Route planners are an essential tool for workers who spend a good chunk of their time on the road in industries such as field sales, field service, or deliveries. These industries often deal with multiple customer visits in a single day, so utilizing a route planner with unlimited stops is a must. Even if you’re just planning a fun road trip, a route planning tool can ensure you make it to where you want to go on time, all while saving money at the gas station.
Some of the best free route planners not only save you time by creating fully optimized routes, they can also organize all of your important customer information into one easy-to-use app.
Figuring out how to get from A to B to C has never been easier!
Route planning when done manually can be complicated. With the improvement of technology, the only thing complicated about it now is finding the right piece of software to suit your needs.
Keep in mind that not all route planners are built the same and different free route planner apps have different capabilities. That’s why choosing the right app is important since you don’t want to spend large amounts of money on something that’s not a good fit.
With that being said, I’ve done the research and found the 21 best free route planners on the market today.
Let’s take a look at them!
Image credit to MatrixPlace, a sales consulting firm that wrote an Analyst Report on Sales Mapping Software
Main Benefits: User-friendliness, reliability, compatible with all devices
Price: Free
Available on: Mac, PC, Android, iOS
Capterra Rating: 4.7
The route planner business leader is none other than Google Maps. It allows you to easily locate destinations and plan routes right on your phone, tablet, or any other device. Its turn-by-turn navigation is one of the best mapping resources in the industry.
Although it is primarily used for personal and recreational purposes, you can also use Google Maps to plan different types of routes. It’s still the easiest tool to get from point A to B – it has almost single-handedly changed the way the world travels.
A common misconception is that Google Maps only allows for 10 stops in a single route, but there are some workarounds for that.
Google Maps is such a big player in the mapping and free route planning software industry. Many other apps have used their technology as a foundation for their own mapping software.
With so many groundbreaking features such as Street View and Immersive view, Google Maps is a true powerhouse and an invaluable resource. Immersive view is a feature powered by AI that allows users to get a 3D, multi-dimensional experience view of a location, where you can preview bike lanes, sidewalks, intersections, and parking spots for your next journey.
Electric vehicle drivers can now conveniently locate charging stations using their app, which offers up-to-date details on charger availability and charging speeds.
Despite being 100% free and very easy to use, Google Maps route planner has some limitations for those working in industries such as outside sales or field services.
If you’re not sure whether Google Maps is the best solution for you, you can learn about the benefits and limitations of using Google as a route planner, and the top alternatives for businesses.
What's the benefit of using a route optimization software designed for field salespeople when you already have Google Maps? Selling 25% more and driving 20% less.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
User-friendly | Limited to only 10 stops |
Free | Can't track customer information |
Helps you find the shortest route from point A to B | Lack of customization |
Native mobile applications for iOS and Android | No CRM integration |
Real-time traffic and incident updates | Can't import customer contacts |
Main Benefits: Real-time data, community feedback, speed control, parking notifications
Price: Free
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
Waze has a lot in common with Google Maps, which makes sense — Google bought Waze in 2013. But there are key features that differentiate the two and while Google Maps caters to users who walk, drive, and use public transport, Waze is more car-oriented.
Waze uses a sophisticated mapping technology to make driving quick, easy, and fun. Using real-time data from other Waze users, drivers stay informed of road conditions with quirky and colorful maps.
Providing shortcuts and live traffic updates, Waze helps drivers get to their destination as efficiently as possible. Staying connected with other drivers for real-time traffic updates has never been more empowering or enjoyable.
Cutting-edge voice features ensure that users never miss their exit. Waze even connects with Spotify, making it possible to easily switch between music and navigation. They have fun and engaging themes that you can choose from and even options to get voice directions by your favorite celebrities! Driving around while getting directions from Morgan Freeman or Arnold Schwarzenegger sounds pretty cool, right?!
They are currently beta-testing a new feature that informs users of roads that have a history of crashes, a useful feature for users looking for the safest route to their destinations.
The Waze Carpool app also allows you to find rides heading your way, spare a seat for those who need it, share toll and gas information with other carpoolers, and engage in small talk with other lone drivers.
Waze is a great free route planner app when it comes to planning simple routes from point A to B, and it even allows you to add 1 stop along the way while keeping you on the fastest route.
However, if your route has multiple stops, Waze’s trip planner will not allow you to add those extra stops. You’ll need to create a new route every time, which can make it extremely difficult and time-consuming to efficiently plan your routes.
While Waze does not allow for unlimited stops to routes, it can be used as the navigation system for other route planners on this list, such as Badger Maps.
Want to know more about how Waze works as a route planner? Check out this in-depth piece that shows you how to optimize routes with Waze and some of the best alternatives available to you!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Easy-to-use | Can only add up to 2 stops |
Free | Cluttered layout |
User-based data for traffic, hazards, and police detection | The app can be distracting |
Main Benefits: Integration with Apple devices. Privacy. Simple design
Price: Fre
Available on: iOS
Apple has drastically improved their route planner in recent years and is now a worthwhile competitor to Google. Unlike Google, they highly value user privacy, something which is becoming more and more of an issue with users.
In comparison to other route planners that can have cluttered interfaces, they offer a simple and intuitive interface design perfect for the average user. Compared to the typical design of route planner apps, Apple Maps offers its users a photographic and sleek look which allows you to clearly see nearby locations in a fun and engaging manner. You can take a virtual walk through your chosen streets with 360-degree panoramic views in the Look Around feature.
While you’re on your journey, Apple Maps sends real-time turn-by-turn directions directly to your Apple device. By automatically integrating with Siri, it’s easy to stay connected to all of your Apple devices such as your iPhone, Apple CarPlay, or Apple Watch. The Apple Watch even provides haptic feedback, informing you when you need to take an action. These can be customized to your liking.
The most common use for Apple Maps is to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. You can add up to 15 stops to your route with turn-by-turn directions ensuring you can get to your destination in an efficient manner.
If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-use navigation tool on your Apple device, Apple Maps is a great option.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Simple design | Only available to iOS users |
Electric vehicle charging station availability | More information on other navigation apps |
3D flyover | Unable to adjust start time |
Main benefits: Route optimization, route planning, scheduling, lead generation keeping track of appointments
Capterra Rating: 4.6
Pricing: Business - $58/month, Enterprise - $95/month (Free 7-day trial)
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
There’s no better route planner app for multiple stops than Badger Maps.
Outside sales reps use Badger Maps as their all-in-one resource to optimize field sales routes and manage territories.
With features such as route optimization with unlimited stops, check-ins, and lead generation on-the-go, Badger Maps helps field salespeople save time on their daily planning, maintain customer relationships, discover new opportunities, and close more deals. You won’t find a better route planner for outside sales.
You can easily transform your long customer list and turn it into a fully-optimized, drivable route. By optimizing your sales routes, something you can’t do with Google Maps, you will save money on gas and meet with more customers than you normally would.
Sales teams have reported that they sell 22% more and drive 20% less when using Badger Maps, in fact, the average team of 10 reps sells $936k more the year they start using the app.
"After getting Badger Maps, weekly meetings per rep jumped from 12 to 20. This led to a 22% increase in annual revenue."
Brad Moxley
Business Development Manager, Cutter & Buck
Sales-specific features like lead generation and follow-ups can help you find new leads in your territory and stay on top of your most important accounts, putting you in the perfect position to close more deals.
You can search for prospects by business category and view their location and contact information on the go. Let's say you are selling medical devices and you are looking for all the medical practitioners in your territory. By typing the word medical in the search bar, you can find all the medical practitioners in the area which will instantly appear on your interactive map.
Customer data visualization and advanced reporting features make it easier than ever to understand exactly what’s happening in your territory. This way you can be proactive about staying connected with important accounts.
The colorizing and filtering tools are ideal for planning your days in the field. You can visualize your top accounts with colored pins, mass update information, see who’s generating the most revenue, and much more. Filters are also fully customizable allowing you to visualize accounts based on priority, type, next step, or any other field you find useful.
