Which Route Planner Should You Choose? #

If you’re a delivery driver, courier, or field service worker, your time is money. An efficient route planner app can help you cut down on wasted miles, hit more stops per day, and keep customers happy. But with so many options — like Droppath, Circuit, RoadWarrior, PlaceMaker, and inRoute — which one is right for you?

Let’s break down their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences.

1. Droppath #

Best for: Independent drivers and small businesses who want a simple, reliable, yet powerful route optimizer on their phone.

Key Features: #

• Optimize up to 500 stops (on the Expert plan) according to the vehicule type (car, truck, bicycle)
• Add destinations via address search, barcode scans, CSV imports, or paste lists
• Works with Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, TomTom GO for step-by-step navigation
• Track stop progress (success/failed, color-coded)
• Priority stop settings (first/last stops, time windows)
• Export/import routes via CSV for Excel, Numbers or Google Sheets
• No account required — your routes stay private on your device
• Data syncs across devices using the Shared folder

Pros: #

• Fast and reliable optimization
• Multiple input options (great for delivery manifests)
• Lightweight and easy to use on the go
• No forced login or cloud dependency

Cons: #

• No team dispatch dashboard (mobile-first design)
• No centralized billing for teams, yet. Every user has to subscribe through App Store or Google Play.

Pricing: From free (25 stops) up to Expert plan with 500 stops/day. Subscription via App Store/Google Play.

2. Circuit Route Planner #

Best for: Last-mile delivery drivers who want simple optimization and proof-of-delivery tools.

Key Features: #

• Optimize routes with 1–500 stops
• Customer notifications & ETAs
• Proof-of-delivery with photos/signatures
• “Package Finder” to locate parcels in vehicle
• Mobile app available for iOS and Android

Pros: #

• Easy-to-use interface
• Built-in delivery confirmation features
• Good for drivers with strict time windows

Cons: #

• Less flexible import options
• Features like customer notifications only available on higher plans

Pricing: Free for up to 10 stops/day. Paid plans start around $20/month.

3. RoadWarrior #

Best for: Independent drivers and small fleets that need to manage a lot of stops efficiently.

Key Features: #

• Up to 500+ stops/day
• Real-time traffic updates and re-optimization
• Priority stop settings (first/last stops, time windows)
• Sync between web and mobile (RoadWarrior Flex)
• Integrations with FedEx manifest imports

Pros: #

• Very powerful for high stop counts
• Team plan supports dispatching multiple drivers
• Traffic-aware routing saves time in busy areas

Cons: #

• Interface can feel cluttered
• Web/mobile sync requires higher-tier plan

Pricing: Free limited version. Pro plans start around $10–15/month.

4. PlaceMaker #

Best for: Drivers and planners who want a fast, route planner for small to medium delivery runs.

Key Features: #

• Plan and optimize routes with up to 25 stops (free) or 150 stops (Pro)
• Import addresses via copy-paste, spreadsheet, or map click
• Export optimized routes to Google Maps, Waze
• Supports round trip and open-ended routes

Pros: #

• Extremely quick to get started—just paste or type addresses and go
• No account required for basic features
• Affordable Pro plan unlocks higher stop limits and advanced options

Cons: #

• Lacks proof-of-delivery, team dispatch, and mobile app features
• Not designed for large fleets or complex delivery operations
• No barcode scanning or CSV export for completed routes
• Complex UI that does not follow Human Interaction Guidelines

Pricing: Free for up to 25 stops per route. Pro plan (up to 150 stops, more features) starts at $9/month.

5. inRoute #

Best for: Drivers who want advanced route customization and safety features.

Key Features: #

• Optimize routes with 100+ stops
• Customizable routes with weather, elevation, and curvy road options
• Voice-guided navigation with Apple Maps
• Offline functionality

Pros: #

• Unique customization for road types and weather
• Offline routing support
• Great for mixed use (deliveries + personal travel)

Cons: #

• iOS only (no Android support)
• Less focused on last-mile delivery features like proof-of-delivery

Pricing: Free trial available. Paid version starts around $4.99/month.

Quick Comparison Table #

Which One Should You Choose? #

• Choose Droppath if you want a mobile-first, private, and flexible route planner that works offline and lets you import/export data easily.
• Choose Circuit if you need proof-of-delivery features like signatures and customer notifications.
• Choose RoadWarrior if you’re handling large fleets or very high stop counts, and want web + mobile sync with team dispatching.
• Choose PlaceMaker if you want a lightweight, browser-based solution for quick planning.
• Choose inRoute if you need custom routing with weather/elevation factors (especially on iOS).

Final Word #

Droppath may not be as heavily advertised as Circuit or RoadWarrior, but it shines for drivers who value simplicity, privacy, and versatility. If you’re a solo courier or run a small delivery business, Droppath is a hidden gem worth trying.