Quick Overview
- 1#1: ShipStation - Cloud-based multi-carrier shipping platform that automates label generation, batch printing, tracking, and order management for e-commerce businesses.
- 2#2: Shippo - API-driven shipping solution providing real-time rates, discounted labels, and tracking across 85+ carriers for developers and merchants.
- 3#3: EasyPost - Unified shipping API that simplifies rate shopping, label creation, address validation, and tracking with major carriers.
- 4#4: ShippingEasy - E-commerce shipping software with automation for importing orders, batch processing, and syncing inventory across platforms.
- 5#5: ShipEngine - Powerful shipping API offering rates, labels, tracking, insurance, and address verification from multiple carriers.
- 6#6: Pirate Ship - Simple, no-markup cloud tool for USPS and UPS shipping with discounted rates ideal for small businesses.
- 7#7: ShipHawk - Enterprise shipping management system that optimizes carrier selection, compliance, and hazardous materials handling.
- 8#8: Ordoro - Cloud platform combining inventory management, order routing, and multi-carrier shipping for online retailers.
- 9#9: ShipBob - Fulfillment platform with integrated cloud shipping dashboard for order management and carrier integrations.
- 10#10: AfterShip - Cloud-based shipping tracking and post-purchase platform supporting 1000+ carriers for customer updates.
These tools were rigorously evaluated based on features like automation capabilities, carrier reach, user experience, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring a curated list that balances functionality, reliability, and value for diverse business needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading cloud-based shipping software tools, such as ShipStation, Shippo, EasyPost, ShippingEasy, ShipEngine, and others, to guide businesses in selecting the right solution. Readers will discover details on key features, integrations, pricing, and usability, empowering them to streamline their shipping operations effectively.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ShipStation Cloud-based multi-carrier shipping platform that automates label generation, batch printing, tracking, and order management for e-commerce businesses. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Shippo API-driven shipping solution providing real-time rates, discounted labels, and tracking across 85+ carriers for developers and merchants. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | EasyPost Unified shipping API that simplifies rate shopping, label creation, address validation, and tracking with major carriers. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | ShippingEasy E-commerce shipping software with automation for importing orders, batch processing, and syncing inventory across platforms. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | ShipEngine Powerful shipping API offering rates, labels, tracking, insurance, and address verification from multiple carriers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Pirate Ship Simple, no-markup cloud tool for USPS and UPS shipping with discounted rates ideal for small businesses. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 7 | ShipHawk Enterprise shipping management system that optimizes carrier selection, compliance, and hazardous materials handling. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Ordoro Cloud platform combining inventory management, order routing, and multi-carrier shipping for online retailers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | ShipBob Fulfillment platform with integrated cloud shipping dashboard for order management and carrier integrations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | AfterShip Cloud-based shipping tracking and post-purchase platform supporting 1000+ carriers for customer updates. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based multi-carrier shipping platform that automates label generation, batch printing, tracking, and order management for e-commerce businesses.
API-driven shipping solution providing real-time rates, discounted labels, and tracking across 85+ carriers for developers and merchants.
Unified shipping API that simplifies rate shopping, label creation, address validation, and tracking with major carriers.
E-commerce shipping software with automation for importing orders, batch processing, and syncing inventory across platforms.
Powerful shipping API offering rates, labels, tracking, insurance, and address verification from multiple carriers.
Simple, no-markup cloud tool for USPS and UPS shipping with discounted rates ideal for small businesses.
Enterprise shipping management system that optimizes carrier selection, compliance, and hazardous materials handling.
Cloud platform combining inventory management, order routing, and multi-carrier shipping for online retailers.
Fulfillment platform with integrated cloud shipping dashboard for order management and carrier integrations.
Cloud-based shipping tracking and post-purchase platform supporting 1000+ carriers for customer updates.
ShipStation
enterpriseCloud-based multi-carrier shipping platform that automates label generation, batch printing, tracking, and order management for e-commerce businesses.
