10 Best Route Optimization Software of 2024

Are you tired of spending hours manually planning routes in Excel, often leading to errors and delays? 

Perhaps you’re struggling to find a software solution for your complex scheduling needs. 

Or maybe you’re trying to optimize hundreds of routes together, only to find that free tools like Google Maps are inadequate. 

If you nodded along to any of these challenges, you’re in the right place. 

In this blog, we aim to bring you a curated list of the best route optimization software solutions that have proven their worth in the real world.

“Upper improved our delivery efficiency by 40% and reduced planning time by 75%. It handles our complex scheduling needs effortlessly.”

Michael Lee, Logistics Coordinator at RapidRoute Express

We didn’t just pick any random routing software; we set stringent criteria for testing and evaluating each solution.

How We Picked the Best Route Planning Software for You

Instead of relying on marketing claims, we did our homework. We spent hours researching articles on the best route planner apps and compiling a list of the 10 most popular software solutions. 

Then, we put these 10 software through a rigorous testing process (detailed below) to see which ones truly delivered.

Here’s a peek behind the curtain at our selection process:

• We signed up, explored features, and created routes (150-600 stops) to see how each software handled real-world scenarios.
• We prioritized ease of use, route creation and dispatch speed, and efficiency—features that matter to your business.
• We scoured Capterra and G2 for user insights on customer support, pricing, and overall satisfaction.
• We crunched the numbers on efficiency (shorter routes mean less gas and less time on the road!), ease of use, and pricing plans to find the best options.

We basically left no stone unturned! 

By combining hands-on testing, user reviews, and data analysis, we created a shortlist of the best route optimization software options available. 

Now, let’s explore the top contenders!

1. Upper

Best for: Businesses requiring extensive route management software

User rating: 4.5/5 (37)

Upper is route management software that is mainly designed to address the challenges of manual route planning, eliminating inefficiencies and communication gaps. 

We offer collaborative route optimization suitable for teams of any size, from startups to enterprises.

Our platform isn’t just another delivery routing software; it’s a complete solution for managing complex delivery schedules, reducing operational costs, and improving overall efficiency. 

It’s perfect for businesses needing route customization options, real-time adjustments, and an easy-to-navigate platform.

Upper provides a plethora of features for efficient route management:

• Dynamically updates routes based on traffic and last-minute changes.
• Calculates optimal stop order for minimal travel time and distance.
• Manages vehicle space for maximum capacity utilization.
• Considers delivery/service time windows for punctuality.
• Easily dispatch multiple routes to drivers with a single click.
• Provides accurate ETAs with live driver tracking.
• Keeps customers informed with automated updates.
• Capture digital signatures and photos for verification.

We constantly improve our routing algorithm to deliver better results that save time and fuel on the road. 

Additionally, our driver app simplifies route execution, ensuring drivers have all the necessary information and driving directions at their fingertips. 

The cherry on top is our 24/7 customer support, which ensures your operations run smoothly without any hiccups. With an in-house team for every task, we can quickly make necessary updates and changes according to business requirements.

User interface: We designed it to be clear and easy to navigate so almost anyone can use it, regardless of their tech skills.  

Ease of use: Upper requires minimal training. Over 650 dispatchers have used Upper for more than 7500 drivers, praising its user-friendly interface and quick adaptation process.

Free version: Upper provides a free version that allows users to optimize up to 20 stops for free. 

Free trial: 7 days free trial, no credit card required

Route quality: Upper’s route optimization algorithms consistently outperform competitors, delivering routes up to 18% more efficiently. With minimal overlap and optimized sequencing, drivers cover the shortest distances, saving time and fuel costs.

Pricing: Upper’s pricing starts at $80/month for up to 3 users, with discounts for annual subscriptions.

2. Routific

Best for: Medium-sized local delivery businesses

User rating: 4.9/5 (126)

Routific is a suitable option for a local delivery business, excelling at basic route optimization and delivery management. 

When we tested Routific, we found its user-friendly interface and smooth setup process impressive. This delivery optimization software efficiently optimized routes by considering traffic patterns and driver preferences. 

Dispatching routes to the driver app on a mobile device was also straightforward. 

However, as we explored Routific’s features in more depth, some limitations became apparent. 

The essential plan restricts access to valuable features like real-time driver tracking and proof of delivery, which require higher-tier plans. Additionally, while it handled basic deliveries well, it struggled with multiple clustered stops and specific delivery requirements

User interface: Routific’s interface is mostly clean and straightforward. However, navigating the timeline is a bit tricky.

Ease of use: The setup process is simple, and basic tasks are easy to manage. However, making route adjustments might require more effort.

Free version: No

Free trial: 7-day free trial

Route quality: Routific’s route quality was adequate but not exceptional. While it managed to reduce delivery times, we noticed some inefficiencies and occasional overlaps in the routes.

Pricing: Starts at $49 per vehicle per month for basic features, with advanced options available at higher tiers up to $93 per vehicle per month.

