Are you looking for an alternative to ShipStation?
If your shipping management platform has become underwhelming, it might be time to rethink your processes. Scaling an eCommerce business isn’t just about selling more but about offering a seamless shopping experience that builds customer loyalty.
That’s why you need more than just a tool for printing labels, you need a solution capable of transforming the order delivery experience into a whole new marketing channel.
This is why, ShipStation might not be enough to grow.
Below, we’ll take a brief look at some of the alternatives and competitors to ShipStation so you can choose the one that best suits your operations.
What is ShipStation?
ShipStation is a shipping management platform specifically designed for eCommerce. Its main strength lies in automating the printing of shipping labels with a wide network of carriers.
The software is particularly popular in the United States, where it has established itself as an ideal solution for small and medium-sized businesses looking to simplify their logistics and optimize order management times.
Why look for an alternative to ShipStation?
ShipStation might seem appealing because its lower-tier plans are affordable. However, when dealing with high order volumes, the tool has some limitations:
- Few workflow customization options
- Lacks a product exchange and returns possibilities
- No real cross-selling options
- Limited post-purchase branding features
Some signs that you might need an alternative to ShipStation include increasing return costs, lack of recurring sales, or a growing complexity in managing the customer service department.
Don’t get swayed by integrations
A tool having thousands of integrations with similar software sounds great, right? But be careful: this can also mean it needs help to cover its weak points. In the end, you could end up paying more for a complicated tech ecosystem. Look for a solution that has everything integrated from the start.
13 alternatives to ShipStation that you should consider
1. Outvio
Specialization: Shipping, exchanges and returns, tracking, and customer service
Initial price: Starting at $125 per month
Outvio is the most comprehensive alternative to ShipStation, designed to manage all logistical and customer service aspects from a single platform. With a starting price of €125 per month, this tool allows you to integrate over 100 carriers, automate shipments and returns, and customize every stage of the post-sales process.
Its return management system is particularly powerful, enabling you to transform returns into new revenue opportunities through a dedicated portal and strategies tailored to your needs. Additionally, Outvio offers customer service software designed for eCommerce, with options such as chat, automatic order issue resolution, and customizable notifications via email, SMS, and WhatsApp.
When to choose Outvio:
- If you want to centralize your fulfillment, shipping, returns, marketing, and support operations in a powerful software.
- If you wish to transform returns into a new source of income and increase your revenue
2 Veeqo
Specialization: Shipping for Amazon Price: Free
Veeqo, developed by Amazon, is ideal for stores that primarily operate on its marketplace. It offers tools such as picking lists, inventory synchronization, label printing, and automated notifications. These features are designed to improve logistics and automate shipping processes.
When to choose Veeqo:
- If your business is focused on sales within Amazon
- If you are looking for a complete solution to manage inventories and optimize shipping
3. ShipWorks
Specialization: Marketplace Integration Starting Price: From $149 per month
ShipWorks is software designed for businesses that manage shipping from multiple marketplaces or online stores. It offers key features such as task automation, integration with over 90 carriers, advanced reporting, and tools to customize labels.
When to choose ShipWorks:
- If you work with multiple sales channels
- If you need flexibility and customization in shipping management
4. Shippo
Specialization: Rate Comparison Starting Price: From $19 per month
Shippo is a simple and effective alternative to ShipStation. It is ideal if you need software to automate shipping in an easy way. It allows you to compare rates, print labels, and connect with carriers. While it includes tracking and notifications, it does not excel in offering a premium customer experience.
When to choose Shippo:
- If you are looking for simplicity and efficiency.
- If your priority is to optimize costs and time rather than customer experience
5. EasyShip
Specialization: Rate Comparison Starting Price: From $29 per month
Easyship is an alternative to ShipStation that offers automatic rate calculation, over 250 shipping options, and an internal dashboard. The tool connects with carriers, allows you to print labels, and optimizes the order experience. Additionally, Easyship stands out by offering discounted carrier rates within the United States.
