12 Best Free Route Planners with Unlimited Stops in 2024

Author: Stewart Berry
22 Februrary 2024

When it comes to transportation and logistics, optimizing your routes is key. Today's route planning tools have truly changed the game, making travel and work operations smoother than ever.

But let's face it, not all route planners can handle the complexity of your needs. Luckily, there are navigation apps out there that can handle multiple stops and routes, and some won't even cost you a penny. Ready to take your efficiency to the next level? Let's dive in!

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Maptitude – Best for Business Route Planning

Looking for a top-notch route optimizer? Look no further than Maptitude! Packed with handy features like distance calculators, radius tools, and other analytics, Maptitude is your go-to solution for slashing both time and costs by reducing the number of miles driven and the amount of fuel consumed.

The Maptitude route planner and route optimizer are tailor-made for balancing routes, whether you're managing one vehicle or a whole fleet. It considers crucial factors like historical traffic, time windows, and vehicle capacity to ensure optimal efficiency. Plus, it goes beyond the basics, offering advanced options that outshine simpler tools like Google Maps. Here's what sets it apart:

• Maptitude is the ideal tool for businesses large and small who need to plan, analyze, and model routes and stops for their salespeople, vehicles, and delivery drivers.
• Maptitude has a comprehensive suite of tools such as multiple drive-time rings, distance and travel time calculators, and multiple vehicle routing.

Pros

Maptitude considers factors like estimated traffic conditions, delivery windows, and vehicle capacities.

Can be run completely offline, ensuring privacy, connectivity, and minimizing ongoing costs.

Can map an impressive 1000 stops per route.

Can plot/geocode unlimited numbers of addresses with no additional fees.

Multiple optimization options: Optimize routes for factors like distance, time, weight, capacity, fuel costs, and vehicle types.

Multivehicle scheduling: Can simultaneously optimize unlimited numbers of routes with no additional fees.

Can simultaneously optimize multiple origins/depots with multiple vehicle fleets.

User-friendly interface: Has an intuitive Wizard-driven interface with step-by-step instructions.

Provides a 1-month free trial period, with live human and USA-based support.

Optimizes routes for the most efficient trip.

Allows for modification of driving speeds by road type.

Allows for control of schedules, breaks, rests, and costs.

Allows you to compare routes with those calculated in other services such as Google Maps, Bing Maps, and HERE.

Provides comprehensive points-of-interest data such as businesses with logos

Uses commercial grade HERE Maps data.

Provides turn-by-turn direction reports.

Allows choice of map background, including aerial and satellite imagery.

The no-code routing tools can be used immediately and provide the full functionality available for optimizing routes, allowing anyone to perform sophisticated route planning quickly and easily.

The SDK allows you to fully customize how routing is performed when you need integration with your own or other software applications.

Additional features: Maptitude includes a range of features beyond routing, including sales territory management, market analysis, and demographics, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.

Cons

• Is a paid for product, not a free app, requiring either a one-off purchase or a subscription. There is a 30-day trial.
• Provides extensive functionality which may require use of support materials when exploring every option.

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Google Maps

Searching for a reliable route planner? Google Maps is widely utilized for mapping trips with up to 10 stops, and has a user-friendly interface seamlessly tied into their advertising platform. Continuously evolving, Google Maps is regularly updated with new features, ensuring its relevance in navigating both familiar streets and new routes. Keep an eye out for the latest additions to its tools, designed to enhance the navigation experience, such as:

2023:

• Immersive View for Routes
• Enhanced Search
• Detailed Navigation Map
• Live View Updates
• Improved Accessibility Features

2024 (expected):

• Search by Vibe
• AI-powered Recommendations
• AR Navigation for Walking and Cycling
• Sustainable Routing
• Live Traffic Cams

Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of using Google Maps as a route planner:

Pros

• User-friendly interface that allows users to map their data and start optimizing their routes quickly.
• Free tier with 10-stops per route.
• Real-time traffic updates: Google Maps provides real-time traffic updates that can help you avoid congestion and delays. This can be a major benefit for commuters who travel during peak hours or for travelers who are unfamiliar with an area.
• Multiple route options: Google Maps provides multiple route options for each trip, allowing you to choose the fastest, shortest, or most scenic route. You can also specify your preferred mode of transportation, such as driving, biking, or walking.
• Turn-by-turn directions: Google Maps provides turn-by-turn voice navigation that can guide you to your destination. This can be helpful for drivers who are unfamiliar with an area or who are easily distracted.
• Points of interest: Google Maps shows points of interest along your route, such as gas stations, restaurants, and rest stops. This can be helpful for planning your trip and making stops along the way.
• Offline maps: You can download offline maps for areas where you may not have a data connection. This can be helpful for travelers who are visiting remote areas or when planning your vacation travel.