3. Route4Me

Best for: Businesses with intensive last-mile delivery needs

User rating: 4.5/5 (388)

Route4Me has established itself as a long-standing player in route optimization, serving businesses heavily reliant on last-mile deliveries since 2009.

During our hands-on experience with Route4Me, we appreciated its extensive add-on options, offering features like customer notifications, proof of delivery, and curbside support. It allowed us to cherry-pick features to suit our operations.

However, the user interface felt somewhat dated and cluttered.

A notable aspect of Route4Me is its real-time location tracking capabilities and seamless integrations, making it suitable for route planning and management. 

Yet, we encountered some quirks that raised eyebrows. 

Its optimization algorithm occasionally falters, leading to impractical routes and inaccurate ETAs. Furthermore, the cost of essential add-on features can significantly escalate expenses.

Overall, Route4Me is a versatile route planning solution with a few bumps along the road that may require some workaround.

User interface: Route4Me’s interface presents many features but may confuse users due to its complexity and cluttered design.

Ease of use: While basic tasks are manageable, the platform’s modularity and feature-rich environment create a challenging learning experience.

Free version: No

Free trial: 7-day free trial

Route quality: Route4Me’s route optimization algorithm generally generates efficient routes, although there are occasional inaccuracies, overlapping routes, and underestimated ETAs.

Pricing: Starts at $40 per user per month.

4. MyRouteOnline

Best for: Businesses with basic route planning requirements

User rating: 4.6/5 (106)

We tried out MyRouteOnline to see if it could streamline our delivery routes. It is a straightforward route planner that lets you upload and optimize addresses for the quickest route.

The good news is – MyRouteOnline is perfect for basic route planning. If you just need a quick way to map out deliveries for a handful of stops, it gets the job done. 

However, for businesses with more complex delivery needs, MyRouteOnline falls short. There are no advanced features here. You can’t track drivers in real time, and there’s no way to notify customers about their deliveries automatically.

Even the pricing structure, which is based on credits, can be confusing to understand.

User interface: The interface is basic and simple to use.

Ease of use: Users can navigate the platform with ease, even without prior experience in route planning software.

Free version: MyRouteOnline has a free version for navigation, but to optimize routes, you’ll need to either subscribe or input up to six addresses.

Free trial: No

Route quality: The route optimization felt a little basic. While it did find more efficient routes, we weren’t convinced they were always the most logical. A couple of times, the optimized route required drivers to backtrack or go out of their way.

Pricing: Starts at $24 for limited access.

5. Circuit

Best For: Small businesses or startups seeking simple route planning

User rating: 4.8/5 (99)

After trying out Circuit for Teams, we found it to be a decent option for businesses looking for a straightforward route optimization solution.

Circuit focuses on essential features like route planning, dispatching, live tracking, and proof of delivery. However, Circuit’s route optimization left us wanting more. 

While efficient in words, the routes it generated often seemed illogical in practice. We saw a lot of crisscrossing and backtracking, which could add unnecessary miles and time to deliveries.

Also, there wasn’t a way to edit routes after sending them to drivers, which felt inflexible.

Overall, while Circuit for Teams is a viable option for smaller businesses or those just starting with route optimization, it may fall short for companies with more complex routing needs.

User interface: Circuit for Teams has a clean user interface.

Ease of use: Setting up routes and managing deliveries is simple, where one person can handle multiple roles.

Free version:  Free plan (up to 10 stops)

Free trial: 7-day free trial 

Route quality:  While Circuit provides efficient route planning, we found that the routes could sometimes be tangled and not as optimized as we hoped.

Pricing: Starts at $100/month for 500 stops.

6. OptimoRoute

Best for:  Businesses with complex routing needs

User rating: 4.6/5 (153)

OptimoRoute boasts many features, from real-time tracking to driver workload balancing. Up front, it looked impressive. We liked that it could handle complex routing scenarios like multi-day deliveries and pickups.

However, during our trial, a few things gave us pause. For one, the pricing structure is per driver, which can get expensive quickly as you scale your team. Even while planning the routes, we found some routes were longer than expected.

The mobile route planner app also had limitations. Drivers couldn’t re-optimize routes on the fly, and communication with dispatchers seemed clunky.

Overall, OptimoRoute seems like a powerful route optimization tool for businesses with very specific routing needs. But the complexity and cost might be overkill for smaller businesses. 

User Interface: OptimoRoute’s web app appears powerful, with many features on display. This can be too much to take at first glance.

Ease of use: OptimoRoute definitely requires some learning. While basic route planning seems uncomplicated, utilizing its advanced features likely requires training or experience.

Free version: No

Free trial: 30-day free trial

Route quality: OptimoRoute efficiently plans routes, considering time windows and order priorities. However, it lacks live traffic updates or dynamic adjustments, which can affect real-time adaptability and delivery times.

Pricing: Starts at $39/month. 

7. Onfleet

Best For: Mid-market to enterprise-level last-mile delivery companies 

User rating: 4.6/5 (93)

After thoroughly testing Onfleet, we found it a comprehensive solution for last-mile delivery management. 

It offers many features, including route optimization, automatic driver assignment, and a live chat feature in the driver app, making it a great fit for on-demand courier businesses. 

