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Software · head to head

ShipStation vs AfterShip

ShipStation logo

ShipStation

Software

Multichannel order fulfillment software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
AfterShip logo

AfterShip

Software

Shipment tracking and logistics platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: ShipStation pricing is banded by monthly shipment volume, so the headline rate covers only the lowest 50 shipment band; AfterShip paid tracking tiers as captured 16 November 2024 were priced at $9, $99, and $199 per month with per-extra-shipment overage fees of $0.08 (lower tiers) or $0.12 (Premium plan)
  • They diverge on capability: ShipStation covers Multichannel order management, AfterShip covers Shipment tracking.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ShipStation and AfterShip actually diverge.

Attributes where ShipStation and AfterShip differ
AttributeShipStationAfterShip
PlatformsWebWeb, Mobile

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (subscription), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (2011).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in ShipStation

  • Multichannel order management
  • Batch label printing
  • Shipping automation
  • International shipping
  • Return management
  • Customer communication
  • Carrier integration
  • Real-time tracking

Only in AfterShip

  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-carrier
  • Returns management
  • Analytics
  • Shopify
  • WooCommerce
  • Email
  • Encryption

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

ShipStation

  • Printing shipping labels across multiple carriersnot AfterShip
  • Importing orders from marketplaces and stores for fulfilmentnot AfterShip
  • Automating shipping rules and batch label creationnot AfterShip

AfterShip

  • Shippingnot ShipStation
  • Returns trackingnot ShipStation

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

ShipStation

  • Pricing is banded by monthly shipment volume, so the headline rate covers only the lowest 50 shipment band
  • The Starter plan includes 3 users and does not allow buying additional users
  • Bringing your own carrier accounts and unlimited automations require the Standard plan
  • Purchase orders, scan to receive, forecasting and pick to tote require the Premium plan at $349.99 per month
  • Custom analytics and dedicated implementation are Premium only
  • The advertised 20% saving requires annual billing

AfterShip

  • Paid tracking tiers as captured 16 November 2024 were priced at $9, $99, and $199 per month with per-extra-shipment overage fees of $0.08 (lower tiers) or $0.12 (Premium plan)

Pricing, plan by plan

ShipStation

Free
  • StarterFree
    • Up to 50 shipments/month
    • 1 user account
    • Basic reporting
  • Professional$49.95/month
    • Unlimited shipments
    • Up to 10 user accounts
    • Advanced automation

AfterShip

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Basic tracking
    • Limited shipments
  • Professional$99/month
    • Advanced features
    • Unlimited shipments

Which should you pick?

Choose ShipStation if

  • You need multichannel order management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want batch label printing.
ShipStation review

Choose AfterShip if

  • You need shipment tracking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want multi-carrier.
AfterShip review

Questions people ask

Is ShipStation or AfterShip better?
Neither clearly leads. ShipStation starts at Free and AfterShip at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ShipStation or AfterShip?
ShipStation starts at Free and AfterShip at Free.
Does ShipStation or AfterShip run on more platforms?
ShipStation runs on Web. AfterShip runs on Web, Mobile.
Can I use ShipStation for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is ShipStation best used for?
ShipStation is most often used for printing shipping labels across multiple carriers, importing orders from marketplaces and stores for fulfilment, automating shipping rules and batch label creation. Of those, printing shipping labels across multiple carriers and importing orders from marketplaces and stores for fulfilment are not what AfterShip is typically brought in for.
What can ShipStation do that AfterShip cannot?
ShipStation covers Multichannel order management, Batch label printing, Shipping automation, International shipping. AfterShip covers Shipment tracking, Multi-carrier, Returns management, Analytics.
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Related pages

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