Product photography costs hundreds of dollars. Photoshop requires skills most sellers don’t have. And hiring designers for every new product listing? That math doesn’t work for print-on-demand businesses operating on thin margins.
Mockey claims to solve all of this. Upload your design, pick a template, download a photorealistic product image. No photography. No Photoshop. No design skills required.
But after testing dozens of mockup generators over the years, I’ve learned that “free” usually means “limited” and “AI-powered” often translates to “mediocre quality.” So I put this Mockey AI mockup generator through serious testing to see if it actually delivers professional results.
In this review, I’ll break down exactly how Mockey works, what the free plan includes, how it compares to Placeit and other alternatives, and whether the AppSumo lifetime deal makes sense for your business.
What Is Mockey and How Does the AI Mockup Generator Work?
Mockey is an AI-powered mockup generator that creates realistic product images from your designs. Instead of photographing actual products, you upload artwork and the platform places it on template images—t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, packaging, and dozens of other product types.
The platform supports three types of mockups:
- 2D mockups — Standard product images with your design applied
- 3D mockups — Realistic angles with proper shadows and depth
- Video mockups — Animated product previews for social media and ads
The workflow is dead simple:
- Choose a template — Browse 15,000+ options across 45+ categories
- Upload your design — PNG or JPG files work
- Customize placement — Resize, rotate, adjust positioning
- Edit background — Change colors, blur, or remove entirely
- Download — Export as JPG, PNG, or MP4 video
The entire process takes under a minute for most mockups. That’s the promise, anyway. Let’s see if reality matches.
Who Built Mockey?
Mockey was founded by Pranay Agarwal in India in 2023. It’s a bootstrapped startup—no venture capital money—which often means the team is genuinely focused on building something useful rather than chasing growth metrics. The platform has grown quickly in the print-on-demand and e-commerce communities.
What Are Mockey’s Best Features for Creating Product Mockups?
Not every feature matters equally. Here’s what actually makes a difference when you need professional product images fast.
Massive Template Library
This is where Mockey genuinely stands out. The platform offers 15,000+ mockup templates across 45+ product categories. That’s not marketing fluff—the library is legitimately extensive.
Categories include:
- Apparel — T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, jackets, jerseys
- Accessories — Tote bags, caps, phone cases, bags
- Home & Living — Mugs, cushions, frames, posters
- Tech devices — iPhones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches
- Packaging — Cans, bottles, boxes, labels
- Marketing materials — Business cards, books, signage
New templates get added weekly. For print-on-demand sellers with diverse product lines, this library eliminates the need to hunt across multiple platforms for specific mockup types.
AI Background Editing
The Mockey background remover and editing tools handle common product photography challenges automatically.
Background capabilities include:
- Remove backgrounds — Isolate products on transparent or solid colors
- Blur backgrounds — Create depth-of-field effects
- Change scene colors — Match brand aesthetics
- AI-generated backgrounds — Add lifestyle environments
These tools replace what would typically require Photoshop layer masking and manual editing. The AI handles it in seconds.
Video Mockups
Static images don’t cut it for social media anymore. Mockey generates video mockups that show products rotating, moving, or appearing in animated scenes.
Video mockup uses:
- Instagram Reels — Catch attention in feeds
- TikTok product ads — Short-form promotional content
- E-commerce listings — Amazon and Shopify support video
- Facebook/Meta ads — Video consistently outperforms static images
Export as MP4 and you have ready-to-publish content without video editing software.
AI Photoshoot
The AI photoshoot feature generates studio-quality product scenes without actual photography. The AI creates realistic lighting, shadows, and environments that make products look professionally photographed.
This matters because professional product photography typically costs $50-200+ per image. AI photoshoot produces comparable results for the cost of your subscription.
AI Animation
Beyond video mockups, Mockey AI can animate static designs. Turn a simple product image into motion graphics with rotating products, dynamic backgrounds, or subtle movement that catches attention.
Real-Time Preview
As you adjust design placement, colors, and backgrounds, the mockup updates instantly. No waiting for renders. No refreshing the page. This real-time feedback dramatically speeds up the creation process.
