Quick Overview
- 1#1: ShipStation - Comprehensive multi-carrier shipping platform that automates label creation, tracking, and fulfillment for e-commerce businesses.
- 2#2: Fishbowl - Inventory management software with robust shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations for SMBs and manufacturers.
- 3#3: ShipHero - Cloud-based warehouse management system optimizing shipping, receiving, and inventory for e-commerce fulfillment.
- 4#4: ShippingEasy - E-commerce shipping software that streamlines order import, batch printing, and carrier integration for efficient fulfillment.
- 5#5: Shippo - API-driven shipping solution providing discounted rates, label generation, and tracking across multiple carriers.
- 6#6: Ordoro - Integrated inventory and shipping management tool for multi-channel retailers handling orders and fulfillment.
- 7#7: Cin7 - Cloud inventory platform with advanced shipping, receiving, and order management for growing businesses.
- 8#8: ShipMonk - Fulfillment software that manages shipping, receiving, inventory, and returns for direct-to-consumer brands.
- 9#9: Zoho Inventory - Affordable cloud-based tool for inventory tracking, shipping labels, and receiving goods integrated with Zoho suite.
- 10#10: Pirate Ship - Simple, low-cost shipping software offering USPS and UPS discounts with easy label printing and tracking.
These tools were chosen based on comprehensive evaluation of features (including carrier integration, automation, and inventory management), user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring they cater to the unique needs of e-commerce, SMB, and manufacturing environments.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading shipping and receiving software tools, including ShipStation, Fishbowl, ShipHero, ShippingEasy, and Shippo, to simplify operational choices. Readers will discover key features, integration capabilities, and suitability for different business sizes, aiding informed decisions to optimize their logistics processes.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ShipStation Comprehensive multi-carrier shipping platform that automates label creation, tracking, and fulfillment for e-commerce businesses. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Fishbowl Inventory management software with robust shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations for SMBs and manufacturers. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | ShipHero Cloud-based warehouse management system optimizing shipping, receiving, and inventory for e-commerce fulfillment. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 | ShippingEasy E-commerce shipping software that streamlines order import, batch printing, and carrier integration for efficient fulfillment. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Shippo API-driven shipping solution providing discounted rates, label generation, and tracking across multiple carriers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 6 | Ordoro Integrated inventory and shipping management tool for multi-channel retailers handling orders and fulfillment. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Cin7 Cloud inventory platform with advanced shipping, receiving, and order management for growing businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | ShipMonk Fulfillment software that manages shipping, receiving, inventory, and returns for direct-to-consumer brands. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Zoho Inventory Affordable cloud-based tool for inventory tracking, shipping labels, and receiving goods integrated with Zoho suite. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 10 | Pirate Ship Simple, low-cost shipping software offering USPS and UPS discounts with easy label printing and tracking. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
Comprehensive multi-carrier shipping platform that automates label creation, tracking, and fulfillment for e-commerce businesses.
Inventory management software with robust shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations for SMBs and manufacturers.
Cloud-based warehouse management system optimizing shipping, receiving, and inventory for e-commerce fulfillment.
E-commerce shipping software that streamlines order import, batch printing, and carrier integration for efficient fulfillment.
API-driven shipping solution providing discounted rates, label generation, and tracking across multiple carriers.
Integrated inventory and shipping management tool for multi-channel retailers handling orders and fulfillment.
Cloud inventory platform with advanced shipping, receiving, and order management for growing businesses.
Fulfillment software that manages shipping, receiving, inventory, and returns for direct-to-consumer brands.
Affordable cloud-based tool for inventory tracking, shipping labels, and receiving goods integrated with Zoho suite.
Simple, low-cost shipping software offering USPS and UPS discounts with easy label printing and tracking.
ShipStation
specializedComprehensive multi-carrier shipping platform that automates label creation, tracking, and fulfillment for e-commerce businesses.
Automation Rules that allow users to create custom workflows for label printing, branding, and carrier selection based on order criteria
ShipStation is a comprehensive web-based shipping platform designed to streamline order management and fulfillment for e-commerce businesses. It integrates seamlessly with over 100 sales channels like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, as well as major carriers including USPS, UPS, and FedEx, enabling automated label generation, batch processing, and real-time tracking. The software also offers inventory management, custom branding for packing slips, and advanced reporting to optimize shipping workflows.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with e-commerce platforms and carriers
- Powerful automation rules for custom workflows
- Robust analytics and reporting for shipment insights
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with shipment volume
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Limited built-in international shipping options in base plans
Best For
E-commerce businesses and online retailers managing high-volume, multi-channel orders.
Pricing
Starts at $9/month (Starter, up to 50 shipments), $29/month (Bronze, 500 shipments), up to $229/month (Pro, 10,000 shipments); enterprise custom pricing.
Fishbowl
enterpriseInventory management software with robust shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations for SMBs and manufacturers.
