Shopping on international sites like AliExpress, Shein, and Shopee is easy. The hard part is waiting. The tracking systems on these stores aren’t always clear, and packages are often handed off between multiple carriers. The solution is to use a unified tracking app. These apps consolidate information from all postal services (including from China and your local post) into one place. This is our list of the 5 best apps to know exactly where your order is.
1. 17TRACK
This is the “gold standard” of international tracking and the choice for power users. 17TRACK has the most comprehensive database, supporting over 900 global carriers, including every obscure logistics service from China (like Cainiao, YunExpress, etc.). The interface isn’t the prettiest, but it is the most complete. If a package is trackable, 17TRACK will find it.
2. AfterShip
If 17TRACK is for maximum power, AfterShip is for simplicity and elegance. With a clean, ad-free interface, it auto-detects the carrier from the tracking number. It excels in clarity, sending clean push notifications for every step of the process. It’s perfect for users who want a straightforward, no-fuss tracking experience.
3. Shop (by Shopify)
This is the “smartest” app on the list, ideal for frequent online shoppers. Created by Shopify, Shop goes beyond just tracking: it connects to your Gmail or Outlook and automatically imports tracking numbers from your order confirmation emails. You don’t even need to copy and paste the code. It organizes your purchases visually and tracks them all in one place.
4. Parcels App
A direct competitor to 17TRACK, Parcels App is another incredibly robust option. It also supports hundreds of carriers and is known for its accuracy in “translating” Chinese tracking statuses into clear English. It’s a solid alternative if you’re looking for a database as large as 17TRACK’s but with a slightly different interface.
5. Parcel (iOS & macOS)
For users living in the Apple ecosystem, Parcel is unbeatable. Its interface is clean, beautiful, and integrates perfectly with iOS and macOS (including widgets). The major downside is that it is Apple-exclusive, and its free version is limited to tracking only three packages. For unlimited tracking and push notifications, an annual subscription is required, making it less accessible than others on this list.