Pirate Ship vs ShipStation: Complete Platform Comparison
Pirate Ship is free with the best USPS rates. ShipStation costs $9.99-229/mo but offers automation and multi-carrier support.
Should I use Pirate Ship or ShipStation?
Use Pirate Ship if you primarily ship via USPS and want free software. Use ShipStation if you ship 500+ orders/month or need multi-carrier rate shopping and advanced automation.
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Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
Pirate Ship monthly fee
ShipStation: $9.99-229/month
USPS Ground Advantage (2 lb)
ShipStation: $7.80 (same rate)
500 shipments/month
ShipStation: $49.99/month (Professional)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Pirate Ship: Free and Simple
Pros
- ✓Completely free—no monthly fees ever
- ✓Best USPS commercial rates available
- ✓UPS rates now available
- ✓Simple, clean interface
- ✓Cubic pricing for small dense packages
Cons
- ✗Limited automation features
- ✗Fewer marketplace integrations
- ✗No FedEx or DHL
- ✗Basic reporting
ShipStation: Feature-Rich Automation
Pros
- ✓Multi-carrier rate shopping
- ✓Advanced automation rules
- ✓100+ integrations
- ✓Branded tracking pages
- ✓Detailed analytics
Cons
- ✗Monthly fees ($9.99-229)
- ✗Learning curve for advanced features
- ✗Same USPS rates as free platforms
Pro Tips to Save More
Start with Pirate Ship, Graduate Later
Most new sellers should start with Pirate Ship. It is free, has great rates, and handles simple needs well.
ShipStation Pays Off at Volume
ShipStation automation saves ~30 seconds per order. At 500+ orders/month, that saves 4+ hours monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, Pirate Ship is 100% free with no monthly fees, no markup on postage, and no volume minimums.
- USPS commercial rates are identical on both platforms. Choose based on features, not USPS rate promises.
Partnered with Leading Shipping Companies
We work with all major carriers to bring you the best rates and service options.
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Real-Time Rates
Live pricing from all carriers updated continuously for accuracy.
Volume Discounts
The more you ship, the more you save with our tiered pricing.
Customer Support
24/7 support to help with all your shipping questions and needs.
Related Shipping Guides
Pirate Ship offers the exact same USPS rates as Stamps.com—completely free. See why thousands switch from paying $19.99/month.
ShipStation vs Shippo: Complete Shipping Platform ShowdownShipStation excels at automation and integrations. Shippo offers simpler pricing with pay-per-label options.
How to Get the Cheapest USPS Shipping RatesCommercial USPS rates save 10-40% vs retail. Use the right service for each package and access commercial pricing through free platforms.
Shippo vs EasyPost: Which Shipping API Is Right for Developers?Both offer excellent shipping APIs, but Shippo is easier to start while EasyPost handles more complex enterprise needs.
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Saved $2,400Handmade Crafts Co.
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Saved $1,800Boutique Fashion
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