Let’s be real—shipping stuff across the Atlantic can get expensive fast. Whether you’re running a small business, sending a care package to your family, or just trying to get a good deal, nobody wants to pay more than necessary for shipping.
The good news? You don’t have to. After helping tons of people figure this out (and learning from my own shipping mishaps), I’ve put together the best budget-friendly options—from sneaky-cheap postal hacks to comparison tools that actually work.
No fluff, just real advice that’ll save you money. Let’s break it down.
USPS: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse for Shipping to Europe
Look, we’ve all been there – staring at shipping rates and wondering how a 2-pound package could possibly cost more than what’s inside it. That’s where good ol’ USPS comes in clutch. They might not win any speed records, but for small, lightweight stuff (we’re talking books, a few shirts, or those souvenirs your cousin keeps begging for), they’re usually the most wallet-friendly option by far.
Here’s the real deal on USPS services to Europe:
1. First-Class Package International Service
- Best for: Packages under 4 lbs (1.8 kg)
- Cost: Starts at 15–15–20
- Delivery time: 2–4 weeks (varies by country)
- Tracking: Limited (some countries only offer basic updates)
Looking for the most budget-friendly way to send small items? This option is perfect for personal gifts or lightweight online orders. Just keep in mind that tracking isn’t always consistent, so it works best for shipments where speed isn’t a priority.
2. Priority Mail International
- Best for: Faster delivery with tracking
- Cost: Starts at 40–40–60
- Delivery time: 6–10 business days
- Perks: Includes $200 insurance and better tracking
If you need your package to arrive sooner but still want to save, this is a solid middle-ground option.
3. Priority Mail Express International
- Best for: Urgent shipments
- Cost: Starts at $70+
- Delivery time: 3–5 business days
- Perks: Full tracking, insurance, and faster customs clearance
While not the cheapest, it’s still more affordable than most private couriers for express shipping.
Bottom line: If you’re shipping something small and can wait a few weeks, USPS First-Class is the winner. But if you need tracking and slightly faster delivery, Priority Mail International is worth the extra cost.
Parcel Monkey: The Secret to Discounted Courier Rates
Ever wished you could compare shipping prices across multiple carriers in one place? That’s exactly what Parcel Monkey does—and it often finds discounted rates you wouldn’t get by booking directly.
Why Parcel Monkey is a Game-Changer:
✅ Compares USPS, DHL, FedEx, UPS, and more
✅ Access to pre-negotiated discounts (sometimes 20–40% off retail rates)
✅ Easy label printing & pickup/drop-off options
How it works:
- Enter your package details (size, weight, destination).
- See a list of shipping options with prices and delivery times.
- Choose the best deal, pay online, and print your label.
Easyship: The Best Tool for eCommerce & Frequent Shippers
If you run an online store or ship internationally often, Easyship is a must-try. It’s a logistics platform that connects you with 250+ carriers, including USPS, DHL, FedEx, and regional European services.
Why Easyship Stands Out:
🔹 Real-time price comparisons (shows the cheapest, fastest, and most reliable options)
🔹 Automatic tax & duty calculations (no surprise fees for your customers)
🔹 Carrier reliability ratings (helps avoid slow or problematic services)
Who should use it?
- eCommerce sellers (integrates with Shopify, eBay, Amazon, etc.)
- Anyone shipping multiple packages per month
- People who want full transparency on costs
Success story: One seller reported saving 30% on shipping to France compared to booking directly with FedEx.
Shipixy: Flat-Rate Shipping That Saves You Money
A newer player in the shipping game, Shipixy is gaining popularity for its flat-rate pricing—meaning you pay one set fee regardless of weight (within limits).
Shipixy’s Best Features:
📦 Great for medium-sized packages (where USPS gets expensive)
💰 Prices start at 35–35–50 (often cheaper than USPS Priority for heavier items)
⚡ Faster than USPS First-Class (delivery in 7–14 days)
Best for:
- Small businesses shipping products to Europe
- Individuals sending care packages or gifts
- Anyone tired of complex shipping calculations
DHL: When Speed & Reliability Are Worth the Cost
Let’s face it—some packages just can’t wait. Whether it’s urgent documents, valuable items, or anything that absolutely has to get there on time, DHL is your best bet. Fast, reliable, and worth every penny.
DHL’s Advantages:
🚀 1–4 business day delivery to most European countries
📲 Real-time tracking & notifications
🌍 Strong European network (great for customs clearance)
Cost: Starts around 70–70–90 for small packages (but discounts via Easyship or Parcel Monkey can help).
Best for: Urgent shipments where reliability matters more than cost.
What Real People Say (Reddit & Quora Insights)
After scouring shipping forums, here’s what real users recommend:
- “For cheap, non-urgent packages under 4 lbs, USPS First-Class is unbeatable.”
- “If your package is heavier, use Easyship or Parcel Monkey—they save you so much vs. going direct.”
- “Avoid walking into UPS/FedEx stores—their retail rates are insane compared to online discounts.”
- “Shipixy is a hidden gem for flat-rate shipping—saved me $20 on a 5 lb package.”
Pro Tips to Slash Shipping Costs
Want to save even more? Follow these insider tricks:
- Weigh & measure accurately – Overestimating = overpaying.
- Use compact packaging – Avoid “dimensional weight” fees.
- Flat-rate boxes – USPS offers these for heavy-but-small items.
- Bundle items – Ship one box instead of multiple small ones.
- Print labels online – Cheaper than in-person rates.
- Look for promo codes – Sites like Parcel Monkey often have deals.
Final Verdict: What’s the Absolute Cheapest Option?
| Scenario | Best Shipping Method | Approx. Cost |
| Small package (<4 lbs) | USPS First-Class International | 15–15–20 |
| Medium package (4–10 lbs) | Shipixy or Parcel Monkey | 25–25–55 |
| Fast & reliable shipping | DHL (via Easyship/Parcel Monkey) | $70+ |
| eCommerce sellers | Easyship (for bulk discounts) | Varies |
The bottom line?
- Cheapest overall: USPS First-Class (if under 4 lbs and not urgent).
- Best balance of cost & speed: Shipixy or Parcel Monkey.
- Fastest (but pricier): DHL.
By using comparison tools and packing smartly, you can drastically cut shipping costs. Happy shipping!
A Wider Comparison
| Shipping Option | Estimated Price (USD) | Delivery Time | Tracking | Best For |
| USPS First-Class Intl. | $15–$20 (under 4 lbs) | 2–4 weeks | Limited (not all countries) | Lightweight, non-urgent personal shipments |
| USPS Priority Mail Intl. | $40–$60 | 6–10 business days | Yes | Medium-weight packages with decent speed |
| USPS Priority Express Intl. | $70+ | 3–5 business days | Yes | Faster delivery with USPS at a still-reasonable price |
| Parcel Monkey | $25–$55 (varies) | 4–10 business days | Yes | Rate comparison across carriers for savings |
| Easyship | $30–$60+ | 5–10 business days | Yes | eCommerce sellers, multi-carrier discounts |
| Shipixy | $35–$50 (flat-rate economy) | 5–8 business days | Yes | Small businesses, mid-sized parcels, simple pricing |
| DHL Express | $70–$120+ | 1–4 business days | Excellent (real-time) | Fast, secure delivery for urgent or valuable items |
Quick Notes:
- USPS is best if you don’t mind waiting a bit, especially for lighter parcels.
- Parcel Monkey and Easyship are smart options if you want flexibility and access to discounted courier rates.
- Shipixy provides a nice middle ground with flat-rate, affordable shipping.
- DHL is premium in both cost and speed—perfect when timing and reliability are crucial.
