Advanced Shipping Rate Manager vs xConnectorfor Shopify (2026)
Advanced Shipping Rate Manager and xConnector both aim to improve shipping workflows for Shopify merchants, but they cater to distinct needs. Advanced Shipping Rate Manager focuses on providing granular control over shipping rates using advanced rules based on various factors like product attributes, location, and weight, coupled with real-time carrier rates. This positions it as a solution for merchants needing precise control over shipping costs and complex shipping scenarios. xConnector, on the other hand, emphasizes streamlining fulfillment processes, particularly label generation, invoicing, and returns management, primarily integrating with a range of regional European couriers and invoicing services. It targets merchants who prioritize efficient order fulfillment and are operating within specific geographic regions served by the supported couriers.
At a Glance
Advanced Shipping Rate Manager
205 reviews
xConnector
61 reviews
Detailed Overview
Advanced Shipping Rate Manager
Get custom shipping rates, advanced rules, and a shipping calculator with Advanced Shipping Manager!
Key Features
- Connect with the leading parcel, LTL, and broker couriers in real-time!
- Multiple locations supported, including location-specific shipping/markup rules.
- Product/Variant control of dimensions, flat-rates, origins, ship-alone & more.
- Automatic address classification (residential/commercial) and package breakdown.
- No set limit to rate requests, products, locations, and shipping rules
xConnector
Create bulk shipping labels and invoices; comes with a lot of tools to help during the fulfilment
Key Features
- Create shipping labels and invoices with local couriers and invoicing services
- Collect points widget Calculated rates with local couriers Track shipping labels
- Automatically collect return requests, validate shipping address
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Advanced Shipping Rate Manager5/5 xConnector5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 205 | 61 |
Reviews Advanced Shipping Rate Manager205 xConnector61 | ||
| Primary Focus | Shipping Rate Management | Order Fulfillment & Label Creation |
Primary Focus Advanced Shipping Rate ManagerShipping Rate Management xConnectorOrder Fulfillment & Label Creation | ||
| Carrier Integration | Leading parcel, LTL, and broker couriers in real-time | GLS, DPD, PPL, Packeta, Sameday, Cargus, Speedex, and more (Primarily European) |
Carrier Integration Advanced Shipping Rate ManagerLeading parcel, LTL, and broker couriers in real-time xConnectorGLS, DPD, PPL, Packeta, Sameday, Cargus, Speedex, and more (Primarily European) | ||
| Geographic Focus | Global | Primarily Europe |
Geographic Focus Advanced Shipping Rate ManagerGlobal xConnectorPrimarily Europe | ||
| Key Feature Highlight | Advanced shipping rules based on product, weight, location, etc. | Bulk label creation, return request management, and mobile picking/packing app |
Key Feature Highlight Advanced Shipping Rate ManagerAdvanced shipping rules based on product, weight, location, etc. xConnectorBulk label creation, return request management, and mobile picking/packing app | ||
| Customer Support | Expert US-based support via phone, chat, or email | Not specified |
Customer Support Advanced Shipping Rate ManagerExpert US-based support via phone, chat, or email xConnectorNot specified | ||
| Value Proposition | Maximize shipping control and accuracy to reduce cart abandonment | Simplify order fulfillment, label generation, and returns |
Value Proposition Advanced Shipping Rate ManagerMaximize shipping control and accuracy to reduce cart abandonment xConnectorSimplify order fulfillment, label generation, and returns | ||
Our Verdict
Merchants requiring complex shipping rate calculations and broad carrier integration, especially those shipping from multiple origins or needing product-specific shipping rules, will likely find Advanced Shipping Rate Manager more suitable. Its focus on rate accuracy and control offers a robust solution for minimizing cart abandonment due to unexpected shipping costs. Conversely, xConnector is the better choice for businesses heavily reliant on the specific regional European couriers it supports and needing efficient tools for label generation, invoicing, and managing returns. The inclusion of a mobile app for picking and packing adds further value for merchants prioritizing warehouse efficiency.
Common Questions
Which app is better for setting up custom shipping rates based on product weight?
Advanced Shipping Rate Manager allows for the creation of highly customizable shipping rates based on product weight, dimensions, and other product-specific attributes. xConnector provides calculated rates but doesn't highlight weight-based rules explicitly.
Does either app offer real-time carrier rate calculations?
Advanced Shipping Rate Manager explicitly states it offers real-time carrier rate calculations. While xConnector mentions calculated rates, it does not specify if they are real-time or calculated from a predefined table.
Which app has stronger support for international shipping?
Advanced Shipping Rate Manager seems to be better suited for international shipping due to its support for a wider array of leading parcel, LTL, and broker couriers. xConnector's focus on specific European couriers suggests a more regional application.
Is there a free plan or trial offered for either app?
The data provided does not indicate whether either app offers a free plan or trial.
Which app is the better choice for a small business just starting out?
If the small business ships primarily within Europe using the couriers supported by xConnector and prioritizes efficient label creation and return management, xConnector is likely the better starting point. However, if complex shipping rules or broader carrier integration are needed from the outset, Advanced Shipping Rate Manager might be a worthwhile investment despite potentially being more complex to set up.
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