Native, real-time QuickBooks synchronization that automatically updates inventory levels and costs during every ship and receive transaction
Fishbowl is a robust inventory management platform tailored for warehouse operations, with strong capabilities in shipping and receiving for small to midsize businesses. It enables efficient inbound receiving via purchase order processing, barcode scanning, and quality control checks, while outbound shipping supports major carriers like UPS and FedEx for label generation and tracking. The software integrates deeply with QuickBooks for real-time syncing of inventory data during shipments and receipts, ensuring accounting accuracy without manual entry.
Pros
- Seamless two-way QuickBooks integration for automated inventory syncing during shipping/receiving
- Advanced barcode scanning and mobile support for fast picking, packing, and receiving workflows
- Multi-location inventory tracking with cycle counting to minimize discrepancies
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its comprehensive feature set and desktop-heavy interface
- Primarily Windows-based, with limited native mobile/web access for all functions
- Upfront licensing costs may deter very small businesses
Best For
QuickBooks-using distributors and manufacturers with multi-warehouse needs requiring integrated inventory and shipping/receiving control.
Pricing
One-time license starting at $4,395 for Standard edition, plus per-user fees (~$1,095/user) and annual maintenance (~20% of license); subscription plans from $599/month available.
ShipHero
enterpriseCloud-based warehouse management system optimizing shipping, receiving, and inventory for e-commerce fulfillment.
Intelligent wave management and order splitting for optimized picking and fulfillment efficiency
ShipHero is a robust cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS) and shipping software tailored for e-commerce businesses handling high-volume order fulfillment. It excels in inventory tracking, picking, packing, shipping, and returns management across multiple sales channels like Shopify, Amazon, and Walmart. The platform offers real-time synchronization, automation tools, and 3PL capabilities to streamline shipping and receiving operations at scale.
Pros
- Seamless multi-channel integrations with real-time inventory sync
- Advanced automation for wave planning, picking, and shipping
- Scalable for multi-warehouse and 3PL operations
Cons
- High pricing may not suit small businesses
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Custom setup can require significant onboarding time
Best For
Mid-to-large e-commerce merchants with high order volumes needing comprehensive warehouse and shipping automation.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $2,000/month for core plans, scaling to $5,000+ for enterprise with volume discounts.
ShippingEasy
specializedE-commerce shipping software that streamlines order import, batch printing, and carrier integration for efficient fulfillment.
Automated multi-carrier rate shopping and printing with deeply discounted postage rates
ShippingEasy is a cloud-based shipping management software tailored for e-commerce businesses, enabling seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay to centralize order fulfillment. It offers multi-carrier rate comparison, discounted label printing for USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL, batch processing, and real-time tracking. While strong in outbound shipping automation, its receiving capabilities are limited to basic order import and inventory syncing rather than full warehouse receiving management.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with 50+ e-commerce channels
- Discounted shipping rates saving up to 91% on USPS
- Batch label printing and automation for high-volume shipping
Cons
- Limited advanced receiving and warehouse management tools
- Pricing scales quickly for larger operations
- Occasional glitches in order syncing reported by users
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce sellers focused on efficient outbound shipping and cost savings across multiple carriers.
Pricing
Starts at $29/mo (Copper, 50 shipments) up to $109/mo (Platinum, 500 shipments), with annual billing discounts and a 30-day free trial.
Shippo
specializedAPI-driven shipping solution providing discounted rates, label generation, and tracking across multiple carriers.
Real-time multi-carrier rate comparison and automated label purchasing across 85+ carriers worldwide
Shippo is a multi-carrier shipping platform that allows businesses to compare rates, generate labels, and track packages across carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. It offers seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon, supporting both API-driven automation and a user-friendly dashboard for manual shipping. While strong in outbound shipping and batch processing, its receiving capabilities are limited to basic inbound tracking rather than full inventory management.
Pros
- Extensive multi-carrier support with real-time rate shopping
- Robust API and e-commerce integrations for automation
- Cost-effective pay-per-label pricing with no monthly fees for low volume
Cons
- Limited advanced receiving and warehouse management tools
- Customer support can be slower on free/pay-as-you-go plans
- Dashboard interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Small to medium e-commerce businesses focused on efficient outbound shipping and label generation without complex inventory needs.
Pricing
Free pay-as-you-go (pay per label, no monthly fee); Starter $10/mo (200 labels); Pro $75/mo (2,500 labels); Enterprise custom.
Ordoro
specializedIntegrated inventory and shipping management tool for multi-channel retailers handling orders and fulfillment.
Automated rate shopping across 30+ carriers that dynamically selects the cheapest shipping option
Ordoro is a robust shipping and inventory management platform tailored for e-commerce businesses handling multi-channel sales. It automates order importing from platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, optimizes shipping rates across 30+ carriers, and supports multi-warehouse inventory tracking for efficient receiving and fulfillment. The software excels in batch label printing, tracking updates, and purchase order management to streamline operations from receiving stock to final shipment.
Pros
- Multi-carrier rate shopping and automated label printing save time and money
- Seamless integrations with 100+ e-commerce platforms and marketplaces
- Strong multi-warehouse support for inventory receiving and tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and initial setup
- Higher pricing tiers required for larger order volumes
- Reporting and analytics are basic in entry-level plans
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce sellers with multiple sales channels and warehouses needing automated shipping optimization.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (billed annually) for up to 100 orders, with Professional at $149/month (500 orders), Advanced at $349/month (2,500 orders), and custom Enterprise pricing.
