Your simple guide to compare the top cremation providers by price & coverage
Last Reviewed July 2026 – By Sara Marsden-Ille
Imagine saying goodbye to a loved one without the weight of a $10,000+ funeral bill. That’s the quiet revolution happening across America right now.
Direct cremation—sometimes referred to as cremation-only—is the simplest and most budget-friendly option in the death care industry.
No embalming, no fancy casket, no viewing room. Just respectful transport, the cremation itself, and the ashes returned to you in a basic container. The average cremation cost for this no-frills option now ranges from $795 to $3,000 nationwide, a fraction of traditional burial prices.
In 2025, nearly 63% of American families chose cremation, with direct cremation leading the pack for its transparency and ease.
Did you realize that direct cremation can be arranged for less than $1,500 in most U.S. metros today? With genuine local, independent cremation providers, you are looking at an average cremation cost of $795 to $1,495 for this base service.
Whether you’re pre-planning for peace of mind or arranging services today, this guide walks you through the top 20 direct cremation service providers in the U.S. We’ve grouped them by reach—National, Multi-State/Regional, and State-Specific—so you can quickly spot options in your area.
| # | Provider | Type & Ownership | Coverage | Direct Cremation From* | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DFS Memorials | Referral network of vetted, independent local providers (family-run, est. 2012) | 42 US states + Washington D.C. + 3 Canadian provinces | $795 (typically $795–$1,495) | Local providers with prices published per city — not a funeral home |
| 2 | US Funerals Online | Independent funeral consumer resource (publishing since 2003) | Nationwide (US) | Free resource | State-by-state cremation law & cost guides, planning advisors |
| 3 | Neptune Society | Service Corporation International (SCI) brand | Nationwide, 50+ locations | ~$1,695 | Prepaid / pre-need cremation plans |
| 4 | National Cremation Society | Service Corporation International (SCI) brand | Multi-state | Varies by location | Longest-established cremation society brand |
| 5 | Cremation Association of North America (CANA) | Industry trade association — not a provider | North America | Free resource | Find-a-Provider directory of member firms |
| 6 | After.com (After) | Online direct cremation arrangement platform | 9 states, incl. TX, NV, UT & Southern CA | $995–$1,467 by state | 24/7 online chat arrangement |
| 7 | Tulip Cremation | Foundation Partners Group (FPG) division | Northern California only (as of 2026) | $1,295 | 100% online arrangement |
| 8 | Smart Cremation | North Star Memorial Group | CA, WA, OR, AZ, NV, TX, FL | $995–$1,495 | Broad West Coast coverage |
| 9 | Apyre National Cremation | East Coast cremation group | DE, IN, PA, NJ, WV, FL | Not published | Phone & online arrangement |
| 10 | Cremation Society of America | Service Corporation International (SCI) brand | South Florida tri-county (Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade) | $1,190 | Online cremation arrangement in FL |
| 11 | Simple Cremation USA | Referral portal — Willow Enterprises, NJ | 28 states | Varies by provider | Central phone/online intake |
| 12 | Cremation With Care Network | Funeral-home affiliate / referral brand | 30+ states | Not published | Hundreds of partner funeral locations |
| 13 | CremateSimply | Park Lawn Corporation brand | CO, NM, TN | $1,395 + third-party fees | Fixed base package |
| 14 | Halo Cremation | Regional provider | IN, KY | $850 | Low entry price for the Midwest |
| 15 | Newcomer Funeral Service Group | Independent — funeral homes, crematories & cemeteries (Topeka, KS) | 10 states: CO, FL, IN, KS, KY, MO, OH, NY, WI, WY | Varies by location | Owns its own facilities |
| 16 | InPeace Direct Cremation | Independent (est. 2022) | NYC five boroughs, Albany, northern NJ | $1,595 + crematory fees | Online arrangement for the NYC metro |
| 17 | Going Home Cremations | Independent | Southeast Florida (Fort Myers–Sarasota) | Not published | Snowbird / return-home focus |
| 18 | All-States Cremation | Foundation Partners Group (acquired 2019) | Colorado | ~$1,620 average | Multiple Colorado locations |
| 19 | Cremation Only | Independent (Oklahoma City) | Oklahoma statewide | $695 + mileage beyond 50 mi | Lowest advertised entry price statewide |
| 20 | Cremation Society of Illinois | Independent cremation society | Chicagoland / Illinois | $2,350 at-need | Membership discounts for preplanning |
*Advertised base direct cremation prices as published by each provider, verified July 2026. Prices vary by location and may change; third-party fees (permits, death certificates, crematory charges where applicable) may be additional. DFS Memorials is a referral network, not a cremation provider — your local provider’s exact all-inclusive price is published on their area page.