Badger Maps route planner enables a two-way, real-time integration with the most common CRMs such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, Zoho, Insightly, NetSuite, and many more,transforming your current CRM into a mobile CRM solution to keep all of your data in sync on-the-go.
While Badger Maps is not exactly a free route optimization software, there is a flexible free trial period and team pilot programs. Badger Maps superior Customer Success team makes sure users won’t spend any money until it’s clear that the app pays for itself in gas and mileage savings, as well as in increased sales revenue.
If you’re a field salesperson looking to make the most of every day on the road, the best route planner is Badger Maps.
On average, sales teams using Badger Maps save 8 hours a week, drive 20% less, and sell 22% more.
Sign up for a free trial today or schedule a demo and see for yourself!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Optimize sales or delivery for multi-stop routes and get to your appointments faster | Requires Internet connection |
See all of your existing customers, and discover new ones, on an interactive map | Doesn't include mobile invoicing |
Create check-ins to keep track of completed meetings | Only available in English |
Get instant activity reports | Doesn't automatically record deliveries |
Sync with your CRM and update customer data from the field | Max. of 30 pin colors available |
Great customer support |
Best Route Planner for: Salespeople looking to manage their territories more efficiently
Main benefits: Route planning, customizable map views
Pricing: Essential - $25/user/mo, Pro - $45/user/mo, Enterprise - $70/user/mo
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
Mapsly is another route planner tool that can be used by field sales teams to make data-driven decisions based on spatial information collected in their territories. It offers other tools such as tools geo-analysis, territory management, and no-code automation, while also connecting with most CRM systems.
Mapsly may be more suited to sales teams who are interested in managing their territory more efficiently. They do offer route planning capabilities however these features are limited. Features such as geo-analysis can allow sales teams to optimize their territories so they can extract as much profits as possible.
Mapsly doesn’t offer many team management capabilities that would be required by most field sales teams.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
User friendly | Limited route planning capabilities |
Map filters | App is prone to glitches |
Best Route Planner for: Salespeople working with spreadsheets
Main benefits: Geographical data analysis
Capterra Rating: 4.7
Pricing: $99//mo
Available on: iOS, Android
BatchGeo can plot routes around different coordinates from your spreadsheet which provides you with a static digital map that can be used through your mobile device.
Sales managers can dispatch routes from the office, and drivers can share routes between themselves. Users can also create multiple maps and store them on their device for future use.
Along with filters, BatchGeo offers colored markers to provide a visual cue for different stops or territories. These markers reveal data about the stop, such as sales figures, delivery information, or any other data relevant to the industry.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Free basic plan | No live traffic updates |
Easy to use | No CRM integration |
No check-in features | |
Poor route optimization |
Main Benefits: Trucking routes, regulation information, trip cost calculator
Pricing: Free
Available on: Website
Trucking is a complex industry with a specific set of needs. The transportation of goods over long distances, often across state or country borders, requires careful logistical planning and coordination. TruckRouter is one of the best free routing software options available for people who make their living driving trucks across the United States.
Features such as truck-specific routes, weight/height restrictions, and a trip cost calculator are just some of the essential tools the TruckRouter free route planner provides. Taking into consideration various factors such as height, weight, length, and axle load are critical for drivers in the trucking industry. In an industry where speed, reliability, and perhaps most importantly, safety are critical, TruckRouter is an invaluable tool to stay ahead of schedule.
Truck warnings, toll roads and costs, and route elevation information keep drivers informed of what to expect and how to prepare accordingly. It makes the rough hours on the road just a little easier — and a little safer. Truck routing is a lot more complex than regular route planning, so it’s necessary to select a tool that is equipped with the best features to handle these complexities.
TruckRouter is also free and relatively easy to use. Registration takes just a few minutes. You will start optimizing your trucking route and staying on top of road conditions in no time. It’s the perfect free route planner for small trucking companies. One drawback to this tool is that it isn’t available on mobile, so you will have to do your multi-stop route planning on a computer before you set off on your route.
