Vunda
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Last updated 19 June 2026 · Ben Robinson

Vunda vs Shopney: an honest Shopify app builder comparison (2026)

Shopney and Vunda both turn a Shopify store into a native iOS and Android app. Shopney is an established, mid-to-premium platform with tiered plans from $149 per month, known for live selling and merchant support. Vunda is free to build with. Here is a fair, sourced comparison to help you decide.

The short version

  • Shopney is an established builder with tiered plans from $149 per month (Silver) up to $1,299 per month (Enterprise), and a 30-day free trial.
  • Vunda is free to build and preview; publishing is a paid plan.
  • Choose Shopney if you want its tiered, supported platform and live-selling tools. Choose Vunda if you want a native app without a monthly fee just to get started.

Vunda vs Shopney at a glance

FeatureVundaShopney
Native iOS and Android appsYesYes
No-code, drag-and-drop builderYesYes
Real-time Shopify syncYesYes
Unlimited push notificationsYesYes
Build and preview before payingFree30-day free trial
Starting priceFree to build; paid to publish$149 per month (Silver)
Aimed atAny Shopify storeGrowing to larger brands

Both require your own Apple Developer ($99 per year) and Google Play ($25 one-time) accounts to publish, which is standard for any Shopify app builder.

How much does Shopney cost?

Shopney has four tiers, each billed monthly: Silver at $149 per month, Gold at $299, Platinum at $599, and Enterprise at $1,299, with a 30-day free trial (Shopney, 2026). As with any builder, you also need your own Apple ($99 per year) and Google ($25 one-time) developer accounts to publish.

What Shopney does well

Shopney is a well-established platform with native iOS and Android apps, live-selling tools, and a strong reputation for merchant support. Its clear tiered structure and 30-day free trial let you try it before subscribing. For a growing brand that wants a proven mid-market option with hands-on support, it is a solid choice.

Why some merchants look for a Shopney alternative

Cost is the usual reason. Shopney's entry plan is $149 per month, roughly $1,800 a year before you have proven the channel, and the more useful features sit in the higher tiers. Smaller stores, or those that want to try an app without committing to a monthly subscription from day one, often look for a lower-cost or free-to-build option.

How Vunda is different

Vunda is free to build and preview, so you can see your store as a real native app, with your real products, before you commit to anything. There is no monthly fee just to evaluate whether an app suits your store. Publishing is a paid plan, so you only pay once you are ready to go live, and you publish under your own Apple and Google developer accounts, so the app stays in your name.

Which should you choose?

Choose Shopney if you want its tiered platform, live-selling tools and support, and the $149-and-up monthly price fits your budget. Choose Vunda if you want a native app without a monthly fee just to get started, or you simply want to build and preview your app for free before you commit.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Shopney cost?

Shopney's plans are Silver at $149 per month, Gold at $299, Platinum at $599, and Enterprise at $1,299, each billed monthly, with a 30-day free trial (Shopney, 2026). You also need your own Apple ($99 per year) and Google ($25 one-time) developer accounts to publish.

What are the best Shopney alternatives?

Common alternatives include Vunda, Tapcart and Vajro (now Superfans), ranging from free-to-build (Vunda) to mid-tier and enterprise pricing. The right one depends on your budget and the features you need.

Is there a free Shopify app builder?

No builder is entirely free, because Apple ($99 per year) and Google ($25 one-time) developer fees are unavoidable for any app. However, some builders, including Vunda, let you build and preview your app for free, then charge to publish.

Do both Vunda and Shopney need my own Apple and Google accounts?

Yes. Publishing any Shopify app to the App Store and Google Play requires the Apple Developer Program ($99 per year) and Google Play Console ($25 one-time). This applies to both, and to Shopify app builders in general.

Sources