Stamps.com vs Pirate Ship

Easyship

ShipTime

Easyship is a cloud-based, all-in-one shipping platform which allows eCommerce businesses to manage domestic & international shipping through 250+ courier solutions

ShipTime is a shipment tracking software that helps businesses in the eCommerce sector compare and select freight carriers based on offered rates. The platform enables managers to automatically enter the ship-to location using the address lookup tool.

Pirate Ship

Pirate Ship is a cloud-based solution, which helps small businesses buy postage and print shipping labels fordomestic and international packages with USPS postage. It lets users purchase and print shipping labels in ZPL or PDF file format and share them with customers by generating a private link.

owner

The 1800- number for help is an overseas call center and nobody has the tech expertise to fix anything; they have to call someone else so you are waiting for them to ask someone else for answers.  

Executive Assistant

I kept having various issues with use, and the customer support would tell me they were aware of the issue, and then the issues weren't resolved months later so I stopped using stamps.com

Admin. Director

I also really appreciate the customer service and being able to speak right to a real person when I needed help, they were friendly and knowledgeable every time.

Firm Administrator

I most appreciate the consistent customer service experience and the clear communication and follow up from the Customer Support Team.

Stamps.com is an online postage purchasing & shipping label printing solution for small office mailers & online sellers to automate and track USPS shipping

Activity Dashboard

Air Shipping

Alerts/Notifications

Barcode/Ticket Scanning

CASS Certified

Customizable Branding

Customizable Forms

Data Import/Export

Delivery Management

Duplicate Management

eCommerce Management

Ground Shipping

Intelligent Mail Support

Inventory Management

Label Printing

Order Management

Package Tracking

Parcel Shipping

Real-Time Analytics

Real-Time Data

Real-Time Updates

Reporting & Statistics

Shipment Price Calculation

Shipment Tracking

Shipping Labels

Shipping Management

Warehouse Management

Reviews for Stamps.com come from a wide variety of industries, including retail (12% of reviewers), non-profit organization management (5%), and real estate (5%). The most frequent use case for Stamps.com cited by reviewers is shipping (86% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Some reviewers find Stamps.com affordable and cost-effective for high-volume mailers, and they appreciate discounted rates and flexible plans. However, many users report that the monthly fee is hard to justify for infrequent mailers, and they express concerns about unclear pricing and extra charges.

Value for money

Stamps.com is a shipping program with key features that include label printing, shipment price calculation, shipment tracking, parcel shipping, and more.

Stamps.com

Web-based

Windows

Shippo

ShipStation

PitneyShip

ShippingEasy

PayPal

Basic

Difficult subscription cancellation

Owner

The monthly fee was horrible and when I tried to cancel, there was no way to do it online.

97% of reviewers feel negative about Stamps.com's subscription cancellation process. Users report significant challenges when trying to cancel their accounts, including the inability to do so online, unresponsive customer service, and repeated charges after cancellation attempts. Some reviewers say they had to block charges through their bank or endure months of unwanted promotional emails and mailers. They find the process confusing, time-consuming, and frustrating, with some experiencing issues reclaiming account balances or removing payment information.

Cumbersome refund process

I requested a refund but was denied as Stamps.com stated the post office had a record of the postage being processed which was incorrect.

Founder

just about everything, the fact if you make an error or your printer jams you do not have the option to reprint and have to wait weeks for the refund on shipping VERY frustrating

71% of reviewers feel negative about Stamps.com's refund process. Users think obtaining refunds for misprinted or unused postage is tedious and slow, often requiring mailing in physical evidence and waiting weeks for resolution. Some reviewers report denied or delayed refunds, difficulty tracking refund status, and poor customer service responsiveness. They say printer errors or accidental purchases frequently lead to lost money, as the reprint option is often unavailable. Users find the overall process inefficient and inconvenient.

Problematic software updates

Office and Operations Manager

I had to delete and download the software on my computer several times before it would actually work.

54% of reviewers feel negative about Stamps.com's software updates. Users report that updates often introduce new bugs, cause system crashes, or disrupt normal operations. Some reviewers say updates lead to lost settings or data, require repeated logins, or make the interface less user-friendly. They mention difficulties with installation, compatibility issues across devices, and increased downtime. Users find that updates can complicate workflows and sometimes necessitate frequent troubleshooting or reinstallation.

Frequent software glitches

Communications Director 

Mac users often experiences clumsy updates and crashes when using the service.

69% of reviewers feel negative about Stamps.com's bugs and technical issues. Users report recurring glitches, crashes, and slow performance, especially during updates or when syncing with other software. Some reviewers say the software provides unclear error messages, making troubleshooting difficult. They mention frequent need to restart the application or contact support, which is often unhelpful. Users find the interface clunky and not always stable, with some experiencing lost data or problems reprinting postage after errors.