Cin7
enterpriseCloud inventory platform with advanced shipping, receiving, and order management for growing businesses.
Automated multi-channel order consolidation with direct carrier shipping from any warehouse location
Cin7 is a comprehensive cloud-based inventory management platform that excels in unifying sales channels, warehouses, suppliers, and shipping carriers for streamlined operations. For shipping and receiving, it offers robust tools like multi-carrier label generation, automated fulfillment workflows, real-time stock updates, and purchase order processing across multiple locations. While powerful for complex inventory setups, it positions shipping and receiving as part of a broader ecosystem rather than a standalone solution.
Pros
- Extensive carrier integrations (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL) with automated label printing and tracking
- Multi-warehouse support for efficient receiving and shipping across locations
- Real-time inventory syncing prevents overselling during fulfillment
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its comprehensive feature set
- Higher pricing may not suit small-scale shipping operations
- Setup requires significant configuration for optimal shipping workflows
Best For
Mid-to-large multi-channel retailers with complex inventory and multi-location shipping needs.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for Cin7 Core (annual billing), plus $0.20-$0.50 per order; custom enterprise plans available.
ShipMonk
specializedFulfillment software that manages shipping, receiving, inventory, and returns for direct-to-consumer brands.
Nationwide warehouse network enabling same-day fulfillment and 99.99% order accuracy.
ShipMonk is a cloud-based 3PL fulfillment platform tailored for e-commerce businesses, offering end-to-end shipping and receiving solutions including inventory management, picking, packing, and shipping. It supports multi-channel order integration from platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and BigCommerce, with real-time tracking and automation to minimize errors. The software also handles returns, kitting, and subscriptions across a network of U.S. warehouses for efficient scaling.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major e-commerce platforms
- Real-time inventory visibility and analytics
- Scalable warehouse network with high fulfillment accuracy
Cons
- Pricing requires custom quotes and can be high for low-volume users
- Occasional reports of customer service delays
- Limited advanced customization without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized e-commerce brands needing reliable outsourced fulfillment and multi-warehouse shipping.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on volume; typically $2-5 per order plus storage/receiving fees, with minimums for small shippers.
Zoho Inventory
specializedAffordable cloud-based tool for inventory tracking, shipping labels, and receiving goods integrated with Zoho suite.
Multi-carrier shipping automation with real-time rate comparison and label generation directly from inventory data
Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management platform that excels in streamlining shipping and receiving workflows for small to medium businesses. It supports multi-warehouse management, automated shipping label generation for major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL, and real-time shipment tracking. The tool integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms and Zoho's suite for end-to-end order fulfillment, making it efficient for handling inbound receipts and outbound shipments.
Pros
- Robust carrier integrations for easy label printing and rate shopping
- Multi-warehouse support with real-time inventory sync for accurate receiving
- Affordable scalability with strong automation for shipping rules
Cons
- Interface can feel overwhelming for shipping-only users
- Limited advanced analytics for shipping performance
- Some features require Zoho ecosystem for full functionality
Best For
Small to medium e-commerce businesses seeking an integrated, cost-effective solution for inventory-driven shipping and receiving.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 online orders/month; paid plans start at $59/month (Standard, 1,500 orders) up to $199/month (Elite, unlimited).
Pirate Ship
specializedSimple, low-cost shipping software offering USPS and UPS discounts with easy label printing and tracking.
Access to commercial shipping rates without volume requirements or business accounts
Pirate Ship is a user-friendly shipping platform that simplifies label creation, purchasing, and tracking for USPS, UPS, and DHL shipments with deep commercial discounts. It eliminates monthly fees, allowing businesses to pay only per label printed, and supports batch processing for efficiency. While focused primarily on outbound shipping, it offers basic tools for order import and address validation, making it suitable for small-scale shipping needs.
Pros
- No monthly fees or minimums—pay only per label
- Deep discounts on USPS, UPS, and DHL rates (up to 89% off retail)
- Extremely intuitive interface with quick label printing and batch processing
Cons
- Limited to USPS, UPS, and DHL—fewer carrier options
- Lacks advanced receiving, inventory, or warehouse management features
- Fewer integrations and automation options compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small e-commerce sellers and solo shippers needing affordable, simple outbound shipping without subscriptions.
Pricing
Pay-per-shipment with no monthly fees; automatic commercial discounts included at no extra cost.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 shipping and receiving tools reveals ShipStation as the standout choice, boasting comprehensive multi-carrier automation that simplifies label creation, tracking, and fulfillment for e-commerce needs. Close behind are Fishbowl, ideal for SMBs and manufacturers seeking integrated inventory and warehouse operations, and ShipHero, a cloud-based solution excelling in e-commerce fulfillment optimization. Each tool offers unique advantages, ensuring there’s a strong fit for varied business requirements.
Take the next step in streamlining your operations—try ShipStation to experience its intuitive automation and multi-carrier management firsthand. Whether you’re scaling an e-commerce business or managing warehouse processes, it’s designed to enhance efficiency and reduce friction.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison