16 Best Free and Paid Route Planners to Help You Drive without Getting Lost

January 18, 2023Ashley Mae

A route planner is an advanced tool to plan and optimize routes for drivers. It decreases the time and cost people spend on the road. Besides, it optimizes the routes according to real-time traffic situations. Therefore, users can find the shortest way to reach their destination and bypass traffic congestion. Some of them enable drivers to make schedules and prioritizations. Anyway, this article identifies a top list and reviews each of them to help you make the best decision.

Best Route Planner

Part 1. Top 8 Free Route Planners

Top 1: Google Maps

Google Maps

Platforms: Web, iOS, and Android

Google Maps is one of the most popular route-planning services. It lets users navigate easily and fast during driving. It covers over 200 countries and regions, as well as hundreds of millions of businesses and stores on the map.

PROS

  • Find the best route based on live traffic.
  • Locate restaurants and learn information.
  • Create lists of important places.
  • Update the traffic and other places in real time.

CONS

  • Some features are only available in specific countries.
  • Navigation is not for oversized vehicles.

Top 2: MapQuest

MapQuest App

Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS

MapQuest is one of the best driving directions route planners. Since it's released in 1996, it has been a reliable and stable map service around the world. Users can download the free version on their devices and view ads to exchange full features.

PROS

  • Offer hands-free driving navigations.
  • Up satellite imagery to date.
  • Design routes to save time, gas, and money.
  • Mark favorite store locations.

CONS

  • Users have to purchase API to remove ads.
  • It continuously uses GPS in the background.

Top 3: Waze

Waze App

Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS

Waze is a multi-stop route planner for digital devices. It tells users about the traffic, construction, police, crashes, and more events instantly. Once the app detects bad traffic on your route, it will optimize the navigation automatically and save you time.

PROS

  • See what is happening on your road.
  • Support instant route changes.
  • Tell you when you will arrive at the destination.
  • Full control of your privacy settings.

CONS

  • It is only available to the latest operating systems.
  • It uses a lot of resources and batteries.

Top 4: LogiNext Driver App

LogiNext Driver App

Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS

LogiNext is another free route planner app for a variety of platforms. In addition to planning routes, it is also a delivery platform, where delivery persons can perform their tasks with precision. Moreover, it enables users to interact and chat with others.

PROS

  • Optimize routes according to traffic and deadline.
  • Customize locations on the map.
  • Support field force attendance management.
  • Free to download on computers and mobile devices.

CONS

  • It is only available in English.
  • Some operations are difficult to use.

Top 5: Apple Maps

Apple Maps

Platforms: iOS and macOS

Apple Maps is the route planner app released by Apple for iOS and macOS machines. It closes the navigation gap with easy-to-read location icons and impressive 3D Flyover mode. Briefly speaking, it is the best way to plan routes on Apple devices.

PROS

  • Completely free of charge.
  • Come with clean and simple maps.
  • Integrate stunning 3D Flyover mode.
  • Report air quality and temperature.

CONS

  • It lacks an official web version.
  • It cannot be used offline.

Top 6: TomTom

TomTom App

Platforms: iOS

TomTom is far more than a simple route planner app and an independent location technology specialist. Its combination with the newly released Car Kit reshapes mobility with highly accurate maps, navigation, real-time traffic information, and services.

PROS

  • Convenient to use.
  • Come with IQ routes based on millions of users' experiences.
  • Work with excellent GPS receiver.
  • Make your map personal.

CONS

  • It must work with the Car Kit.
  • The traffic checker may delay on the way.

Top 7: Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor

Platforms: iOS and Android

Tripadvisor is a unique route planner for tourists. It brings people, passions, hotels, and stores together. In addition to making travel plans, users can book hotels, take a trip, and read reviews of other tourists.

PROS

  • Free to download on mobile devices.
  • Find millions of reviews for hotels.
  • Get recommended places nearby.
  • Read oceans of travel guides.

CONS

  • There are a lot of fake reviews.
  • The booking feature still requires improvement.

Top 8: RoadWarrior

RoadWarrior App

Platforms: iOS and Android

RoadWarrior is an easy route planner to create multi-stop routes with a trusty copilot. This app is designed for drivers, couriers, and tourists. Users can customize routes based on current traffic and personal schedules.

PROS

  • Available to a wide range of users.
  • Plan a route with multiple stops.
  • Work with Apple Maps, Waze, and more.
  • Upload addresses in bulk.

CONS

  • The pro version costs $10 per month.
  • It does not support other languages except English.

Part 2. Top 8 Paid Route Planners

Top 1: MAPS.ME

MAPS.Me App

Platforms: iOS and Android

Most route planning platforms require a network connection, such as Wi-Fi and cellular. MAPS.ME, on the other hand, allows users to download maps for use offline. Plus, it is a bike route planner too.

PROS

  • Download unlimited maps.
  • Use driving, walking, and cycle navigation.
  • Plan trips and routes easily.
  • Update maps by contributors daily.

CONS

  • The app uses your location even when it is closed.
  • Ads removal requires an extra payment.