High and unclear pricing

59% of reviewers feel negative about Stamps.com's pricing. Users think the monthly subscription fee is expensive, especially for those with low or inconsistent mailing volumes. Some reviewers say the cost outweighs the benefits, and that similar services are available for free through other platforms. They mention frustration with hidden fees, lack of transparency about charges, and the need to pre-load funds. Users feel the value proposition is unclear, particularly for small businesses or infrequent users.

Significant time savings

94% of reviewers feel positive about Stamps.com's time saving benefits. Users think the software eliminates the need for trips to the post office, allowing them to handle all mailing and shipping tasks from home or the office. Reviewers indicate that saved addresses and presets further speed up their workflow. Some users say they save hours each week, making daily operations more efficient. They appreciate being able to access the platform 24/7, which fits into busy schedules. Users find the convenience especially valuable for businesses with frequent mailing needs.

Efficient mailing management

office mg

Being able to save time and complete all my mailing task from my desk makes for a more productive office.

82% of reviewers feel positive about Stamps.com's mailing features. Users report that the software makes it easy to manage large volumes of mail, import address lists, and handle various mailing services from one platform. Some reviewers find it especially useful for businesses with frequent or bulk mailings, as it saves time and reduces manual labor. They appreciate being able to track mail, access different mailing options, and complete tasks without leaving their desk, which improves productivity and office organization.

Simple and intuitive usage

President

The software was super simple to use and incorporate into my business.  

87% of reviewers feel positive about Stamps.com's ease of use. Users report that the platform is straightforward to learn, with clear step-by-step directions and an intuitive layout. Some reviewers find it easy to incorporate into daily business routines, even for those new to mailing software. They say the interface is self-explanatory and requires little to no training. Users appreciate that the software is accessible across different platforms and that most features are easy to locate and utilize, reducing the learning curve for new team members.

Flexible shipping solutions

85% of reviewers feel positive about Stamps.com's shipping capabilities. Users appreciate the integration with major e-commerce platforms, which streamlines order management and shipping processes. Some reviewers mention access to discounted shipping rates, multiple carrier options, and the ability to track shipments easily. They find features like batch importing, scheduling pickups, and automating shipping tasks particularly helpful for high-volume operations. Users value the convenience of managing all shipping needs in one place, which simplifies logistics and saves money.

Accounting Manager

Does require logging into a website instead of direct printing from a Pitney machine, and does have a cost for service.

Stamps is the leader in innovating such a moderately older concept of mailing services and brings a complete alternative to the table!

Administrative Assistant

We order postage from there and I love that they have a lot of other features and services to offer.

Pharmacist

Would also have been nice to be able to link to McKesson Enterprise pharmacy system so we don't have to change the address in both systems.

poor - I can't control my account because of the bug that won't allow me to be an administrator.  

Office Manager

For all of our daily postage needs the software is helpful.   While the discount is good, the supplies needed for special services (labels for Certified, Register, and Certified Return receipt are costly.  

Vice President

We use this product to send our letters to our clients, employees, and partners in the most convenient way easily to anywhere in the United States.

Paralegal

If it miss-prints, you are still charged and then you have to get it refunded

User friendly, easy to use, makes mailing documents and shipping packages of all sizes convenient, easy and fast.

We use them frequently for business and we have had no issues with them.

I think they sometimes can be overpriced with certain things but that's not always a huge deal.

Billing Administrator

I love that Stamps.com integrates with our software so postage can be automatically added to a printed envelope for mailing.  

Since I first started using stamps.com, in the late 90s, it has been my go-to for printing my labels/mailers for mailing packages.  

VP Operations

Their system “sends” a temporary password that is never received and the toll free number is not reachable from Puerto Rico.

IT Director

At least I found a postage/shipping solution that I like much better (Shippo.com), with the only downside being that I have to weigh by hand and manually input that information.

u won't get ur $ back. If ur packages measurement or weight is off by a cm or half pound they will charge u like double they tried charge me 25$ for a 2 1/2 pound package w a label that I'd already paid 10$ for n

Last October 2024, Stamps.com had a major revision to their website.  

The features I like and use the most on Stamps.com are the shipping and tracking features.

Also wished that it integrated FedEx as well.

Accounts Payable and Receivable

It's not uncommon for the systems to be down, and tracking is inconsistent. If you only plan to do regular, and certified mailing - be sure it's worth the long-run expense.

Finance Mananger

I like that with stamps.com, we can create a sheet of stamps at the click of a button.

Office manager

I keep having to reenter our payment method

Every inquiry is a 2-3 day turnaround for an answer, in which you may not receive a resolution at all.

Owner operator

free usps supplies are very easy to order on the website.

In the beginning with using the software, it was difficult sometimes to get the page lined up correctly for printing.

We have considered other services and this platform is above all others.

Stamps.com makes mailing simple, easy, and affordable.

I no longer have to worry about the hours of the post office to have our postal needs fulfilled, everything can be done right online.

