Shippo vs Printful: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Shippo and Printful comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Shippo
Shipping API for e-commerce
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.1/10)
Printful
Print-on-demand and dropshipping
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | E-commerce | E-commerce |
Rating | 84/100 | 81/100 |
| Feature | Shippo | Printful |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 81 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | E-commerce | E-commerce |
Understanding the Differences
Both Shippo and Printful solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Shippo positions itself as "shipping api for e-commerce" while Printfulfocuses on "print-on-demand and dropshipping". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Shippo
Shippo makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 84/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Printful
Printful is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Shippo lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Shippo
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Shippo handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Shippo
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Shippo
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Shippo, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Shippo higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Printful more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Shippo Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Printful If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Shippo (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Shippo scores higher in our analysis, but Printful might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shippo or Printful better?
Based on our analysis, Shippo scores higher with 84/100. Shippo isfreemium while Printful is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Shippo to Printful easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Shippo and Printful offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Shippo is freemium with a free tier.Printful is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.