Is Mockey AI Free? (What the Free Plan Actually Includes)
Yes, Mockey offers a genuinely usable free plan. But “free” has limits worth understanding.
Free Plan Features
- 1,000+ mockup templates — Subset of the full library
- Unlimited downloads — No daily or monthly caps
- JPG exports — Standard image format
- Weekly template updates — New options added regularly
- Watermark-free images — Download without Mockey branding
Free Plan Limitations
- JPG only — No PNG transparency support
- Limited to basic templates — Premium mockups require paid plans
- No AI credits — Advanced AI features need subscription
- Ads displayed — Interface includes advertising
For basic mockup needs—testing designs, creating initial product images, building a small store—the free plan works. If you need PNG transparency, premium templates, or AI photoshoot features, you’ll need to upgrade.
What Does Mockey Cost? (Pricing Breakdown)
Understanding Mockey AI pricing helps you choose the right plan for your needs.
Standard Pricing
- Free Plan: $0 — JPG exports, 1,000+ templates, unlimited downloads
- Pro Plan: ~$9.99/month — PNG downloads, premium mockups, no ads, multiple design uploads
- Max Plan: ~$19/month — Pro features plus AI credits, AI photoshoot, AI animation, AI background editing
AppSumo Lifetime Deal
The Mockey AppSumo deal offers lifetime access at a one-time cost:
| Tier | Price |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $99 |
| Tier 2 | $149 |
| Tier 3 | $349 |
| Tier 4 | $579 |
| Tier 5 | $879 |
All tiers include lifetime access with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Higher tiers typically unlock more AI credits, additional features, and priority support.
Lifetime Deal Value
Compare lifetime pricing against monthly subscriptions. The Max Plan at $19/month costs $228 annually. Tier 1 at $99 one-time pays for itself in roughly five months. For active sellers creating regular mockups, the math favors lifetime access.
How Does Mockey Compare to Placeit?
The Mockey vs Placeit comparison comes up constantly because Placeit dominates the mockup space. Here’s an honest assessment.
Template Library
Placeit has a massive library built over years—arguably the largest in the industry. Mockey offers 15,000+ templates, which is substantial but smaller than Placeit’s full collection.
Winner: Placeit (quantity), though Mockey covers most common use cases
Pricing Model
Placeit charges subscription fees or per-download pricing. Unlimited access runs $14.95-29.95/month depending on plan type.
Mockey offers a free plan with unlimited downloads, plus lifetime deal options that eliminate recurring costs entirely.
Winner: Mockey (especially with lifetime deal)
AI Features
Placeit is primarily template-based with limited AI integration.
Mockey includes AI background editing, AI photoshoot, AI animation, and video mockup generation.
Winner: Mockey
Free Plan
Placeit offers limited free mockups with watermarks on many options.
Mockey provides watermark-free downloads on the free plan with unlimited usage.
Winner: Mockey
When to Choose Each
Choose Placeit if:
- You need specific niche templates Mockey doesn’t have
- You’re already invested in the Envato ecosystem
- Template variety matters more than AI features
Choose Mockey if:
- Budget constraints matter (free plan or lifetime deal)
- You want AI-powered editing and animation
- Video mockups are part of your content strategy
How Does Mockey Compare to Other Mockup Generators?
Beyond Placeit, several alternatives compete in this space.
Mockey vs Canva
Canva includes mockup templates as part of its broader design platform. The mockup selection is decent but limited compared to dedicated tools.
Mockey advantages:
- Larger mockup-specific library
- Video mockup generation
- AI-powered editing tools
- Better for high-volume mockup creation
Canva advantages:
- All-in-one design platform
- Better for general graphic design needs
- Stronger collaboration features
Choose Mockey if: Mockups are your primary need
Choose Canva if: You need broader design capabilities
Mockey vs Smartmockups
Smartmockups offers quality templates with good customization options. Pricing is subscription-based.
