Not every mockup tool is built for the same job. In 2026, the category has split into three distinct groups: real-time 3D tools, flat composite libraries, and vector-style packs. This guide reviews the seven most-used options, explains what each is actually good at, and flags where each falls short.
The 3 categories of mockup tools
- Real 3D tools — render each scene live with physical lighting. Best for App Store screenshots and landing page heroes. Examples: MochiMockup, Rotato, Shots.so.
- Flat composite libraries — stock photos or pre-rendered PSDs where you paste a screenshot into a blank screen area. Best for lifestyle marketing. Examples: Mockuuups Studio, Mockup Photos, Smartmockups.
- Vector asset packs — flat SVG devices that scale infinitely but don't render. Best for print layouts and illustration. Example: Angle.
Quick reference table
| Tool | Category | Free tier | Starting Pro price | Figma plugin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MochiMockup | Real 3D | Yes — 2K exports | €9 / mo or €2 per export | Yes |
| Rotato | Real 3D | Trial only | ~$59 one-time (Mac only) | No |
| Shots.so | Real 3D | Limited | ~$12 / mo | No |
| Mockuuups Studio | Flat composite | Trial only | ~$16 / mo | No |
| Mockup Photos | Flat photo | Limited | ~$12 / mo | No |
| Smartmockups | Flat composite | Limited | ~$14 / mo | No (Canva only) |
| Angle | Vector pack | No | ~$79 one-time | No |
1. MochiMockup — best free 3D option
MochiMockup is a browser-based 3D mockup tool with a free 2K tier, pay-per-export pricing, and a native Figma plugin. It covers phones, laptops, tablets, and watches. Templates are added weekly. The free tier is more generous than any competitor — no signup, no credit card, no time limit.
Trade-off: no 3D animation timeline. If you need video exports with camera motion, look at Rotato.
2. Rotato — best Mac app for motion
Rotato is a Mac-only 3D mockup app with a full animation timeline. It is the go-to tool for App Store promo videos and animated marketing clips. It ships as a downloadable app, costs a one-time license fee, and does not run on Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, or iPad.
Trade-off: Mac-only, no free tier, no Figma plugin. For still exports on any platform, MochiMockup is faster to set up.
3. Shots.so — large scene library
Shots.so is a browser-based 3D mockup tool with one of the largest scene libraries in the category. It's particularly strong for Twitter and landing page hero shots. It runs on a credit-based pricing model rather than unlimited subscriptions.
4. Mockuuups Studio — lifestyle scenes
Mockuuups Studio has the widest library of lifestyle scenes (hands, desks, environments) in the flat-composite category. If your brand relies on human, contextual imagery, it's still the best choice. Output is PSD composites, not real 3D.
5. Mockup Photos — authentic photography
Mockup Photos is a stock library of real-world device photographs with blank screens. For landing pages that need an authentic, human look, nothing else comes close — but you're stuck with the angle the photographer shot.
6. Smartmockups — Canva integration
Smartmockups was acquired by Canva in 2021 and is now the default mockup generator inside Canva. It's a strong pick if your team already lives in Canva. Coverage extends beyond devices to apparel, print, and packaging.
7. Angle — flat vector pack
Angle is a one-time-purchase vector pack rather than a tool. You download the files and drop them into Sketch, Figma, or Photoshop. It's the right pick for print layouts and editorial illustration where infinite vector scaling matters more than photorealism.
How to pick one
- 01Need free and browser-based? → MochiMockup
- 02Need animated video exports on a Mac? → Rotato
- 03Need a huge scene catalog with credit pricing? → Shots.so
- 04Need lifestyle scenes (hands, desks)? → Mockuuups Studio
- 05Need authentic real-world photos? → Mockup Photos
- 06Already in Canva? → Smartmockups
- 07Need vector flats for print? → Angle