8 Best Route Planner Apps for Android
Discover the 8 best route planner apps for Android, perfect for delivery drivers and businesses. Optimize your routes, save time, and improve efficiency with our top picks.
Whether you’re new to delivery driving or a seasoned professional, you’ve likely relied on Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps (if you’re on iOS) to plan your journeys. However, while these apps are excellent for general navigation, they aren’t always suited for commercial use, where efficient route planning is crucial. That’s where dedicated route planner software comes in. These apps use advanced algorithms to optimize routes, saving you time, fuel, and stress.
In this guide, we’ll take you through our top picks for the best route planner apps for Android, helping you find the right tool to enhance your delivery operations.
8 Best Route Planner Apps for Android
Using a route planner app significantly simplifies the complexities of route planning. These apps not only make routes more efficient but also ensure that vehicle capacities are fully utilized, making them far more effective than the free navigation options available.
Here are our top picks for the best route planner apps on the market:
1. SmartRoutes
Cost: Starts from €26 per month
Our rating: 5/5
SmartRoutes is a comprehensive route planner designed specifically for the needs of delivery professionals. Unlike many other apps that are outdated or lack crucial features, SmartRoutes fills the gap with an intuitive and powerful platform.
Key Features:
- Route Optimization: Available on all packages, ensuring the most efficient routes are always used.
- User-Friendly Interface: Both desktop and mobile apps are designed for ease of use, with a seamless transition between devices.
- eCommerce Integration: SmartRoutes offers 2-way integration with popular platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
- Onboarding Support: A dedicated onboarding session helps users get the most out of the platform from day one.
For businesses offering delivery as a service or dedicated courier companies, SmarRoutes ensures that you get the most out of the delivery day.
SmartRoutes Route Planning Software
Streamline your entire delivery process, all from one platform
What’s good about SmartRoutes:
- Vehicle capacity management ensures vehicles are always loaded to full capacity, maximizing efficiency.
- Offers a 7-day free trial which allows businesses to see noticeable improvements in delivery operations from day one.
- Quickly and easily upload routes via spreadsheet or set up integrations with other software.
- Set up pre-, during-, and post-delivery notifications, and include live tracking links and proof of delivery (POD).
SmartRoutes is an excellent choice for any delivery team looking to streamline operations. The connected desktop app keeps your office staff fully informed, providing real-time updates as deliveries are completed. With instant access to delivery completion times, proof of delivery (POD), delivery notes, and live driver locations, your team can manage and monitor every aspect of the delivery process with ease.
Verdict: SmartRoutes is the best route planner app for Android, offering unparalleled features and support for delivery teams.
2. Google Maps
Cost: Free
Our rating: 2/5
While Google Maps isn’t designed for delivery route planning, it’s still a viable option for those just starting out, particularly solo drivers or small operations. Its user-friendly interface and widespread use make it a go-to for basic navigation, but it lacks the advanced features necessary for scaling a delivery business.
What’s good about google maps:
- Turn-by-turn navigation provides clear and reliable directions.
- Live traffic updates which help you to avoid congestion and delays.
- Already available on most Android devices, requiring no additional setup.
- Plan routes on your desktop and send them to your mobile device.
However, it's important to note that Google Maps does not optimize your routes. While it can find the shortest distance between the stops you include, this doesn't necessarily result in the most efficient route. If the stops are not added in the optimal sequence, Google Maps will not rearrange them for you, potentially leading to longer travel times and inefficiencies.
Other drawbacks include:
- You can only add up to 10 stops per route.
- Lacks features for adding driver hours or breaks, and there’s no back-office oversight.
- Can’t send updates or live tracking links to customers.
Google Maps is however useful as mentioned for small businesses with less than 10 stops per route. But if you’re looking for feature like live ETAs, driver analytics, push notifications and so on, it’s time to look for a dedicated route planner for android.
Verdict: Google Maps is a decent option for small businesses with simple routing requirements.
3. RoadWarrier
Cost: starts at $14.99
Our rating: 3/5
RoadWarrior is an affordable option for those who need more than what Google Maps can offer. With both free and paid versions available, it’s a good stepping stone for small businesses or individual drivers looking to optimize their routes.
What’s good about RoadWarrier:
- Optimizes for the shortest route leading to less time on routes and reduced fuel expenses and vehicle wear and tear
- Supports up to 200 stops
Proof of delivery is available for an additional $10 per driver per month, bringing the cost in line with most other options on the market. Proof of delivery is essential for any delivery operation aiming to save time and streamline processes, making it a crucial feature.
Some users have reported issues on the Google Play Store, particularly with RoadWarrior’s location accuracy—a significant drawback for a routing app.
Other drawbacks include:
- Sharing a driver’s live location requires integrating with a third-party app.
- The free version doesn’t store data, leading to frustrations when information is lost.
While RoadWarrier does cater to various industries, you can see it’s best optimized for filed sales.
Verdict: RoadWarrior is a cost-effective choice, particularly for field sales teams, but its limitations make it less ideal for more complex delivery needs.
4. Circuit
Cost: Starts at $20 per month for the driver-only app; $100 per month for the basic subscription for Circuit for Teams
Our rating: 4/5
Circuit is a popular choice among couriers, especially those working as contractors or for companies without dedicated delivery software. The driver-only app is particularly attractive for individuals, while Circuit for Teams offers more comprehensive features for larger operations.
