Quick Overview
- 1#1: ShipStation - Multi-channel shipping platform that automates label printing, tracking, and inventory syncing for ecommerce businesses.
- 2#2: Zoho Inventory - Cloud-based inventory management software with order fulfillment, shipping integrations, and multi-warehouse support.
- 3#3: Cin7 - Integrated inventory, order, and shipping management platform connecting sales channels, suppliers, and logistics.
- 4#4: Fishbowl Inventory - Advanced warehouse inventory control system with QuickBooks integration and shipping automation.
- 5#5: DEAR Systems - Cloud ERP for inventory management, purchasing, sales, and shipping with carrier integrations.
- 6#6: ShippingEasy - Shipping software with inventory tracking, discounted rates, and automation for online stores.
- 7#7: Ordoro - Ecommerce inventory and shipping management tool for multi-channel order fulfillment.
- 8#8: Katana MRP - Cloud manufacturing resource planning software for real-time inventory and shipping control.
- 9#9: Linnworks - multichannel ecommerce platform for inventory syncing, order routing, and shipping optimization.
- 10#10: Odoo - Open-source ERP with modular inventory management, warehouse operations, and shipping features.
We ranked these tools by assessing functionality, user-friendliness, integration capabilities, and value, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation that balances robustness with accessibility for businesses of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Inventory and shipping software solutions like ShipStation, Zoho Inventory, Cin7, Fishbowl Inventory, DEAR Systems, and more play a critical role in modern business operations; this comparison table explores their key features, capabilities, and suitability for diverse needs to help readers make informed choices.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ShipStation Multi-channel shipping platform that automates label printing, tracking, and inventory syncing for ecommerce businesses. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Zoho Inventory Cloud-based inventory management software with order fulfillment, shipping integrations, and multi-warehouse support. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | Cin7 Integrated inventory, order, and shipping management platform connecting sales channels, suppliers, and logistics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Fishbowl Inventory Advanced warehouse inventory control system with QuickBooks integration and shipping automation. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | DEAR Systems Cloud ERP for inventory management, purchasing, sales, and shipping with carrier integrations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | ShippingEasy Shipping software with inventory tracking, discounted rates, and automation for online stores. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Ordoro Ecommerce inventory and shipping management tool for multi-channel order fulfillment. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Katana MRP Cloud manufacturing resource planning software for real-time inventory and shipping control. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Linnworks multichannel ecommerce platform for inventory syncing, order routing, and shipping optimization. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Odoo Open-source ERP with modular inventory management, warehouse operations, and shipping features. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
Multi-channel shipping platform that automates label printing, tracking, and inventory syncing for ecommerce businesses.
Cloud-based inventory management software with order fulfillment, shipping integrations, and multi-warehouse support.
Integrated inventory, order, and shipping management platform connecting sales channels, suppliers, and logistics.
Advanced warehouse inventory control system with QuickBooks integration and shipping automation.
Cloud ERP for inventory management, purchasing, sales, and shipping with carrier integrations.
Shipping software with inventory tracking, discounted rates, and automation for online stores.
Ecommerce inventory and shipping management tool for multi-channel order fulfillment.
Cloud manufacturing resource planning software for real-time inventory and shipping control.
multichannel ecommerce platform for inventory syncing, order routing, and shipping optimization.
Open-source ERP with modular inventory management, warehouse operations, and shipping features.
ShipStation
enterpriseMulti-channel shipping platform that automates label printing, tracking, and inventory syncing for ecommerce businesses.
Custom automation rules that intelligently route orders, apply discounts, and customize packaging slips based on predefined criteria
ShipStation is a leading web-based platform for streamlining shipping and order fulfillment, integrating seamlessly with over 100 e-commerce marketplaces like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay. It automates label printing, batch processing, and shipment tracking across major carriers such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx, while providing inventory syncing to prevent overselling across channels. Businesses can set up custom automation rules for workflows, access discounted rates, and generate analytics for optimized operations. Its robust tools make it ideal for scaling e-commerce shipping needs.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce platforms and carriers for multi-channel management
- Powerful automation rules and batch processing to save time on high-volume shipping
- Real-time inventory syncing and low-stock alerts across sales channels
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with shipment volume, becoming expensive for very high-volume users
- Inventory features are solid but lack depth in advanced forecasting or multi-warehouse support
- Steeper learning curve for complex automations and custom rules
Best For
Mid-to-large e-commerce businesses handling multi-channel orders and high shipping volumes that need efficient fulfillment automation.
Pricing
Starts at $9/month (Bronze, up to 50 shipments) scaling to $159/month (Platinum, up to 5,000 shipments); Enterprise custom pricing with volume discounts.
Zoho Inventory
specializedCloud-based inventory management software with order fulfillment, shipping integrations, and multi-warehouse support.
