Neptune Society is one of the largest cremation providers in the United States. Families often ask, “Is Neptune Society worth it when their average cremation cost is about $2,000+?”

The company offers bundled plans that reduce choices but may feel expensive compared to other providers. For many families, the main challenge is finding a service that keeps costs clear while easing the stress of end-of-life planning.

In this guide, we explain what they offer, their costs, and Neptune Society’s pros and cons to help you decide if it fits your family’s needs.

Not sure whether a cremation at After or Neptune Society is the right path? Our team is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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What is Neptune Society? The 30-Second Answer

Neptune Society is a nationwide provider of cremation services that has been operating since 1973. It focuses on affordable cremation plans, pre-planning, and specialized options such as veteran benefits and a Memorial Reef program.

Bottom line: Neptune Society offers mid-range cremation services with a legacy brand name, but its pricing and service flexibility vary by location.

Key Features

Neptune cremation services cover both immediate needs and long-term planning. Some of its most notable features include:

• Established reputation: Neptune Society is one of the most widely known cremation providers. They have more than 50 locations across the country. Families often choose it because of its history and brand recognition.
  
  
• One-plan simplicity: Neptune Society markets its “one plan with no hidden fees,” which covers essentials like professional services, transportation, refrigeration, cremation container, and the return or scattering of remains.
  
  
• Cremation pre-planning: Families can lock in today’s pricing through a prepayment plan. You can spread payments over time to protect rates against future inflation.
  
  
• Veterans benefits support: Eligible veterans receive help applying for VA reimbursements, free cemetery placement, and memorial certificates. The company also offers a 10% discount on most packages for veterans.
  
  
• Memorial Reef program: Families can choose to place remains within a man-made reef off the coast of Florida, which is a unique alternative to traditional scattering.
  
  
• Discounts and guarantees: Neptune Society offers a multi-item discount (10% off three or more keepsakes) and a service guarantee, promising to resolve any concerns families raise.
  
  
• Nationwide coverage: While not available in every state, Neptune Society has offices in many major metro areas, giving families the option of face-to-face arrangements.

These features make Neptune Society attractive to families who want recognizable, packaged services. However, reviews show that experiences can differ from office to office, and add-on fees or delays may come as a surprise.

How Does Neptune Society Work?

Neptune Society guides families through either immediate cremation or advanced planning. The process typically involves:

• Initial contact: Families call to report a passing or begin pre-planning.
  
  
• Arrangement discussion: A funeral director or representative explains paperwork, permits, and available packages.
  
  
• Transportation and care: The staff transport your loved one to a climate-controlled environment before cremation.
  
  
• Cremation and disposition: Cremation occurs within 5–7 business days, though delays may occur due to coroner or permit issues.
  
  
• Return or scattering of remains: Families can choose to have remains returned, scattered at sea, or placed in a memorial garden.

For example, a family in California might choose the full cremation and disposition package, which includes professional services, transportation, cremation, and either scattering or return of remains. 

Additional services, such as private memorials at sea, come at extra cost.

Neptune Society vs. After: What's the Difference?

Both Neptune Society and After provide cremation services, but the way they approach families’ needs is different. Neptune Society emphasizes legacy and breadth of locations. After focuses on simplicity, transparency, and affordability through an online-first model.

Comparison Table

Who Comes Out Ahead?

Families who want a familiar, legacy brand with traditional offices may prefer Neptune cremation services. They offer veteran discounts, a unique reef option, and bundled plans for simplicity.

Families who want lower costs, clear pricing, and a stress-free process find After a better fit. After focuses only on cremation packages and offers 24/7 online and phone support. This model delivers the same core services without office overhead.

Neptune Society Pros and Cons

What Works Well 

• Neptune Society has been in operation since 1973 and is one of the largest cremation providers in the United States. Families often choose it because of its reputation and nationwide presence.
  
  
• Neptune Society allows individuals to prepay for cremation services. This locks in today’s prices and reduces financial strain for families in the future.
  
  
• Neptune Society provides unique services such as scattering remains at sea or placement in a memorial reef, which appeal to families looking for personalized tributes.

