The best alternatives to ShipStation to grow in 2026

Are you looking for an alternative to ShipStation?

As your ecommerce grows, shipping becomes more than label printing. Delivery, returns, and post-purchase communication start shaping how customers perceive your brand—and how often they come back.

If ShipStation feels limited for where your operations are heading, it may be time to explore platforms built to support scale and a stronger post-purchase experience.

Below, we review the main alternatives and competitors to ShipStation so you can choose the solution that best fits your workflows and growth plans.

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.

Some populare Shipstation features are:

• Multi-carrier shipping
• Order fulfillment
• Analytics & reporting
• Tracking page

Why consider an alternative to ShipStation? Is it worth it?

ShipStation is often a solid starting point thanks to its accessible entry plans and quick setup. As order volume grows, though, many teams begin looking for more flexibility across operations and the post-purchase experience.

At higher scale, brands typically want deeper workflow customization, smoother handling of returns and exchanges, and more opportunities to reinforce their brand after checkout. Features like advanced post-purchase branding, product exchanges, and cross-sell touchpoints become increasingly relevant as customer expectations rise.

You may start exploring alternatives when return costs trend upward, repeat purchases become harder to drive, or customer service workflows grow more complex. At that stage, platforms built for larger volumes and richer post-purchase experiences can better support the next phase of growth.

13 alternatives to ShipStation that you should consider

1. Outvio

Outvio is a unified operations management platform for ecommerce that brings together four core areas—shipping, returns, customer support, and post-purchase communication—into a single, connected workspace.

The platform is built around one simple idea: modern ecommerce runs best when every step of the order lifecycle works together. From the moment a customer places an order to returns, exchanges, and repeat purchases, Outvio keeps everything aligned and easy to manage from one dashboard.

Key features:

• 100+ carrier integrations: Automatic rate comparison, carrier assignment, and cost optimization based on destination, product type, and delivery performance
• Multi-carrier shipping automation: Each shipment is routed to the best carrier for speed, cost, and reliability, without manual decision-making
• Revenue Plus AI: Analyzes the context of each return and recommends the best outcome—exchange, store credit, refund, or incentive
• Self-service returns portal: A fully branded portal where customers can initiate and track returns or exchanges on their own
• Unified helpdesk: One inbox for all customer interactions, with unlimited agents and no per-seat fees.
• Multi-channel inbox: Email, live chat, SMS, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook messages all live in a single conversation history.
• Post-purchase communications: Automated email, SMS, and WhatsApp updates at every key moment—shipped, out for delivery, delivered, return started, exchange received.
• Branded tracking portal: Customers can track orders, manage returns or exchanges, and follow support tickets in one consistent, on-brand experience.

2 Veeqo

Veeqo is unique: acquired by Amazon in 2021 and relaunched as the free shipping and inventory solution for Amazon sellers. The catch: it's free because Amazon uses it to deepen seller reliance on their ecosystem.​

For Amazon sellers, Veeqo integrates directly with Amazon's negotiated shipping rates, eliminating the need for external rate shopping. It also syncs inventory in real-time across Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Shopify, and Walmart from a single interface.

The free model is only sustainable for Amazon sellers; multi-channel sellers benefit less because Amazon rates aren't competitive outside the Amazon ecosystem.

Key features

• One-click order management: Import orders from Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon; print labels in one click
• Real-time rate comparison: Compares major carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx)
• Negotiated carrier rates: Access to exclusive rates without negotiating individually
• Free tier: Limited to print-and-ship workflow
• Simple automation: Basic rules (e.g., always use FedEx, always overnight) without complex conditional logic
• Batch label printing: Print multiple labels at once; thermal label printer support

3. ShipWorks

ShipWorks is the specialist for retailers managing multiple sales channels simultaneously. Purpose-built for multi-channel complexity, ShipWorks centralizes order data from Amazon, eBay, Shopify, BigCommerce, Walmart, and other marketplaces into one dashboard, then applies unified shipping logic across all channels.​

The platform's core strength is its automation rules engine: you define conditions (weight-based shipping method, order destination, carrier preference, warehouse location) and ShipWorks automatically executes those rules across thousands of daily orders without manual intervention.