Mockey advantages:
- Free plan with unlimited downloads
- More AI features (animation, photoshoot)
- Lifetime deal option
Smartmockups advantages:
- Established platform with proven reliability
- Good template quality and consistency
Mockey vs Renderforest
Renderforest focuses more on video and animation, with mockups as a secondary feature.
Choose Mockey if: Product mockups are your main focus
Choose Renderforest if: You need broader video creation tools
What Products Can You Create Mockups For?
The Mockey template library covers most common product categories. Here’s what you can create.
Mockey T-Shirt Mockup
T-shirts are the bread and butter of print-on-demand. Mockey offers hundreds of t-shirt templates including:
- Flat lay presentations
- Model shots (various poses and demographics)
- Lifestyle scenes
- Close-up detail views
- Multiple color options
Mockey Hoodie Mockup
Hoodie templates include front, back, and detail views. Lifestyle scenes show hoodies in realistic wearing contexts.
Mockey Mug Mockup
Ceramic mugs, travel mugs, and various sizes with different backgrounds and arrangements.
Mockey 3D Mockup
3D mockups add depth and realism to product presentations. These work particularly well for:
- Packaging visualization
- Tech device displays
- Premium product presentations
Additional Categories
- Phone cases — iPhone, Samsung, various models
- Tote bags — Canvas, cotton, different styles
- Caps and hats — Baseball caps, beanies, snapbacks
- Posters and prints — Wall art presentations
- Tech devices — Laptops, tablets, smartwatches
- Packaging — Boxes, bottles, cans, labels
How Do You Use Mockey to Create Mockups?
For those wanting a practical Mockey AI tutorial, here’s the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Access the Platform
Visit Mockey.ai or use the Mockey app (available on Android). No software download required for the web version—everything runs in your browser.
Step 2: Browse Templates
Navigate the template library by category or search for specific products. Use filters to narrow results by:
- Product type
- Scene type (lifestyle, studio, flat lay)
- Model demographics
- Color options
Step 3: Upload Your Design
Click the upload area and select your design file. Supported formats:
- PNG (recommended for transparency)
- JPG
Step 4: Position and Customize
Use the drag-and-drop editor to:
- Resize your design
- Rotate placement
- Adjust positioning on the product
- Change product colors
Step 5: Edit Background
Customize the scene:
- Change background color
- Apply blur effects
- Remove background entirely
- Use AI to generate new backgrounds
Step 6: Download
Export your finished mockup:
- JPG — Free plan, standard quality
- PNG — Paid plans, transparency support
- MP4 — Video mockups
Resolution reaches up to 1600×2000 pixels—sufficient for most e-commerce and marketing uses.
Can You Use Mockey for Commercial Use?
Yes. Mockey licenses mockups for commercial purposes. You can use generated images for:
- E-commerce product listings
- Print-on-demand stores
- Marketing materials
- Client projects
- Social media advertising
The license covers using mockups to sell products or promote businesses. Always verify current terms for specific use cases, but standard commercial use is permitted.
Does Mockey Have Integrations?
Mockey connects with several platforms to streamline workflows.
Mockey for Shopify
The Shopify integration allows you to create mockups and push them directly to your store. This eliminates the download-upload cycle when updating product images.
Figma Plugin
Designers can access Mockey templates directly within Figma. The plugin includes thousands of templates for seamless design workflows.
Additional Integrations
- Google Play Store — App mockup integration
- OpenAI APIs — Powers AI features
What Are the Pros and Cons of Mockey?
Here’s a balanced assessment based on features, user feedback, and competitive positioning.
