7 Best Route Planning Apps for Android in 2024: Complete Comparison Guide

Imagine turning those frustrating delays into smoother, more efficient deliveries with just a few taps on your smartphone. 

In 2024, route planning apps have evolved far beyond simple navigation. These apps are now powerful tools designed to help you avoid traffic, optimize multiple stops, and cut down on fuel consumption by 20%.

Smart route planning can reduce fuel costs by up to 20%, impacting your bottom line—whether you’re managing a delivery fleet, field service teams, or sales representatives on the road.

Ready to optimize your routes and streamline your operations? Let’s dive into the top route planning apps for Android that can take your productivity to the next level, no matter your industry.

Understanding Route Planning Apps for Android

Route planning apps are tools that help you map out the best way to reach multiple stops on a trip. If you’re a delivery driver, sales rep, or anyone who regularly needs to make multiple stops, these apps can save time and reduce fuel costs. 

They calculate the quickest or shortest path between locations, taking into account real-time traffic, road closures, and other factors that can impact your journey.

Most route planning apps on Android offer features like:

• Adding multiple stops and generating the fastest route
• Providing real-time GPS tracking
• Telling estimated arrival times 
• Performing route optimization for more complex routes 
• Helping you avoid traffic
• Giving turn-by-turn directions

Some apps even work without the internet. This helps when you drive in areas with poor signal.

How We Evaluated These Apps

To identify the best map apps for Android, our team thoroughly tests each app to ensure it meets essential criteria such as usability, route optimization, real-time updates, and offline access.

Our evaluations are impartial, based on thorough testing, and not influenced by paid placements. By combining practical testing with genuine user experiences, we aim to highlight the apps that are most reliable and efficient.

7 Best Route Planning Apps for Android

Looking to make your journeys more efficient and save on costs? Check out our top seven Android route planning apps that stand out for their effectiveness and value.

1. Upper: Overview and core features

Upper is an Android-based multi-stop route planner app designed to simplify and enhance route management for independent drivers, small businesses, and solo entrepreneurs. Its advanced algorithms optimize routes based on traffic conditions, customer time preferences, and other operational constraints.

But Upper isn’t just about efficient routing. It offers a suite of advanced features, including bulk address import, proof of delivery with photo and signature capture, and real-time customer notifications. Its easy drag-and-drop functionality and live support ensure that the delivery operations are not only smooth but also efficient.

Key features

• Multi-stop route planning: Streamline your routes by optimizing for traffic conditions, delivery windows, distances, and priority stops, ensuring maximum efficiency.
• Address validation: Improve delivery precision with automatic correction of typos, zip codes, and incomplete addresses during import.
• Dynamic mapping: Easily visualize your routes with customizable pin colors to distinguish between pickups and deliveries.
• Adaptive customer notifications: Enhance transparency with precise ETAs and delivery updates sent via email or text, keeping your customers informed every step of the way.
• Route summaries: Gain valuable insights with detailed summaries on route distance, time, savings, and performance metrics to fine-tune your planning.

Pros

• Effectively allocates resources, leading to significant time and cost savings
• Minimizes the risk of data entry errors, ensuring greater accuracy
• Automates delivery status notifications for a more transparent and seamless customer experience

Cons

• Lacks the feature of barcode scanning to support proof of delivery
• Do not offer voice-guided navigation functionality as of now

Pricing details

• Starting at $40 per user/month (minimum of 3 users, $120/month).

Best use cases

Upper is ideal for delivery services, independent contractors, and small to medium business teams needing reliable, multi-stop route planning with error minimization and customer notifications.

User experience analysis

Upper offers a straightforward interface with powerful features that improve routing and delivery efficiency. 

The drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to adjust routes as needed, while real-time customer notifications enhance service transparency. Users even appreciate the live support and reliability. 

Overall, Upper excels in balancing ease of use with advanced capabilities.

When we faced issues with manual route planning and managing multiple drivers, Upper provided the perfect solution. Their intuitive software streamlined our operations, saving us hours daily and handling last-minute changes effortlessly. The user-friendly interface and excellent support team made implementation smooth and stress-free.

