In short
- Machine-learning multi-touch attribution plus an MMM+ module
- Creative-level attribution across Meta, TikTok, Google, and more
- Flexible attribution and lookback windows per channel
- Best fit: US-focused DTC brands with $50k+/mo ad spend and a dedicated media-buying team
What is Northbeam
Northbeam is a US-based marketing attribution platform for DTC brands. It combines machine-learning multi-touch attribution (MTA) with an MMM+ module (marketing mix modeling) and is built for the daily optimization work of media buyers: performance down to the individual creative, configurable attribution windows per channel, and cohort and LTV analyses.
In the long-running US debate “Northbeam vs. Triple Whale”, Northbeam is usually seen as the more serious attribution tool: more model depth for dedicated media-buying teams, while Triple Whale is perceived as the more accessible all-round dashboard. Northbeam raised about $15M in fresh capital in 2025. Customers named by the vendor include Timex, Manscaped, Dollar Shave Club, HexClad, and Dr. Squatch.
Where Northbeam fits in 2026
Northbeam targets US-focused DTC brands with $50k+ in monthly ad spend and a dedicated media-buying team. Strengths: creative-level attribution across Meta, TikTok, Google, and other channels, the level at which media buyers actually make decisions; flexible lookback and attribution windows per channel instead of one global setting; and MMM+ plus cohort and LTV analyses as a second measurement layer above pixel tracking, relevant for subscription and repeat-purchase models.
The trade-offs are real. The proprietary model is a black box: why a touchpoint gets 40% of the credit cannot be audited. In adtribute’s own tracking audit (our Tracking Checker, same procedure for every tool), 6 of 9 tested ad blockers blocked Northbeam’s pixel (20% data loss), and ITP additionally caps its first-party cookies (25% limited identification), for a possible tracking loss of about 33% despite the first-party claim. In an otherwise positive G2 picture (4.5), one criticism recurs: a long onboarding with little hands-on support. The architecture is Shopify-centric, hosting is in the US, and there is no DACH data-protection story.
For European brands that need EU hosting, tracking without blocker losses in our audit, and attribution rules they can inspect, adtribute is typically the better fit. For US DTC brands with a dedicated media-buying team that wants ML attribution down to the creative, Northbeam is a strong choice.
FAQ about Northbeam
How much does Northbeam cost?
Northbeam quotes pricing individually, based on the data volume of your business (measured in pageviews). The entry Starter tier is estimated at around $1,500/month; larger tiers are quoted after a demo. See the pricing page for the current structure.
How does Northbeam compare to Triple Whale?
Northbeam is the better attribution tool, with more model depth, creative-level attribution, and per-channel windows for dedicated media buyers. Triple Whale is the broader platform, with a free entry tier and AI features beyond attribution. On tracking, both are equally exposed: each loses about 33% in adtribute’s own tracking audit.
What does Northbeam actually do?
Northbeam combines a first-party pixel with machine-learning multi-touch attribution, an MMM+ module, and cohort and LTV analyses. Performance is reported down to the creative, with attribution windows configurable per channel.
Is Northbeam good for non-Shopify brands?
Northbeam’s architecture is Shopify-centric, which is where its integrations are deepest. Brands on other storefronts should confirm connector coverage for their stack during the demo.
What are Northbeam alternatives?
For European brands, a common alternative is adtribute: tracking without blocker losses in our audit, transparent and freely configurable attribution, custom reporting, EU hosting, and public pricing. In the US market, Triple Whale is the usual counterpart, with a free entry tier and more features beyond attribution. Klar and Tracify are the common DACH alternatives.
How to use Northbeam?
Request a demo at https://www.northbeam.io, then onboard with their team. Install the Northbeam pixel, connect ad accounts and your store, and plan for a longer onboarding before the models are fully calibrated.
Why choose Northbeam?
Northbeam gives media buyers ML attribution down to the creative, per-channel attribution windows, and MMM+ as a second measurement layer, which suits US DTC teams that optimize spend daily.
How does Northbeam work?
It captures first-party events on your site with its pixel, ingests ad spend and order data, applies its machine-learning attribution model, and reports ROAS and contribution by channel, campaign, and creative.
Is Northbeam free?
Northbeam isn’t free. Pricing is custom and requires a demo to sign up.
How to learn Northbeam?
Northbeam maintains documentation, case studies, and a content hub at https://www.northbeam.io. Their team also runs implementation and analytics support.
What are Northbeam reviews?
Northbeam is rated 4.5 on G2 with 16 reviews. Reviewers are broadly positive, with a recurring criticism of a long onboarding. See https://www.g2.com/products/northbeam/reviews for detailed feedback.
Does Northbeam have an API?
Yes, Northbeam provides APIs for tracking and exporting attribution data into your warehouse. Documentation is shared during onboarding.
Does Northbeam have a trial or a demo?
Northbeam doesn’t publish a free trial. Book a demo at https://www.northbeam.io.
Does Northbeam use AI?
Yes, Northbeam’s attribution runs on proprietary machine-learning models that blend platform data with first-party events. The model is not open to inspection, so the credit split per touchpoint cannot be audited.
Northbeam pricing
Northbeam uses custom pricing on request (~$1,500/mo, est.). Billing: By data volume (pageviews). There is no free trial; Northbeam offers a demo instead. See the full Northbeam pricing page for current tiers and any add-ons.