Get where you’re going safely and efficiently by registering with TruckRouter before your next big trucking route.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Free | No mobile app |
Trip cost calculator | Can be inaccurate |
Weight/height calculations |
|
Main Benefits: Real-time updates
Capterra Rating: 4.4
Pricing: Contact for pricing info
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
To succeed in the logistics and trucking industry, you need a route planning tool that goes above and beyond just an average route planner.
LogiNext Mile is a multi-stop routing planning solution created specifically for the logistics and trucking industries.
All the basics needs are covered with route optimization, automated resource allocation, and delivery associate management. It also includes extra features like real-time updates, tracking, and ETA calculation while on your route.
Their highly interactive yet simple maps can help those working in the logistics and trucking industries visualize their territories, with efficient route optimization capabilities ensuring drivers reach their destinations on time.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Great customer support | Not user friendly |
High level of customization | Outdated UI |
Main Benefits: Simplicity, allows users to save routes
Capterra Rating: 4.6
Pricing: Starts at $29.95
Available on: Website, iOS, Android
MyRouteOnline is one of the most popular tools in professional transportation.
It’s a great route planner option for truck and logistic drivers looking for a mapping software with multiple stops. MyRouteOnline helps manage the logistics of selling and delivering on the road.
It’s not only capable of mapping up to 350 stops per route, MyRouteOnline also optimizes routes by either time or distance. Once the addresses are exported to GPS systems or mobile devices, you no longer need to worry about juggling many stops — it’s all planned and organized by MyRouteOnline.
You can save an unlimited number of routes for future use and assign territories to manage your workload.
While MyRouteOnline is not completely free, it is a practical and affordable resource for drivers looking to spend less time behind the wheel. It eliminates all the back and forth driving between a disorganized collection of destinations.
For those looking for a simple and reliable for their mapping software needs, MyRouteOnline is a dependable choice.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Simple and easy to use | Outdated UI |
Great customer support | Route optimization can take too long |
Main Benefits: Route optimization for delivery drivers, simple interface
Capterra Rating: 4.8
Pricing: Starter - $100/mo, Essentials - $200/mo, Standard - $250/mo, Pro - $300/mo
Available on: Website, iOS, Android
Circuit is a great free routing software option for drivers that work in delivery services. Delivery drivers and couriers understand the importance of speed and efficiency in doing their job effectively, and Circuit is a route planner that helps them optimize their routes and significantly reduce drive time.
Circuit allows you to quickly add, optimize, and find every address on your route, navigating smoothly with your favorite GPS such as Google Maps or the Waze route planner.
Hands-free voice entry allows you to reorder or optimize your routes without needing to touch your mobile device, making it perfect for delivery drivers who spend long hours in their vehicles. You can also set priority deliveries and time windows for stops that need to be made at specific times.
Proof of delivery is essential for delivery drivers and Circuit has capabilities where you can collect signatures, take photos, and update delivery status once items have been delivered. You can send SMS or email notifications to keep your customers updated throughout the entire delivery process. It’s easy to reorganize deliveries as they happen, something that dispatchers will be sure to appreciate, all while keeping drivers informed as they work.
Circuit has a sleek, intuitive UI that is easy to use, even for beginners who have no experience using route planning software. Although it can be used by small sized delivery teams, the pricing plans mean that larger teams will benefit most from this route planner.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Robust mobile app | Limited offline functionality |
Easy to use | Expensive |
Proof of delivery | Slow customer support |
Hands-free operation |
|
Main Benefits: Shareable routes, route optimization
Capterra Rating: 3.5
Pricing: Limited stops: free, Unlimited stops: starts at $41.43/month
Available on: Google Chrome, iOS, Android
RouteXL is a great route planner for small business delivery drivers, as it allows you to easily plan trips with multiple destinations.
When users input a series of destinations, RouteXL puts them in the quickest order, automatically optimizing the route.
