10 Best Circuit Alternatives for Route Planning in 2024

Managing delivery routes manually has worked in the past, but the time has changed. 

Today, the need for better customer satisfaction, streamlined operations, and cost savings has led many businesses to switch to route optimization software.

One such route optimization software is Circuit, which is known for its efficient route planning and is suitable for both teams and solo drivers. Its flexible driver app and routing features aim to boost route efficiency, scale businesses, and simplify delivery planning.

However, recent price adjustments and a lack of basic route management features might make Circuit less appealing for some businesses. Therefore, it’s important to explore other options that offer similar features at more affordable prices. 

Let’s discuss why these alternatives are worth considering.

Why Consider Alternatives to Circuit?

Despite its exclusive features, Circuit may not be the best fit for everyone. Finding an affordable and effective solution is crucial for small businesses or individuals entering the route planning industry. 

Here are some drawbacks of Circuit:

• Circuit’s stop-based pricing can lead to unexpected extra costs
• Lacks vehicle load management capabilities
• Only provides basic route summaries
• Limited support for various vehicle types
• No drag-and-drop route adjustments
• Route scheduling lacks a calendar view
• Only offers passive tracking, limiting real-time monitoring
• No barcode scanning feature
• Routes cannot be modified on the go
• Requires a credit card for the free trial

Paying for expensive plans while missing essential features may not be a wise investment. Switching to other top Circuit alternatives on the market could offer a better solution. We’ve curated a list of the best apps like Circuit to help you make an informed decision.

How We Evaluated and Selected Apps like Circuit

Our team evaluated more than 22 route optimization software solutions and, based on our thorough assessment, selected the top 10 alternatives to Circuit.

We followed a rigorous process, considering several key criteria:

1. Feature suitability: We assessed each software’s features against a checklist of 25 essential functionalities to ensure they met the needs of small businesses, delivery teams, and solo drivers.
2. Usability: Ease of use was a crucial factor in our evaluation. We conducted usability tests with 10 team members from different backgrounds to gauge how quickly they could adopt and integrate the software into their daily operations.
3. Cost-effectiveness: Affordability without compromising on essential features was a priority. We analyzed pricing plans, compared them against feature offerings, and calculated potential cost savings for businesses of different sizes.
4. Customer Reviews: We scoured platforms like Capterra and G2, analyzing hundreds of authentic user reviews and ratings to gauge user satisfaction, performance, and reliability.
5. Personal Testing: Our team personally used each software for a minimum of 30 days, logging over 300 hours collectively to experience its functionality, reliability, and user-friendliness firsthand.

After thorough analysis, rigorous testing, and consideration of user feedback, we narrowed down our selection to the following top-performing software options. 

Top 10 Apps Like Circuit: Circuit Alternatives, Competitors & Similar Software

1. Upper

User rating: 4.5/5 (37)

Upper’s pricing model offers scalability without unexpected costs, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses.

Upper is an excellent alternative to Circuit for route optimization and delivery management. 

It’s developed with a focus on efficiency, flexibility, and user-friendliness, making it a go-to solution for businesses looking to streamline their routing operations.

Our platform’s standout feature is its advanced route optimization algorithm, which considers traffic conditions, vehicle capacities, time windows, and delivery priorities. Using this, Upper calculates the most efficient routes, helping businesses save time, reduce fuel costs, and maximize productivity.

One advantage of Upper over Circuit is its transparent and cost-effective pricing structure. We offer unlimited route creation across all plans. This eliminates worries about additional charges for exceeding stop limits and provides scalability without unexpected costs.

Here are the main reasons why Upper is a superior alternative to Circuit:

• Unlimited Route Creation: Unlike Circuit’s stop-based pricing, we allow unlimited route creation, offering scalability and cost-effectiveness.
• Vehicle Load Constraint: Upper enables setting vehicle load constraints for optimized load distribution, which is lacking in Circuit.
• On-the-Go Adjustment: Upper allows users to modify routes on the go, providing the flexibility that Circuit doesn’t offer.
• In-App Navigation: We also provide in-app navigation for seamless route execution, enhancing driver efficiency. Circuit lacks this feature.
• Reports and Analytics: Our detailed reporting provides valuable insights, while Circuit offers basic summaries.
• Active Driver Tracking: Upper provides real-time GPS tracking for active monitoring, while Circuit offers passive tracking.
• Custom Fields and Address Book: We offer customizable data fields and an address/contact book for efficient customer management, missing in Circuit.
• User-Friendly Interface: We’re praised for our intuitive design, minimizing training needs compared to Circuit’s complexity.

