Shipping is one of the most critical components of running an online store. Beyond the product and customer experience, the cost of shipping directly affects your profit margins and conversion rates. Two of the most popular solutions in the eCommerce shipping landscape are Shopify Shipping and ShipStation.

Both offer discounted carrier rates, label printing, tracking, and order management — but they differ significantly in pricing, features, integrations, and scalability.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the differences between ShipStation vs Shopify Shipping rates, explore their shipping discounts, features, ease of use, and help you decide which fits your business best.

What Is Shopify Shipping?

Shopify Shipping is Shopify’s built-in shipping solution that allows merchants to manage the entire fulfillment process directly from the Shopify admin dashboard.

Key Features of Shopify Shipping

• Access to discounted rates from major carriers (USPS, UPS, DHL Express, Canada Post).

• Print shipping labels directly within Shopify.

• Automatically update customers with tracking numbers.

• Integrate shipping costs directly at checkout.

• Manage domestic and international shipping without leaving your Shopify store.

Pros

• No extra cost beyond your Shopify plan.

• Simple setup — no third-party integration required.

• Pre-negotiated discounts on major carriers.

• Automatic tracking updates for customers.

Cons

• Only available in selected countries (mainly U.S., Canada, Australia).

• Limited customization for workflows and automation.

• Restricted carrier options outside Shopify’s network.

• No multi-channel shipping management.

Shopify Shipping is best for small to mid-sized Shopify sellers who primarily operate within Shopify’s ecosystem and want an easy, low-cost way to handle shipping.

What Is ShipStation?

ShipStation is a dedicated shipping management software designed for multi-channel sellers. It integrates with various sales platforms — including Shopify, Amazon, eBay, WooCommerce, Etsy, and more — to centralize order fulfillment and streamline operations.

Key Features of ShipStation

• Integrates with 100+ eCommerce platforms and marketplaces.

• Access to discounted rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL Express, and others.

• Bulk label printing and automated workflows.

• Advanced inventory and warehouse management tools.

• Supports custom branding (branded tracking pages, emails, packing slips).

• Global shipping support and customs form automation.

Pros

• Handles complex shipping operations efficiently.

• Multi-channel integration and scalability.

• Advanced automation rules (e.g., choose carrier by weight or region).

• Strong international shipping support.

Cons

• Monthly subscription required (starting from $9.99/month).

• Slight learning curve for new users.

• Can be overkill for small stores or Shopify-only sellers.

ShipStation is ideal for growing or enterprise-level businesses that manage high shipping volumes or multiple online channels.

ShipStation vs Shopify Shipping Rates: Detailed Comparison

Let’s explore the most important aspect — shipping rates and discounts.

Carrier Discounts

💡 Quick insight:
Both platforms offer competitive discounts, but ShipStation provides more flexibility in carrier choice — especially if you work with FedEx, regional carriers, or international shipping providers.

Example Shipping Rate Comparison (2025 Estimate)

👉 Verdict: The rate difference between the two is relatively small per order, but at scale (hundreds or thousands of orders), ShipStation can save you a noticeable amount — especially for international or high-volume shipping.

Pricing Comparison (Software Cost)

Shopify Shipping

• Included with Shopify plans (Basic, Shopify, Advanced).

• No extra monthly fee for using Shopify Shipping.

• Pay only for the cost of shipping labels.

• Shopify Plus users may access custom carrier accounts for even better rates.

ShipStation

• Paid software, starting from $9.99/month.

• Plans scale based on the number of shipments per month.

• Custom enterprise pricing for large businesses.

• 30-day free trial available.

💡 Tip: If your Shopify store processes fewer than 100 orders/month, Shopify Shipping is more cost-effective. If you ship 500+ orders/month or across multiple channels, ShipStation’s monthly fee is easily justified by automation and time savings.

Ease of Use and Integration

Shopify Shipping is plug-and-play. You can start shipping immediately after setting up your Shopify store. ShipStation, meanwhile, requires connecting your Shopify account and configuring carriers — but offers much deeper control once set up.

Choosing between ShipStation vs Shopify Shipping depends on your store’s size, goals, and fulfillment complexity.

If you’re just starting out or sell exclusively on Shopify, stick with Shopify Shipping — it’s free, fast, and beginner-friendly.

But if your business ships large volumes, manages multiple channels, or needs robust automation, ShipStation will pay for itself through time savings and operational efficiency.

No matter which tool you pick, remember: the best shipping strategy balances cost, speed, and reliability — ensuring your customers get their orders quickly, affordably, and with a smile.