ShippingLabel vs Stamps.com (2026)
Stamps.com bundles USPS postage purchasing with label printing — it is both a postage account and a label tool. ShippingLabel focuses purely on creating clean, print-ready label documents for any carrier. If you just need a label and buy postage elsewhere, ShippingLabel is free. If you need to buy USPS postage directly, Stamps.com is one option (Pirate Ship is another, and it is free).
Note on ownership:Stamps.com was acquired by Auctane, the same parent company that owns ShipStation, ShipBob (partially), and several other shipping platforms. The Stamps.com brand still operates as its own product at $19.99/mo, separate from ShipStation's pricing.
| Feature | ShippingLabel | Stamps.com |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $0–$19/mo | $19.99/mo subscription + postage markups |
| Free Tier | Yes — no card, no trial expiration | 4-week trial, then $19.99/mo required |
| What it provides | Label formatting (PDF only — no postage) | USPS postage purchasing + label printing |
| Carrier Support | UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL labels | USPS primary; UPS via add-on only |
| Setup | Instant, no account needed | Account + payment method + postage balance required |
| UI Complexity | Single-page label editor | Full desktop/web application with balance management |
| Cancellation | Cancel anytime, no lock-in | Monthly subscription; known for difficult cancellation flow |
| Label Formats | 4x6 thermal + letter PDF | Multiple formats including envelope printing |
| Bulk Labels | CSV import (Pro plan, $19/mo) | Batch from orders or spreadsheet import |
| Ownership | Independent | Owned by Auctane (same parent as ShipStation) |
| Best For | Quick, affordable label creation for any carrier | USPS-heavy shippers who want postage built-in |
The Core Difference: Label vs Postage
ShippingLabel — just the label
If you want to create a shipping label without buying postage through us, this is the tool. Enter your addresses, choose a carrier format (USPS, UPS, FedEx, or DHL), and download a PDF. You buy postage separately — through your carrier's website, Pirate Ship, or your selling platform.
Cost to create a label: $0 on the free tier. No monthly subscription, no postage markup, no credit card required.
Stamps.com — postage + label together
Stamps.com is primarily a USPS postage purchasing service. You fund a postage balance, buy postage at discounted rates, and print a label with the postage applied. The $19.99/mo fee is for access to the postage discounts and software — you pay that on top of the actual postage cost.
If you only ship USPS and want postage management built in, Stamps.com makes sense. If you also ship UPS, FedEx, or DHL, you will need additional tools.
Key Differences to Know
All Carriers vs USPS Only
Stamps.com is built around USPS. If you ship via UPS, FedEx, or DHL, you need add-ons or separate tools. ShippingLabel supports all four major carrier label formats out of the box, with no add-ons required.
Real Pricing Comparison
Stamps.com: $19.99/mo software fee + postage costs (with markups above USPS retail). ShippingLabel: $0 free tier, $9/mo Starter, $19/mo Pro — see pricing details. You pay for the label tool, not the postage.
Simplicity vs Features
Stamps.com is a full shipping platform with postage accounts, balance management, tracking, and insurance options. ShippingLabel is a single-purpose tool: enter addresses, pick a carrier format, and print. No balance to manage, no account to fund.
Choose ShippingLabel If...
- You just need a formatted label — no postage purchase needed
- You buy postage directly from carriers or through Pirate Ship (free)
- You ship with multiple carriers, not just USPS
- You want the simplest possible workflow with no monthly postage commitment
- You want to start free with no trial countdown and no credit card
Choose Stamps.com If...
- •You ship exclusively through USPS and want postage purchasing built into your label workflow
- •You need USPS Commercial pricing and want it managed in one place (note: Pirate Ship offers similar rates for free)
- •You want insurance, tracking history, and postage balance management in one platform
- •You specifically need to print on envelopes or letter-sized label sheets with postage applied
Try ShippingLabel Free — No Trial Period
No trial period, no credit card. Create labels for free and see if a simple label maker is all you need — without the $19.99/mo commitment.