Custom automation rules engine that triggers actions like label printing, carrier selection, and notifications based on order criteria.
ShipStation is a leading cloud-based shipping software designed to streamline order fulfillment for e-commerce businesses. It integrates seamlessly with over 100 e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, enabling users to import orders, automate label printing, and track shipments across multiple carriers including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. The platform also offers tools for batch processing, custom automation rules, branded tracking pages, and returns management, making it ideal for scaling shipping operations.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with major e-commerce platforms and marketplaces
- Multi-carrier support with discounted rates and international shipping
- Powerful automation rules and batch processing for high-volume efficiency
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply with shipment volume, less ideal for very low-volume users
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Occasional sync issues with certain integrations during peak periods
Best For
E-commerce businesses with moderate to high order volumes needing robust multi-channel shipping automation.
Pricing
Tiered plans starting at $9/month (Starter, up to 50 shipments) scaling to $2,499+/month (Enterprise, 100k+ shipments), billed annually with shipment-based pricing.
Shippo
specializedAPI-driven shipping solution providing real-time rates, discounted labels, and tracking across 85+ carriers for developers and merchants.
Developer-first API enabling deep custom integrations and automation across platforms
Shippo is a cloud-based multi-carrier shipping platform that allows businesses to compare rates, purchase labels, and track shipments across 85+ carriers including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. It offers seamless integrations with over 100 e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon, automating order fulfillment workflows. Additional tools include batch processing, branded tracking pages, and insurance options, making it ideal for scaling shipping operations.
Pros
- Extensive multi-carrier support with discounted rates
- Robust API and 100+ e-commerce integrations
- Pay-as-you-go pricing with no monthly fees for low volume
Cons
- Interface can feel developer-focused for non-technical users
- Advanced reporting and analytics require higher tiers
- Limited built-in inventory or warehouse management tools
Best For
E-commerce businesses and developers seeking flexible, scalable multi-carrier shipping without subscription commitments.
Pricing
Pay-per-label model starting at $0.05/label with volume discounts; free for up to 5 labels/month; Pro plan at $239/month for advanced features and support.
EasyPost
specializedUnified shipping API that simplifies rate shopping, label creation, address validation, and tracking with major carriers.
Unified API accessing 100+ shipping services across 50+ countries for effortless rate shopping and label generation
EasyPost is a cloud-based shipping API platform that enables developers and businesses to integrate multi-carrier shipping solutions seamlessly into their applications. It supports over 100 services from 50+ carriers worldwide, including USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and more, handling rate shopping, label printing, tracking, insurance, and customs forms. The platform emphasizes scalability and reliability for high-volume shipping needs in e-commerce and logistics.
Pros
- Extensive multi-carrier support with 100+ services globally
- Developer-friendly API with excellent documentation and SDKs
- Real-time rate comparison, automated label generation, and robust tracking
Cons
- Primarily API-focused, less intuitive for non-technical users
- Usage-based pricing can become costly at high volumes
- Limited native reporting and analytics tools
Best For
Developers and e-commerce platforms needing scalable, multi-carrier shipping integrations without monthly subscriptions.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go model with no monthly fees; starts at $0.05 per address verification, $0.01 per shipment tracker, and $0.05 per label, plus carrier charges.
ShippingEasy
enterpriseE-commerce shipping software with automation for importing orders, batch processing, and syncing inventory across platforms.
Real-time multi-carrier rate shopping with automatic discounted rates from USPS, UPS, and others
ShippingEasy is a cloud-based shipping software designed to simplify order fulfillment for e-commerce businesses by integrating with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and BigCommerce. It enables users to import orders, compare real-time rates from carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL, purchase discounted labels, and process shipments in batches for efficiency. The platform also includes inventory syncing, branded tracking pages, and basic warehouse management tools to streamline operations.