Phred Swain-Sugarman

Wishlist.Delivery

View all Testimonials ->

2. Badger Maps: Overview and core features

Badger Maps stands out as an exceptional choice for field sales professionals seeking a powerful route planner app on Android. Known for its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, this app is highly regarded by sales teams for its ability to streamline route planning and optimize sales trips.

Badger Maps simplifies the process of organizing visits and managing schedules, making it easier to reach more clients efficiently. Its real-time updates and intuitive mapping features help salespeople stay organized and focused, enhancing productivity and effectiveness in the field.

Key features

• Lasso tool: Quickly select and optimize routes by circling accounts on the map, streamlining the route planning process.
• Route optimization: Import data or select accounts to instantly generate optimized routes, which can be saved, exported, or scheduled.
• Custom check-ins: Create tailored check-ins and attach photos to track field activities and document tasks.
• CRM integration: Seamlessly sync with popular CRMs to manage customer data, schedule meetings, and optimize routes in real time.
• Turn-by-turn navigation: Navigate optimized routes using popular GPS systems like Waze, Google Maps, Apple Maps, Garmin, and Magellan.

Pros

• Easily add and save accounts for quick route creation and future use
• Save entire routes for easy access and reuse, eliminating the need to add stops manually
• Efficiently map out prospects and scheduled deliveries to enhance route planning
• Seamlessly add and schedule routes in your calendar

Cons

• Users report occasional crashes and freezes, leading to disruptions
• Lacks proof of delivery features, which may cause issues with delivery verification
• Pricing is per user and may be considered expensive compared to some alternatives
• Limited navigation options, as routes must be navigated via Google Maps

Pricing details

• Starts at $58 per user/month, billed annually.

Best use cases

Badger Maps is well-suited for sales teams and field reps looking to manage customer visits and optimize routes with a CRM-backed interface.

User experience analysis

Badger Maps is praised for its ease in managing client visits and CRM integration, but the lack of proof-of-delivery tracking limits its utility for delivery-focused users. 

Occasional app stability issues may also impact reliability in the field.

Recommendation: Badger Maps is perfect for field sales reps needing reliable route optimization on Android and iOS. It’s ideal for managing multiple vehicles and planning efficient routes.

3. RoadWarrior: Overview and core features

RoadWarrior is a top-notch route planning and dispatching app designed to streamline your delivery operations. It supports bulk uploads of hundreds of stops with just one click, making route optimization fast and efficient. For FedEx and OnTrac drivers, the app offers seamless integration, allowing for quicker address uploads.

The app optimizes routes by factoring in the fastest time, shortest distance, vehicle speed, traffic conditions, and delivery time windows. If you’re exploring route planners for Android, RoadWarrior is a solid option to consider alongside other alternatives to find the best fit for your needs.

Key features

• Search, optimize, and assign: Easily search, optimize, and assign routes, including importing from spreadsheets and updating drivers via SMS.
• Track route assignment: Drivers receive SMS updates and can accept or reject routes, with statuses updated accordingly.
• Panel view: Switch between map, list, pin, and status views to efficiently manage and track routes.
• Multi-select and lasso tool: Efficiently select multiple stops or use the lasso tool from a single, integrated toolbar.

Pros

• Avoid highways, tolls, and ferries for optimal routes
• Integrates with Waze, Apple Maps, and HERE
• Glympse integration provides accurate ETAs to clients
• Optimizes up to 120 stops with various constraints

Cons

• No free trial limits the initial app assessment
• Auto-renewal charges apply unless canceled 24 hours prior
• Not suitable for routes exceeding 120 stops
• Additional driver charges may be costly for small businesses

Pricing details

• Starting at $14.99 per month, per team member.

Best use cases

Ideal for medium-sized logistics operations, especially delivery drivers and dispatchers who need quick route creation with bulk upload.

User experience analysis

RoadWarrior is valued for its customization and mapping versatility, though users mention limits to stop capacity and lack of free trials.

4. Circuit: Overview and core features

With the Circuit Android app, planning and optimizing your delivery route is easier than ever. The app is the perfect choice when it comes to route planning and route optimization. It is specifically designed to tailor to the needs of delivery businesses. 

Circuit app users can plan the most efficient route, considering either the shortest routes or the minimum distance. These routes are optimized considering traffic congestion and delays, saving as much as 20% of your fuel costs. It takes a few minutes to add stop data and optimize routes with multiple stops. 

