10 Best Route Optimization Software of 2025

Tired of spending hours manually planning multiple stops in Excel, often leading to errors and delays?

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

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

We do already have a routing software…but sometimes it is so off… For example, it will optimize a route so that one of the last stops is one that is also close to one of the first stops, like it’s trying to go full circle or something, but it ends up being frustrating because we could have saved so much time and gas. – a Reddit user shared

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.

Looking for a solution specifically for individual drivers? Check out our guide on Best Multi-Stop Route Planner Apps

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 routing software for deliveries. 

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 critical features like route optimization, ease of use, dispatch management, and real-time tracking. We also evaluated customer-facing tools, such as notifications about ETAs and completed deliveries.
•  We assessed additional features like user interface, route quality, and pricing. Every route optimization app was judged on its ability to deliver efficient, driver-friendly routes.
• We scoured Capterra and G2 for user insights on customer support, pricing, and overall satisfaction.

Lastly, while navigation apps are not part of a route planner’s core functionality, many integrate with Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze for turn-by-turn directions and live traffic updates. 

If you’re looking for more information about navigation apps, check out our blog on the Best Navigation Apps and Map Apps for Android & iOS.

We basically left no stone unturned! 

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

Now, let’s explore the top contenders!

1. Upper

Ideal for: Businesses requiring extensive route management software

User rating: 4.6/5 (44+ reviews)

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

It offers collaborative route optimization suitable for teams of any size, from startups to enterprises.

Upper 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’s Features:

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 delivery 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
• Barcode scanning for package verification
• In-app navigation for easy turn-by-turn directions that most of the route planner don’t provide

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

Additionally, our mobile route planner app for delivery drivers 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.

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

Some Additional pointers-

• User interface: Upper 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 it 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 $40/month per user, offering advanced route optimization and team management features for businesses handling multi-driver operations.

What people think about planning routes in Upper:

“Very easy to use program. Put in all addresses and optimize and the route is set. Hit the start route and follow the directions.”- Capterra Reviews

“What I like the most about Upper is how easy it is for me to use. It has been of a lot of help to me and when teaching the drivers how to use it, it is easy for them to understand.”

2. Routific

Ideal for: Medium-sized local delivery businesses

User rating: 4.9/5 (135+ review)

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 apps, which require higher-tier plans. Additionally, while it handled basic deliveries well, it struggled with multiple clustered stops and specific delivery requirements.

Looking for better options? Check out these Routific alternatives to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Some Additional pointers-

• 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: Routific’s 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.

What people think about Routific

“Our overall experience has been pretty good with Routific, would recommend the product to a colleague”- Capterra Reviews

“I was very disappointed to know that to retrieve my driver notes and places she stops, I had to pay an additional fee.”

3. Route4Me

Ideal for: Businesses with intensive last-mile delivery needs

User rating: 4.4/5 (390+ reviews)

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.

If Route4Me doesn’t meet your requirements, here are some top-rated Route4Me alternatives worth exploring.

Some Additional pointers-

• 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: Route4Me’s pricing starts at $40 per user per month.

Wondering which software is better? Here’s a detailed comparison of Upper vs. Route4Me, Route4Me vs. Routific, and Upper vs. Routific, so you can make the right choice.

What people think about Route4Me:

“Very easy to use with a fantastic interface, who doesn’t require any kind of training. Platform speed is very high and API availability make Route4Me the standard de facto about route planning systems.”- Capterra Reviews

“It has some major flaws when it comes to just shutting down and erasing all my completed stops for that day causing wrong data to be recorded and logged and in the end causing me to miss stops or go back to ones already completed. because it usually happens toward the middle to end of my day.”

4. MyRouteOnline

Ideal for: Businesses with basic route planning requirements

User rating: 4.6/5 (111+ reviews)

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 that 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 delivery 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.

Searching for the perfect fit? These MyRouteOnline alternatives might be just what you need.

Some additional pointers-

• 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: MyRouteOnline’s pricing starts at $24 for limited access.

What people think about MyRouteOnline:

“My RouteOnline is simple to use, we can easily upload the routes to our Garmin GPS’s in our trucks, we know well in advance if we’re not going to be able to make an appointment window and can make adjustments with the customer in advance in a relaxed and timely fashion.”- Capterra Reviews

“Love the classic version, dislike the new version because the new version has gotten more convoluted requiring more clicks and consuming more time to complete the same task then in the classic version.”