Where It Falls Short

• Basic cremation with disposition averages about $2,000, which is more than many online-first alternatives.
  
  
• Families often need to pay for death certificates, county permits, shipping, or upgraded memorial services beyond the base package.
  
  
• Neptune Society often handles billing, contracts, and services separately. This setup can confuse families who expect one clear plan.
  
  
• Neptune Society usually completes cremation in 5 to 7 business days. Delays can happen when you need permits or coroner approvals.

These concerns make Neptune Society less appealing for families that want speed, transparency, and stress-free arrangements.

Should You Use Neptune Society? 

Neptune Society may be the right choice if you want a well-known brand with decades of history, veteran-specific benefits, and the reassurance of in-person offices.

However, reviews suggest that families should approach with caution, as hidden fees and communication breakdowns can add unexpected stress.

By contrast, After offers cremation packages with clear upfront pricing, 24/7 support, and a streamlined online-first process designed to reduce confusion. Families comparing the two often find After’s simplicity and transparency a more reliable option.

Neptune Society is Perfect For:

• Families who prefer working with a long-established, nationwide provider.
• Veterans or families looking for assistance with VA benefits.
• Families interested in unique memorials like the Neptune Memorial Reef.

Skip Neptune Society If You:

• Want guaranteed transparency with no risk of hidden contracts or surprise add-ons. Some families have reported that the pricing process can feel confusing, with unexpected charges appearing later.
  
  
• Need a fast, reliable process with clear updates and minimal delays. Many families have experienced delays and inconsistent communication around timelines. If you need frequent updates and quick turnaround, this can become a source of stress.
  
  
• Prefer handling arrangements online with support available around the clock. Neptune Society often leans on in-person meetings or scheduled phone calls, which may not work for everyone. Families who expect digital convenience and 24/7 responsiveness may find the process less flexible than they’d like.

In these cases, After often provides a better fit. With packages starting at $995, upfront detail on what’s included, and digital-first convenience, After supports families who want clarity, affordability, and compassionate support at every step.

What to Know Before Choosing Neptune Society

Choosing a cremation provider is an important decision, and Neptune Society has both long-standing strengths and areas where families should proceed with caution. Understanding the details before signing a contract can help you avoid stress later.

Essential practices:

• Request a detailed breakdown of costs upfront. Pricing can vary widely by location, so ask for every fee in writing before you commit.
  
  
• Confirm timelines. The whole cremation process typically takes about 5–7 business days, but delays are not uncommon. Make sure you know what to expect in your area.
  
  
• Clarify service responsibilities. Neptune Society sometimes separates billing, paperwork, and service delivery across different departments. Ask who will be your point of contact from start to finish.
  
  
• Check refund and cancellation policies. If you’re pre-paying, review how refunds work if plans change.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Don’t sign before reviewing all paperwork. Some families reported confusion when discovering multiple contracts or added services later.
  
  
• Don’t assume every location delivers the same experience. Service quality can vary greatly depending on the office.
  
  
• Remember to ask about hidden costs. Items like delivery of remains, travel insurance, or memorial add-ons can increase the final bill.

Reviews of Neptune Society

Neptune Society has mixed reviews from customers. Some families share experiences of compassionate care, while others describe challenges with communication, billing, and delays.

Positive experiences:

• Families often praise individual staff members for empathy and professionalism. One customer shared, “The funeral director Lorraine Wiggins deserves special thanks because she was absolutely wonderful. First class organization.”
  
  
• Others note relief when pre-planning worked as intended: “Years prior to my mom’s passing, she made arrangements with Neptune Society… the staff in the Phoenix office took excellent care to ensure that her wishes were met.”
  
  
• Some reviewers describe the process as smooth and timely, with representatives who guided them through every step with kindness.

Critical feedback:

• Communication gaps: Several reviewers mention missed calls, canceled appointments, or long waits for updates. One person explained, “I sent in a request for information and received minimal response… Never received the phone call as scheduled.” Another said, “Getting to the point of finally signing a contract is almost impossible if you want to know the exact cost before you pay.”
  