Let’s explore how these trusted names make affordable cremation accessible, transparent, and dignified.
Why Direct Cremation Is Reshaping Funeral Choices Today
Direct cremation skips every add-on that inflates funeral costs. Think of it as the “ride-share” of death care: you pay only for the essentials. Here are the steps of a typical direct cremation process:
1. Collection from a home, hospital, or hospice (often within hours).
2. Sheltering of the deceased in a climate-controlled facility (no embalming required).
3. Completion & submission of required paperwork, such as the death certificate, cremation permit, and ID tagging.
4. Cremation process in a licensed retort (one body at a time).
5. Return of the cremation ashes in a sturdy temporary urn within 7–14 days.
There are no hidden fees and generally no upsells unless a family chooses an urn or a memorial tribute. Families save an average of $7,000 compared to a full casket burial. That money can fund a beach scattering, memorial jewelry, or a college fund for grandkids.
Now, you understand why direct cremation is becoming our nation’s preferred disposition choice. Let’s explore the top direct cremation providers serving families across America:
Tier 1: National Affordable Cremation Providers – One Click, Coast to Coast
These companies operate like a trusted brand you already know—available almost everywhere with consistent cremation cost quotes openly disclosed online.
1. DFS Memorials – Nationwide network established in 2012
Type: Referral Network – Local Vetted Independent Providers
Coverage: 42 states, Washington DC, + 3 Canadian provinces
Direct cremation from: $795, typically $795–$1,495 (Verified July 2026)
A network of local, licensed partners posting affordable cremation prices by city or zip code. DFS connects you with an affordable direct cremation provider, wherever you need one, from anywhere. Cremation prices and inclusions are openly presented for each location.
DFS Memorials operates a network of 80+ local, independent cremation service providers.
Sample prices: $795 for cremation in Houston, Miami & Atlanta; $995 for direct cremation in Orlando; $1,045 for direct cremation in Los Angeles, and $1,295 in Chicago. Free price comparisons included.
Use the Local Providers Search to find Providers and Prices Near You Today
2. US Funerals Online – Funeral Consumer Portal established 2003
Type: Free consumer resource — not a cremation provider
Coverage: Free Cremation Costs & Planning Guides for Every U.S. State
Direct cremation from: Average cremation price data aggregated from industry sources & disclosed for consumer information
Think of it as the Wikipedia of cremation. Step-by-step state cremation law guides, plus cremation costs, and instant price lists. Great for beginners researching cremation-only rules in their state. US Funerals can help connect you with affordable cremation services in your area.
3. Neptune Society – Nationwide Direct Cremation (S.C.I)
Type: Corporate S.C.I Direct
Coverage: 58 branded offices across 31 states
Direct cremation from: $1,695–$3,500+ depending on market & at-need vs. preplan (Verified July 2026)
The granddaddy of cremation societies—50+ years strong. Their focus is largely on prepaid direct cremation services and locking in rates today. As part of Service Corporation International (SCI), prices for a direct cremation can start at approximately $1,695, but may vary depending on location and whether the service is pre-need or at-need.
4. National Cremation Society (also a brand of Service Corporation International)
Type: Corporate S.C.I Direct
Coverage: 23 arrangement offices in 11 states – 12 offices in Florida
Direct cremation from: Prices are not publicly listed. Consumer reports suggest prices start at $1,695 (Verified July 2026)
National Cremation operates across multiple states to help families arrange lower-cost cremation services. Some locations are by arrangement only, or offer limited opening hours to coordinate with families, and return cremation ashes.
5. Cremation Association of North America – CANA (cremationassociation.org)
Type: Free consumer & industry resource — not a cremation provider
Coverage: Member directory across the U.S. & Canada
Direct cremation from: CANA publishes an annual cremation statistics report which aggregates average prices & trends.
Not a cremation provider but a trusted association of cremation providers across North America. They do offer gold-standard resources, including free consumer FAQs, and families can use their Find a Provider tool to search the directory of CANA member locations.
Tier 2: Multi-State & Regional Direct Cremation Leaders – Local Feel, Wider Reach
These brands focus on clusters of states but still offer affordable cremation services, typically with online quotes and 24/7 phone support.
6. After.com – Online direct cremation arrangement portal
Type: Online arrangement service – hub/spoke model
Coverage: 11 states, although mainly in metro areas only
Direct cremation from: Headline $995 – Typical $1,157 to $1,467 – depending on metro market, (Verified July 2026)
After.com (After) is an online direct cremation arrangement platform currently operating in 9 states, including Texas (Dallas and Houston metros), Nevada, Utah, and Southern California
They offer live chat with a care specialist via their bespoke customer care center, as well as cremation packages starting at $995. At launch, they aggressively targeted the top low-cost, affordable metro markets [with high cremation rates]. With an entry price of $695 in some key markets, it then rose to $995, a level it has retained in a select few markets.