A useful RouteXL feature is its ability to import a spreadsheet with all your destinations. It allows you to share your route and save it for the future.
It’s free to use for up to 20 destinations.
One drawback is that it can be confusing to new users, as its interface is not very user-friendly. This can be frustrating for professionals who want to quickly get to their destinations rather than battling the technology's learning curve.
The good news is there is a tutorial available within the app to onboard new users to RouteXL.
If you’re looking for a free route planner to create delivery routes of 20 stops or less, RouteXL is one of the best options on the market.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Free up to 20 stops | Difficult learning curve |
Ability to add details about each stop | Limited features for sales |
Main benefits: Route optimization, route planning, scheduling, keeping track of appointments, check-ins, CRM Integration
Capterra Rating: 4.6
Pricing: Business - $58/month, Enterprise - $95/month (Free 7-day trial)
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
Badger Maps is a route-planning app that allows field service technicians to automatically plan, route, and maximize their time in the field, cutting down driving time by 20%.
Badger Maps is an effective free route planner that works great on both mobile devices and desktop.
Core capabilities such as route optimization, map visualization, and automated data gathering from the field allows field service techs to save time on their daily planning, maintain better relationships with customers, and get organized.
The photo check-in feature allows you to verify your presence at customer locations, enhancing accountability. This feature helps ensure that visits are actually made, providing a visual confirmation of interactions.
Other capabilities such as follow-ups and advanced reporting can be beneficial for both techs and managers. Service techs can keep track of key customer information and data they need when dealing with their customers, while for field service managers, Badger Maps can provide them with insights into their tech’s activities and performance in the field.
Field Techs save an average of 8 hours a week from better planning, becoming more focused and organized, and driving more efficient routes.
Matthew Brooks, Business Development Manager at Cargill, reported a major time reduction in both onboarding and route planning.
“It took me 2 days to plan routes with Streets and Trips. With Badger Maps, it takes 3 hours for a new rep to plan his initial visits of all 110 store locations.”
Matthew Brooks
Business Development Manager, Cargill
Badger Maps enables field teams to bring mapping and routing to other platforms that they are already using like ERP’s and other Field Service management platforms.
You can also enable a two-way, real-time native integration with the most popular CRMs such as Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Zoho, HubSpot, Insightly, NetSuite, and many more.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Optimize for for multi-stop routes and get to your appointments faster | Requires Internet connection |
See all of your customers, and discover new ones, on an interactive map | Doesn't include mobile invoicing |
Create photo check-ins to keep track of completed meetings | Only available in English |
Get instant activity reports | Max. of 30 pin colors available |
Sync with your CRM and update customer data from the field | |
Great customer support |
Best Route Planner for: Field Service Technicians
Main benefits: Route optimization, route planning, scheduling, keeping track of appointments, CRM Integration
Capterra Rating: 4.6
Pricing: Contact for pricing info
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
RouteSavvy is another route planner that can be used by field service teams to generate efficient routes for their service calls.
The app is easy to use and allows you to create a start-to-finish route or a roundtrip route. You can get a better view of your territory by viewing multiple routes on the screen at the same time.
They have recently released a new route optimization software engine that offers automated, multi-vehicle optimization. Field service managers can upload a list of addresses with the app automatically generating more efficient routes for multiple vehicles. RouteSavvy states that the optimized time is now 30% faster than the previous route.
RouteSavvy also offers a GPS tracking system at an additional monthly cost. This allows management to track technicians daily progress based on their mobile device’s location (which can be turned off during off-hours).
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Easy to use | Occasional glitches |
Multiple route view | Cannot input customer delivery window |
Easy to import multiple data points | No native CRM integrations |
Best Route Planner for: Field Service Technicians
Main benefits: Route optimization, route planning, scheduling, keeping track of appointments, CRM Integration
Capterra Rating: 4.6
Pricing: Lite - $35.10/user/mo, Pro - $44.10/user/mo
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
OptimoRoute is a route planner for field service teams that can help them organize their days and plan their routes more efficiently.