Pros
- Seamless multi-carrier rate comparison and discounted postage
- Batch shipping and label printing for high-volume efficiency
- Robust integrations with major e-commerce platforms
Cons
- Limited advanced WMS features compared to enterprise tools
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
- Pricing scales up quickly for very high shipment volumes
Best For
Small to mid-sized e-commerce merchants focused on domestic US shipping who need fast, automated label generation and rate shopping.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Starter: up to 300 shipments) to $159/month (Platinum: unlimited), billed annually; no per-shipment fees beyond plan limits.
ShipEngine
specializedPowerful shipping API offering rates, labels, tracking, insurance, and address verification from multiple carriers.
Unified multi-carrier API that provides real-time rate shopping and label generation across dozens of carriers via simple endpoints.
ShipEngine is a robust cloud-based shipping API platform designed for developers and businesses to streamline shipping operations across over 50 carriers including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. It enables real-time rate shopping, automated label generation, address validation, batch processing, and package tracking through seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. The service excels in scalability, supporting high-volume shippers with international capabilities and customs form automation.
Pros
- Extensive multi-carrier support (50+ carriers worldwide)
- Powerful API for easy integrations and automation
- Real-time rate shopping and address validation
Cons
- Usage-based pricing escalates with high volume
- Steeper learning curve for non-developers
- Limited native reporting compared to full WMS platforms
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce businesses and developers needing scalable, API-driven shipping automation without building from scratch.
Pricing
Free tier up to 500 shipments/month; then pay-as-you-go with tiers starting at $25/month for 500-2,000 shipments plus ~$0.05-$0.10 per label/API call.
Pirate Ship
otherSimple, no-markup cloud tool for USPS and UPS shipping with discounted rates ideal for small businesses.
Unmatched USPS commercial pricing discounts available to all users, regardless of shipping volume
Pirate Ship is a cloud-based shipping software platform designed for small businesses and e-commerce sellers, offering easy access to discounted USPS, UPS, and DHL Express rates. It simplifies label creation, batch processing, order imports, and tracking without monthly subscriptions—users pay only for postage used. The platform integrates with marketplaces like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon, emphasizing simplicity and cost savings for domestic and international shipping.
Pros
- No monthly fees or subscriptions—pay only per label
- Intuitive interface ideal for beginners
- Deep discounts on USPS and UPS commercial rates
Cons
- Limited carrier options (no FedEx support)
- Fewer advanced features for high-volume enterprise needs
- Primarily focused on US-based shippers
Best For
Small to medium e-commerce businesses and solo sellers shipping low-to-moderate volumes via USPS or UPS who prioritize simplicity and cost savings.
Pricing
Free platform access; pay only for postage at commercial rates (e.g., USPS First Class from $3+, no markups or hidden fees).
ShipHawk
enterpriseEnterprise shipping management system that optimizes carrier selection, compliance, and hazardous materials handling.
Intelligent rate shopping engine that compares rates from 20+ carriers in real-time, including negotiated account rates for maximum savings
ShipHawk is a cloud-based shipping software that provides real-time rate shopping across major carriers like UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL, enabling businesses to select the most cost-effective shipping options. It automates label generation, packing slip creation, and shipment tracking while integrating seamlessly with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce. The platform also supports advanced features like hazardous materials compliance, dimensional weight calculations, and international shipping, streamlining the entire order-to-ship process for growing online retailers.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-carrier rate shopping with real-time comparisons
- Seamless integrations with major e-commerce platforms
- Robust support for hazmat and international shipping
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for low-volume shippers
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Limited native WMS capabilities compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce businesses with moderate to high shipping volumes seeking optimized carrier rates and automation.
Pricing
Subscription plans start at around $299/month with additional per-label fees (e.g., $0.20-$0.50); enterprise pricing is custom quoted.
Ordoro
enterpriseCloud platform combining inventory management, order routing, and multi-carrier shipping for online retailers.