In essence, when we compare Upper vs. Circuit, Upper emerges as a cost-effective, feature-rich, and user-friendly alternative to Circuit, offering comprehensive functionalities, transparent pricing, and dedicated support. 

Route quality: Our algorithms deliver routes up to 18% more efficiently, minimizing overlap and optimizing sequencing. The Circuit’s routes could sometimes be tangled and not as optimized as desired.

Pricing: Starts at $120/month

Key feature comparison: Circuit Vs Upper

Features
Route Optimization
Active Driver Tracking
Color Coding for Better Route Organization
Multi-Platform Accessibility (Desktop & Mobile)
Custom Fields for Stop Details/Driver App Notes/ Contacts
Vehicle Load Constraint Functionality
Address/Contact Book Functionality
Detailed Reports and Analytics Functionality	Limited reporting	Supports a wide range of vehicle types
Drag and Drop Functionality
Unlimited Route Creation		No limits on route creation
Customer Notifications
Proof of Delivery
Flexible Stop Limits	Fixed stop limits with additional costs	Flexibility in stop limits across plans
No Additional Charges	Additional charges for exceeding limits	Transparent pricing without extra costs
No Credit Card Needed for Free Trial

• Features Circuit Upper

• Route Optimization

  

  

• Active Driver Tracking

  

  

• Color Coding for Better Route Organization

  

  

• Multi-Platform Accessibility (Desktop & Mobile)

  

  

• Custom Fields for Stop Details/Driver App Notes/ Contacts

  

  

• Vehicle Load Constraint Functionality

  

  

• Address/Contact Book Functionality

  

  

• Detailed Reports and Analytics Functionality

  Limited reporting

  Supports a wide range of vehicle types

• Drag and Drop Functionality

  

  

• Unlimited Route Creation

  

  No limits on route creation

• Customer Notifications

  

  

• Proof of Delivery

  

  

• Flexible Stop Limits

  Fixed stop limits with additional costs

  Flexibility in stop limits across plans

• No Additional Charges

  Additional charges for exceeding limits

  Transparent pricing without extra costs

• No Credit Card Needed for Free Trial

  

  

• Try Upper for FREE No credit card required

2. Zeo Route Planner

User rating: 4.6 (29)

We tested Zeo Route Planner to see if it lives up to the hype as a Circuit alternative. 

For small and medium businesses (SMBs) like courier companies, home service providers, and retailers, Zeo offers a user-friendly platform to manage deliveries.

The web app is great for dispatchers to plan routes in advance. 

We loved how we could add multiple stops, including store details and operating hours, all in one place. This helped us ensure efficient resource allocation and avoid wasting driver time figuring things out on the road. 

Compared to Circuit, Zeo’s advanced scheduling features were a big win.

Overall, Zeo impressed us with its ease of use and features like bulk stop import, route optimization with custom preferences, and one-click dispatch. Zeo alternatives may offer similar functionalities, but we found Zeo’s dispatcher control and flexibility to be a major advantage.

Key features of Zeo Route Planner

• Add multiple stops via spreadsheet
• Customize routes with time windows, service times, and vehicle details
• Dispatch optimized routes to drivers with a single click
• Advanced scheduling based on driver availability
• Live tracking of routes and driver progress
• Automatic assignment of unassigned stop

Route Quality: In our experience, Zeo delivers quality routes by allowing extensive customization and advanced scheduling. This contrasts with Circuit, which lacks these detailed route optimization capabilities.

Pricing: $29/ month per seat

3. RoadWarrior

User rating: 4.5/5 (52)

We reviewed RoadWarrior to check if it could compete with Circuit or not. 

We found that RoadWarrior allows you to create routes manually or upload them from spreadsheets. The route planning software optimizes these routes using advanced algorithms, ensuring drivers complete their deliveries efficiently. 

The web app caters to dispatch operations, while the mobile app on iOS and Android allows drivers to tackle their routes seamlessly.

One standout feature is RoadWarrior’s affordable pricing. Circuit’s Essential plan costs $100/month with limited features and a cap of two drivers. 