The platform facilitates dynamic route adjustments to accommodate last-minute changes to jobs. Users can plan routes days or weeks in advance, which is particularly beneficial for field service teams who are oftentimes juggling multiple jobs at once. You can send personalized communication directly to customers informing them when you will arrive.
Their route optimization feature takes into consideration drivers' working hours to prevent overtime and unnecessary expenses. It also manages vehicle specifics such as capacity, refrigeration, and on-ramps, ensuring the appropriate vehicle selection for each delivery.
The breadcrumbs feature compares planned routes with actual driven routes, enabling management to address deviations and performance issues effectively.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Easy to use | Limited customization |
Ability to communicate with customers | Outdated maps |
Good pricing points | No live traffic |
Main Benefits: Recreational routes, interactive maps
Pricing: $27/year
Available on: Website
If you’re looking to create a route for your next walk, run, or bike ride, Plotaroute is a great route planner option. It was created specifically with shorter distances and recreational routes in mind. It's used all over the world by outdoor enthusiasts looking for new and dynamic exercise paths.
Although primarily designed for individual use, it also includes features that can benefit groups or organizations planning events or group activities.
It offers thousands of preloaded routes that you can follow, whether your activity is walking, running, cycling, horse riding, or motorbiking. This sense of community opens you up to find the best alternative paths and routes that you may not be aware of. You can annotate and upload photos of your routes, which can be highly beneficial for other users. Plotaroute is a great way to have a different adventure each time you strap on your running shoes, and it’s also easy to keep track of your mileage and progress.
This route planning tool provides a multitude of different route editing features that can allow outdoor enthusiasts to create routes exactly to their specifications. You can combine two routes into one, reshape existing routes, accurately measure the length of their routes, and much more.
It also has sharing features that allow you to show off their routes on social media with unique, interactive maps. This encourages others to exercise on the same paths as you — or to compete and try to beat your time.
Standard membership is free, so there’s nothing stopping you from using Plotaroute and making the most of your next outdoor adventure!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Route editing capabilities | Doesn’t use up to date maps |
Easy to use | Basic features |
Voice navigation | Outdated UI |
Pre loaded routes | Lacks integrations |
Main Benefits: Campground Locator
Pricing: Contact for pricing info
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves camping, The Dyrt is the perfect route planner tool for you.
The Dyrt allows you to customize and build your own multi-stop route or chose an already existing road trip. Their route planner allows you to create a route with up to 100 stops and that is 6,200 miles long, usually more than enough for outdoors enthusiasts!
Utilize all their features to get the most out of your trip by choosing your driving preferences, adding multiple stops, estimating your fuel and gas stops, downloadable maps, and even searching and choosing your ideal campsite nearby. They provide more than 50,000 campsites plus 19,000 parking spots across the United States for you to choose from.
If you’re new to road trips and camping, you can rely on literally 1 million in-app reviews for the best camping spots no matter where you decide to go.
After planning your perfect adventure, you can easily download your trip to your mobile device, export it to Google Maps for turn-by-turn instructions, or even share your itinerary.
Although some features may be limited on the free version of this app, they offer an upgraded version with a free 7-day trial.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Easy to use | Poor customer support |
Free version | A lot of software bugs |
Automatically updates new camping sites | Inaccurate information |
Main Benefits: Weather charts, can export maps to other apps
Pricing: inRoute basic plan - Free, inRoute Pro - $4.99/mo, inRoute Pro for families - $6.99/mo
Available on: iOS
If you need to create multiple multi-stop routes at once for an upcoming road trip, InRoute could be the right free route planner tool for you.
InRoute allows you to add up to 150 stops to your route as either a starting point, pins, waypoint, or final destination. Once the points are added, you can manually organize your route or allow InRoute to automatically optimize the route for you.
This navigational software offers many useful features to set itself apart from its competitors. It is known for its unique features such as weather alerts, elevation of the route, and curviness of the roads. If you are traveling in a larger vehicle such as an RV, you can upload its dimensions and weight and receive routes tailored to your vehicle that avoid clearance issues and weight/ restrictions.