Director of Delivery

Foroderate volume shipping, Stamps.com is a good solution because it provides competitive pricing and the ability to print postage on demand.

Do anything on your computer as far shipping stamps, way packaging and whatnot.

I quickly learned to do the test print to be sure that everything would align with the postage sheet.

IT Manager

Seems to have cheap postage and could be affordably for setting up small to medium shipping retail spots.

CRM BA

One of those feature that is very helpful for ecommerce businesses I've handled is the option to change addresses especially on clients who travel most of the time.

I have had difficulty trying to get a support person to tell me why certain labels are not printing on the labels.

What I like most of the software is that I can weigh items and print labels and ship them all without leaving my desk

Avoiding a trip to the post office is the main reason for using Stamps.com, but that's the only pro.

I tried support and they said that was a question for the post office and the post office said they couldn't tell me - primarily because they aren't individually knowledgable about the software.

I love how simple it is to ship and track packages from my online beauty store.

legal secretary

Immediately able to print stamps and mail information quickly.

It will automatically check the address entered for errors, provide recommendations for corrections and also calculate rates to be selected.

Office Manager and Executive Legal Assistant 

That we can calculate and print stamps, right from our office!

Admin

It makes up for it with cheaper shipping labels on the fly. When there are alternatives that help streamline the shipping process this makes Stamps.com use a minimum only when needed.  

I love the ability to integrate with ShipStation to quickly create batches that my 3PL can print and fulfill.

Their password recovery procedure doesn’t work.

We save so much time with our shipping and mailing through this product.

Freelance writer

The united States postal is good company that delivers mail and packages for it customer for years.

Overall Stamps.com is affordable, fast and simple to set up

Postage Printing

Shipping

Printing

Mailing

Customer Support

Address Management

Users report that Stamps.com’s label printing capabilities are easy to use, reliable, and save significant time by allowing them to print directly from home or office. Reviewers indicate labels print clearly and look professional, especially with thermal printers like Dymo 4XL and Zebra. They find it helpful that Stamps.com supports printing on envelopes and offers address storage and import. Some users mention occasional software complexity and rare technical issues with label reprints or customer service delays. Of the 31 Stamps.com users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Label Printing, 97% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Reviewers indicate that Stamps.com makes generating shipping labels straightforward and efficient, allowing them to print from home and avoid post office trips. Users report that shipping labels look professional and are easy to create, with the option to reprint if needed. They say Stamps.com integrates with third-party sites and supports merging data from other apps. Some users note frustrations with software bugs, duplicate charges, and the need for special label stock, but overall find the process time-saving. Of the 49 Stamps.com users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Shipping Labels, 92% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Post Office Trips

Bugs and Issues

Small Business

Mid-size Business

Freelancers

Large Enterprises

Freightview

Built in-house. Backed by an amazing support & technical team. Trusted by 99% of our customers year after year.

Business Owner

I like Pirate Ship and if there is ever a problem customer support is very fast in helping to resolve the issue.

Head of Marketing

It's fantastically simple to use, sources incredible rates, and the customer service is phenomenal.

Batch Printing

Customer Database

Delivery Tracking

Dispatch Management

Import/Export Management

Order Tracking

Quotes/Estimates

Reporting/Analytics

Status Tracking

By industry, Pirate Ship reviewers are most commonly professionals in retail (26%). The most frequent use case for Pirate Ship cited by reviewers is shipping (88% of reviewers).

Most reviewers indicate Pirate Ship offers excellent value for money, citing substantial USPS discounts and a free platform with no hidden fees. Some reviewers feel rates for other carriers or specific weights may require manual checking or aren't always lowest.

Pirate Ship is a shipping tool offering key features such as parcel shipping, shipment price calculation, shipment tracking, and label printing, among others.

In practice, Pirate Ship acts as a middle layer that gives you cheaper labels but zero real protection. When a shipment disappears, you are left alone between the carrier and Pirate Ship, with neither side taking responsibility.

WMS Administrator

The label printing works like any web browser printing, where you can simply direct it to a locally or network installed label printer.

So far, they have yet to allow us to set up ACH deposit with our bank. Though they do offer some bank integrations, we are still waiting for our specific bank.

head of core experiences

With the rates given, it provides great value for money on a streamlined, platfrom free from bugs and issues.

I can copy and paste the address in the provided field and it inputs all the information in the corresponding fields for you.

When I started my business, I expected the shipping/label purchasing process to be complex and overwhelming, but Pirate Ship somehow ended up making it fun.

Author

Some of the shipping options are hidden or less intuitive to find.

Programs Coordinator

The only thing that is slightly annoying about Pirate Ship is that sometimes you can accidentally auto-populate the wrong shipping information, but that is easily handled with their efficient label refund process!

Easily able to get my orders from etsy on their site.

The interface is simple and the rates look attractive at first.

Stamps.com vs Pirate Ship Comparison (2026)

Stamps.com

Pirate Ship

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives