Alternatives · Shipping
Route alternatives
As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded Route alternative is AfterShip (2.2 GPA). It's also the best free one. The catch, in its listing's words: "50 shipments a month (up to 500 on the first import)."
Route compared with 4 alternatives: Loop Returns, Narvar, ReturnGO and AfterShip.
Route has a free plan. 1 of the 4 alternatives is free or has a free plan.
Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a Route sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| RouteThis tool | Free plan | Yes | Web |
| Loop Returns | From $340/mo | No | Web |
| Narvar | Paid | No | Web |
| ReturnGO | From $147/mo | No | Web |
| AfterShip | Free plan · from $11/mo | Yes | Web |
How each one differs from Route
Loop Returns
Returns and exchanges software for Shopify brands
- Loop Returns starts at $340 per month, up to 1,000 returns a year.
- Loop Returns has no free plan, unlike Route.
- Loop Returns also covers reports.
- Loop Returns does not cover dashboards, which Route does.
Suits: Shopify brands with high return volume
Narvar
Post-purchase platform: tracking, returns and delivery dates
- Narvar has no free plan, unlike Route.
- Narvar also covers reports.
- Narvar does not cover workflow automation and dashboards, which Route does.
Suits: Large retailers that want tracking and returns in one platform
ReturnGO
Returns, exchanges and warranty portal for online stores
- ReturnGO starts at $147 per month.
- ReturnGO has no free plan, unlike Route.
- ReturnGO also covers reports.
- ReturnGO does not cover dashboards, which Route does.
Suits: Mid-size online stores wanting a self-serve returns portal
AfterShip
Branded order tracking pages and delivery emails for online stores
- AfterShip starts at $11 per month for up to 100 shipments, billed monthly.
- AfterShip also covers reports.
- AfterShip does not cover workflow automation, which Route does.
Suits: Shopify stores that get many "where is my order?" messages
Limits worth knowing in Route
- The $0 plan relies on shoppers paying for protection at checkout.
- Custom plans are quoted by sales.
- Route says it is SOC 2 certified and GDPR and CCPA compliant.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Route?
The alternatives to Route in this directory are Loop Returns, Narvar, ReturnGO and AfterShip. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Route.
Is there a free alternative to Route?
Yes. AfterShip has a free plan alongside paid ones.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 18, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.