Real-time multi-channel inventory synchronization across unlimited sales platforms
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management software that streamlines stock tracking, order processing, and shipping for businesses across multiple sales channels. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, as well as shipping carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL for automated label generation and tracking. The tool supports multi-warehouse management, barcode scanning, and real-time inventory synchronization to prevent stockouts and overstocking.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and shipping services
- Multi-channel and multi-warehouse support with real-time sync
- Automated workflows for order fulfillment and shipping labels
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Free plan limited to 20 orders/month
- Reporting could be more customizable without Zoho Analytics add-on
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses managing multi-channel sales and needing integrated inventory and shipping automation.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 online orders/month; paid plans from $29/month (Standard) to $199/month (Elite), billed annually.
Cin7
enterpriseIntegrated inventory, order, and shipping management platform connecting sales channels, suppliers, and logistics.
Marketplace of 700+ native integrations enabling unlimited connectivity without custom development
Cin7 is a powerful inventory management platform tailored for multi-channel retailers, wholesalers, and distributors, offering real-time stock tracking across unlimited locations and sales channels. It automates purchasing, order fulfillment, and shipping processes while integrating with over 700 apps, including major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, POS systems, and carriers like UPS and FedEx. Advanced features such as B2B portals, EDI compliance, and customizable dashboards make it ideal for scaling operations with complex supply chains.
Pros
- Extensive library of 700+ integrations for seamless connectivity with e-commerce, accounting, and shipping tools
- Real-time multi-location inventory sync prevents overselling and stockouts
- Robust reporting, EDI support, and B2B portal for advanced wholesale operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup for non-technical users
- Higher pricing may not suit small businesses
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response times
Best For
Growing multi-channel retailers and distributors handling complex inventory across multiple warehouses and sales platforms.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Core (up to 3 users, 1,000 orders/mo), scales to $999+/month for Omni Enterprise with custom pricing.
Fishbowl Inventory
enterpriseAdvanced warehouse inventory control system with QuickBooks integration and shipping automation.
Two-way, real-time synchronization with QuickBooks Desktop for automatic inventory and financial updates.
Fishbowl Inventory is a robust, on-premise inventory management software tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, offering real-time tracking across multiple locations, barcode scanning, and order fulfillment. It excels in integrating seamlessly with QuickBooks for accounting synchronization while supporting manufacturing, assembly, and shipping processes. The platform handles complex workflows like lot and serial number tracking, purchase orders, and integrations with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce.
Pros
- Deep, bidirectional QuickBooks integration for effortless accounting
- Advanced multi-location inventory and barcode-driven picking/shipping
- Built-in manufacturing and BOM tools for complex production
Cons
- Steep learning curve with a dated interface
- Primarily on-premise requiring server setup and maintenance
- Higher upfront costs and per-user licensing
Best For
Mid-sized distributors, manufacturers, and warehouses using QuickBooks that need detailed inventory control and shipping automation.
Pricing
One-time license starts at $4,395 for base + $1,295/additional user; subscriptions from $179/user/month including maintenance.
DEAR Systems
enterpriseCloud ERP for inventory management, purchasing, sales, and shipping with carrier integrations.
Advanced multi-location inventory with real-time synchronization and built-in light manufacturing capabilities
DEAR Systems (now part of Cin7) is a robust cloud-based inventory management software designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering real-time stock tracking, order fulfillment, and shipping integrations. It excels in multi-channel sales support, purchasing automation, and light manufacturing with features like bill of materials and assembly. The platform seamlessly integrates with eCommerce tools, accounting software, and carriers for streamlined inventory and shipping workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory tools including multi-location tracking, lot/serial numbers, and BOM for manufacturing
- Strong integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, Xero, and shipping providers like ShipStation and UPS
- Advanced reporting and automation for purchasing and sales orders
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth and complex interface
- Pricing can escalate quickly for higher-tier plans with more users/locations
- Customer support is email/ticket-based with limited live chat options
Best For
Wholesalers, retailers, and light manufacturers handling multi-channel sales and complex inventory needs.
Pricing
Starts at $149 USD/month (Essentials plan billed annually), scaling to $599+/month for Advanced plans based on orders/users/locations.
ShippingEasy
specializedShipping software with inventory tracking, discounted rates, and automation for online stores.
Real-time carrier rate comparison with automatic label generation and purchase
ShippingEasy is a cloud-based multi-carrier shipping platform designed for e-commerce businesses, integrating seamlessly with over 50 sales channels like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay to automate order fulfillment. It excels in comparing real-time rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and others to generate discounted labels, while also offering basic inventory syncing across channels to prevent overselling. The software supports batch processing, custom packaging automation, and branded tracking updates, making it a solid choice for streamlining shipping workflows.