Advantages
- Genuinely free plan — Unlimited downloads without watermarks
- Massive template library — 15,000+ options across 45+ categories
- Video mockup generation — Stand out feature most competitors lack
- AI-powered editing — Background removal, photoshoot, animation
- No design skills required — Template-based, drag-and-drop interface
- Fast creation speed — Mockups in under a minute
- Lifetime deal available — Eliminate recurring costs
- Weekly template updates — Library grows continuously
Limitations
- Free plan JPG only — PNG requires paid subscription
- AI features need credits — Heavy AI use may require upgrades
- Less customization than Photoshop — Template-based, not full graphic editing
- Limited model diversity — Some reviewers note template variety issues
- Younger platform — Founded 2023, still building ecosystem
- Support complaints — Some users report response time issues
Who Should Use Mockey? (And Who Shouldn’t)
Ideal Users
- Print-on-demand sellers needing product images without photography
- Etsy and Shopify store owners creating product listings
- Content creators producing social media visuals
- Marketers generating ad creatives quickly
- Freelancers delivering client mockups efficiently
- App developers creating device mockups for promotion
- Budget-conscious businesses avoiding photography costs
Poor Fit
- Professional photographers who need maximum creative control
- Designers requiring pixel-perfect customization
- Businesses with unique products not covered by templates
- Users needing very specific niche mockups not in the library
Is Mockey Better Than Placeit?
This question deserves a direct answer since it’s the most common comparison.
Mockey is better if:
- Budget matters (free plan and lifetime deal options)
- AI features like video mockups and background editing are valuable
- You want to avoid recurring subscription costs
Placeit is better if:
- You need the absolute largest template selection
- You’re already invested in the Envato ecosystem
- You prefer an established platform with years of refinement
For most print-on-demand sellers and e-commerce businesses, Mockey provides better value. The free plan alone covers basic needs, and the lifetime deal eliminates the ongoing cost burden that Placeit’s subscription creates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mockey
Does Mockey Have an App?
Yes. Mockey offers an Android app available through the Google Play Store. The web version works on any device through a browser without installation.
Is Mockey Copyright Free?
Mockups generated with Mockey are licensed for commercial use. Your designs remain your property. The template images are licensed for use within the platform’s terms—you can use the resulting mockups to sell products and create marketing materials.
How Do You Remove Background in Mockey?
Select your mockup, access the background editing tools, and choose “Remove Background.” The AI automatically isolates the product. You can then apply solid colors, blur effects, or AI-generated backgrounds.
What File Formats Does Mockey Support?
Upload: PNG, JPG
Download: JPG (free), PNG (paid), MP4 (video mockups)
How Many Mockups Can You Create?
The free plan offers unlimited downloads. There’s no daily or monthly cap on mockup creation.
Final Verdict: Should You Use Mockey?
Mockey solves a real problem: creating professional product images is expensive and time-consuming. This AI mockup generator eliminates photography costs, Photoshop complexity, and the learning curve that keeps many sellers from presenting products professionally.
Is it perfect? No. The free plan limits you to JPG exports. AI features consume credits. Some template categories have more variety than others. And the platform is young—founded in 2023—which means ongoing development and occasional rough edges.
But for its target audience—print-on-demand sellers, e-commerce store owners, and marketers who need professional product visuals without professional budgets—Mockey delivers genuine value.
The free plan alone makes it worth trying. Unlimited downloads, no watermarks, 1,000+ templates. That’s enough to evaluate whether the platform fits your workflow before spending anything.
If you need PNG exports, AI photoshoot features, or video mockups, the paid plans or AppSumo lifetime deal make economic sense. Pay once, use forever, skip the monthly subscription treadmill.
My recommendation: start with the free plan. Create mockups for your actual products. Evaluate quality and workflow fit. Upgrade when you hit the free plan’s limits—not before.
Product photography stopped being the barrier to professional e-commerce stores. Tools like Mockey removed that obstacle. What you do with access to professional product images is up to you.
Quick Recap
- Mockey is an AI-powered mockup generator creating 2D, 3D, and video product images
- Library includes 15,000+ templates across 45+ product categories
- Free plan offers unlimited downloads without watermarks (JPG format)
- AI features include background editing, photoshoot simulation, and animation
- Video mockups generate MP4 content for social media and ads
- Integrates with Shopify, Figma, and other platforms
- Pricing: Free plan, Pro ~$9.99/month, Max ~$19/month, or lifetime deals from $99
- Best for print-on-demand sellers, e-commerce stores, and content creators
- Commercial use permitted for product sales and marketing
- Competes favorably with Placeit on price; smaller library but more AI features
Stop paying for product photography you don’t need. The tools exist to create professional product images yourself—the question is whether you’ll use them.