Cons

• Doesn't optimize stop order.
• Offers only 10 stops by default.
• Limited customization: Google Maps offers some customization options, but it is not as customizable as some other route planning tools. For example, you cannot create custom waypoints or add notes to your routes.
• Privacy concerns: Google Maps can collect data about your movements. This can be a concern for some users who are privacy conscious.

Google Maps is a versatile route planning tool that offers a variety of benefits for travelers and commuters. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of the tool and to take steps to mitigate the risks, such as using offline maps and being mindful of your data usage.

HERE WeGo

HERE WeGo is a free and unlimited route planner app that offers turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to download offline maps. Developed by HERE Technologies, it is designed for use on both iOS and Android devices.

HERE WeGo is a popular alternative to Google Maps and Apple Maps, as it competes with them in terms of accuracy, speed, and user experience. According to a Medium article, HERE WeGo has over 100 million downloads and 4.4 stars on the Google Play Store. The app is also available on iOS, Windows, and Amazon devices, as well as on the web. HERE WeGo is especially useful for travelers, as it covers over 200 countries, and supports multiple languages. The app also allows users to book taxis, car rentals, and bike shares directly from the app, making it a convenient travel companion.

Using HERE WeGo as a route planner or optimizer comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

• HERE WeGo is free.
• According to the HERE WeGo website, you can plan your journey with multiple stops using the app. However, it does not specify the exact number of stops you can add.
• HERE WeGo's platform provides real-time updates on traffic and road conditions, allowing users to adjust their routes on the fly and avoid delays.
• Offline capability to get directions for driving, walking, and cycling.

Cons

• HERE WeGo's Route Planner and Route Optimizer may not be suitable for businesses that require a high degree of customization or integration with other software systems, off-the-shelf.
• Doesn't optimize the route.

Bing Maps

Bing Maps offers the flexibility to add up to 25 destinations or stops to your itinerary, allowing you to plan trips by walking, biking, taking public transportation, or driving. Additionally, you can print and save your routes to your computer, and easily share them with others.

As a route planner and navigation program, Bing Maps provides driving directions, real-time traffic updates, and access to aerial and satellite photography. Although it doesn't have dedicated mobile apps for Android (there isn't a dedicated Bing Maps app, but the Bing search app has similar map search and driving directions functions) or iOS, it offers an SDK for developers to create mapping applications.

While Bing Maps lacks features specifically tailored for commercial users, such as inventory tracking or driver GPS tracking, it does offer waypoint optimization via the SDK. This feature allows you to input up to 25 waypoints and optimizes their order to minimize travel time or distance. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses needing to create optimized routes for multiple addresses.

Here are the pros and cons to using Bing Maps as a route planner or optimizer:

Pros

• Offers a multi-itinerary optimization API capable of supporting up to 10 agents and 100 waypoints.
• Provides real-time updates on traffic and road conditions, allowing businesses to adjust their routes on the fly and avoid delays.
• Offers a free plan that allows for up to 25 destinations or stops per route.

Cons

• The free plan is limited to 25 destinations or stops per route, not unlimited stops.
• Route Optimizer requires a paid subscription for any number of stops.
• Bing Maps' Route Planner and Route Optimizer may not be suitable for businesses that require many stops or destinations, as it has a limit of 100 stops per route.

OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap (OSM) stands out as an open-source project that offers a collaborative world map created and maintained by individuals. It's freely available for use under an open license, empowering users with data capable of handling multiple stops.

As an alternative to proprietary map databases, OpenStreetMap is both affordable and flexible, with a permissive licensing model. Being a community-driven project rather than a commercial endeavor, it provides users with freedom in utilizing and storing street data. The OSM community's growth and continuous data updates provide extensive coverage of the road network especially in urban areas.

Here are some considerations to keep in mind when using OpenStreetMap as a route planner or optimizer:

Pros

• OpenStreetMap is free and opensource.
• OpenStreetMap's platform is highly customizable and can be integrated with other software systems.