When to choose Easyship:
- If you do not have negotiated rates and need to start shipping
- If you are looking to simplify and optimize your shipping management
6. AfterShip
Specialization: Shipment Tracking Starting Price: Varies by module
AfterShip stands out for its modular system, strong presence in Asia, and additional options like logistics or marketing. Its core features include a tracking portal and notifications, which can be complemented by adding tailored functionalities, increasing the monthly fee based on your needs.
When to choose AfterShip:
- If your eCommerce primarily operates in Asia
- If you only need to integrate specific modules of the software
7. ShippingEasy
Specialization: Rate Comparison Starting Price: From $19 per month
ShippingEasy is designed for small businesses that need to manage their shipments easily and cost-effectively. It offers exclusive rates, flexible automation, and one-click order management, focusing on personalization and efficiency to optimize operations.
When to choose ShippingEasy:
- If you are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use solution
- If you need to compare rates across multiple carriers
8. Sendcloud
Specialization: Shipping and Returns Starting Price: From €25 per month
Sendcloud is a popular tool for managing shipping and returns thanks to its connection with over 80 carriers, automatic label creation, returns portal, and customizable notifications. Its free plan and ease of use make it an ideal option for businesses that are just starting out.
When to choose Sendcloud:
- If your business is just starting and you need an affordable option.
- If returns are not a major concern for your business.
9. ShippyPro
Specialization: Shipping and Returns Starting Price: From €220 per month
ShippyPro specializes in managing shipping and returns from a single platform, offering tools such as shipping automation, marketplace integration, return management, and an analytics dashboard.
When to choose ShippyPro:
- If you are looking for a comprehensive tool to manage your shipments.
- If analytics are important to you.
10. Narvar
Specialization: Post-Purchase Experience Starting Price: Not Available
Narvar is a solution focused on enhancing the customer experience in the post-sales process. Although it is not a direct alternative to ShipStation since it does not allow shipping label creation, its ability to personalize notifications, create a tracking portal, and manage returns makes it an interesting complement. It also includes product recommendations. Keep in mind that it is one of the most expensive software options.
When to choose Narvar:
- If you want to improve the shopping experience and build customer loyalty
- If you can combine it with another system that generates shipping labels
11. ClickPost
Specialization: Transportation Management Starting Price: Not Available
Clickpost is a tool designed to optimize shipping management with features such as carrier assignment rules, a tracking portal, customizable notifications, and return management. It allows label printing and process automation tailored to your business needs, making it a practical solution for local operations within the United States.
When to choose Clickpost:
- If you need to improve service with carrier assignment rules
- If you primarily operate in local territories within the USA
12. nShift
Specialization: Fulfillment management Starting price: Not available
nShift is a solution specialized in fulfillment management, with a strong presence in Northern European countries. It offers features such as multi-carrier management, order tracking, emissions control, and a mobile app to manage your business from anywhere. It is designed for companies looking to optimize their logistics and comply with sustainable regulations.
When to choose nShift:
- If you need a robust tool to manage multiple carriers
- If your business primarily operates in Northern Europe
13. Shipup
Specialization: Delivery Personalization Starting Price: From €299/month
Shipup is a tool designed to manage shipment tracking and enhance the delivery experience. Its features include real-time tracking, personalized notifications, marketplace integration, and return management. It has a strong presence in France.
When to choose Shipup:
- If your business operates in France
- If you want to optimize shipment tracking and returns
Do you already work with ShipStation? Tips for migrating
Migrating from ShipStation to a more advanced platform can be key to improving the efficiency and scalability of your business. These tips will help you with the transition:
Audit your current needs
Before making the switch, reflect on the areas where ShipStation is falling short or limiting your operations. It could be return automation, more personalized tracking, or a post-sale experience that puts your brand front and center. Identifying these gaps will be crucial to setting clear goals and ensuring the new platform has the necessary tools to meet your needs.
