ShipWave vs ShipStation: Full Comparison (2025)

ShipStation is the industry veteran with 100+ integrations—but monthly subscriptions start at $9.99 and quickly scale to $99.99+ with volume tiers and overage fees. ShipWave offers comparable core features with zero monthly fees and unlimited shipments.

Bottom line: For most e-commerce sellers, ShipWave delivers better value with simpler pricing. ShipStation only makes sense if you need their extensive automation rules or obscure integrations.

Here's what you'll actually pay each year based on shipping volume:

Plus carrier savings: ShipWave's USPS Commercial Plus rates (54% off) beat ShipStation's Commercial rates (40% off). On a typical Priority Mail label, that's an extra $1.50-3.00 saved per package.

ShipWave exclusive features:

• AI Billing Dispute Detection: Automatically catches dimensional weight overbilling, late deliveries, and surcharge errors. Files refunds for you—saves $100s to $1000s/year.
• Insurance Claims Automation: Auto-detects lost/damaged packages and files claims with tracking.
• Amazon Consumer Dropship: Fulfill orders from Amazon's consumer marketplace with gift messaging.

Before choosing ShipStation, understand the common complaints:

• Overage fees trap: Exceed your plan's shipment limit and get charged $0.05-0.10 per extra label. A sudden sales spike can cost you hundreds unexpectedly.
• Confusing tier system: Features are scattered across 6+ pricing tiers. Basic features like automation require $59.99+ plans.
• Phone support paywall: Need to talk to someone? Phone support starts at the $99.99/month Premium plan.
• Steep learning curve: 1-2 weeks to learn the interface. Many menus and options create complexity.
• Carrier rate lock-in: Only 40% off USPS (Commercial rates) vs 54% off with competitors using Commercial Plus.
• UX complaints: Users report the interface feels dated and can be slow, especially during peak seasons.

ShipWave alternative: Unlimited shipments, no overages, no tiers, deeper discounts, 5-minute setup.

Both platforms offer shipping automation, but with different approaches:

ShipStation Automation Rules:

• Assign carriers based on weight, destination, or order tags
• Auto-select cheapest carrier meeting requirements
• Apply package presets and shipping profiles
• Trigger actions based on SKU or custom fields
• Complex multi-condition rules (requires Standard+ plan)

ShipWave Automation:

• Automatic rate comparison across all carriers
• One-click cheapest option selection
• Batch processing for bulk shipments
• Auto order sync from all connected stores
• Carrier optimization by cost and speed
• All automation included free

Verdict: ShipStation's automation is more customizable for complex workflows. ShipWave's automation handles 90%+ of use cases and is included free (vs $59.99+/month for ShipStation automation).

ShipStation (100+ integrations): Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, Wish, QuickBooks, Ordoro, and many niche platforms.

ShipWave (10+ integrations): Shopify (native + checkout rates), WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Etsy, eBay, Amazon (including MCF and Dropship).

ShipStation wins on quantity—but does it matter?

• 95%+ of sellers use platforms ShipWave already supports
• ShipWave's Shopify integration is deeper (checkout rates that ShipStation lacks)
• ShipWave's Amazon integration is deeper (MCF + consumer dropship fulfillment)
• If you need a specific niche integration, check if ShipStation has it

Choose ShipWave if you:

• Want to eliminate monthly subscription fees entirely
• Ship primarily within the US
• Need simple, fast label creation without complexity
• Want the deepest USPS discounts available (54% vs 40%)
• Prefer straightforward pricing without volume tiers
• Run a Shopify store and want native checkout integration
• Value automated billing dispute detection and refund recovery
• Use or want to use Amazon MCF or dropship fulfillment

ShipWave is ideal for: Small-to-medium e-commerce businesses, Etsy/eBay sellers, Shopify stores, and anyone tired of paying monthly fees for shipping software.

Choose ShipStation if you:

• Need complex, multi-condition automation rules
• Require specific niche integrations (Walmart, Wish, ERP systems)
• Have a dedicated shipping team that needs advanced features
• Ship internationally with 40+ different carriers
• Need phone support and can afford the $99.99+/month plan
• Already invested in ShipStation workflows and training

ShipStation is best for established businesses with complex multi-channel operations who can justify $60-150+/month in subscription fees for advanced automation.

Many businesses switch to ShipWave to eliminate subscription fees. Here's how:

1. Create free ShipWave account (takes 2 minutes)
2. Connect your selling channels (Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Etsy)
3. Export addresses from ShipStation (Settings → Addresses → Export)
4. Import to ShipWave or let store sync handle it
5. Run both platforms for 1 week to compare
6. Cancel ShipStation when confident

Annual savings: $360-$1,800+ depending on your ShipStation plan, plus carrier savings from deeper discounts.