Pros
- Multi-carrier rate shopping for the lowest costs
- Seamless integrations with major e-commerce platforms
- Batch label printing and automation rules for efficiency
Cons
- Inventory management is basic compared to dedicated tools
- Higher tiers required for large shipment volumes
- Occasional sync delays with some marketplaces
Best For
Small to medium-sized e-commerce sellers focused on high-volume shipping fulfillment across multiple channels.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Starter: 100 shipments) up to $69/month (Platinum: 1,500 shipments); Enterprise custom; free trial available.
Ordoro
specializedEcommerce inventory and shipping management tool for multi-channel order fulfillment.
Smart shipping optimizer that automatically selects the cheapest and fastest carrier rates based on rules
Ordoro is a robust inventory and shipping management software tailored for e-commerce businesses handling multi-channel sales. It provides real-time inventory synchronization across platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, along with automated order fulfillment, picking, packing, and shipping workflows. The platform also includes purchase order management, warehouse optimization tools, and discounted carrier rates to streamline operations and reduce manual errors.
Pros
- Seamless multi-channel inventory syncing prevents overselling
- Automated shipping with discounted rates from UPS, FedEx, and USPS
- Comprehensive warehouse management including kitting and bundles
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Reporting and analytics could be more customizable
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce sellers with multiple sales channels and high-volume shipping needs.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at around $59/month for basic plans, up to $599/month for enterprise tiers with annual billing discounts.
Katana MRP
specializedCloud manufacturing resource planning software for real-time inventory and shipping control.
The Live Orderboard with drag-and-drop scheduling for visual production and inventory planning
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software that excels in real-time inventory tracking, production scheduling, and order fulfillment for makers and manufacturers. It supports multi-location inventory management, bill of materials (BOM) handling, and seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and shipping tools like ShipStation. The platform automates purchasing, manufacturing orders, and shipping workflows, providing end-to-end visibility from raw materials to delivery.
Pros
- Real-time inventory sync across multiple sales channels and warehouses
- Visual drag-and-drop production planning board for efficient scheduling
- Robust integrations with e-commerce, accounting, and shipping providers
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small businesses or pure shipping needs
- Relies heavily on integrations for advanced shipping features rather than native tools
- Steeper learning curve for complex BOMs and manufacturing setups
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers and makers who need integrated inventory tracking, production planning, and shipping fulfillment.
Pricing
Essentials at $99/month (100 orders/mo), Professional at $299/month (500 orders/mo), Enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial, annual discounts available.
Linnworks
enterprisemultichannel ecommerce platform for inventory syncing, order routing, and shipping optimization.
Real-time, bidirectional inventory synchronization across 100+ sales channels to eliminate overselling
Linnworks is a robust multichannel inventory management platform that centralizes order processing, inventory synchronization, and shipping for e-commerce businesses selling on platforms like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and more. It automates stock level updates across channels to prevent overselling and supports warehouse fulfillment with tools for picking, packing, and label generation. Additionally, it offers shipping integrations with carriers like UPS, FedEx, and Royal Mail, along with advanced reporting and analytics for operational insights.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 100+ sales channels and carriers
- Powerful automation for inventory sync and order routing
- Scalable warehouse management tools including multi-warehouse support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to complex interface
- Pricing can be expensive for small businesses with low order volumes
- Occasional delays or glitches in real-time syncing reported by users
Best For
Mid-sized multichannel e-commerce retailers needing advanced inventory control and shipping automation across multiple marketplaces.
Pricing
Subscription-based tiers starting at £165/month for Essentials (up to 1,000 orders), scaling to £415+/month for Growth and custom Enterprise plans based on order volume.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP with modular inventory management, warehouse operations, and shipping features.
Advanced inventory routes and automation rules that dynamically manage stock movements across warehouses, suppliers, and customers
Odoo is a modular open-source ERP platform with comprehensive inventory and shipping capabilities, enabling real-time stock tracking, multi-warehouse management, lot/serial traceability, and automated replenishment. Its shipping module integrates with major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL for seamless label generation, rate shopping, and shipment tracking. As part of a full business suite, it connects inventory and shipping to sales, purchasing, manufacturing, and accounting for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Robust multi-location inventory with advanced forecasting and push/pull rules
- Native integrations with 50+ shipping carriers for automated fulfillment
- Scalable from small businesses to enterprises with modular add-ons
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Community edition has performance limits for high-volume operations
- Enterprise features require paid plans for full support and hosting
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated ERP solution where inventory and shipping tie into broader operations like sales and manufacturing.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise plans start at $24.90/user/month (Standard) or $37.40/user/month (Custom), billed annually.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed tools, ShipStation emerges as the top choice, with its seamless automation of shipping and inventory tasks for ecommerce operations. Zoho Inventory and Cin7 follow strongly, offering cloud-based versatility and integrated channel management, each suiting distinct business needs. These platforms highlight the breadth of solutions available, ensuring there’s a fit for nearly any inventory or shipping challenge.
Ready to elevate your workflow? Start with ShipStation to experience automated shipping, real-time inventory sync, and multi-channel efficiency—your business will thank you.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison