Cin7 vs Route: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Cin7 and Route comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Cin7
Inventory management system
Best for you if:
- • You need warehouse management features specifically
- • You need inventory management system
- • You need professional-grade features
Route
Package tracking and protection
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need shipping & fulfillment features specifically
- • You need package tracking and protection
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Warehouse Management | Shipping & Fulfillment |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Cin7 | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 121 | 116 |
| Categories | Warehouse ManagementSupply Chain | Shipping & FulfillmentE-commerce Platforms |
Understanding the Differences
Both Cin7 and Route solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Cin7 positions itself as "inventory management system" while Routefocuses on "package tracking and protection". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Cin7
Cin7 makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Route
Route is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Route won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Route
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Route is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Route
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Cin7 is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Cin7
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Route has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Cin7 higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Cin7 more (121 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Cin7 Does Better
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Route If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Cin7. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Cin7 scores higher in our analysis, but Route might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cin7 or Route better?
Based on our analysis, Cin7 scores higher with high/100. Cin7 ispaid while Route is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Cin7 to Route easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Cin7 and Route offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Cin7 is paid with potential trial.Route is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.