  
• Unexpected or high costs: Families often say the higher costs didn’t match initial estimates. A reviewer said, “My family member only paid a few months for his preplanned cremation… Neptune Society told us the remaining cost was over $6,000.” Another added, “I ended up paying $1,260 more than I thought due to two separate contracts.”
  
  
• Delays and lack of clarity: Some families describe waiting weeks for remains, with little communication. One reviewer wrote, “Weeks later I finally learned my friend had been cremated 30 days after her death. They could not give me an exact date.” Another said, “Over 2 weeks waiting for my father’s ashes… the staff was rude when I asked about his implants.”
  
  
• Concerns about professionalism: A few reviewers felt like the sales process pressured them and felt misled about contract terms. One family shared, “Their billing and actual service do not seem connected at all. They acted like used car salesmen.” Another described Neptune Society as part of a larger corporation where the service felt impersonal.

Scenarios where After might be better:

If transparency and peace of mind are top priorities, After is often a stronger choice. We list our cremation packages online with clear inclusions and exclusions, so families know exactly what they are paying for.

We also offer 24/7 phone support and digital paperwork, reducing the risk of missed appointments or confusion. For families worried about cost, After’s packages start at $995, which can be significantly lower than the bills some Neptune Society reviewers describe.

Bottom line recommendation

Neptune Society can provide dignified and supportive service, but experiences vary widely depending on the office. Neptune Society reviews highlight compassion and professionalism, while negative reviews point to delays, billing issues, and a lack of transparency.

Families looking for a simpler, more predictable process often find After’s model to be a more reliable option. We offer upfront pricing, online convenience, and round-the-clock care.

Looking Beyond Neptune Society? Get Cremation on Your Terms

When comparing providers, many families search for “Neptune Society pros and cons” to understand if the service is right for them.

If you’re planning a funeral or organizing next steps after losing a loved one, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Cremation does not have to feel complicated. Families want clear pricing, less pressure, and arrangements without hidden fees or delays.

After meets these needs as an online-first direct cremation provider built on transparency and compassion. Our Base Package starts at $995 and includes transportation, permits, climate-controlled care, a basic cremation container, and support from a dedicated care specialist.

Families receive one simple price with essential services included, without piecing together requirements or worrying about unexpected charges.

Not sure whether a cremation is the right path? The team at After is here to guide you through your options right now with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Neptune Society Cremation Cost?

Neptune Society cremation costs about $2,000 for the basic service, plus extra for disposition. Additional fees apply for services like shipping, delivery, or private memorials.

What Services Does Neptune Society Include?

Neptune Society includes professional services, transportation, refrigeration, cremation, and a basic container. Families also choose a disposition option: scattering at sea, scattering in a garden, or returning remains to the family.

Does Neptune Society Have Hidden Fees?

Neptune Society does have extra fees that are not in the base price. Families may pay for county permits, death certificates, shipping, or upgraded memorial services.

Can I Prepay With Neptune Society?

You can prepay with Neptune Society through its advance payment plan. The plan locks in today’s prices and allows monthly payments with no interest or billing charges.

However, lower rates are available with better service through After for cremation planning. If you expect your loved one to pass within a few months, you can learn more about After’s cremation planning here.

Is Neptune Society Worth It For Direct Cremation?

Neptune Society is worth it for direct cremation if you want a recognizable name and bundled services. However, costs are higher than those of some providers, and experiences vary depending on the location.

Does Neptune Society Work Nationwide?

Neptune Society works nationwide. Coverage is broad, but not every state has an office.

What Happens If I Move After Joining Neptune Society?

If you move after joining Neptune Society, coverage continues, but services depend on location availability. Families should confirm transfer details during pre-planning.

How Fast Can Neptune Society Arrange Cremation?

Neptune Society usually arranges cremation in 5 to 7 business days. Delays may occur if permits, coroner involvement, or holidays extend the timeline.

How Do Neptune Society Reviews Compare To After?

Neptune Society reviews are not as favorable as After’s reviews. Many Neptune Society reviews mention hidden costs, delays, and inconsistent communication. After consistently stands out for transparent pricing, online convenience, and reliable 24/7 support, giving families greater peace of mind.