Key features

• 70+ native marketplace integrations: Amazon, eBay, Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, WooCommerce, Walmart, Channel Advisor, Etsy
• Automation rules engine: Define weight-based profiles, carrier assignments, warehouse routing; executes automatically across 1000s of orders daily
• Batch label printing: Print 100+ labels in one action; supports thermal and on-demand label printers
• Carrier connectivity: FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS, GlobalPost, OnTrac, Amazon Logistics integration
• Warehouse WMS integration: ODBC and API connectivity to warehouse management systems for inventory-aware shipping
• Consolidation logic: Can consolidate orders to same destination to reduce overall shipping cost
• API and file import: Custom integrations via API or file import (CSV, EDI) for non-standard platforms

4. Shippo

Shippo is built on a singular principle: shipping optimization is fundamentally about rate comparison. The platform strips away feature creep and focuses relentlessly on one problem: which carrier offers the best combination of price, speed, and reliability for this specific shipment?​

Shippo also enables return labels at zero upfront cost (customer only pays if carrier actually scans the return), which is a unique incentive structure that encourages returns without increasing merchant cost.

Key features

• Real-time rate comparison: Queries 40+ carriers simultaneously; returns ranked options (cheapest, fastest, best value)
• Free tier: 50 shipments/month at zero cost
• Return label generation: Zero upfront cost; customer pays only if carrier scans (reduces return barrier)
• API-first architecture: Designed for developers; easy integration into custom systems
• Live label printing: Print directly from Shippo dashboard or via API
• Carrier negotiations: Access to negotiated rates for high-volume customers

5. EasyShip

EasyShip is a strong alternative to ShipStation for brands focused on international growth. Its core strength is global shipping, connecting merchants to more than 550 courier services worldwide—well beyond the coverage most platforms offer.

EasyShip brings tax, duty, and tariff calculations directly into the checkout experience. When a customer enters their shipping address, the platform calculates the full landed cost in real time, including shipping, import duties, taxes, and handling fees, so shoppers see transparent pricing upfront.

Key features

• 550+ courier services: Access to FedEx, UPS, DHL plus regional specialists in every major market
• Up to 91% shipping discounts: Direct carrier negotiations for high-volume customers
• Dynamic rates at checkout: Real-time calculation of shipping + taxes + duties; 30% conversion lift documented
• Import duty & tax calculation: Integrated tax engine (IOSS-compliant for EU, CBSA for Canada, etc.)
• Smart box sizing: Automatically recommends optimal box size to prevent overweight charges

6. AfterShip

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. This alternative to Shipstations connects to 824+ carriers (more than any competitor) not to optimize shipping cost, but to deliver unified tracking visibility regardless of carrier.

Key features

• 824+ carrier support: Highest carrier coverage in the industry; covers every major and regional carrier globally
• Dynamic tracking pages: Fully customizable tracking portal with brand colors, logos, custom messaging per shipment status
• Proactive notifications: SMS, email, push notifications at key milestones (shipped, out for delivery, delivered)
• Modular product architecture: Tracking, Shipping, Returns sold separately; build your own stack
• Branded customer dashboard: Show customer their orders, tracking, and returns in one place

7. ShippingEasy

ShippingEasy is the lightweight alternative to Shippo: dead simple, affordable, feature-minimal. Where Shippo emphasizes API flexibility and rate intelligence, ShippingEasy emphasizes ease-of-use and affordability. The platform handles essentials: compare rates across carriers, generate labels, print them. It's designed for small business owners who want shipping software but don't want to think about it.

Key features

• One-click order management: Import orders from Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon; print labels in one click
• Real-time rate comparison: Compares major carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx)
• Negotiated carrier rates: Access to exclusive rates without negotiating individually
• Free tier: Limited to print-and-ship workflow
• Simple automation: Basic rules (e.g., always use FedEx, always overnight) without complex conditional logic
• Batch label printing: Print multiple labels at once; thermal label printer support

8. Sendcloud

Sendcloud is a European-focused shipping and returns management platform that emphasizes data intelligence over feature breadth. Rather than simply printing labels, Sendcloud acts as an advisor: it tracks actual shipping costs per carrier, identifies which carriers perform best by geography and shipment weight, detects cost anomalies, and recommends carrier swaps before they hurt profitability.

