ShipStation vs Printful: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between ShipStation 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:
ShipStation
E-commerce shipping software
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:
- • You want to try before committing
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | E-commerce | E-commerce |
Rating | 84/100 | 81/100 |
| Feature | ShipStation | Printful |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | 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 ShipStation and Printful solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.ShipStation positions itself as "e-commerce shipping software" while Printfulfocuses on "print-on-demand and dropshipping". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose ShipStation
ShipStation makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid 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?
Printful won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Printful
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. ShipStation handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: ShipStation
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. ShipStation is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: ShipStation
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Printful has a free tier to get you started.
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 ShipStation higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Printful more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What ShipStation 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 ShipStation (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. ShipStation 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 ShipStation or Printful better?
Based on our analysis, ShipStation scores higher with 84/100. ShipStation ispaid 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 ShipStation 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 ShipStation and Printful offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. ShipStation is paid with potential trial.Printful is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.