Although this app is free, access to additional features, such as voice navigation or creating routes with more than 8 stops, requires you to purchase their Pro version for $4.99 monthly, or $39.99 annually.
Sticking to the basic version of this app still allows you to optimize your routes and offers weather alerts! If your routes are typically affected by weather changes, this may be the best route planner option for your days on the road.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Attentive customer support | Only available on iOS |
Free up to 8 stops | Confusing UI |
Easy to use | Advance features need subscription |
Create routes with up to 150 stops | No In-App Community |
Main Benefits: Ability to discover independently owned points of interest
Pricing: $4.99/mo
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
When planning an epic road trip, organizing everything can seem a bit intimidating. Luckily, Roadtrippers allows its users to build multi-stop routes with up to 150 stops quickly and easily.
With unique features like estimating the total cost of gas for each trip and finding points of interest on the way, Roadtrippers is the perfect route planner for adventure lovers. Take your trip to the next level by exploring their database of more than 300 places to add fun “detours” to your route.
After creating a trip you can easily sync the route to their app and receive live traffic updates and turn-by-turn directions.
Whether road tripping is just a hobby or a way of life, Roadtrippers is a great route planner to ensure you get the most out of your trip.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Easy to use | A lot of adds in free version |
Customization | App is prone to crashes |
Dated interface |
Main Benefits: Simple routing, business location
Pricing: Basic - $99/mo, Plus - $199/mo
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
MapQuest is one of the oldest names in the road trip planning industry. Since 1996, it has been one of the most reliable and popular route planners on the planet.
As the first commercial web mapping service, MapQuest was revolutionary. It almost single-handedly changed the standards of map usage in the United States. Its longevity is a testament to how many people trust this software to plan their routes.
MapQuest is a straightforward mapping tool to create routes, locate businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations, and even to book hotels.
A limitation of MapQuest is the limited amount of stops that can be plugged in for optimized routes. MapQuest was not designed to compete with more industry-specific routing apps.
However, if you are looking for a simple mapping software to get the job done, MapQuest is a reliable and handy route planner that has stood the test of time.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Simple mapping capabilities for users without complex mapping needs | Doesn't provide alternative routes when stuck in traffic |
Ease-of-use | You have to restart a trip if you want to add a stop |
Can only add 26 stops to your route |
Main Benefits: Safest routes, avoiding accidents
Available on: Website
If safety is your top priority, UK-based RAC Route Planner might be the tool for you. With an emphasis on avoiding accidents, RAC’s mapping service is a fantastic (and safe!) resource.
Stay aware of accidents along your route and weather information that might affect traffic. RAC’s route finder service provides maps and driving directions within the UK and the rest of Europe. It also helps locate hotels and has a fuel cost calculator to ensure that you aren’t spending too much on gas on the road.
Businesses and drivers that put safety first can benefit from using RAC’s mapping service. At the end of the day, safety is the most important thing – RAC is designed to ensure that you get back home every time you get behind the wheel.
It also allows you to plot unlimited stops, though its interface can be a bit clunky.
For routes in the UK and the rest of Europe, RAC Route Planner is one of the best options to stay safe and informed of what awaits you on the road.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Accurate maps | Only available in Europe |
Info on accidents | No app |
No frills | Clunky interface |
Main Benefits: Offline Maps, Offline Search, Offline Navigation)
Available on: Android & iOS
When it comes to a free route planner with offline navigation, Maps.me has you covered.
Whether you’re in an area with a weak signal or just want to save your mobile data, Maps.me allows you to continue to navigate offline.
Maps.me allows users to download an unlimited number of maps, search for new locations on routes, and use their navigation system for travel by car, bicycle, public transport, or even walking. This software is available for trips all around the world and even includes a unique feature that allows you to access travel guides for popular destinations.
Now there’s no need to worry about getting lost, losing service, or simply running out of data on your trips! For all offline travel, allow Maps.me to get you to your destination.
