaging |
| DSers | Free Plan | AliExpress Bulk Ordering |
| CJ Dropshipping | Pay-as-you-go | Sourcing specific items & Warehousing |
| Zendrop | Free Tier | Fast US Shipping |
| Spocket | Freemium | EU/US High-Quality Goods |
| AliDropship | One-time fee | WordPress/WooCommerce Devotees |
Strategic Advice: How to Choose
Selecting the right tool depends entirely on your business stage:
- The Fashion "Brand Builder": If you are the fashion seller and want your logo on the package from Day 1 without buying bulk stock, go with EPROLO.
- The "AliExpress Grinder": If you are testing viral TikTok products straight from AliExpress, EPROLO and DSers is the most efficient tool.
- The "General Store": If you want to test 50 different niches at once, CJ Dropshipping offers the widest variety without subscription costs.
- The "WordPress User": If you refuse to use Shopify, AliDropship (plugin) requires a one-time payment, eliminating monthly fees forever.
Final Verdict
You do not need to pay monthly fees to run a successful dropshipping store especially when you are just start a dropshipping business. Tools like EPROLO and CJ Dropshipping have matured enough to offer reliable, automated fulfillment that rivals paid services like AutoDS.
By using a free alternative, you keep your burn rate low, allowing you to weather the learning curve and invest your money where it matters most: getting customers to your store.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is there a truly free alternative to AutoDS?
Yes. EPROLO is a "forever free" platform, meaning there are no monthly subscription fees, credit card requirements for sign-up, or hidden membership costs. You only pay for the product cost and shipping fee when you actually receive an order from a customer. Other free options include the starter plans for CJ Dropshipping and DSers.
2. How does EPROLO make money if the platform is free?
Unlike AutoDS, which is a software company that charges for access, EPROLO acts as your supplier and fulfillment partner. We negotiate wholesale prices with factories and earn a small margin on the product cost. This model aligns our success with yours—we only make money when you sell products.
3. Can I switch from AutoDS to EPROLO easily?
Absolutely. EPROLO integrates seamlessly with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, Etsy, eBay, and TikTok Shop. You can install the EPROLO app, connect your store, and start importing products immediately. If you are already selling products, you can search for them in the EPROLO catalog and map them to your existing listings.
4. Does EPROLO offer faster shipping than AutoDS suppliers?
In many cases, yes. AutoDS connects to various third-party suppliers (like AliExpress), where shipping times can vary from 15 to 45 days. EPROLO operates its own fulfillment network with Express Shipping lines and local warehouses in the US, UK and EU. This allows for average delivery times of 5–12 days, backed by a 30-day shipping guarantee.
5. Can I brand my products with EPROLO?
Yes! This is unique to EPROLO. While most platforms require paid subscriptions or bulk orders for branding, EPROLO allows you to add custom labels, hangtags, gift cards, and branded tape to your packages with No Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) with $19.90/year for the clothing catalog. This helps you build a professional fashion brand image from your very first sale without upfront inventory costs. For the other catalogs, you can reach out to the account manager for the custom branding fee.
6. Which platform is better for beginners?
For beginners with a limited budget, EPROLO is generally the safer choice. The lack of monthly fees removes financial pressure, allowing you to take your time finding winning products. AutoDS is a powerful tool, but its monthly recurring cost can drain a beginner's budget before they have generated enough sales to cover it.