Cons

• Limited coverage in some regions, leading to potential inaccuracies or missing data, especially in less populated areas.
• The quality of data may vary depending on the contributions of volunteers, potentially resulting in inconsistencies, errors, and outdated information.
• Lack of official support and customer service compared to commercial mapping services, which may hinder troubleshooting and resolution of issues.
• Less user-friendly interface and fewer advanced features compared to some proprietary mapping platforms, which may result in a steeper learning curve for users.
• Limited routing options and customization compared to dedicated routing software, potentially restricting flexibility for complex routing needs.
• Dependency on third-party applications or tools for specific functionalities, such as turn-by-turn navigation or real-time traffic updates, which may not always integrate seamlessly with OpenStreetMap data.

Carto

CARTO, a cloud-based platform provides routing based on 3rd party data. The Carto API supports routing services via TomTom, Mapbox, and HERE. These provide turn by turn directions and a choice of mode of transport to see differences in routing for pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles.

The Carto routing module in their Analytics Toolbox for BigQuery can generate routes based on time or distance for one or several origins and destinations and relies on the OpenStreetMap road network that is publicly available through CARTO's Data Observatory (for which a subscription is required).

Here are the pros and cons to using CARTO as a route planner:

Pros

• Carto offers routing algorithms that can provide efficient optimized route directions.
• Carto's routing solutions are designed to scale effectively, accommodating growing user bases, and increasing demand without sacrificing performance or reliability.

Cons

• Carto provides native routing functions within its platform, but they may be limited compared to specialized routing services or libraries. For instance, Carto's native routing functions in BigQuery are currently in beta (as of February 2024) and could be subject to changes, while they may not offer the same level of sophistication as dedicated routing tools.
• Carto's native routing functions rely on OpenStreetMap data, that has potential downsides for routing.

Mapbox

The Mapbox Directions API supports routing for cars, riding bicycles, and walking. Requested routes can include as many as 25 stops.

The Mapbox Optimization API allows you to include up to 12 locations (waypoints or stops) in a single route calculation. These locations can represent various destinations or points of interest along the route. Both the start and end points count toward this limit, as well as any intermediate waypoints. Therefore, you can select up to 9 additional points beyond the start and end locations. If you need to optimize a route with more than 12 stops, you must request an increase from Mapbox by reaching out to them. Keep in mind that exceeding the free tier might incur additional costs.

Here are the pros and cons to using Mapbox as a route planner or optimizer:

Pros

• Mapbox offers extensive customization capabilities for routing, allowing users to tailor routing algorithms and preferences to their specific needs.
• Mapbox provides developer-friendly APIs and SDKs for integration of routing functionality into applications and platforms.

Cons

• Costly: Can be expensive compared to other routing solutions, especially for high usage.
• Complexity: Requires technical knowledge and coding skills for advanced features.
• Not as user-friendly: Interfaces might be less intuitive for non-technical users. Mapbox Streets uses OpenStreetMap (OSM) as a primary data source, that has potential downsides for routing

Route4Me

Route4Me does not limit the maximum number of stops you can add when planning routes. Their route optimization software enables you to plan routes with hundreds or thousands of addresses. Route4Me's routing engine (HyperMatrix™) uses open-source OpenStreetMap data, but also leverages Google Maps to improve the OSM data's accuracy and ability to optimize.

While Route4Me offers numerous benefits, it's essential to consider both its advantages and limitations when using it as a route optimizer:

Pros

• Optimization algorithms: Route4Me offers routing algorithms that optimize routes based on various factors such as traffic patterns, delivery windows, and vehicle capacities.
• Mobile-friendly: Route4Me provides mobile applications that enable drivers to access and navigate optimized routes directly from their smartphones or tablets.
• Additional features: Route4Me offers a range of features beyond basic routing, including route tracking, geofencing, and analytics, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.

