ShipWave vs Pirate Ship: Full Comparison (2025)

Both ShipWave and Pirate Ship are 100% free shipping platforms with no monthly fees. The real differences are in carrier options and features.

*Percentages vary by service. Actual USPS/UPS costs are nearly identical between platforms.

Key difference: If you ever need FedEx or DHL, ShipWave is your only option. If you're USPS/UPS-only, both work great.

This is where ShipWave and Pirate Ship diverge significantly:

Why FedEx matters:

• FedEx Ground can beat UPS/USPS on business-to-business addresses
• Some remote areas have better FedEx coverage
• Time-definite delivery guarantees
• Customers sometimes request specific carriers

Why DHL matters:

• Often the cheapest/fastest for international packages over 1 lb
• Better tracking and customs handling than USPS International
• Essential for serious international e-commerce

ShipWave exclusive features:

• AI Billing Dispute Detection: Catches dimensional weight overbilling and late deliveries. Auto-files refunds.
• Insurance Claims Automation: Detects lost/damaged shipments and files claims automatically.
• Amazon MCF + Dropship: Use Amazon's fulfillment network or consumer marketplace for fulfillment.

Pirate Ship's integration limitation: Works best for Etsy sellers. Shopify integration is import-only (no checkout rates). No Amazon or BigCommerce support.

ShipWave advantage: Full integrations across major platforms, including Shopify checkout rates that let customers see shipping options at checkout.

Pirate Ship is a solid free option, but has some limitations to consider:

• No FedEx: If a package is cheaper via FedEx, you can't access it. No FedEx for business addresses where Ground often wins.
• No DHL: International shipping limited to USPS services only. DHL Express is often faster/cheaper for packages over 1 lb.
• Limited integrations: No Amazon integration. Shopify is import-only (no checkout rates). No BigCommerce.
• No automation rules: Can't auto-assign carriers or create shipping workflows.
• Pirate branding: The playful theme doesn't fit all businesses. Customer-facing elements have pirate imagery.
• Basic feature set: Intentionally simple—which is good for some, limiting for growing businesses.

When these matter: If you're growing beyond Etsy, need FedEx/DHL options, or want automation, ShipWave offers more flexibility.

Choose ShipWave if you:

• Sell on Shopify and want native checkout rates
• Need FedEx or DHL as carrier options
• Sell on multiple platforms (Amazon, eBay, BigCommerce)
• Want automation rules for shipping workflows
• Need API access for custom development
• Want professional branding (no pirate theme)
• Value automated billing dispute detection
• Plan to scale beyond basic shipping needs

ShipWave is better for: Growing e-commerce businesses, multi-channel sellers, Shopify stores, and anyone who might need FedEx or international DHL.

Choose Pirate Ship if you:

• Only ship USPS and occasionally UPS (never need FedEx/DHL)
• Primarily sell on Etsy
• Prefer the simplest possible interface
• Like the pirate brand aesthetic
• Use "Simple Export Rate" for lightweight USPS international
• Have basic needs with no growth plans
• Manually enter most orders (don't need deep integrations)

Pirate Ship is great for: Casual sellers, Etsy-focused shops, and anyone who only needs USPS/UPS without extra features.

Since both platforms are 100% free with no contracts:

1. Sign up for both (takes 5 minutes each)
2. Compare rates on identical shipments (they'll be similar for USPS/UPS)
3. Test the workflow and see which feels faster
4. Use both simultaneously if you want
5. Primary one for daily shipping, other as backup

Our recommendation: Try ShipWave first since it has everything Pirate Ship offers plus FedEx, DHL, better integrations, and automation. If you find you never need those extras, Pirate Ship is a solid alternative.