What are the best low-cost shipping providers for UK and EU markets?

[Sa-SaStudio]

Hi guys, 

First time on Shopify community and I’d like to pick the brains of small business owners shipping through Shopify to UK markets. 

When fulfilling orders it automatically provides Evri as a shipping provider which I have used for the last 6 months with multiple parcels ‘missing’ and would like to look into alternative providers. 

Firstly: what companies and apps have you found most useful with ease of access whilst also keeping shipping costs down?

Secondly: what apps and couriers do you find most effective to use for EU markets as rates seem incredibly high from what I’ve seen and can easily break down a sale when reaching checkout. For reference I ship clothing. I also find it incredibly daunting that taxes may need to be applied to different countries and don’t know where to start.