When running an online store, shipping costs and efficiency can make or break your business.
Two of the most popular shipping solutions for Shopify merchants today are Shippo and Shopify Shipping.
Both platforms offer discounted carrier rates, label printing, tracking, and automation — but how do they compare when it comes to pricing, flexibility, and real-time shipping rates?
In this guide, we’ll break down Shippo vs Shopify shipping rates, compare their features side-by-side, and help you decide which solution is right for your store.
Key Comparison: Shippo vs Shopify Shipping Rates
Here’s a breakdown of how both systems calculate and display rates:
| Feature | Shopify Shipping | Shippo |
|---|---|---|
| Base Integration | Built directly into Shopify | Third-party app (connects via API) |
| Carriers Supported | USPS, UPS, DHL Express, Canada Post | 85+ global carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.) |
| Discounted Rates | Up to 88% off (depending on plan) | Up to 90% off (depending on carrier) |
| Real-Time Checkout Rates | Yes (Shopify Advanced or Plus plans) | Yes (via API or plugin) |
| Label Printing | Inside Shopify | Inside Shippo dashboard or via app |
| International Shipping | Supported | Supported (with more carriers) |
| Tracking Notifications | Automatic | Automatic + customizable emails |
| Batch Label Printing | Yes | Yes (more advanced options) |
| Pricing | Free to use (pay only for labels) | Free up to 50 labels/month, then $10+ |
| API Access | For developers on Shopify Plus | Full API access for all users |
Shipping Rates Comparison: Real Example (U.S. Orders)
Let’s compare real sample rates (as of 2025) for domestic U.S. shipping:
| Carrier & Service | Shopify Shipping Rate | Shippo Rate |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Priority Mail (2 lb package) | $8.20 | $8.10 |
| UPS Ground (3 lb package) | $9.90 | $9.75 |
| DHL Express (1 lb, international) | $34.50 | $33.80 |
| FedEx 2-Day (2 lb package) | Not available by default | $18.40 |
💡 Insight:
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Shippo often offers slightly lower rates due to direct carrier partnerships.
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However, Shopify Shipping integrates faster (no setup) and automatically syncs rates and tracking.
Features Breakdown
⚙️ 1. Integration & Ease of Use
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Shopify Shipping: 100% native — no installation or configuration needed. Everything happens in your Shopify admin.
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Shippo: Requires an API key or app connection but supports multiple platforms (ideal if you sell on multiple channels).
➡️ Verdict: Shopify Shipping wins for simplicity.
💵 2. Discounts and Shipping Rates
Both offer discounted rates, but Shippo sometimes beats Shopify slightly in total cost for certain carriers (especially international).
However, Shopify Shipping discounts increase with higher plans:
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Basic → up to 77%
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Shopify → up to 85%
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Advanced/Plus → up to 88%
➡️ Verdict: Shippo wins for international + multi-carrier flexibility.
🌎 3. Carrier Coverage
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Shopify Shipping: Limited to carriers officially supported by Shopify (mostly US, Canada, Australia).
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Shippo: Supports over 85 global carriers, including Aramex, Purolator, Australia Post, Sendle, Royal Mail, and more.
➡️ Verdict: Shippo clearly wins for international merchants.
🧾 4. Label Printing and Batch Processing
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Shopify: You can print labels directly from the Orders page.
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Shippo: Offers advanced batch printing for hundreds of labels at once, ideal for high-volume sellers.
➡️ Verdict: Shippo wins for enterprise-level fulfillment.
🔔 5. Tracking and Notifications
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Shopify: Automatically updates tracking numbers and sends customer notifications.
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Shippo: Does the same but adds branded tracking pages and custom notification templates.
➡️ Verdict: Shippo offers more customization.
🧩 6. API and Automation
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Shopify Shipping: Basic automation built-in (print labels, fulfill orders).
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Shippo: Full developer-friendly Shipping API to automate rate comparison, fulfillment, and returns.
➡️ Verdict: Shippo wins for developers and tech-savvy merchants.
💰 7. Pricing Model
| Plan | Shopify Shipping | Shippo |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Included | Free (50 labels/month) |
| Paid Plan | No subscription fees | $10/month (for more labels) |
| Transaction Fees | Pay per label | Pay per label (same model) |
| Additional Features | Free with higher plans | Paid upgrades (Advanced, Premier) |
➡️ Verdict: Shopify Shipping wins for simplicity, Shippo for scalability.
Real-Time Shipping Rates: Which Is Better?
The keyword here — Shippo vs Shopify shipping rates — centers on real-time rate accuracy and flexibility.
Shopify Shipping:
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Real-time rates are available only on the Advanced and Plus plans.
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You must enable “Carrier-calculated shipping” or use a third-party app.
Shippo:
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Provides real-time rates across all plans.
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You can compare multiple carriers instantly and choose the cheapest option.
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Ideal for multi-warehouse or multi-country setups.
➡️ Verdict: Shippo offers better flexibility for real-time rate comparison.
When to Use Shopify Shipping
You should stick with Shopify Shipping if:
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You operate mainly in the U.S. or Canada.
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You use USPS, UPS, or DHL Express primarily.
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You want a simple, built-in solution with no extra logins or learning curve.
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You’re on a higher Shopify plan (for better discounts).
✅ Pros
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No setup required
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Free to use
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Deep Shopify integration
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Automatic fulfillment and tracking
❌ Cons
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Limited carrier options
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Real-time rates locked to higher plans
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No multi-channel capability
When to Use Shippo
Choose Shippo if:
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You ship internationally or use regional carriers.
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You sell on multiple platforms (eBay, Amazon, WooCommerce, etc.).
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You want API access and automation.
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You need advanced rate rules and batch processing.
✅ Pros
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Supports 85+ carriers
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Real-time rate comparison
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API-friendly
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Custom tracking and returns
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Strong international coverage
❌ Cons
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Requires setup and connection
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Slightly steeper learning curve
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Some advanced features cost extra
Summary: Shippo vs Shopify Shipping Rates
| Feature | Shopify Shipping | Shippo |
|---|---|---|
| Integration | Built-in | Third-party |
| Carriers | 5–7 major carriers | 85+ global carriers |
| Real-Time Rates | Advanced plan only | All plans |
| API Access | Limited | Full developer API |
| Automation | Basic | Advanced |
| Global Shipping | Limited | Excellent |
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Moderate |
| Best For | U.S.-based merchants | Global / multi-channel sellers |
When it comes to Shippo vs Shopify shipping rates, the choice depends on your business model.
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If you want simplicity, built-in support, and automation, Shopify Shipping is the better option.
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If you need multi-carrier flexibility, global reach, and real-time comparison, Shippo gives you more power and control.
Both platforms can help reduce costs and streamline fulfillment — it all comes down to your scale and shipping needs.
For most small-to-medium Shopify stores, Shopify Shipping is perfect.
But if you’re expanding internationally or shipping thousands of packages monthly, Shippo is the smarter investment.