However, the route planning interface is a bit complex and lacks detailed route visualization and real-time route progress monitoring, which can be challenging for dispatchers.

Additionally, occasional overestimated ETAs and limited custom options are areas for improvement. 

Overall, Onfleet is a powerful delivery management tool that is rough around the edges.

User interface: Onfleet offers many features, which can be overwhelming at first. 

Ease of use: While basic tasks are simple, getting the most out of its features requires dedication and training.

Free version: No

Free trial: 14-day free trial

Route quality: Onfleet’s route optimization feature is effective, but we encountered issues such as overestimated ETAs and lags in optimizing routes with many stops.

Pricing: Starts at $550/month. 

8. RoadWarrior

Best For: Solo drivers and small teams

User rating: 4.5/5 (52)

We used RoadWarrior extensively to evaluate its performance as route planning software. It promised super-fast route optimization for solo drivers and small teams. 

Entering stops was easy, and the route planning app optimized routes in seconds. We liked that it factored in traffic and could handle up to 200 stops simultaneously.

However, we also faced some issues. Uploading routes from spreadsheets wasn’t always smooth, and some key features, like collecting delivery confirmations, required a paid add-on.

While the interface was simple for basic tasks, some aspects felt clunky. Also, there were occasional glitches, like misplaced markers on the map.

Overall, RoadWarrior is a decent option for a basic route planner. The free trial lets you try it out, but be aware that a credit card is required. 

User interface: RoadWarrior’s interface is straightforward but can feel a bit tricky initially.

Ease of use: While entering stops and optimizing routes is intuitive, learning all features can take time.

Free Version: No

Free Trial: 7-day free trial

Route Quality: The route optimization is generally reliable. However, it doesn’t flag duplicate or incorrect routes, so users need to double-check their entries.

Pricing: Starts at $14.99 per month per team member.

9. Badger Maps

Best for: Field sales teams and service teams 

User ratings: 4.6/5 (199)

We tested Badger Maps, focusing on its route optimization for sales teams. The app simplifies scheduling and mapping routes, promising to boost sales. 

We found the software user-friendly, and features like “Lasso” to select groups of stops for routing are really helpful. We liked that it integrated with our CRM, keeping customer data up-to-date. It’s great for visualizing territories and prioritizing customers.

Creating and optimizing routes with over 100 stops is straightforward. However, it struggles with complex logistics, like accounting for traffic and weather. While it saved us time, the mobile app had glitches, making on-the-go adjustments difficult.

Overall, it’s ideal for sales reps who need efficient multi-stop route planning but may lack advanced logistics.

User interface: Badger Maps offers a user-friendly interface that’s visually appealing and easy to navigate.

Ease of use:  The onboarding process is well-supported with personalized training. However, some users might find certain features, like exporting data, a bit technical.

Free Version: No

Free Trial: 7-day free trial 

Route Quality The route optimization feature is efficient for basic routing needs, handling over 100 stops. But, it falls short in managing complex logistics, such as real-time traffic updates and weather conditions, which can affect ETA accuracy.

Pricing: Starts at $69 per user/month.

10. Samsara

Best for: Large companies with significant fleet management needs

User ratings: 4.2/5 (363)

Samsara felt like a powerful fleet management platform but was overkill for our needs. It tracked everything—driver behavior, fuel usage, and engine health. Creating optimal routes was straightforward, thanks to smart map overlays and live traffic updates.

The interface was user-friendly, with intuitive dashboards. However, the route optimization app for delivery drivers did experience occasional glitches and slowdowns, which was a bit frustrating.

Plus, there isn’t any way to try it out for free before committing to a lengthy 3-year contract.

Despite these drawbacks, Samsara excels in fleet management and safety features. It’s best suited for large companies needing extensive fleet management solutions. However, be prepared for custom pricing and the lack of a trial period.

User interface: Samsara’s interface is clean and intuitive. The dashboards are straightforward, presenting data in a clear and organized manner.

Ease of use: The routing software has a learning curve due to its vast features. Initial setup and customization may require some time, but the overall experience is smooth once you get familiar with it.

Free version: No

Free trial: Samsara does not offer a free trial. However, they offer a demo that potential customers can request to understand the software’s capabilities.

Route quality: Samsara excels in route optimization. It provides real-time GPS tracking, smart map overlays, and live traffic updates for efficient multi-stop route planning.

Pricing: Samsara offers custom pricing based on fleet size and specific needs.

Find the Perfect Route for Your Drivers

Sure, finding the mathematically shortest route might seem ideal on paper. But in the real world of traffic jams, unexpected detours, and driver satisfaction, there’s more to consider.

We understand that confusing “spaghetti routes” frustrate drivers and can erode trust in route optimization software. That’s why, at Upper, we go beyond just efficiency. 

Our software considers not just distance but also real-time traffic conditions, driver preferences, and logical route flow.Think of it as a smart balance between AI route optimization and driver experience. We plan routes that are efficient and make sense on the road, reducing backtracking and keeping drivers happy.