Use Amazon tracking for Amazon-only orders. Use AfterShip if your orders come from many stores. That is the simple answer. Amazon tracking is quick, free, and already inside your Amazon account. AfterShip is better when you want one clean screen for Amazon, Etsy, Shopify stores, eBay sellers, and random “Where is my stuff?” moments. AfterShip says it supports 1,200+ carriers, which is the big reason people like it for mixed online shopping [source: AfterShip].
TLDR: Amazon Tracking Number wins for simple Amazon orders. AfterShip wins for tracking many packages from many stores. For example, if you have 10 orders coming this week and only 3 are from Amazon, AfterShip will save clicks because everything sits in one place. If all 10 are Amazon orders, Amazon tracking is faster and less fussy.
What is an Amazon tracking number?
An Amazon tracking number is the code linked to your package. It may come from Amazon Logistics, UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, or another carrier. You usually see it inside Your Orders.
You click the order. You click Track Package. Boom. You see the latest scan, delivery day, and sometimes a cute little truck icon creeping toward your door.
Amazon tracking is not really a separate app for tracking all packages. It is more like a built-in order status tool. It works best when the order was placed on Amazon.
What is AfterShip?
AfterShip is a package tracking platform. You paste in a tracking number, or connect your email or store tools. Then it tracks shipments from many carriers in one dashboard.
It is popular with shoppers. It is also popular with online stores. Stores use it to send branded tracking pages and delivery emails. That part is more business-focused.
For normal people, the main charm is simple. You can see your packages from different shops without opening five apps and muttering into your coffee.
Amazon Tracking Number: the good stuff
- It is free. You already get it with your Amazon order.
- It is fast for Amazon orders. No setup. No copying. No pasting.
- It shows order details. You can see the item, seller, delivery date, and return options.
- It handles Amazon delivery quirks. This includes locker deliveries, photo proof, and Amazon driver updates.
If your package is late, Amazon also gives you support options right there. That matters. A tracking app can tell you a package is late. Amazon can often help fix the order.
It drives me crazy that some tools show “in transit” like that explains anything. Amazon can be better here because it links tracking to the actual purchase.
Amazon Tracking Number: the annoying bits
- It is mostly for Amazon. That is fine, until you order from other stores.
- Carrier details can be limited. Sometimes Amazon gives less scan history than the carrier site.
- Shared accounts get messy. Family orders can clutter the view.
- Marketplace sellers vary. Some sellers upload tracking late or use odd carriers.
Amazon tracking is also tied to your account. If someone sends you a tracking number from an Amazon marketplace seller, it may not feel as smooth outside the Amazon order page.
AfterShip: the good stuff
- It tracks many carriers. This is its superpower.
- It works across stores. Amazon, fashion shops, gadget stores, craft sellers, and more.
- It can send alerts. You get updates when a package ships, moves, or arrives.
- It has a cleaner big-picture view. Great if you shop a lot.
AfterShip is best when your online shopping looks like a tiny warehouse operation. One phone case from one store. Shoes from another. A gift from Etsy. Dog treats from a subscription box. Suddenly, your inbox is a soup of tracking links.
AfterShip turns that soup into a list.
AfterShip: the annoying bits
- You may need to paste tracking numbers. That gets old fast.
- Some updates lag. A carrier site may show a scan first.
- It may guess the carrier wrong. Not often, but it happens.
- Some features are aimed at businesses. Normal shoppers may not need them.
Honestly, it feels like overkill if you only order from Amazon twice a month. You open another app just to learn the same thing Amazon already told you: “Arriving tomorrow.” Thanks, captain obvious.
Which one is more accurate?
For Amazon orders, Amazon is usually the better first stop. It has the order data, seller data, payment data, and support options. It knows if Amazon itself is handling the delivery. It also knows if your order is split into two boxes.
For non-Amazon orders, AfterShip often feels better. It can follow the package through many carriers. It also gives you one place to check status. That helps when the seller’s tracking page looks like it was built in 2009.
Accuracy also depends on the carrier. Neither Amazon nor AfterShip creates every scan. They mostly show data from delivery networks. If UPS or USPS has not scanned the package, the tracking tool cannot magically see through cardboard.
Which one is easier?
Amazon is easier for Amazon orders. There is no contest. You bought the item there. The tracking sits there. Returns sit there. Support sits there.
AfterShip is easier for mixed orders. Once tracking numbers are added, the dashboard is calm and useful. It is much nicer than 14 browser tabs and three “your package has shipped” emails.
Here is the quick rule:
- 1 store: use that store’s tracking.
- Amazon only: use Amazon tracking.
- 3 or more stores: use AfterShip.
- Small business owner: consider AfterShip for customer updates.
Best for shoppers
If you are a casual shopper, Amazon tracking is enough most of the time. It is simple. It is already there. It also helps with refunds, replacements, and missing packages.
If you are a heavy shopper, AfterShip is more fun. It gives you a control center for your incoming loot. You can check gifts, groceries, gadgets, clothes, and pet stuff without digging through emails.
Think of Amazon tracking as a receipt with superpowers. Think of AfterShip as a package command center.
Best for sellers
For sellers, AfterShip has a clear edge. Amazon tracking does not help much if you run your own Shopify store or sell through several platforms. AfterShip can give customers branded tracking pages and automatic delivery messages.
That can reduce “Where is my order?” emails. Even a small drop helps. If a store gets 100 tracking questions per week and cuts them by 30%, that is 30 fewer support headaches. Your support team may actually smile again.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Amazon Tracking | AfterShip |
|---|---|---|
| Best use | Amazon orders | Orders from many stores |
| Cost for shoppers | Free | Free options, paid business tools |
| Setup | None | May need tracking numbers |
| Carrier range | Limited to your Amazon shipment | Very broad |
| Support help | Strong for Amazon orders | Tracking only for shoppers |
Final verdict
Choose Amazon tracking if your order came from Amazon. It is the shortest path. It shows the item, order status, delivery date, and help options in one place.
Choose AfterShip if your orders are scattered across the internet. It is better for people who shop from many stores, track gifts, or run a small online business.
The winner depends on your cart. If Amazon is your whole shopping life, stay with Amazon tracking. If your packages come from everywhere, AfterShip is the better buddy. Your doorbell will still cause chaos, but at least you will know which box is coming.