Advanced shipping rules engine for custom automation based on order attributes, locations, and carrier preferences
Ordoro is a cloud-based shipping and inventory management software designed for e-commerce businesses to automate order fulfillment across multiple sales channels. It offers real-time inventory syncing, multi-warehouse support, and carrier integrations for efficient label printing and discounted shipping rates. The platform excels in streamlining shipping workflows with rule-based automation and packing optimization tools.
Pros
- Robust multi-channel integrations with Amazon, Shopify, eBay
- Automated rate shopping and label generation across major carriers
- Multi-warehouse inventory management with real-time syncing
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complex setups
- Customer support response times can vary
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume users
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce businesses with multiple warehouses and sales channels needing automated shipping and inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (up to 100 orders), $149/month (500 orders), $299/month (unlimited); per-order fees apply beyond tiers.
ShipBob
enterpriseFulfillment platform with integrated cloud shipping dashboard for order management and carrier integrations.
Distributed fulfillment network with strategic warehouse locations for optimized shipping speeds and reduced costs.
ShipBob is a cloud-based fulfillment platform that provides end-to-end e-commerce shipping and logistics software integrated with a network of warehouses for picking, packing, and shipping orders. It offers real-time inventory tracking, multi-channel order management, and analytics to optimize supply chain operations. The software seamlessly integrates with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce, making it suitable for scaling DTC brands. While powerful for outsourced fulfillment, it's more service-oriented than pure standalone shipping software.
Pros
- Extensive network of 50+ warehouses enabling fast 2-day delivery to most US customers
- Robust integrations with major e-commerce platforms and real-time analytics
- Comprehensive inventory management and automated shipping rules
Cons
- Pricing is volume-based and can be expensive for low-volume or small businesses
- Less flexibility for users not utilizing ShipBob's physical fulfillment services
- Custom quotes required, lacking transparent self-service pricing tiers
Best For
Growing direct-to-consumer e-commerce brands seeking scalable, outsourced fulfillment with integrated cloud software.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at $5+ per order (pick, pack, ship), plus storage fees; scales with volume and no setup costs for qualified users.
AfterShip
specializedCloud-based shipping tracking and post-purchase platform supporting 1000+ carriers for customer updates.
Universal tracking across 1,200+ carriers with automated status detection
AfterShip is a cloud-based shipment tracking platform that provides real-time visibility into deliveries across over 1,200 carriers worldwide. It automates tracking updates, sends customizable email and SMS notifications to customers, and offers branded tracking pages to enhance the post-purchase experience. The software includes analytics for shipping performance and seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
Pros
- Supports over 1,200 carriers for comprehensive global tracking
- Automated notifications and branded tracking pages improve customer satisfaction
- Strong analytics and easy integrations with e-commerce tools
Cons
- Limited features for shipping label creation or rate shopping
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume shippers
- Advanced customization requires higher-tier plans
Best For
E-commerce businesses prioritizing post-purchase tracking and customer communication over full shipping fulfillment.
Pricing
Free for up to 50 shipments/month; paid plans from $119/month (2,000 shipments) to $1,399/month (50,000 shipments), plus pay-as-you-go at $12/100 shipments.
Conclusion
The reviewed cloud-based shipping software, from e-commerce tools to enterprise solutions, cater to diverse needs, but ShipStation leads as the top choice, excelling in multi-carrier automation, batch processing, and integrated order management for streamlined operations. Shippo stands out for its API-driven real-time rates across 85+ carriers, ideal for developers and merchants, while EasyPost impresses with its unified API for rate shopping, label creation, and address validation. Together, these tools reaffirm the power of cloud shipping to simplify logistics.
Ready to transform your shipping? Start with ShipStation to experience automated workflows, discounted labels, and end-to-end order management—or explore Shippo or EasyPost if your needs focus on API flexibility or rate comparison. The right tool awaits to elevate your logistics.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