But as of 2026, After’s price structure has slowly increased. After.com now charges $1,467 in Utah and $1,346 in Southern California. [After.com pulled out of the Bay Area and Central California as of December 2024, and has not returned.]
Nevada moved from $995 to $1,157, and Texas from $995 to $1,170. Not huge incremental increases, but rather strange ‘unrounded’ price point offerings!
7. Tulip Cremation – A division of Foundation Partners Group (FPG)
Type: Online arrangement brand of Foundation Partners Group
Coverage: Now only serving Northern California (Bay Area & Surrounding counties)
Direct cremation from: $1,295 CA only (Verified July 2026)
Tulip Cremation is a 100% online service owned by FPG that previously delivered direct cremation services in five Western States until early 2026. As a division of the wider FPG group, they can offer direct services utilizing their existing crematory and funeral home locations. They offer a direct cremation starting at $1,295.
It seems an ‘executive’ decision was made in 2026 to discontinue branding and new arrangements across all states, except Northern California. Interestingly, after pulling out of Northern CA and the Bay Area…..Tulip Cremation cemented that as their SOLE territory during this ‘battle’ in the tech/direct cremation market for the western Sun Belt high-cremation states.
8. Smart Cremation – Operated by North Star Memorial Group
Type: Direct cremation brand of Northstar Memorial Group (NSMG)
Coverage: 7 states, mainly the southwest sunbelt region
Direct cremation from: not published; independently reports suggest a range of $1,195–$1,495, (Verified July 2026)
Another West Coast simple cremation powerhouse (serving CA, WA, OR, AZ, NV, TX, FL). Cremation prices in Phoenix can start at $995, with average direct cremation packages ranging from $1,195 to $1,495.
9. Apyre National Cremation – East Coast
Type: Family-owned digital direct cremation platform (Chubenko family – NJ)
Coverage: 6 states, mainly the Northeast + Florida
Direct cremation from Apyre has a $595 service fee, plus local crematory, mileage, and filing fees, typically an all-in price of $1,000–$1,200. (Verified July 2026)
On the Eastern seaboard (serving DE, IN, PA, NJ, WV, FL). The team behind Apyre National Cremation Services helps families on the East Coast arrange affordable direct cremation.
10. Cremation Society of America – Owned and Operated by S.C.I
Type: Owned by Service Corporation International S.C.I.
Coverage: Serving Florida
Direct cremation from $1,190 for online arrangement. (Verified July 2026)
A Service Corporation brand focused on direct cremation in Florida. Serving South Florida’s Tri-County area (Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade), rich in retired and transient residents, facilitating simple online cremation from $1,190.
11. Simple Cremation USA – Division of Willow Enterprises, NJ
Type: Online Referral portal – operates out of NJ
Coverage: Serving 27 states with 55 partner funeral homes
Direct cremation from partner portal online base prices vary between $595–$3,450 (median ~$1,365), plus itemized fees. (Verified July 2026)
A network of cremation service providers across 27 States. Consumers call into a central phone number or submit an online form. Simple Cremation USA is a referral portal that fields/forwards inquiries, charging a % fee.
12. Cremation With Care Network – 30+ States
Type: A brand of ValMark Memorial Group
Coverage: Serving 22 counties in Florida
Direct cremation from $995–$1,190 – published Florida price list (Verified July 2026)
Cremation With Care (CWC) was established as a trusted cremation brand for funeral homes to affiliate with and market their cremation services. Their website claims to have 100s of partner funeral locations. The network’s headquarters is based in Florida and operates on a referral model. They do not disclose cremation prices online, and many are full-service cremation providers, although they do offer direct cremation.
13. CremateSimply – Colorado, New Mexico & Tennessee
Type: The direct cremation brand of Park Lawn Corporation (PLG)
Coverage: 3 states: CO, NM, & TN
Direct cremation from $1,395 (Verified July 2026)
CremateSimply is a brand of Park Lawn Corporation operating in CO, NM, and TN. Their basic service package for direct cremation starts at $1,395 (excluding third-party fees, such as permits and death certificates).
14. Halo Cremation – Indiana and Kentucky
Type: Family-owned direct cremation brand (Operated by the Christensen Family)
Coverage: 2 states: KY & IN
Direct cremation from $850 to $1,295 depending on location (Verified July 2026)
Serving both IN and KY, Halo Cremation brings affordable direct cremation options to Hoosier families and families across the Bluegrass State. Cremation prices start at $850.