In contrast, RoadWarrior allows 200 stops per route for just $14.99/month per user. Another advantage is the round-trip configuration and multi-mode transportation synchronization, which the Circuit lacks. 

Additionally, RoadWarrior syncs and backs up all delivery data, providing easy access to historical analytics—another feature not offered by Circuit.

Key features of RoadWarrior

• Set preferred service time and time windows
• Optimize routes considering traffic, highways, ferries, and driver availability
• Quick route assignments to drivers
• Track and monitor route progress
• Multi-select and lasso tool
• Integration with FedEx and OnTrac

Route quality: RoadWarrior’s routing engine considers factors like traffic and driver availability, which helped us create efficient routes. While a head-to-head comparison with Circuit is difficult, RoadWarrior felt well-suited for basic routing.

Pricing: Starts at $14.99/ month per team member

4. Routific

User rating: 4.9/5 (126)

Routific excels in managing delivery operations for small to medium-sized businesses.

The software creates shorter routes, offers real-time driver tracking, provides accurate ETAs, and informs customers via SMS notifications and a delivery tracking link. This comprehensive approach helps streamline delivery operations.

When comparing the pricing of Routific vs. Circuit, Routific starts at $49/month per vehicle, while Circuit’s pricing starts at $100/month for 500 stops. While we can see a significant difference in pricing, there is also a difference in the registration process. Routific doesn’t require a credit card for a free trial, unlike Circuit. 

However, sending accurate ETAs and delivery notifications in Routific costs an extra $19/month, which Circuit includes in the plan. Despite these differences, Routific still offers a solid alternative with robust features.

For those looking at other options, there are various Routific alternatives available that might suit different needs and budgets.

Key features of Routific

• Timeline route plan view
• Customer profiles
• Map-based route plan view
• Proof of delivery
• Drag & drop scheduling
• Real-time driver tracking via GPS

Route quality: In our experience, Routific provides highly optimized and efficient routes. Compared to Circuit, Routific’s routes are generally shorter and more streamlined. 

Pricing: Starts at $49 per vehicle/month

Features
Route Optimization
Active Tracking of Drivers
Color Coding Functionality
Multi-Platform Accessibility (Desktop & Mobile)
OCR Address Scanner
Multi-depot planning
Custom Fields Functionality
Vehicle Load Constraint Functionality
Address/Contact Book Functionality
Detailed Reports and Analytics Functionality	Limited reporting	Detailed reports and analytics	Comprehensive insights into performance
Drag and Drop Functionality
Unlimited Route Creation		No specific information	No limits on route creation
Customer Notifications	Only in higher-priced plan	Only in higher-priced plan
In-app Driver Chat
Proof of Delivery
Flexible Stop Limits		No specific information
Swap Routes
Reverse Routes
Customer Support
No Credit Card Needed for Free Trial

• Features Circuit Routific Upper

• Route Optimization

  

  

  

• Active Tracking of Drivers

  

  

  

• Color Coding Functionality

  

  

  

• Multi-Platform Accessibility (Desktop & Mobile)

  

  

  

• OCR Address Scanner

  

  

  

• Multi-depot planning

  

  

  

• Custom Fields Functionality

  

  

  

• Vehicle Load Constraint Functionality

  

  

  

• Address/Contact Book Functionality

  

  

  

• Detailed Reports and Analytics Functionality

  Limited reporting

  Detailed reports and analytics

  Comprehensive insights into performance

• Drag and Drop Functionality

  

  

  

• Unlimited Route Creation

  

  No specific information

  No limits on route creation

• Customer Notifications

  Only in higher-priced plan

  Only in higher-priced plan

  

• In-app Driver Chat

  

  

  

• Proof of Delivery

  

  

  

• Flexible Stop Limits

  

  No specific information

  

• Swap Routes

  

  

  

• Reverse Routes

  

  

  

• Customer Support

  

  

  

• No Credit Card Needed for Free Trial

  

  

  

• Try Upper for FREE No credit card required

5. OptimoRoute

User rating: 4.6/5 (153)

We evaluated OptimoRoute to see if it could streamline delivery routes compared to Circuit. OptimoRoute impressed up with its speed and efficiency. It handled bulk order imports with ease and quickly generated optimized routes. 

The ability to schedule routes in advance was a big win for us, ensuring our drivers were prepared for the day.