Circuit has recently updated their pricing to account for how many stops rather than a per driver or per vehicle pricing model. This makes it quite expensive to enter for smaller businesses as the per stop rate is quite high in the lower packages.
What’s good about Circuit:
- Pricing is based on the number of stops rather than per driver, which can be costly for smaller businesses but advantageous for larger ones.
- Their package tracker allows customers to track their packages using their tracking number if the carrier uses Circuit.
- A well-known name in the courier industry.
- Integration options include API, Shopify, and Zapier integrations.
- They offer a free trial so you can try the software before committing to a subscription.
Drawbacks include:
- Exceeding your usage allowance can lead to unexpected charges.
- Some users report difficulties reaching the support team.
Verdict: Circuit is best suited for couriers needing an Android route planning app, but its pricing structure may be a deterrent for smaller operations.
5. Route4Me
Cost: €40 per month per user (minimum spend €200 per month ie. 5 licenses)
Our rating: 3/5
Route4Me is designed for small businesses, particularly those for whom delivery is part of their service but not the core focus. It offers a range of features, although some key functionalities are only available on higher-tier plans.
Key Features:
- Route Optimization Engine: Patented technology designed to create the most efficient routes.
- Voice-Guided Navigation: Simplifies following routes while driving.
What’s good about Route4Me:
- They offer recurring routes as an add-on which is ideal for businesses with regular weekly or monthly deliveries.
- Curbside routing is also available as an add-on and this adds accuracy to stops.
- Extensive out-of-the-box integration capabilities.
Drawbacks include:
- Route optimization is not included in the €200 per month plan, requiring a higher-tier subscription.
- Many features are add-ons, which can quickly increase the overall cost.
Verdict: Route4Me is popular for a reason, but the associated costs make it more suitable for businesses with specific needs and a higher budget.
6. Onfleet
Cost: starts at €550 per month
Our rating: 4/5
Onfleet offers a robust last-mile delivery solution used across various industries. With AI-based automated dispatch and ETA calculations, it’s a powerful tool for businesses with complex delivery needs.
What’s good about Onfleet:
- Adjust dispatched routes on the fly, with drivers receiving updates in real-time.
- Integrated in-app chat for seamless communication.
- Built-in feedback form for customer reviews.
Drawbacks include:
- Some users report that ETAs are overly generous, which can impact resource utilization.
- The cost is prohibitive for smaller businesses.
Verdict: Onfleet is a powerful tool for large operations, but its high cost and some limitations make it less suitable for smaller or on-demand businesses.
7. OptimoRoute
Cost: $39.99 per/month
Our rating: 3/5
OptimoRoute is an affordable option for businesses with extensive delivery operations. While the user interface may seem outdated, the functionality is robust, particularly for planning complex routes.
Key Features:
- Large-Scale Planning: Supports up to 700 stops, making it ideal for larger operations.
- Advance Planning: Plan routes up to 5 weeks in advance.
What’s good about OptimoRoute:
- 30-day trial period allows for thorough testing.
- Despite its dated interface, the app is simple to use.
- Accommodates large trucks and hazardous materials with route restrictions based on size and access.
Drawbacks include:
- Only pickup stops are included in the two subscription plans; collections require custom pricing.
- Some users have reported a cluttered interface with overlapping windows opening on the desktop app.
Verdict: OptimoRoute is a solid, affordable option for businesses with extensive routing needs, though it lacks the polish of some competitors.
8. Stream
Cost: starts at £200 per month
Our rating: 3/5
Go2Stream is more than just a route planner—it’s a full-fledged Transport Management System (TMS) designed for logistics teams managing their own fleets. With features like customizable walkaround checks and extensive monitoring tools, Stream is optimized for complex delivery operations.
What’s good about Stream:
- Branded notifications which keep customers informed with customized delivery notifications.
- Extensive features designed specifically for logistics teams, such as vehicle monitoring and status updates.
- Customizable walkaround checks are stored against each vehicle, providing a complete audit trail.
Drawbacks include:
- Some users find the software challenging to learn.
- The pricing may be prohibitive for smaller businesses
Verdict: Stream is best suited for large logistics teams with complex needs and the resources to invest in a comprehensive TMS.
Try the Best Route Planner App for Android for Free, Today!
Whether you need basic navigation or advanced features like route optimization, driver management, and customer notifications, there’s an app on this list for you.
If you’re still uncertain, we recommend starting with a free trial to experience the benefits firsthand. With the right tool, you can create your first optimized route in minutes and set your drivers up for success on their Android devices. Try SmartRoutes for free today!
Frequently asked questions
1. What is a route planner app, and how does it differ from regular navigation apps like Google Maps?
A route planner app is designed specifically to optimize multiple stops on a route, making it more efficient for commercial use, such as deliveries. Unlike regular navigation apps, which only provide basic directions from point A to point B, route planner apps consider various factors like traffic, vehicle capacity, and stop priority to create the most efficient route possible.
2. Are these route planner apps available on iOS as well, or only on Android?
Most of the route planner apps listed in this guide are also available on iOS, although this article specifically focuses on their Android versions. Always check the app's availability in your device's app store before making a decision.
3. What factors should I consider when choosing a route planner app for my business?
Consider factors such as the number of stops you need to optimize, the size of your team, whether you need features like proof of delivery, customer notifications, or integration with other software, and of course, your budget. Some apps offer free trials, so you can test them out before committing.
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Michael Santry
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