5. Circuit

Ideal for: Small businesses or startups seeking simple route planning

User rating: 4.8/5 (101+ reviews)

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 delivery 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.

If you want something better, here’s a roundup of the best Circuit alternatives to match your unique requirements.

Some additional pointers-

• 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: Circuit’s pricing starts at $100/month for 500 stops.

Struggling to pick? Check our guides on Upper vs. Circuit, Circuit vs. Routific, and Route4Me vs. Circuit for a side-by-side comparison.

What people think about Circuit:

“The ability to put in delivery time frames for each stop is what got us to sign up. The built in GPS combined with the route optimization based on the delivery windows is what we love about this product.”- Capterra Reviews

“Some simple features are still missing (see me points). In addition your routing algorithm requires more features. You have to understand that not everyone who uses your software runs a amazon/ UPS style package delivery route.”

6. OptimoRoute

Ideal for:  Businesses with complex routing needs

User rating:4.6/5 (181+ reviews)

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.

Not satisfied with OptimoRoute? Discover these OptimoRoute alternatives that could work better for you.

Some additional pointers-

• User interface: OptimoRoute’s web route optimization 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 multiple 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: OptimoRoute’s pricing starts at $39/month.

What people think about OptimoRoute:

“I like that I’m able to move addresses Geo-Location to accommodate for alleys or driveways that are on a different street (aka, service spot is different than actual address spot). I like the functionality of the software, uploading routs etc. It’s pretty simple to use!”- Capterra Reviews

“The maps are outdated, and I almost ALWAYS have to fix the route. It marks roads that are not roads, are blocked off, or it will label a creek or wash (Arizona) as a road.”

7. Onfleet

Ideal for: Mid-market to enterprise-level last-mile delivery companies 

User rating: 4.6/5 (93+ reviews)

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 software that is rough around the edges.

Explore these Onfleet alternatives that deliver similar or even better results.

Some additional pointers:

• 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 a number of stops.
• Pricing: Onfleet’s pricing starts at $550/month.

Struggling to decide? Here’s how Upper vs. Onfleet and Onfleet vs. OptimoRoute stack up against each other.

What people think about Onfleet:

“Easy to use. Helps manage where my fleet is at. Gives me up to the minute updates. I also like the way our customer/s can track the progress of our truck to their job site.”- Capterra Reviews

“The time estimates are too pessimistic and overshoot actual driving times by at least 50%.”

8. RoadWarrior

Ideal for: Solo drivers and small teams

User rating: 4.5/5 (54+ reviews)

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 software. The free trial lets you try it out, but be aware that a credit card is required.

Why settle for less? Take a look at these RoadWarrior alternatives that could suit you better.

Some additional pointers-

• User interface: RoadWarrior’s interface is straightforward but can feel a bit tricky initially.
• Ease of use: While entering stops and optimizing multiple 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.

What people think about RoadWarrior:

“Very user friendly on the admin side of things. I love that things are not over complicated like other programs I tried. The price is right and the routes are always very good. I have used this product a few years now and myself and my drivers like it.”- Capterra Reviews

“1. Lost ability to see other drivers routes from mobile app. I now have to bring my tablet with me and log in to the web site. 2. Websites security certificates have been expired for over a year now 3. Customer service is limited to email.”

9. Badger Maps

Ideal for: Field sales teams and service teams 

User ratings: 4.6/5 (201+ reviews)

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

Planning sales routes and optimizing them 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.

Here are some additional tips to improve sales route planning. Check it out.

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

Some additional pointers-

• 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.

Expand your options with these top-rated Badger Maps alternatives that professionals trust.

What people think about Badger Maps:

“It has been very useful using the heat map to track our accounts all over the U.S and to be able to filter to selected regions. Badger provides more insights for our team to better understand our business.”- Capterra Reviews

“It was a bit hard to get started because of all the features. But I quickly learned that using my computer instead of trying to do everything on my cellphone definitely made learning a lot faster”

10. Samsara

Ideal for: Large companies with significant fleet management needs

User ratings: 4.4/5 (657+ reviews)

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.

Some additional pointers-

• 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 for deliveries 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.

What people think about Samsara:

“Samsara allows me to accurately track and monitor my fleet of vehicles. Safety inspections allow tracking of vehicle service and maintenance.”- Capterra Reviews

“What I like least about samsara is the price of the service.”

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 delivery 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 multi-stop routes that are efficient and make sense on the road, reducing backtracking and keeping drivers happy.