ComparisonUpdated October 29, 2026
An alternative to Shopify's Retail Barcode Labels app
Retail Barcode Labels is Shopify's own free label app. It's the first one most merchants try, and for a quick label on a Dymo it can be enough. Here's how it differs from Crisp Labels, using Shopify's own help center and App Store listing, and when each one is the better choice.
Side by side
| Retail Barcode Labels | Crisp Labels | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free for 200 labels a month; Unlimited $6.99/mo |
| App Store rating | 2.3 (476 reviews) | New, no reviews yet |
| Barcode types | Code 128 (the only type its help page names) | UPC-A, EAN-13, Code 128 and QR |
| Creates barcode numbers | Yes, 8 digits from each variant ID | No, prints the codes you already have |
| Can change your products | Yes, when generating codes | No, read-only access |
| Label sizes | Set list of Dymo, Avery and Zebra sizes | Avery sheets, common rolls, and custom sizes 10 to 220 mm wide |
| Sale price with original struck through | Not listed | Yes |
| Bars sized to the printer's dots | Not listed | Yes, at 203, 300 or 600 dpi |
| Languages | 20+ | English |
Retail Barcode Labels details come from its App Store listing and Shopify's help center, read on October 29, 2026. "Not listed" means neither source mentions it. Tell us at team@embelabs.xyz if anything is out of date.
Where Retail Barcode Labels falls short
- One barcode type. Shopify's help center says the app only generates Code 128 barcodes. Crisp Labels prints valid UPCs and EANs in the retail format printed on the packaging, Code 128 for SKUs and other values, and QR codes that link to the product page.
- Generated codes come with caveats. Shopify's help center says generating can overwrite existing barcodes, can occasionally give two products the same code, and the codes aren't suitable for Google Shopping.
- Fixed sizes. No custom sizes, so a roll that isn't on its list can't be used.
- Manual picking. Shopify's help center says each variant and quantity is chosen by hand, and labels print in alphabetical order by product title.
- Recent layout changes. Recent reviews on its listing mention a font change that altered existing label layouts, and SKUs no longer printing on Avery 5167.
When Retail Barcode Labels is the better fit
- You print a few labels now and then and don't want to pay anything, ever.
- You want codes generated for products that have none, only use them in your own store, and don't sell on Google Shopping.
- You need the app in a language other than English.
When Crisp Labels fits
- Your products already have UPCs, EANs or SKUs and you want them printed in the right format, on the label size you actually have.
- You want an app that can't change your product data. Crisp Labels only reads products.
- You print sale tags and want the original price struck through.
- You print on a thermal printer and want bars sized to its dots, which keeps thin bars sharp.
Comparing more than these two? See all Shopify barcode label apps compared.
Common questions
- Is Shopify's Retail Barcode Labels app free?
- Yes. It's made by Shopify and costs nothing. Crisp Labels is free for 200 labels a month, and Unlimited costs $6.99 a month.
- Are the barcodes Retail Barcode Labels generates real UPCs?
- No. Shopify's help center says the app builds 8-digit Code 128 codes from the last eight digits of each variant ID. It warns that these codes can overwrite barcodes you already have, that two products can sometimes get the same code, and that they aren't suitable for Google Shopping.
- Can Retail Barcode Labels print custom label sizes?
- Shopify's help center says custom label sizes can't be added; you choose from its list of Dymo, Avery and Zebra sizes. Crisp Labels has a list of common sizes plus a custom size from 10 to 220 mm wide.
- Can I use both apps?
- Yes. They don't conflict. Some shops generate codes with Shopify's app and print labels with another, though if you'll ever sell through a channel that needs GTINs, codes from GS1 are the safer start.