Shippo vs Shipstation: Which is The Better Choice in 2024

Tired of the hassle of manually shipping and tracking packages?

You're not by yourself! To streamline their operations and free up critical time and resources, many e-commerce enterprises turn to robust shipping software like Shippo and ShipStation.

However, with both platforms promising equal levels of efficiency, selecting the best one for your specific requirements might be difficult. So, let's compare Shippo vs ShipStation.

Shippo vs Shipstation Overview

To compare Shipstation vs Shippo, let's first define what they are:

What is Shippo?

Shippo is a shipping software company that helps e-commerce businesses streamline their shipping operations. They offer a web-based platform and API that allows you to compare rates from multiple carriers, print shipping labels, track shipments, and manage returns, all in one place. Shippo is a good option for e-commerce businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. 

What is Shipstation?

ShipStation is an all-in-one shipping software platform designed to streamline your e-commerce fulfillment process. Think of it as a command center for everything shipping-related, from comparing rates and printing labels to tracking shipments and managing returns. For a growing e-commerce business with multiple sales channels and a desire for deeper shipping and inventory management, ShipStation might be the perfect fit.

Shippo vs Shipstation Features

Both Shippo and ShipStation provide powerful capabilities to help you streamline your e-commerce shipping workflow, but their strengths differ. Here is a list of their essential features.

Shippo Features

Shippo is a powerful shipping software platform that helps online businesses of all sizes simplify their shipping process, save money, and improve customer satisfaction.

Here's a closer look at some of its key features so that you can understand how Shippo works:

Compare Rates and Choose the Best Deal

Shippo lets you compare rates from all major carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL, ensuring you always get the best price for your shipment. You can easily filter rates based on price, transit time, and service level to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Print Labels in Seconds

No more handwriting labels! With Shippo, you can generate and print shipping labels for all your orders with just a few clicks. The platform supports batch printing, so you can print labels for multiple orders at once, saving you valuable time.

Track Shipments Easily

Stay on top of your shipments every step of the way with Shippo's real-time tracking. You can see the location of each package on a map, view estimated delivery dates, and receive notifications for any updates.

Manage Returns Efficiently

Shippo makes returns a breeze for both you and your customers. You can generate return labels, track return shipments, and issue refunds, all within the platform. This simplifies the returns process and improves customer satisfaction.

Powerful Integrations

Shippo integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. This means you can manage your shipping directly from your store, without having to switch between different platforms.

Shipstation Features

ShipStation is an all-in-one shipping software platform designed to help e-commerce firms of all sizes simplify and save money on their fulfillment process. Here are some of its important characteristics:

Multi-Channel Support

Delete the headache of switching between delivery platforms for various sales channels! You can manage all of your orders in one location with ShipStation because of its seamless integrations with well-known marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and BigCommerce.

Label Printing and Batching

Finished printing labels by hand! With ShipStation, you can create and print shipping labels in bulk for all of your purchases, which will save you a ton of time and work. For an added touch of professionalism, you can add packing slips and personalize labels with your logo.

Shipment Tracking and Notifications

Stay on top of your shipments every step of the way with real-time tracking and proactive notifications. ShipStation provides detailed shipment information, estimated delivery dates, and alerts for any exceptions or delays, keeping you and your customers informed.

Automated Workflows and Rules

Automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow with ShipStation's customizable rules engine. Set up automated actions like label printing, shipment notifications, and order fulfillment based on specific criteria like order value, shipping destination, or product type.

International Shipping

Ship your products to customers worldwide with ShipStation's international shipping capabilities. Generate customs forms, comply with international regulations, and track shipments across borders seamlessly.

Returns Management

Make returns a breeze for both you and your customers with ShipStation's returns management tools. Generate return labels, track return shipments, and issue refunds efficiently, providing a positive customer experience even when things don't go as planned.

Shippo vs Shipstation Pricing

Shippo provides a cost-effective solution for businesses with its tiered pricing plans, including a free option. Here's an overview of Shippo pricing:

Starter Plan (Free)

• No monthly subscription fees.
• Basic features include label printing, carrier discounts, live chat, and email support.
• Web app access for one user, making it suitable for solopreneurs or small businesses.
• 5 cents per label fee if connecting existing carrier accounts (waived for default carriers: USPS, UPS, or DHL Express).

Professional Plan ($10 per month)

• Mid-tier plan designed for vendors requiring additional features like batching and automated shipping processes.
• Includes five user accounts.
• Offers the option to create branded packing slips and customer notifications.

