If you’re selling eBooks, music, digital art, software, or any downloadable product, finding the right app to manage your digital downloads on Shopify is crucial. The good news? Shopify’s App Store offers plenty of reliable options to make selling and delivering digital files easy, secure, and scalable. We’ve rounded up the 8 best Shopify digital download apps — carefully selected based on features, reviews, and ratings — to help you make an informed choice.
Let’s dive in!
1. Digital Downloads by Shopify
This is Shopify’s official free app for selling digital files. It integrates directly with your product pages, allowing customers to receive their files instantly after purchase.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify’s core features.
- Supports a variety of file types (PDF, ZIP, JPEG, etc.).
- Easy to set download limits and expiry.
Cons
- Limited advanced features (no license key management or watermarking).
- Occasional reports of slow file delivery with large files.
2. BIG Digital Downloads Products
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5 — 990 reviews)
Ideal for merchants selling game codes, license keys, and digital files, BIG Digital Downloads is known for its robust feature set and highly rated support.
Pros
- Instant delivery of codes and files.
- Supports license key generation and management.
- Easy file attachment to product variants.
Cons
- Interface can feel slightly overwhelming for beginners.
- Higher learning curve if using advanced settings.
3. Digital Downloads Pendora
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Pendora allows merchants to sell large digital products such as videos, software, and audiobooks with ease.
Pros
- Supports large files and multiple file formats.
- Customizable download limits and secure delivery.
- License key management included.
Cons
- Slightly fewer customization options compared to EDP or Filemonk.
- Fewer native integrations.
4. Filemonk – Sell Digital Downloads & Products
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5 — 440 reviews)
Filemonk is great for selling ebooks, videos, PDFs, and software. It has an intuitive interface and powerful features.
Pros
- PDF watermarking and license key support.
- Instant delivery and beautiful customizable emails.
- Easy to manage files and variants.
Cons
- Limited bulk upload features.
- Some advanced features only in paid plans.
5. EDP – Easy Digital Products
Rating: ★★★★★ (5.0/5 — 292 reviews)
With a perfect rating, EDP stands out for its clean design and flexibility.
Pros
- License key management and beautiful email delivery.
- Attach files to variants easily.
- PDF stamping and advanced analytics.
Cons
- Premium plan required for PDF stamping and advanced features.
- Slightly higher price point than simpler apps.
6. Uplinkly Digital Downloads
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.9/5)
Uplinkly offers an easy way to sell digital products with simplicity at its core.
Pros
- Simple setup and fast delivery.
- Secure download pages.
- Unlimited files and bandwidth.
Cons
- Fewer advanced features (no license key management).
- Limited reporting tools.
7. Digital Downloads – Sellkite
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Sellkite provides a lightweight but effective tool for delivering digital files.
Pros
- User-friendly dashboard.
- Fast and reliable file delivery.
- Good customer support.
Cons
- No license key or watermarking support.
- Limited customization of download pages.
8. Fileflare Digital Downloads
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5)
Fileflare is great for stores selling large files like software, videos, or music.
Pros
- Unlimited bandwidth and fast global delivery.
- Customizable emails and download links.
- Advanced settings and analytics.
Cons
- Premium features locked behind higher pricing tiers.
- Interface can be slightly less intuitive for new users.
Comparison Table
App Name | Rating | Key Features | Best For |
Digital Downloads (Shopify) | 4.0/5 | Free, basic file delivery | Beginners |
BIG Digital Downloads | 4.9/5 | License keys, code delivery | Game codes, advanced sellers |
Pendora | 4.7/5 | Large files, license keys | Software & media sellers |
Filemonk | 4.9/5 | Watermarking, license keys | eBooks & PDFs |
EDP | 5.0/5 | PDF stamping, analytics | Professional sellers |
Uplinkly | 4.8/5 | Unlimited files, easy setup | Simpler stores |
Sellkite | 4.7/5 | Fast delivery | Small digital shops |
Fileflare | 4.9/5 | Unlimited bandwidth, analytics | Large file sellers |
FAQs
1. Can I sell both physical and digital products on Shopify?
Yes! Many of these apps (like Digital Downloads by Shopify) allow you to combine digital files with physical variants on the same product page.
2. Is there a limit to file size when using these apps?
It depends on the app. Apps like Fileflare and Pendora are great for large files, offering generous size limits and fast delivery servers.
3. What is PDF stamping or watermarking?
This feature automatically adds customer details (like email/name) to the PDF to discourage sharing. Filemonk and EDP both offer this.
4. Do these apps support license keys or serial codes?
Yes — BIG Digital Downloads, Filemonk, and EDP offer robust license key generation and management.
5. Are free digital download apps enough for professional use?
If you’re selling simple products and don’t need advanced features, Shopify’s free Digital Downloads app or Uplinkly may be enough. For scalability, premium apps like EDP or Fileflare are worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
Your choice depends on what kind of digital products you’re selling and how much control you need over delivery. For a simple, no-fuss solution, Uplinkly or Shopify’s native app works great. But if you’re scaling a digital product business, apps like EDP, Filemonk, and BIG Digital Downloads provide powerful tools that will make your life much easier.
Happy selling!