Key features

• Route planning: Optimizes delivery routes using algorithms for the most efficient path based on stops and time constraints.
• Driver tracking: Provides real-time updates on driver locations and performance, helping to meet delivery timelines and improve customer service.
• Customer notifications: Sends delivery updates and status alerts to customers, reducing call volume and enhancing overall satisfaction.
• Driver app: Allows drivers to access routes and collect proof of delivery via mobile devices, replacing paper manifests.
• Proof of delivery: Captures photographic or e-signature proof of successful deliveries, useful for resolving customer disputes.

Pros

• Considers real-time traffic conditions and avoids toll roads
• Efficiently prioritizes urgent deliveries for timely service
• Seamlessly integrates with popular navigation apps for convenience

Cons

• The free plan is restricted to just 10 stops
• The paid plan may be costly for smaller businesses
• Lacks some advanced features needed for larger dispatch teams
• Routes may not always be the most efficient, potentially including unnecessary backtracking

Pricing details

• Starts at $100/month for the first 500 stops.

Best use cases

Circuit is best for delivery services and teams that need route efficiency and proof-of-delivery tracking to streamline operations.

User experience analysis

Users find Circuit helpful for proof of delivery and live traffic updates. However, the limited stops on the basic plan and higher price points can be a barrier for small businesses.

Want to know more about Circuit? Check out our in-depth review, which covers everything from its features to performance insights. Dive into our findings to see if it’s the right fit for you.

5. MyRouteOnline: Overview and core features

MyRouteOnline is a cloud-based multi-stop navigation and route planning app for delivering/picking up parcels or field services. Drivers are given enough flexibility to either re-order the existing route, skip any stop, and add or cancel destinations as per according toconvenience and scheduled tasks. 

Drivers can get their preferred navigating app seamlessly integrated directly with the MyRouteOnline driver’s app, providing detailed turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates. All the planned stops in the dispatched route are queued, and upon arrival at each stop, drivers receive automatic notifications.

Key features

• Data import: Import data from cloud storage platforms, Excel, CSV, and text files for convenience and flexibility.
• Route optimization: Optimize routes with up to 1000 stops, customizable for service times, pickups, and minimizing distance or time.
• Drag-and-drop editing: Easily adjust routes by dragging and dropping stops on the map to accommodate changes or unexpected events.
• Delivery tracking: Track delivery progress based on completed stops; does not provide real-time driver location updates.
• Zapier integration: Integrate MyRouteOnline with 5000+ platforms using Zapier for seamless connection with your business tools.

Pros

• Save and reload routes anytime, from anywhere easily
• Highlights incorrect or duplicate addresses for quick correction
• Choose the preferred navigation app for seamless integration
• Bulk data import quickly optimizes and organizes routes effectively

Cons

• Route optimization may suggest inaccurate or longer routes
• Manual stop selection can be cumbersome while driving
• The interface may be overwhelming and complex for new users
• Pricing plans might be higher compared to similar alternatives

Pricing details

• Starting at $19/month for 50 Address Credits.

Best use cases

MyRouteOnline works well for businesses needing data imports and route flexibility, with emphasis on customized route orders.

User experience analysis

Users appreciate the data import capabilities but find the app’s interface somewhat complex. Manual adjustments can be challenging while on the go, making it less user-friendly for in-field use.

6. Route4Me: Overview and core features

Route4Me is the best delivery route planning app for Android users to solve the early morning chaos of drivers, dispatchers, and, more importantly, their customers. The app helps you create optimized routes in no time, map multiple stops easily, and assign tasks to your delivery agents. This Android app is bi-functionally designed. 

First, as a standalone route planning mobile app, and second, as a web extension to the dispatcher’s web app. More than just route planning and optimizing, tracking drivers and their breadcrumbs on a map in real-time is possible. This ensures that they’re sticking to their planned routes and staying on schedule. 