Cons

• Pricing: Route4Me's pricing structure can be expensive, especially for businesses with large fleets or complex routing needs, potentially posing budget constraints.
• Learning curve: The complexity of Route4Me's features and interface may require a learning curve for new users, particularly those without prior experience with routing optimization software.
• Dependency on internet connectivity: Route4Me's routing tools heavily rely on internet connectivity, which may pose challenges for users operating in areas with limited or unreliable internet access.
• Route4Me uses OpenStreetMap (OSM) as a primary data source, that has potential downsides for routing

Circuit

Circuit is a provider of route optimization software, offering features tailored to meet the needs of businesses for last mile delivery. Here are the pros and cons to using Circuit as a route planner or optimizer:

Pros

• Optimizes routes with up to 500 stops in a single route for paid plans.
• Exports routes to GPS devices and mobile apps.
• Has a mobile app for drivers to access their routes and receive updates.
• Proof-of-delivery features: Capture signatures and photos for delivery verification.

Cons

• Free plan limits stops to 10 per route, with limits on total stops by paid plan.
• Costly for heavy users: Paid plans can be expensive for high-volume usage.
• Focus on delivery: Primarily designed for delivery businesses, might not be ideal for other use cases.

OptimoRoute

OptimoRoute is a cloud-based route planning and optimization software offering a range of features. It appears that OptimoRoute refers to stops as “Orders” with different maximums per paid plan, currently being: Lite at 700; Pro at 1000; and Custom in the thousands. Some OptimoRoute pros and cons are listed below:

Pros

• Vehicle Tracking: OptimoRoute efficiently handles complex routing scenarios, calculating optimal routes for multiple vehicles. It considers factors like traffic conditions, delivery windows, and vehicle capacities.
• User-Friendly Interface: OptimoRoute’s web application automates route and schedule planning, improving service levels with accurate estimated times of arrival and narrow time windows.

Cons

• Initial Complexity: Setting up and using OptimoRoute can be complex initially. The interface may not be as intuitive as some other route planning software, resulting in a steeper learning curve.
• Unexpected Changes: In urgent situations, it might be challenging to quickly make unexpected changes, such as switching navigation apps or editing stops.

Upper

Upper allows for 250, 500, and 500+ stops at once based on the paid pricing plan you are on. While Upper offers numerous features, it's essential to weigh both its pros and cons when considering it for routing:

Pros

• High stop limit: Supports many stops per route, suitable for complex delivery plans.
• Multiple optimization options: Optimize routes for factors like distance, time, traffic, fuel efficiency, vehicle types, and driver skills.
• Real-time traffic updates: Integrates live traffic data for dynamic route adjustments.
• Multivehicle scheduling: Plan routes for multiple vehicles and drivers simultaneously.
• Mobile app and web interface: Accessible from various devices for flexibility.
• Proof-of-delivery features: Capture signatures and photos for delivery verification.

Cons

• Costly for heavy users: Paid plans can be expensive for high-volume usage.
• Learning curve: Some advanced features might require training or familiarity with routing tools.
• Not ideal for individuals: Primarily designed for businesses and fleet management.
• Limited free plan: Only a 7-day trial.

FarEye

Fareye's Route Planning Tools empower businesses to optimize delivery routes for efficiency, offering real-time updates, proof-of-delivery features, and customizable workflows, but may be costlier for high-volume users. Here is an assessment of the strengths and limitations of FarEye as a route planner or optimizer:

Pros

• Customization: FarEye offers an API, and customizable workflows and integrations, allowing businesses to tailor the platform to their specific delivery processes.
• Proof-of-delivery features: FarEye offers proof-of-delivery features, like capturing signatures and photos, which cater specifically to delivery businesses.

Cons

• Learning curve: While intuitive, some advanced features require training or familiarity with routing tools, especially for non-technical users.
• Industry focus: Fareye caters specifically to the delivery and logistics industry, offering features and integrations tailored to those needs. Their options lack a more general-purpose tool, appealing to a wider range of use cases but potentially lacking industry-specific features.
• Target audience: Fareye primarily targets enterprise-level businesses, while competitors offer plans suitable for smaller companies or businesses with lower volume needs.

Which is the best route planner with unlimited stops for businesses?

Choosing the right routing tool depends on your specific needs. Consider factors like your fleet size, optimization needs, number of stops, expertise, and budget.

Maptitude stands out for its balance of user-friendliness, powerful features, and data-driven insights. Whether you're a business development professional seeking informed decisions, a logistics analyst uncovering improved efficiencies, or a salesperson planning the best route to visit clients, Maptitude is your best bet for professional route optimization.

Ready to experience the power of route planning? Dive into Maptitude and discover improved efficiencies with time and cost savings.

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