Plan the technical transition
To ensure a smooth process, you need a solid plan. Review integrations with your eCommerce platforms, such as Shopify or WooCommerce, and confirm that the new tool is compatible. Also, verify that your current carriers are integrated and start transferring rates and settings. Don’t forget to document your current automated workflows to replicate them seamlessly in the new solution.
Migrate the data
Don’t leave anything to chance when it comes to critical information. Export all relevant data from ShipStation, such as shipment histories, returns, settings, and carriers. Many new platforms offer tools to simplify this process. For example, if you opt for Outvio, the migration is automatic and as simple as a few clicks.
Run parallel tests
Before permanently closing your ShipStation account, run a trial period with both platforms operating in parallel. Use a reduced number of shipments to ensure everything is in place and to detect any issues before fully committing.
Monitor and adjust after the migration
The change doesn’t end with activating the new platform. Closely monitor its performance and adjust settings as necessary. This follow-up will allow you to optimize your processes and ensure everything flows as planned from the beginning.
Are you a 3PL?
If you manage a 3PL business and currently use ShipStation to print your shipping labels, we have something that could change the game for you. Outvio offers an exclusive module specifically designed for logistics providers, aiming to take your operations to the next level.
With our software for 3PLs, you can manage all your clients from a single platform, simplifying and optimizing your workflow. Additionally, our advanced automation tools eliminate repetitive tasks, such as selecting carriers or generating customized labels for each client. This not only saves you time but also allows you to focus on the strategic aspects of your business.
Another key advantage is the ability to automatically audit your clients’ freight invoices. This minimizes errors and ensures you don’t pay duplicate or incorrect charges, saving you both money and headaches.
How much do the best ShipStation alternatives cost for 2025?
Alternative | Specialization | Starting Price | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
Outvio | Shipping, Exchanges, and Returns | €125/month | 100+ carriers, returns management, post-sales customization, customer service tools |
Veeqo | Shipping for Amazon | Free | Inventory sync, label printing, notifications |
ShipWorks | Marketplace Integration | $149/month | 90+ carriers, task automation, reporting |
Shippo | Rate Comparison | $19/month | Rate comparison, label printing, carrier connections |
EasyShip | Rate Comparison | $29/month | 250+ shipping options, discounted U.S. rates |
AfterShip | Shipment Tracking | Varies by module | Tracking portal, modular system, notifications |
ShippingEasy | Rate Comparison | $19/month | Exclusive rates, one-click order management |
Sendcloud | Shipping and Returns | €25/month | 80+ carriers, auto labels, returns portal |
ShippyPro | Shipping and Returns | €220/month | Automation, marketplace integration, analytics |
Narvar | Post-Purchase Experience | Not Available | Notifications, tracking portal, returns |
ClickPost | Transportation Management | Not Available | Carrier rules, tracking, notifications |
nShift | Fulfillment Management | Not Available | Multi-carriers, emissions control, mobile app |
Shipup | Delivery Personalization | €299/month | Real-time tracking, notifications, returns |
How to identify the best alternative to ShipStation
When considering a switch to a new platform, look beyond the price. It’s essential to choose a solution that offers advanced functionalities that not only address your current needs but also help you grow and adapt to future challenges.
Opt for a tool that goes beyond shipment management and also automates processes such as returns and allows you to customize the post-sale experience. These features will not only increase customer satisfaction but also centralize all your operations, eliminating the need to use multiple platforms.
Additionally, make sure it’s scalable. A solution prepared to handle higher volumes without complications will save you headaches as your business grows. Investing in more comprehensive software is not just about optimization; it also translates into long-term time and cost savings.
That’s why, if you’re looking for a reliable alternative to ShipStation that not only improves your customers’ experience but also reduces your logistics costs, we invite you to try Outvio. Discover firsthand how this tool can transform your operations and help you reach new levels of efficiency.