Key features

• Data importing: AI-driven route planning optimizes transportation by considering customer, driver, and vehicle preferences, boosting efficiency.
• Route optimization: Plans multi-stop routes with real-time factors like weather, time windows, and priority orders for optimal efficiency.
• Customer notifications: Keeps customers informed about delivery status, with optional add-on fees for scheduled updates and alerts.
• Real-time data tracking: Tracks driver progress, provides real-time fleet visibility and enables flexible order assignment based on driver location.
• Advanced geocoding: Uses geofencing to monitor dispatch areas, providing real-time updates, proof of delivery, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Pros

• Free plan with unlimited stops (ideal for testing)
• Easy-to-use interface for efficient route planning
• Integrates seamlessly with preferred navigation apps

Cons

• Limited features in the free plan (no driver tracking included)
• The web version for managing teams appears expensive
• Some user reviews mention persistent issues with address entry and route planning glitches

Pricing details

• Starting at $40/user/month ($200 minimum for 5 users).

Best use cases

Route4Me is ideal for larger teams needing comprehensive route management and geofencing capabilities.

User experience analysis

Route4Me is praised for route optimization, though users have noted outdated interface and address glitches. The free unlimited stops make it a popular choice, though more complex needs may require paid options.

Looking for a powerful tool to optimize your route planning? 

For more insights, check out our detailed guide on the best free route planners with multiple unlimited stops.

7. Google Maps: Overview and core features

Google Maps is a route navigation tool that flexibly allows you to geolocate a specific point, calculate routes, find the nearest places of interest, or see the appearance of a place at street level through Google Street View. Simply punch a location into it, and it will get you there no matter what your transportation mode: walk, drive, cycle, or take the bus. 

The Google Maps route planner app can find the shortest possible way for you. Compared to other Google Maps alternatives, here you can even explore the local neighborhoods by knowing where to eat, drink, and go—no matter what part of the world you’re in.

Check this guide and get step-by-step instructions for creating personalized Google Maps routes.

Key features

• Real-time navigation: Provides turn-by-turn directions with live traffic updates, ensuring you always take the fastest route.
• Street view: Allows 360-degree panoramic views of streets, helping users explore places as if they were there in person.
• Public transit information: Offers detailed schedules and routes for buses, trains, and subways, making public transport navigation easier.
• Offline maps: Enables users to download maps and access them without an internet connection, ensuring navigation in remote areas.

Pros

• Provides accurate ETAs with real-time GPS navigation and traffic data
• Alerts for obstacles or traffic, suggesting alternate routes
• Offers street view and indoor imagery for locations

Cons

• Sometimes, lags and reroutes to incorrect locations, causing delays
• Often miscalculates toll costs and recommends routes with hidden tolls

Pricing details

• Free.

Best use cases

Google Maps is best for basic navigation needs and quick, small-scale routing, rather than complex delivery operations.

User experience analysis

Google Maps is popular for its accuracy in navigation and user-friendly design. However, it lacks route optimization for multi-stop planning, limiting its use for more complex delivery needs.

With these best driving apps for Android, you’re equipped to make smarter, more efficient deliveries, no matter your business size or needs.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right App

Here are some quick tips to help you pick the best route planning app for your needs:

1. Consider the number of stops: Some apps limit how many stops you can add without a paid subscription. Make sure the app can handle the number of locations you need.
2. Check for real-time updates: Look for apps with live traffic updates. This feature is essential if you’re in a busy area or making time-sensitive deliveries.
3. Ease of use: A good app should be simple to navigate. Test the interface to make sure you can add stops and edit routes quickly and without hassle.
4. Battery efficiency: GPS tracking can drain your phone’s battery. Some apps are better optimized than others, so look for one that won’t drain your battery too quickly on the road.
5. Cost and features: Some apps are free, while others come with a price tag for advanced features. Compare what each app offers and decide if the extra features are worth the cost for your specific needs.

Using these tips, you’ll find an app that saves time, simplifies your travel, and keeps your routes as efficient as possible.

Conclusion

After reviewing these route planner apps, choosing the right route planner app for Android can significantly enhance your navigation and routing efficiency. Among the entire list mentioned above, Upper will be your ultimate go-to solution due to advanced features such as precise route optimization, proof of delivery, real-time traffic updates, and customizable delivery instructions.

Other apps like Badger Maps, Routific, Onfleet, and Circuit also offer valuable features tailored to specific business needs. However, the pros/cons and pricing of these apps might confuse you. Hence, to make an informed choice, it’s wise to start with a free trial to experience each app’s capabilities before making a full commitment.