Premier Plan (Custom)

• Custom plan for high-volume shippers with specific fulfillment workflows.
• Provides technical setup assistance and dedicated customer support.
• Includes 15 user accounts.
• Pricing is quoted based on individual shipping needs.

Additional Notes

• Shippo's plans cater to a range of business sizes and shipping volumes.
• The Starter Plan is ideal for those with minimal shipping needs, while the Professional and Premier plans offer more advanced features for growing businesses and high-volume shippers.
• Shippo's pricing structure may be particularly appealing to small businesses or startups looking to manage shipping costs effectively.
• Keep in mind that additional fees apply for using the native API, and users may want to explore the API for more advanced integrations.

How Much does Shipstation Cost?

ShipStation offers various plans tailored to different business needs, with pricing varying based on location. In the USA, ShipStation provides the following plans:

Starter Plan - $9.99 USD per month

• Ideal for low-volume sellers.
• Single-user access, allowing up to 50 parcels per month.

Bronze Plan - $29.99 USD per month

• Suitable for growing businesses.
• Single-user access, accommodating up to 500 parcels monthly.

Silver Plan - $59.99 USD per month

• Expanded features for businesses with higher shipping volumes.
• Two-user access, allowing up to 1,000 parcels per month.

Gold Plan - $99.99 USD per month

• Designed for businesses with increasing shipping demands.
• Three user accounts with a limit of 2,000 parcels monthly.

Platinum Plan - $149.99 USD per month

• Ideal for larger operations.
• Five user accounts, enabling shipment of up to 5,000 parcels monthly.

Enterprise Plan - $229.99 USD per month

• Tailored for large-volume sellers.
• Ten user accounts, facilitating shipping of up to 7,500 parcels monthly.

High-Volume

• For businesses exceeding the limits of standard plans, a custom plan can be arranged by contacting the sales team.

Additional Charges:

• A minimum balance of $10 USD is required in the ShipStation account.
• Users are charged for each label printed, deducted from the account balance.
• Label printing charges depend on the chosen carrier or postage provider.
• Additional fees apply for connecting direct carrier accounts and using available rates.

Shippo vs Shipstation Reviews

Choosing the best shipping software can be difficult, especially with strong competitors such as Shippo and ShipStation. Let's compare their reviews across several platforms to help you decide:

G2

Shippo: It has received 4.8 out of 5 stars from 809 reviews. Users laud its simplicity, low cost, and good carrier integrations. Some complain about the lack of features in comparison to competitors.

ShipStation: It has a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 based on 888 reviews. Customers praise its extensive features, multi-channel support, and smart reporting. Some people find the UI to be overwhelming, and the pricing to be prohibitively high.

Capterra

Shippo: It received 4.7 ratings out of 5 from 226 reviews. Users praise its user-friendly layout, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing. Some people mention having limited international delivery options.

ShipStation: It has received 4.4 stars out of 5 based on 667 reviews. Users praise its breadth.

Software Advice

Shippo: It has a rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 based on 119 reviews. Users like its ease of use, free plan, and cost-effectiveness. Some users complain about restricted advanced functionality and integrations.

ShipStation: It has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 based on 306 reviews. Users appreciate its breadth, multi-channel capabilities, and reporting features. Some people find the UI to be complicated, and the cost to be on the high end.

Shippo and Shipstation Alternatives

While Shippo and ShipStation are popular choices, there are other excellent shipping software alternatives worth considering, depending on your specific needs and budget. Here are some options of Shipstation and Shippo alternatives to explore:

For simplicity and affordability

EasyShip: User-friendly interface, free plan for low-volume shippers, discounted shipping rates, and inventory management features.

ShippingEasy: Simple setup, free plan with basic features, affordable paid plans, and integrations with popular platforms.

Pirate Ship: Affordable rates for USPS shipments, easy label printing, and basic tracking features.

For Advanced Features & Multi-channel Support

ClickPost: Comprehensive features like shipping rate comparison, label printing, real-time tracking, inventory management, and warehousing integrations.

Sendcloud: Strong multi-channel support, international shipping features, advanced reporting, and integrations with popular marketplaces.

Convey: Focus on automation and optimization, with features like shipment routing, rate negotiation, and analytics.

Conclusion

Both platforms offer unique strengths, catering to different business needs. Shippo is ideal for smaller businesses seeking affordability and ease of use, while Shipstation suits larger enterprises with its extensive integrations and advanced features. The best choice depends on your specific shipping requirements, business size, and operational complexity.