Shipping got pricier again: USPS proposed shipping-service increases of about 6.3% (Priority Mail), 7.1% (USPS Ground Advantage), and 7.6% (Parcel Select) in 2025. Source: USPS Newsroom, May 9, 2025.

That’s the annoying part. The helpful part is that “rate shopping” is now basically built into parcel-compare apps—so you can see multiple carrier options side-by-side and buy the cheaper label without bouncing between websites.

How parcel compare apps help you pay less (what they actually do)

When I use a parcel compare app, I’m usually doing three things in under a minute:

  • Entering the shipment details once (from/to, weight, dimensions).
  • Letting the app price-shop across carriers/services (cost vs. speed).
  • Buying the label inside the app (often with discounted, pre-negotiated rates).

Some platforms are “consumer-first” (send a gift, return a purchase). Others are built for small sellers, but still work fine if you’re just trying to ship smarter.

The 5 factors that decide your final shipping price (so you don’t get surprised)

These are the levers I’ve seen move the price the most:

  • Package size (not just weight): big lightweight boxes can trigger dimensional pricing.
  • Speed: “arrives tomorrow” nearly always costs more than “arrives in 3–5 days.”
  • Drop-off vs. pickup: pickup convenience can add cost.
  • Destination & zone: farther routes typically cost more.
  • Retail vs. discounted labels: many apps sell rates below walk-in “retail” pricing.

App 1: Pirate Ship (best for simple U.S. labels)

Pirate Ship is the fastest “no fuss” tool I’ve used for U.S. shipping—especially when I just want the cheapest USPS option and I already know my package details. Pirate Ship advertises savings of “up to 87%” off what you’d pay at the Post Office, depending on service/package. Source: Pirate Ship – USPS Commercial Pricing.

Pros

  • Very quick to compare services and buy labels (feels lightweight and practical).
  • Strong value if you ship small, heavy boxes (cubic-style pricing can matter).
  • Clear “no monthly fees” positioning. Source: Pirate Ship

Cons

  • Less “international shipping guidance” than some global platforms.
  • More utilitarian than “app-like” if you want a polished mobile-first workflow.

App 2: Shippo (best if you want price and delivery-time comparisons)

Shippo’s big win is how it frames choices the way you actually think: “cheapest vs. fastest,” without manual tab-hopping. Shippo explicitly describes comparing providers by delivery cost and delivery time and buying labels through its platform. Source: Shippo – Comparing Shipping Solutions.

Pros

  • Side-by-side comparison is straightforward (cost + speed in one view).
  • Good for people who ship occasionally but still want “options discipline.”
  • Supports multiple carriers and label purchase in one place. Source: Shippo

Cons

  • Can feel “built for sellers,” so there’s more tooling than a casual shipper needs.
  • The best setup comes when you’re willing to spend a few minutes connecting/learning.

App 3: Easyship (best for lots of international options)

Easyship is the most “global menu” experience I’ve tested. When I run an international quote, it’s useful to see service differences (delivery time, tracking behavior, total cost) without guessing. Easyship says you can compare rates instantly across 550+ shipping solutions and “save up to 91%.” Source: Easyship – Compare Shipping Rates Instantly.

Pros

  • Huge courier/service selection for cross-border shipping. Source: Easyship
  • International paperwork support is a major stress-reducer.
  • Helpful comparison columns beyond price (time, tracking, etc.). Source: Easyship Support – Courier Comparison

Cons

  • More options can mean more decision fatigue if you only ship domestically.
  • The interface is feature-rich, so it’s not the simplest “one label and done” flow.

App 4: Parcel2Go (best UK-focused courier comparison)

Parcel2Go is very “UK practical”: enter parcel details, get quotes, pick a courier. It’s explicitly positioned as a way to “compare the cheapest parcel delivery prices.” Source: Parcel2Go.

Pros

  • Strong UK courier comparison focus (clear quote-first workflow). Source: Parcel2Go
  • Price-match messaging can be reassuring when you’re bargain-hunting. Source: Parcel2Go
  • Feels approachable even if you don’t ship often.

Cons

  • If you’re outside the UK, it’s less relevant than the more global platforms.
  • The “best deal” still depends heavily on entering dimensions accurately.

App 5: Packlink (good “compare and send” option in multiple markets)

Packlink is one of the more consumer-friendly comparison platforms I’ve tried—especially when you want to send a one-off package without turning shipping into a hobby. It’s positioned as a tool to compare, send, and save, and its help center explains prices are driven by high shipment volume and carrier agreements (it even gives headline discount ranges). Sources: Packlink, Packlink Help Center.

Pros

  • Easy “compare then buy” workflow without heavy setup. Source: Packlink
  • Transparent explanation of why prices can be cheaper (volume-based agreements). Source: Packlink Help Center

Cons

  • Discount claims vary by route/service; you still need to check the exact quote.
  • Like other aggregators, accuracy depends on your measurements (no guessing).

A simple “tested” routine I use to reliably get cheaper quotes

When I’m trying to pay less (without playing games), I do this:

  • Measure the box (not “eyeballing it”), then compare.
  • Check 2–3 speeds (economy, standard, express) and decide what you actually need.
  • Try a smaller box if the item allows it—size often beats weight in pricing impact.
  • Compare at least two apps if the shipment is expensive or time-sensitive.

Trends that matter right now (why comparing helps more than it used to)

A few industry shifts are making comparison apps more valuable:

Conclusion

Parcel compare apps don’t magically make shipping cheap—but they do make it harder to overpay by default. Once you get into the habit of entering accurate dimensions and checking a couple of services, the savings become repeatable, not random.

References