OptimoRoute’s pricing is simpler than Circuit’s. It undercut Circuit’s per-stop pricing at $35.10 per driver per month. We also appreciated the 30-day free trial, which gave us more time to test the software than Circuit’s 14-day window.

However, OptimoRoute fell short in delivery analytics. Unlike Circuit, OptimoRoute doesn’t store past delivery data. If you need historical data to track trends or analyze performance, Circuit might be a better choice.

 It’s also worth considering OptimoRoute alternatives if you need more advanced features or integrations.

Key features of OptimoRoute

• Easy order scheduling
• Live driver tracking and accurate ETAs
• Real-time order tracking
• Automatic customer feedback
• Pickup and deliveries in a single route
• Multi-day long haul routes (BETA)

Route quality: OptimoRoute’s route optimization seemed on par with Circuit. Both consider factors like traffic and distance. OptimoRoute’s strength lies in its speed and ease of use, making it a good option for high-volume deliveries.

Pricing: Starts at $35.10/ driver per month

6. Tookan

User rating: 4.2 (74)

We looked at Tookan as a budget-friendly alternative to Circuit. Tookan offered everything we needed, like real-time tracking and customer notifications. The user interface was easy to learn, and features like auto dispatch helped streamline our workflow.

Tookan’s pricing structure is perfect for small businesses on a tight budget. The low entry price and free trial let us test the software before committing. 

However, be aware that Tookan uses a pay-per-feature model. Features like route optimization and accurate ETAs cost extra, which can add up quickly. 

This can be a drawback for businesses needing advanced functionalities without hidden costs. In such cases, exploring Tookan alternatives might be a better solution, especially if you require features like automated barcode generation or custom CSV imports.

Overall, Tookan is a good option for small businesses with basic delivery needs.

Key features of Tookan

• Performance analytics
• Auto pickup & delivery dispatch
• Real-time driver tracking
• Customer app
• Custom and predictive routing
• Vehicle-based optimization

Route quality: Tookan offers route optimization, but it’s an extra cost. Without it, route quality might be inconsistent. Circuit guarantees route optimization in their base plan.

Pricing: Starts at $39/month

7. MyRouteOnline

User rating: 4.6/5 (106)

MyRouteOnline operates on a credit-based pricing model, offering cloud-based solutions for multi-stop route planning with up to 1000 stop addresses. While its pricing structure may seem expensive for some users, it can still be a suitable choice for occasional route planning needs.

Regarding price sensitivity, MyRouteOnline presents a more budget-friendly option than Circuit. 

However, if you prioritize advanced features and quality over pricing concerns, Circuit, and other MyRoute Online alternatives might be a better fit. Circuit excels in providing comprehensive routing solutions, including preferred time windows, curbside deliveries, parcel information, accurate ETAs, and more—features that MyRouteOnline lacks. 

Additionally, MyRouteOnline restricts the flexibility to add multiple addresses based on the purchased plan’s address credits.

Key features of MyRouteOnline

• Import contacts
• Export data to Excel
• Mapping territories
• Animate directions
• Pickups and drop-offs in a single route
• Live delivery tracking

Route quality: MyRouteOnline optimizes routes, but the quality might be inconsistent depending on how many credits you purchase. Circuit guarantees route optimization in all their plans.

Pricing: Starts at $24 pay as you go

8. Onfleet

User rating: 4.6/5 (93)

Onfleet is renowned for its robust route optimization, efficient dispatching, and comprehensive delivery tracking. The platform offers a user-friendly web dashboard consolidating all routing and dispatch operations. 

Integrated features like driver and consumer chat platforms, predictive ETAs, real-time driver tracking, and automated delivery updates enhance business efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Comparing Onfleet with Circuit, we found minimal differences in pricing, free trial offerings, and the onboarding process. Both platforms require credit card details for the free trial and have similar pricing structures. This may not be ideal for small businesses or startups, who might find more affordable Onfleet alternatives like Upper. 

Nevertheless, Onfleet’s rich feature set makes it a strong contender for businesses needing advanced delivery management tools.

Key features of Onfleet

• Search and filter functionality
• Predictive ETAs
• Integrated customer communication
• In-built feedback collection
• Real-time driver tracking
• Comprehensive driver performance metrics

Route quality: Onfleet excels in route quality with its smart optimization algorithms, delivering efficient and accurate routes. While Circuit also offers good route optimization, Onfleet’s integrated features and real-time adjustments provide a more seamless and efficient delivery experience.