Key features

• 160+ European carriers: DB Schenker, Dachser, DPD, GLS, PostNord, DHL, FedEx, and regional specialists
• Real-time cost monitoring: Shows actual cost per shipment vs. budgeted cost; alerts on unexpected price increases
• WhatsApp tracking notifications: €0.12/message (cheaper than support calls for WISMO—"Where Is My Order"—inquiries)
• TikTok Shop auto-import: Automatic order import from TikTok Shop (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK)
• Free tier available: 100 shipments/month on Lite plan; scales to enterprise

9. ShippyPro

ShippyPro helps teams coordinate label creation, tracking, returns, and carrier performance from a unified interface. With support for more than 180 carriers and 80+ sales channels, it’s designed for mid-market and enterprise businesses that need visibility and control across complex, multi-channel shipping operations.

Key features

• Multi-carrier connectivity: 180+ carriers and 80+ sales channels (Shopify, Magento, marketplaces, ERPs) in a single platform.​
• Label Creator: Automated label generation, bulk label creation, and carrier rate comparison to select the best option per shipment.​
• Shipping Rules: Custom shipping rules to route orders by carrier, service level, country, weight, or channel, reducing manual decisions.​
• Track & Trace: Real-time tracking across all integrated carriers with branded, multilingual tracking pages and proactive delivery notifications via email/SMS/WhatsApp.​
• Easy Return / Return Portal: Customisable return portal with rule-based workflows to automate reverse logistics and collect structured return reasons.

10. Narvar

Narvar focuses entirely on the post-purchase journey, working alongside your existing shipping setup. It layers on top of your carriers and fulfillment tools to shape everything that happens after checkout—from tracking and delivery updates to returns and customer communication. It also streamlines delivery claims, helping brands stay proactive, consistent, and on-brand throughout the entire post-purchase experience.

Key features

• AI-powered delivery estimates: Predicts exact delivery date based on carrier, route, historical performance
• Personalized tracking pages: Customize content, messaging, and recommendations per customer segment
• Returns + exchange automation: Auto-generate return labels, manage refund workflow, flag fraud
• Delivery claim management: Handle lost/damaged shipments, process shipping insurance
• Product recommendations: Show relevant products during tracking experience (upsell opportunity)

11. ClickPost

ClickPost is a transportation management specialist focused on the USA domestic market. The platform excels at carrier assignment rules: based on order attributes (weight, destination, service level), ClickPost automatically assigns the optimal carrier and service level.​ The platform is practical for USA-India only operations with complex routing logic but lacks global reach and returns focus that modern platforms typically offer.

Key features

• Carrier assignment rules: Define custom logic (weight-based, destination-based, carrier preference)
• Tracking portal: Branded tracking page with customizable notifications
• Return management: Basic returns workflow; customer can initiate return via portal
• Notifications: SMS, email, push notifications at key milestones
• Label printing: Generate and print shipping labels in batch
• USA carriers: USPS, UPS, FedEx integration (USA domestic focus)

12. nShift

nShift is an enterprise-grade fulfillment platform designed specifically for large European retailers. Instead of treating checkout delivery as an add-on, nShift builds delivery options directly into the purchase flow, so customers choose how and when they want their order as part of the buying experience. The platform connects with over 1,000 carriers across Europe and integrates deeply with major ERP systems, giving retailers strong visibility into inventory and fulfillment operations.

Key features

• 1,000+ European carriers: Budbee, Instabox, DPD, GLS, PostNord, Bring, DHL, FedEx, regional specialists
• Checkout integration: Embedded delivery options (standard, express, pickup points, lockers, in-store)
• Warehouse optimization: Route orders to nearest warehouse based on delivery preference and inventory
• nShift Returns: Unified returns management with cross-border support
• Emissions tracking: Carbon footprint calculation per shipment (regulatory compliance, reporting)

13. Shipup

Shipup is a premium delivery experience platform that started in France and is now expanding across Europe. Its standout feature is Smart Delivery Estimate, which gives shoppers a clear, specific delivery date at checkout. Rather than a broad time window, customers see something like “Your order will arrive on Wednesday, January 8.”

Key features

• Smart Delivery Estimate: Machine learning predicts exact delivery date at checkout (not a range)
• Branded tracking portal: Modern, customizable tracking page with brand identity
• Incident detection: Proactive alerts if delivery is delayed or at-risk
• WhatsApp notifications: €0.04/message for delivery status updates (vs. €0.12 at Sendcloud)
• Courier integration: 50+ carriers across France and Europe
• Returns management: Streamlined returns workflow with tracking

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 2026?

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.