Top 2: The Dyrt

The Dyrt

Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS

The Dyrt is the best route planner for people who prefer camping. It allows users to schedule a multi-stop route or chose an existing trip. Users can reserve near lakes, hiking trails, etc. Currently, this app is a community of over 1 million members.

PROS

  • Plan routes and camping offline.
  • Check out reviews by campers.
  • Search for camping on public lands.
  • Book the campsites for free.

CONS

  • Some features are only available to Pro members.
  • The tech support is poor.

Top 3: inRoute

Inroute App

Platforms: iOS

inRoute is the best route planner for runners. Users can plan routes according to their destination, and the app will optimize them based on weather, elevation, curves, and more. The voice guide frees your hands when running or driving.

PROS

  • Navigate up to 150 locations.
  • Import from XLSX, GPX, or KML files.
  • Create custom routes.
  • Display elevation, curviness, and weather.

CONS

  • The free version only allows users to create 8 locations.
  • Weather alerts are only available in specific zones.

Top 4: Badger Maps

Badger Maps

Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS

Badger Maps is an all-in-one route planner on digital devices. It offers a 7-day free trial and the plans start from $49 per month. Although this app is designed for field sales, everyone can download it and plan routes.

PROS

  • Optimize routes with up to 100 stops.
  • Visualize interactive client data.
  • Make meeting notes logging.
  • Get insights from territory management.

CONS

  • It is expensive compared to other route planners.
  • The language supported is limited.

Top 5: Route4Me

Route4Me App

Platforms: iOS and Android

Route4Me is one of the most download route planners around the world. It helps users to solve the routing chaos and save time, money, and effort. According to your schedules, the app puts your visits, pickups, deliveries, and appointments into the best sequence.

PROS

  • Plan routes with unlimited stops.
  • Control stops, time, and more.
  • Get voice-guided after planning routes.
  • Keep track of progress.

CONS

  • The free version only allows you to plan 10 routes per month.
  • It is large and runs slowly.

Top 6: Upper Route Planner

Upper Route Planner

Platforms: iOS and Android

Upper Route Planner is one of the best route planners for deliveries and average people. Beginners can create multi-stop route directions in minutes. The built-in algorithm will optimize the routes immediately.

PROS

  • Plan routes quickly and easily.
  • Automate routes according to the traffic.
  • Let you deliver goods as fast as possible.
  • Support unlimited stops.

CONS

  • To unlock limitations, you need to subscribe to a plan.
  • It is only available in English.

Top 7: Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers App

Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS

Roadtrippers is one of the best route planners for people in the USA and Canada. It comes with over 38 million trips covering more than 42 billion miles. Therefore, users can turn their road trips into adventures.

PROS

  • Discover local stores and restaurants.
  • Get pre-made trip guides.
  • Find national parks, hotels, and more.
  • Sync locations across devices.

CONS

  • It only focuses on the USA and Canada.
  • Using GPS in the background can decrease battery life.

Top 8: Circuit Route Planner

Circuit Route Planner

Platforms: iOS and Android

Circuit Route Planner is another route planner for delivery. According to research, it can save up to 25% on fuel and time. That makes the fastest delivery routes easier than ever before. Users can get the shortest routes, and avoid traffic.

PROS

  • Plan a route with up to 500 stops.
  • Choose your preferred GPS.
  • Make priority and optimize routes.
  • Free your hands by voice search.

CONS

  • The premium version costs $20 per month.
  • It lacks a web version.

Recommend: Best Distance Calculator

Find Distance Between 2 Addresses AnyCoord

Unlike route planners, Aiseesoft AnyCoord is the best distance-calculating software for Mac and Windows PCs and iPhones. Sometimes, you just need to get the distance between two or multiple stops. The software can meet your need quickly.

AnyCoord

Downloads

Aiseesoft AnyCoord – Best Distance Calculator

  • Measure the distance between two stops in real time.
  • Create fake locations to protect your privacy.
  • Make virtual routes on maps easily.
  • Include multiple modes to move routes on iPhones.
Free DownloadFor Windows

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Free DownloadFor macOS

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Part 3. FAQs about Route Planner

How to plan a route in Google Maps?

Run the Google Maps app on your handset or in a web browser. Search for the first stop, press the Directions button, and choose Add stop . Then input other stops, press Done, and then Start.

Is a paid route planner worth it?

Paid route planners offer advanced features, such as unlimited stops per route. You can learn the features before opening your wallet.

Is Google Maps better than Waze?

Google Maps does a good job while Waze works fine too. However, Google Maps embeds information from Google Search into this. Therefore, you can see reviews, information, etc. And it can help you measure distance.

Conclusion

Now, you should learn the top 16 best route planners on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Some of them are completely free to use, some offers a free version, and others require a subscription. You can pick an appropriate one according to our review. Aiseesoft AnyCoord helps you calculate the distances between 2 destinations. If you have other recommendations, please write them down below.

What do you think of this post?

Excellent

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (based on 309 votes)Follow Us on

Disqus IconLeave your comment and join our discussion
AnyCoord box

Aiseesoft AnyCoord can help you hide, fake, or change your GPS location to any other place with ease. You can even plan a moving route if needed.

Free DownloadFor Windows

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Free DownloadFor macOS

Secure100% Secure. No Ads.

Back to top