ShipWave Alternatives & Comparisons
Not sure which shipping platform to choose? Compare ShipWave to Shippo, ShipStation, Pirate Ship, and other popular alternatives.
Quick Summary: How ShipWave Compares
Free to use
No monthly fees, no minimum volume
Up to 54% off USPS
Commercial Plus pricing on all shipments
4 major carriers
USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL in one platform
Real-time rate comparison
See all options side-by-side instantly
ShipWave vs. Competitors
In-depth comparisons showing pricing, features, integrations, and which platform is best for different use cases.
Migration Guides
Ready to switch? Follow our step-by-step guides to migrate from your current shipping platform to ShipWave.
Stamps.com to ShipWave
Move to modern, multi-carrier labels with minimal friction.
USPS Click‑N‑Ship to ShipWave
Move to multi-carrier labels without disruption.
Shippo to ShipWave
A simple plan to switch with minimal downtime.
Pirate Ship to ShipWave
Move your workflow without disruption.
ShipStation to ShipWave
Step-by-step migration plan to eliminate subscription fees while improving carrier rates.
EasyPost to ShipWave
Move from API‑centric to fast label workflows with minimal disruption.
Feature Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | ShipWave | Shippo | ShipStation | Pirate Ship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0-$200+ | $9.99-$229.99 | $0 |
| USPS Commercial Rates | ||||
| UPS Access | ||||
| FedEx Access | ||||
| DHL Access | ||||
| No Volume Minimum |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is ShipWave really free?
Yes, ShipWave is completely free to use. There are no monthly fees, no setup costs, and no minimum shipping volumes. You only pay for the shipping labels you purchase, at discounted commercial rates up to 54% off retail pricing.
How does ShipWave compare to paid platforms like ShipStation?
ShipStation charges $9.99-$229.99/month depending on your plan and shipment volume. ShipWave offers similar carrier access and rate comparison features at no monthly cost. For businesses shipping less than 500 packages/month, ShipWave can save hundreds in platform fees while providing equivalent shipping discounts.
Which shipping platform has the best rates?
Most shipping platforms (ShipWave, Shippo, ShipStation, Pirate Ship) offer similar USPS Commercial Plus rates because they're all accessing the same carrier pricing tiers. The difference is in platform fees, carrier coverage, and user experience. ShipWave offers access to all four major carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL) with no monthly fees.
Can I switch from my current platform to ShipWave?
Yes, switching is straightforward. Most users complete the migration in under a day. We have detailed migration guides for switching from Shippo, ShipStation, Pirate Ship, and other platforms. Your tracking numbers and shipping history stay valid regardless of which platform created them.
Why doesn't Pirate Ship have FedEx?
Pirate Ship focuses on USPS and UPS only. If you need FedEx services (FedEx Ground, Express, SmartPost), you'll need a platform like ShipWave that includes FedEx in its carrier network. This is particularly important for heavier packages where FedEx Ground often beats USPS and UPS pricing.