Pricing: Starts at $550/month

9. Badger Maps

User ratings: 4.6/5 (199)

Badger Maps excels in automating sales routes, managing territories, and finding new prospects, which makes it a valuable asset for sales reps and managers alike. 

The software supports iOS and Android mobile apps, providing flexibility for on-the-go sales teams. 

Thanks to Badger Maps’ advanced lead generation algorithms, our team was able to manage existing customer visits and schedule additional prospect meetings.

When we compared Badger Maps to Circuit, we noticed several advantages. Firstly, Badger Maps allows users to color-code stops based on categories or behavior, making it easier to identify and prioritize tasks. Circuit lacks this feature, which can be a drawback for sales reps in a hurry.

 Additionally, Badger Maps includes a multi-selector Lasso tool for quick route assignments and on-the-go optimization, another feature absent in Circuit.

There are also Badger Maps alternatives available that cater to sales needs, so be sure to explore your options if you require a specific feature set.

Key features of Badger Maps

• Lasso tool for quick route assignments
• Color and filter options for stops
• Custom check-in reports
• CRM integration for seamless data management
• Follow-up reminders to keep track of prospects
• Preferred turn-by-turn navigation for ease of travel

Route quality: Badger Maps provides superior route quality compared to Circuit, especially for field sales operations. The advanced lead generation and optimization algorithms ensure that sales reps can efficiently cover their territories and maximize their time on the road.

Pricing: Starts at $69 per user/month

10. Route4Me

User rating: 4.5/5 (388)

In our hands-on experience with Route4Me, we found it a route-planning solution that excels in managing early morning logistical chaos. This cloud-based fleet management software allows businesses to upload addresses, optimize routes, and dispatch them quickly to drivers. 

It effectively handles routine and emergency route modifications while providing real-time updates to customers through accurate notification alerts.

Comparing Route4Me vs. Circuit, it becomes clear that choosing between the two can be challenging due to their comparable strengths. 

Route4Me offers an extensive range of features but has a caveat: many of its core and optional features are Add-Ons that require additional payment beyond the basic plan price. This pricing structure can make Route4Me less affordable and flexible, especially for businesses operating within tight budget constraints. 

For those needing a more cost-effective solution, exploring Route4Me alternatives might be a better fit.

Key features of Route4Me

• Address book and territory planning
• Telematics gateway
• Geofencing analytics
• In-app voice-guided navigation:
• Customer email alerts
• Scheduled notifications

Route quality: When comparing Route4Me and Circuit’s route quality, we found both to be highly efficient. However, Route4Me’s focus on sustainable and carbon-neutral optimization gives it an edge in environmental friendliness.

Pricing: Starts at $40/month per user

Features
Route Optimization in Base Tier
Discount on Pricing
Active Driver Tracking
Unlimited routes
OCR Address Scanner
Curbside Delivery	Included in plan	Paid add-on	Included in all plans
Vehicle Load Constraint Functionality
Address/Contact Book

• Features Circuit Route4Me Upper

• Route Optimization in Base Tier

  

  

  

• Discount on Pricing

  

  

  

• Active Driver Tracking

  

  

  

• Unlimited routes

  

  

  

• OCR Address Scanner

  

  

  

• Curbside Delivery

  Included in plan

  Paid add-on

  Included in all plans

• Vehicle Load Constraint Functionality

  

  

  

• Address/Contact Book

  

  

  

• Try Upper for FREE No credit card required

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Apps Like Circuit

Finding the right route optimization software for your business can make a big difference in efficiency and customer satisfaction. We’ve explored several alternatives to Circuit, each with its own strengths and potential drawbacks. 

Whether it’s Routific’s real-time driver tracking, OptimoRoute’s detailed delivery analytics, Tookan’s affordability, MyRouteOnline’s occasional route planning, Onfleet’s robust last-mile delivery, Badger Maps’ field sales focus, or Route4Me’s sustainability, there’s a solution for everyone.

If you’re still undecided, consider giving Upper a try, by taking a 7 days free trial. It offers many of the same features as the top competitors but at a more competitive price. Upper is designed to help you streamline your delivery operations, making it a solid choice for most of businesses requiring route management.

Happy routing!