The only downside is that Maps.me only allows you to add 5 stops per route. However, its great offline functionality makes it a great option for smaller routes in remote areas.
PROS | CONS |
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Free | Can be glitchy |
Offline maps | Limited to 5 stops |
Main Benefits: Highly customizable maps
Pricing: Bootstrap - Free, Startup - $85/mo, Growth - $209/mo, Premium - $375/mo
Available on: Website, iOS, Android
Mappr, formerly called Flightmap, is a great route planner that offers a high degree of customization.
With the integration of routes, inventory, invoice, and client communication, Mappr handles it all. It’s easy to minimize disruptions and delays in your routes by aggregating the best mapping APIs all in one platform.
Mappr makes it easy to plan highly tailored routes with up to 200 stops per month per vehicle for two vehicles.
Stay focused on your routes by using Mappr to plan in advance and enjoy your trip while receiving turn-by-turn directions on the go.
PROS | CONS |
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Highly customizable | No free trial |
Easy to implement | Free plan only covers basic features |
Sometimes a free route planner just won’t be enough for you if you have complex routing needs. If you are going on a road trip that consists of five or six stops, a free route planner such as Google Maps or Apple Maps will work well for you.
On the flipside, maybe you are a professional working in field sales or field services and you are dealing with upwards of twenty customers a day. If you are working in these types of industries you are going to need a paid route planner such as Badger Maps that will allow you to create routes with multiple stops.
You could create sales or service routes with a free route planner, however the amount of time you would spend planning and plotting your routes would prove detrimental to your bottom line. Also free route planners don't tend to offer route optimization capabilities, something that will prevent you from saving money on gas.
Sales reps and service techs know the importance of managing their time and by using a paid route planner they can work more efficiently, freeing them up from the more time-consuming and menial tasks to focus on the tasks that provide more return on their investment.
Check out this blog that provides you with 6 ways to improve your performance when using a route planner!
There are many fantastic free options for route planning apps with unlimited stops, and each of them serves a different purpose. The best free routing app for you will depend on the particular personal or professional needs you have.
In general, if you need an option that is a bit more sophisticated, it might be best to pay a little money. In most cases, the route planning app professionals choose will end up paying for itself in traveling expenses and increased revenue. The gas savings alone might end up paying for the route planner you choose.
Most route planners offer a free trial or free trial program, so pick out the software that fits your needs best, and decide later if it’s worth paying for.
For professionals: Badger Maps. Its industry-leading features include route optimization, territory visualization, CRM integration, customer check-ins, and follow-up enablement.
For personal trips: Nothing beats Google Maps.
Yes, it’s possible to use Google Maps for route optimization. Users can route up to 10 stops at a time with Google Maps, though there are workarounds that allow you to plug in more stops. However, many find it easier to use specialized route planners better suited to their needs, such as Badger Maps or RouteXL.
The answer depends on what features matter most to you. Visualization features, keeping customer information handy at all times, and check-in tracking are important to professionals on the road.
The best all-in-one tool route planner with these features is Badger Maps. For personal travel and road trips, Google Maps is a great free option that is easy to use.
Users can route up to 10 stops at a time with Google Maps. There are ways around this that allow you to plug in more stops. But for the sake of convenience, many find it easier to use a different route planner that allows multiple stops.
There are many! The most well-known route planning app is Google Maps, used by millions around the world. It is easy to use and free.
If you’re a businessperson who needs to plot a more complicated route while tracking key customer information, there are great options available for your unique needs like Badger Maps, TruckRouter, or Circuit.
Route planning in sales refers to the process of strategically mapping out the most efficient and effective sales routes for sales reps to take when visiting customers in the field. This involves optimizing the sequence of stops to minimize travel time, fuel costs, and vehicle wear and tear, while maximizing the number of customer visits completed within a given timeframe.
See the potential return on investment you can get by using Badger Maps with your field sales team.
Learn how you can maximize your sales routes & sell more with Badger Maps
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