Whether you have to run some errands or run a business, having a route planner like Route4Me can make your life easier… or can it? Route4Me is supposed to help make driving more efficient by avoiding traffic and unnecessary roads, but it comes at a price. Route4Me is expensive, charging users ten dollars after the first ten routes, and it’s routing algorithm is a little clunky. If you’re one of the many users or prospective buyers who is familiar with Route4Me’s less-than-satisfactory route optimization algorithm, you’re in the right place to find a competitive option. We’ve put together some of the best alternatives to Route4Me to help you choose the best software for you.
Why do I Need an Alternative to Route4Me?
Route4Me is a highly sophisticated route planning app, but like all good software, it does have its downsides. Users report the app ineffectively rerouting them after each delivery, requiring unnecessary doubling-back, time-wasting U-turns, and annoying resequencing of drop-offs. Luckily, there are alternatives. Some are cheaper, some are more streamlined, others come with simply better features. Read on to learn some of the best alternatives for Route4Me…
Straightaway
Although relatively new in the route planning industry, Straightaway is a rising star. The easy to use app and streamlined integration of features has put this software on everyone’s radar. Already listed as the number one route planning app for drivers across huge companies such as UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon, and more, it’s clear Straightaway is a big player already.
The advanced optimization algorithm analyzes traffic patterns, weather, elevation, road conditions, construction, and 130 other data sources to determine the best route in real-time. Bird’s-eye view maps and elegant user interface means checking your route is as simple as can be.
Features
Using industry-leading algorithms to schedule up to 250 stops in the fastest time possible, the technology is unrivaled. Users can add destinations to their route by simply uploading a picture of a list of addresses, scanning shipping labels, or manually searching for addresses––then software will do the work for them. Once routes have been calculated, turn-by-turn navigation is integrated directly into the Straightaway app.
Price
Free version:
- Up to 25 stops per route
- 10 hours of use of the built-in navigation
- Scan up to 25 stops from photos
Pro version: $9.99 per month
- Will optimize up to 250 stops per route
- Unlimited routes
- Unlimited use of the app’s turn-by-turn navigation
- Unlimited photo scanning
Badger Maps
Great for field sales, Badger Maps is the most downloaded multi-stop route planner app on the App Store. The app uses real-time traffic data and works directly with CRM’s to remove administration work to make the experience quicker and easier.
Features
The easy-to-use Lasso tool means you can simply draw a circle around points on the map and the software will instantly create the best route possible for those stops. Personalized and colored filters make organization easier. You can set custom criteria, such as Days since last check-in, sales YTD, and more to better analyze your performance. The in-app calendar allows you to sync existing appointments with destinations. Plus, Badger Maps software lets users add or remove stops on-the-fly. And with destination check-ins recorded in real-time, Badger Maps makes all the information you need easily accessible.
Price
- 7-day free trial
- $49/month per user for the Business plan
- $95/month per user for the Enterprise plan
Routesavvy
Although designed with delivery drivers in mind rather than sales reps, Routesavvy is ideal for any small to medium sized business that needs to make many stops per workday. Their website boasts of a wide variety of customers from airport shuttle services to law enforcement.
Features
Routesavvy provides two modes, roundtrip and start-to-finish, to help plan your route more efficiently. Once destinations have been selected, multiple routes are shown to allow you to choose the one right for you. Routes can be shown directly on the app or downloaded and printed if preferred. All information of destinations, routes, and more can be tracked, stored, and exported to Excel for record keeping.
Price
- $300/year for teams of 3 ($8 per person per month)
- An additional $100 per user per year
Circuit Route Planner
Originally developed for the everyday driver, Circuit quickly grew and has become one of the leaders in route planning for businesses. Over time, as the app has become more refined and has grown in popularity with delivery drivers. Newer features are designed specifically for last-mile services like food and package delivery.
Features
Circuit allows users to modify and re-optimize multiple stops on the route as they go, ensuring drivers’ current route is always the best available. With priority stops and scheduled time windows, users can make sure they’re on time for certain deliveries. The software works with the navigation app of your choosing, shrinking the learning curve for any user.
Price
- Free - up to 10 stops
- Pro - $20 per month
◦ Unlimited routes
◦ Up to 500 stops
◦ Spreadsheet importing (Android users only)
- Circuit Teams version:
◦ Dispatch tier – $40 per driver per month
◦ Recipient tier – $60 per driver per month
◦ Premium tier – $100 per driver per month
SpeedyRoute
Mostly used for smaller scale delivery, SpeedyRoute provides a simple interface and timeboxing to help keep everything on time. This website-only route planner is a great resource for those who like the efficiency of route planners without the distracting bells and whistles that come with fancier apps and software.
Features
SpeedyRoute is developed and based in Europe, but that doesn’t mean it’s only effective for European drivers. SpeedyRoute is an excellent route planner for users around the globe. Their clean user interface is easy to learn and simplifies route planning. The timeboxing feature allows users to reach important destinations by pre-set times. Their drag and drop location reordering and gimmick-free mapping means you can spend less time learning how it all works and more time using it.
Price
- $39/mo: Limited to 1 driver, 100 stops per route
- $69/mo: Up to 5 drivers, 500 stops per route
- $99/mo: Up to 10 drivers, unlimited stops per route
Conclusion
When choosing an alternative right route planner to Route4Me, there are a lot of aspects to consider. Whether you’re concerned about the cost, a specific feature, or the scale of the routes, making sure you have the right software is important. We believe Straightaway offers the most effective way to plan your route and has the best bang for your buck. With free access up to 25 stops at a time (the most stops for a free plan on this list), Straightaway is your safest bet for trying an alternative to Route4Me.
