Why brands switch from Northbeam
You can’t measure what you can’t identify.
Northbeam is a measurement tool — it takes the conversion data you already have and models attribution across channels. But if 40–60% of your returning customers look like strangers because cookies expired and devices don't connect, Northbeam is modeling on incomplete data. Upstack resolves identity first. When a customer clicks your Meta ad on mobile and buys on desktop a week later, Upstack connects them before the data ever reaches your attribution layer. Better input, better output.
Attribution + tracking + activation in one platform.
Northbeam does attribution. That's it. You still need Elevar or Blotout for server-side tracking ($200–$950/mo), and your Klaviyo flows still miss people that cookie-based tracking can't recognize. Upstack includes server-side tracking, identity resolution, Klaviyo flow recovery, AND multi-touch attribution in every plan. One vendor, one bill, one source of truth — instead of stitching together three tools that never agree.
Fix the data, not just the dashboard.
Northbeam builds sophisticated models to compensate for broken tracking signals. Upstack takes a different approach: fix the signals themselves. Our identity resolution improves EMQ scores, recovers abandoned cart flow entries, and sends enriched first-party data directly to your ad platforms. The result isn't just better reporting — it's better campaign optimization, more Klaviyo revenue, and lower CAC.
Upstack vs Northbeam: Feature by feature
| Feature |   | Northbeam |
|---|---|---|
| Data Collection & Tracking | ||
| Server-side tracking (CAPI) | ||
| First-party edge proxy | ||
| Event capture (add-to-cart, checkout, purchase) | Native server-side capture | Relies on your existing tracking setup |
| Bot filtering | ||
| Health & wellness compliance container | ||
| Site speed impact | Minimal — server-side | Northbeam pixel adds client-side JS |
| Destination Forwarding | ||
| Meta Conversions API | Identity-enriched events | No — reporting only |
| Google Enhanced Conversions | ||
| TikTok Events API | ||
| Klaviyo flow enrichment | 30–40% more flow entries | |
| Pinterest / Snapchat CAPI | ||
| Webhook / custom destinations | ||
| Upstack Analytics | ||
| Multi-touch attribution (MTA) | ||
| Marketing mix modeling (MMM) | ||
| Incrementality testing | ||
| Creative analytics | ||
| Contribution margin tracking | ||
| New customer CPA (nCPA) in Meta | Reported directly in Ads Manager | Northbeam dashboard only |
| LTV cohort analysis | ||
| Platform comparison (Meta vs Google vs TikTok) | ||
| Real-time reporting | Near real-time | |
| Identity & Data Quality | ||
| Cross-device identity resolution | Persistent lifetime ID (Upstack ID) | First-party cookie + click ID matching |
| Identity graph | Core product — resolves before sending | Basic — for attribution modeling |
| EMQ improvement | Typically ~4.5 to 7.5+ | No — does not send data to ad platforms |
| Subscription order handling (Recharge) | Limited | |
| New vs returning customer identification | Identified + sent as nCPA to Meta | Reported in dashboard only |
| Setup & Support | ||
| Setup time | Under 20 minutes | 1–2 weeks (requires existing tracking) |
| Requires separate tracking tool | No — tracking built in | Yes — needs Elevar, Blotout, or similar |
| White-glove onboarding | All plans | Varies by tier |
| Free trial | 21 days, full features | Demo only |
| No developer required | Depends on tracking setup | |
| Pricing & Commitment | ||
| Pricing model | Per order — transparent | Custom / enterprise (not public) |
| Starting price | $299/mo (full stack) | Estimated $1,000+/mo (attribution only) |
| What’s included | Tracking + identity + attribution + Klaviyo recovery | Attribution and analytics only |
| Total cost with tracking | $299/mo (all included) | $1,000+ (Northbeam) + $200–950 (Elevar) = $1,200–1,950+/mo |
| Contract | Month-to-month. Cancel anytime. | Annual contracts typical |
| Money-back guarantee | 60-day ROI guarantee | Not publicly stated |
More features, lower price
Upstack
$299/mo
Tracking + identity resolution + attribution + Klaviyo flow recovery — all included.
Northbeam
$1,000+/mo
Attribution and analytics only (estimated). Most brands add Elevar ($200–950/mo) for tracking = $1,200–1,950+/mo total.
Replace Northbeam + Elevar ($1,200+/mo) with one platform ($299/mo).
What brands say about switching
“Moved from a competitor to Upstack and have a very clear picture that Upstack is a faster setup, with a much more competent team, amazing customer service, and better performance, for a cheaper price — it's not even close.”
Giant Hoodies
Shopify Brand
41x ROI
“We looked at several competitors and talked to some customers of Upstack and their competitors. From our research, Upstack was by far the clear winner in terms of data accuracy, customer service and pricing.”
Customer Review
Shopify App Store
“We have extended experience with other options out there. This is the best experience and the steadiest results I have seen across any other software we have worked with.”
HEALiX Infrared
Shopify Brand
Switching from Northbeam is easy
No developer needed. No downtime. No data loss.
- 1
Install the Upstack Shopify app — adds server-side tracking Northbeam doesn’t provide (4 minutes)
- 2
Connect your ad accounts: Meta, Google, TikTok, Klaviyo (5 minutes)
- 3
Upstack configures Conversion API, identity resolution, and attribution automatically
- 4
Your existing Meta pixel setup stays the same — no campaign disruption
- 5
See improved EMQ and Klaviyo flow volume within the first week. Attribution data populates within days.
Upstack vs Northbeam FAQ
Ready to outgrow Northbeam?
Start your free 21-day trial. Setup takes under 20 minutes — and our 60-day ROI guarantee means you have nothing to lose.
Cancel anytime
Not ready for a trial? Book a 15-minute walkthrough or read our DTC tracking guide.