AfterShip Returns vs Loop Returns: Shopify Performance Comparison
AfterShip Returns wins with Grade A vs Grade B — a one-grade performance difference that compounds on mobile devices.
Both apps provide returns management and reverse logistics functionality for Shopify stores. This page presents StackConflict’s independent lab results for both — measured in a clean-room environment with no other apps installed.
Head-to-Head Metrics
| Metric | AfterShip Returns | Loop Returns | Faster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Grade | A | B | AfterShip Returns |
| JS Payload | 5.82 KB | 41.65 KB | AfterShip Returns |
| CPU Desktop | 6 ms | 14 ms | AfterShip Returns |
| CPU Mobile | 22 ms | 34 ms | AfterShip Returns |
| Layout Shift | 0.0006 | 0.0 | Loop Returns |
Mobile CPU measured with 4× CDP throttle (mid-range Android). Tested 2026-05-30.
AfterShip Returns — The Faster Option (Grade A)
AfterShip Returns scores Grade A with a JS payload of 5.82 KB and 6 ms desktop CPU execution. Mobile CPU: 22 ms. It passes every StackConflict threshold for payload, CPU, and layout stability — making it safe to install on any storefront including mobile-first stores where Time-to-Interactive directly impacts conversion.
View full AfterShip Returns speed report →
Loop Returns — The Heavier Option (Grade B)
Loop Returns scores Grade B with a JS payload of 41.65 KB and 14 ms desktop CPU execution. Mobile CPU: 34 ms. Performance is acceptable but worth monitoring, particularly on stores with high mobile traffic share.
View full Loop Returns speed report →
When to Choose AfterShip Returns
- You are running a mobile-heavy store and Core Web Vitals matter
- You want to stack multiple apps without worrying about combined JS cost
- Conversion rate optimisation is a key priority
When to Choose Loop Returns
- You need its specific features and can monitor its mobile impact
- Your other apps are lightweight (Grade A) so there is headroom
- You are on desktop-skewed traffic where CPU cost matters less
Performance Verdict
Winner: AfterShip Returns — AfterShip Returns wins with Grade A vs Grade B — a one-grade performance difference that compounds on mobile devices.
About This Test
StackConflict measures each Shopify app in an isolated clean-room environment — a single development store, no other scripts, Playwright-controlled browser. V8 CPU cost is the ScriptDuration delta before and after injection. CLS is captured from the same browser session. Results represent the median of three independent runs with outliers removed.
Data from the StackConflict Lab. Last updated 2026-05-30.