301 Redirect | Fix 404 Links vs Swift Redirects

If you’ve migrated your Shopify store or cleaned up outdated URLs, you already know the importance of a good redirect strategy. Without it, broken links can hurt SEO, create poor user experiences, and tank conversion rates.

Two of the most popular tools for solving this are:

• 301 Redirect | Fix 404 Links
• Swift Redirects

But which one offers better features, automation, and long-term value? Let’s break it down.

What Do These Apps Do?

Both apps solve a common Shopify issue: when pages are deleted, moved, or renamed, customers and search engines hit broken links (404 errors). These apps allow store owners to easily redirect traffic to the correct destination — keeping SEO intact and customers on the path to purchase.

301 Redirect | Fix 404 Links

Offers a streamlined way to fix broken URLs using Shopify’s built-in redirect function. It primarily focuses on detection and manual redirection, with simple reporting and a lightweight interface.

Swift Redirects

Goes beyond basic redirects. It includes real-time 404 monitoring, auto-suggestions, bulk imports, regex/pattern-based redirection, live page redirection, email alerts, and performance analytics. Built for Shopify 2.0 compatibility and modern workflows.

Feature Comparison

Use Case Example

Scenario: A merchant restructured all collection URLs from /collections/category-name to /collections/shop-category-name.

301 Redirect:

• Manually identify each broken URL
• Create 1:1 redirects using the Shopify redirect UI
• No regex or automation; high manual effort

Swift Redirects:

• Auto-detects all 404s after restructure
• Offers pattern-based redirect: /collections/* → /collections/shop-*
• Tracks redirect hits and alerts the merchant in real time

Pricing Comparison

While 301 Redirect is more affordable, Swift Redirects provides significantly more value for merchants with growing needs or complex site structures.

Ease of Use

301 Redirect:

Lightweight and easy to install. Best suited for stores with minimal redirect needs.

Swift Redirects:

Drag-and-drop interface, on-page redirect tools, and onboarding guidance make it accessible for both beginners and power users. The added automation reduces long-term maintenance effort.

SEO Optimization Capabilities

One of the most important considerations in choosing a 404 redirect app is how well it protects your SEO rankings:

• 301 Redirect: Relies on merchant manually setting permanent redirects.
• Swift Redirects: Automatically creates SEO-friendly 301s, catches missed links, and ensures fast response times with minimal crawl errors.

Automation and Monitoring

Swift Redirects stands out with its smart monitoring features:

• Real-time 404 monitoring
• Automated email alerts when 404s are detected
• Suggestion engine for redirect destinations
• Built-in analytics dashboard

301 Redirect lacks real-time monitoring or automation, making it more reactive than proactive.

Final Verdict: Which Shopify 404 Redirect App Should You Choose?

Conclusion: For stores that occasionally change product URLs, 301 Redirect is a simple, affordable option. But if you’re planning a major migration, restructuring, or SEO overhaul — Swift Redirects offers the advanced capabilities and automation you’ll need to stay efficient and SEO-compliant.