AI virtual try-on vs AR try-on: which one for your Shopify store?
By , Prevyou team · Published · 3 min read
AR try-on places a 3D model on the live camera image and works best for rigid products such as glasses, sneakers or makeup, but every product needs its own 3D model. AI virtual try-on generates a still image from one shopper photo and your existing product photos, so it also covers clothing and full looks without any 3D work, but it takes a few seconds instead of being instant. For most fashion catalogs on Shopify, AI try-on is faster to roll out; AR suits brands that already have 3D files.
What is the difference between AI try-on and AR try-on?
AR (augmented reality) try-on tracks the shopper’s face or feet through the camera and draws a 3D model of the product on top of the live video. Shopify supports 3D models as product media and can open them in AR on compatible phones, but each product needs a 3D model created for it.
AI virtual try-on does not use 3D. It sends the shopper’s photo and the product photo to an image-generation model, which returns a new image of the shopper wearing the product. Nothing moves in real time, but anything that can be photographed can be tried on, including fabric that drapes and folds.
How do AI try-on and AR compare side by side?
| AI virtual try-on | AR try-on | |
|---|---|---|
| What the shopper sees | A still image of themselves wearing the product | The product on the live camera image |
| Products that work best | Clothing, shoes, bags, eyewear, jewelry, watches | Glasses, makeup, sneakers, watches, rigid items |
| Clothing | Yes, including drape and full looks | Limited: fabric is hard to simulate in real time |
| What you need to provide | Your existing product photos | A 3D model for each product |
| Setup on Shopify | Theme app embed, a few minutes | 3D modelling per product, then integration |
| Speed | A few seconds per try-on | Instant, in real time |
| Typical pricing | Per try-on or monthly plans | 3D model production plus software subscription |
When is AR the better choice?
- You sell glasses or makeup and shoppers want to move their head and see the product from every angle.
- You already have 3D files of your products, for example from your manufacturer.
- Your catalog is small and stable, so 3D modelling each product is a one-off cost.
When is AI virtual try-on the better choice?
- You sell clothing, or want shoppers to try complete outfits rather than one item.
- Your catalog is large or changes every season, so modelling every product in 3D is not realistic.
- You want to go live quickly with the photos you already have.
- You sell several categories at once, from coats to rings.
Can you use both?
Yes. Some brands keep AR on a few hero products that already have 3D models, for example eyewear, and use AI virtual try-on across the rest of the catalog, especially clothing. The two do not conflict on a Shopify theme.
What should you ask before choosing a try-on app?
- Does it need 3D models or does it work with my current photos?
- Which product types does it support, and does it ask for the right photo for jewelry and eyewear?
- How long are shopper photos kept, and are they used to train AI?
- Are failed try-ons billed? Can I set a monthly spending cap?
- Does it work with my theme without code, and can I measure orders after try-on?
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Frequently asked questions
Is AI virtual try-on the same as AR?
No. AR draws a 3D model on the live camera image. AI virtual try-on generates a new still image from the shopper’s photo and needs no 3D model.
Does AI virtual try-on work in real time?
No. Each try-on takes a few seconds to generate. In exchange it handles clothing and full looks, which real-time AR struggles with.
Which is better for glasses?
Both work. AR lets shoppers turn their head live if you have 3D models; AI try-on works from your existing photos with a face-and-shoulders photo of the shopper.
Does Shopify support AR natively?
Shopify supports 3D models as product media, which can be viewed in AR on compatible phones. You still need a 3D model for each product.