15. Newcomer Funeral Service Group – 10 States
Type: Regional Private Family-owned – Newcomer Funeral Service Group
Coverage: 10 states: CO, FL, IN, KS, KY, MO, OH, NY, WI & WY.
Direct cremation from $1,095 – $1,895 depending on location (Verified July 2026)
An independent funeral home, crematory, and cemetery service provider based in Topeka, Kansas, but with operations in ten states, including CO, FL, IN, KS, KY, MO, OH, NY, WI & WY. Newcomer Funeral Services has been partnering with funeral homes to faciliate a progressive grwoth plan. Ren & John Newcomer lead the groiup offering independent funeral homes a more ‘family-orientated’ option for selling their business.
Newcomer Funeral Services have long been an advocate of price transparency, and were one of the earlier ‘maverick’s’ of displaying cremation & funeral prices online.
16. InPeace Direct Cremation – New York and New Jersey
Type: Online Cremation Arrangement
Coverage: 2 states – NJ & NY
Direct cremation from $1,595 (Verified July 2026)
Launched by Matthew Tedder in 2022. InPeace offers an online or phone-based arrangement process for direct cremation services throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Albany, and northern New Jersey. They advertise a fixed direct cremation package at $1,595, but because NY State law does not permit a funeral service provider to own or operate a crematory, the crematory charges must be charged separately.
Tier 3: State-Specific Affordable Basic Cremation Companies – Local & Hyper-Transparent
When you want a provider who knows your county coroner by name, these single-state champions shine.
17. Going Home Cremations – SE Florida
Type: Independent
Coverage: Southeast Florida
Direct cremation from Not published
Serving the whole Southeast of Florida from Fort Myers to Sarasota. Going Home is almost as it states: the ideal affordable cremation option for retirees or snowbirds to return their remains home. Arrangements can be completed online or by phone, eliminating the need to visit a funeral home.
18. All-States Cremation – Colorado
Type: Acquired by Foundation Partners Group (2019)
Coverage: Colorado
Direct cremation from ~$1,620 average – Multiple CO locations
Originally founded by the Kamm family, FPG acquired All-States Cremation in 2019 to move into Colorado. Several locations serve Colorado families, with cremation prices increasing to an average of $1,620 since FPG’s ownership.
19. Cremation Only – Oklahoma
Type: Independent
Coverage: Statewide Oklahoma
Direct cremation from $695 + mileage fees above 50 miles
Based in Oklahoma City, serving the entire state of OK for low-cost direct cremation services. A basic direct cremation package is offered at $695, with mileage fees for distances beyond a 50-mile radius ranging from $125 to $175.
20. Cremation Society of Illinois
Type: Independent cremation society
Coverage: Chicagoland / Illinos
Direct cremation from $2,350 at-need
Chicago-land at-need cremation pricing from $2,350. Offers a membership discount for individuals who join and preplan a cremation.
How to Choose the Right Cremation Service Provider for Your Needs
To start with, we would recommend this simple 4-question checklist:
1. Coverage Check – Check your zip code or mileage radius on their site to determine if you are in an inclusive service area.
2. Budget & Cremation Pricing – Open disclosure of a direct cremation price generally indicates transparency and affordable cremation services.
3. License Proof – It is a good idea to look for state license numbers and Industry association logos to confirm authority, trust, and integrity.
4. Read the Fine Print – Confirm what ‘all-inclusive’ covers, i.e., transport radius, death certificates, cremation permit, basic urn. Most genuine and affordable cremation providers will offer clear, upfront pricing and package details.
Pro tip: Call two providers. Ask, “What’s the total cremation cost if my dad passes at home in [your city] on a Saturday?” The answers reveal true transparency.
Your Next Step Toward Peace of Mind Cremation Planning
Direct cremation isn’t about cheap—it’s about control. You decide where the savings go: a family picnic on the beach with ashes scattered at sunset, a diamond pendant for each child, or simply fewer sleepless nights over money.
Start with simple steps, such as those listed below:
– Visit the DFS Memorials Local Provider Search and enter your zip code for local affordable cremation quotes.
– Download a free pre-planning kit from US Funerals Online.
– Bookmark C.A.N.A. for unbiased answers and FAQs.
Death care doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. With the top 20 cremation-only service providers above, you now hold the map. Take one click today—your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
Use our extensive Resources to help you understand and compare your options. It is totally possible, and honorable, to conduct a simple direct cremation for under $1,000. Disposition completed. Then, enabling the family to focus on how they want to pay tribute and memorialize for a funeral or memorial farewell. On their terms, their budget, their control, and in the most unique and befitting way. Maybe shortly after the cremation, or maybe not. There is no timeline, and no right or wrong.