12 Best Free Route Planning Software with Unlimited Stops in 2025

Author: Stewart Berry
26 November 2025

When it comes to transportation and logistics, using the best free route planning software is key to saving time, fuel, and operational costs. Today’s route optimization tools and free route planners with unlimited stops have transformed how businesses and individuals plan multi-stop journeys. Whether you’re managing deliveries, planning sales routes, or organizing road trips, the right route planning software can make all the difference.

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Summary Comparison Table

Many applications make claims of being free, while also having unlimited stops. A quick look at their pricing and documentation shows that none live up to these claims. Maptitude is the only product that comes even close, with a 30-day free trial, and the most flexible routing and stop limits that do not incur additional costs.

Notes:

• MAPTITUDE IS THE CLEAR WINNER: 1,000 stops per route × unlimited routes × unlimited geocoding with no additional fees. This is a true enterprise-grade solution.
• Badger Maps and Maptive have severe limitations compared to Maptitude.
  • Badger Maps: Up to 120 stops per route. Has subscription-based total record limits (not unlimited). Self-service CSV imports limited to 1,800 records per upload
  • Maptive: Supports up to 25 locations with 73 stops maximum per route. Uses Google Maps API for geocoding (10 addresses per second), which is subject to usage limits and quotas.

Key Features of Route Planning Software

Stop Capacity and Route Limits

Professional route planning requires understanding capacity constraints that directly impact operations:

Stops Per Route: The maximum destinations per route varies significantly across platforms. Google Maps limits routes to 10 stops, though workarounds can extend this to approximately 25 stops. RouteXL offers 20 stops on its free plan. Circuit Route Planner provides 10 stops free, with unlimited stops on paid plans starting at $20/month. MapQuest supports up to 26 stops. In contrast, Maptitude supports up to 1,000 stops per individual route.

Total Stop Capacity: Some platforms impose hard caps on total stops across all operations. OptimoRoute's Pro plan ($44-49 per driver/month when billed monthly) limits planning to 1,000 orders at once across the entire operation, not per route or per driver. This architectural limitation can constrain growing businesses regardless of fleet size.

Free vs. Paid Options: Free route planners serve personal use but impose restrictions that limit professional applications. Google Maps (10 stops), RouteXL (20 stops free), and Circuit (10 stops free) require paid upgrades for business operations. Many "freemium" platforms advertise free tiers but impose restrictions on geocoding, multi-vehicle support, export options, and daily route caps that make sustained business use impractical.

Geocoding Services

Address geocoding (converting addresses to map coordinates) carries different restrictions and costs:

• OpenStreetMap: Free but throttled to 1 request per second with systematic use prohibited, making it impractical for business operations
• Google Maps API: Quotas and per-geocode billing after free tier exhaustion
• Cloud Solutions: Many platforms charge for geocoding services or impose API limits
• Maptitude: Unlimited geocoding with no per-address fees

Multi-Vehicle Fleet Optimization

Single-Route vs. Fleet Optimization: Consumer navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze handle individual routes only. Professional operations require simultaneous optimization across multiple vehicles, drivers, and depots while balancing workloads, respecting time windows, and accounting for vehicle capacities.

Cloud Solutions with Fleet Features: Route4Me, OptimoRoute, Circuit for Teams, and Routific offer multi-vehicle optimization but charge per driver or per vehicle, causing costs to escalate with fleet size.

Unlimited Fleet Management: Maptitude can optimize unlimited routes across unlimited vehicles simultaneously with no per-driver fees, balancing workloads by time, distance, or capacity while managing multiple depots and vehicle types.

Connectivity Requirements

Online/Cloud-Based Solutions:

• Require constant internet access
• Connectivity dependency means rural routes, dead zones, or network outages can halt operations
• Every geocode, route calculation, and map tile request may incur API fees that scale with usage
• Route data, customer addresses, and delivery information reside on third-party servers

Offline Capabilities:

• Complete offline operation for route planning, geocoding, and schedule optimization
• No ongoing API fees, per-request charges, or bandwidth costs
• All data remains on local systems
• Immune to cloud service outages, API rate limits, or connectivity issues

Commercial Vehicle Routing

Trucks and large vehicles need routes that account for:

• Height restrictions
• Weight limits
• Hazardous material regulations
• Truck-specific roads and turn restrictions

Professional solutions like Maptitude, OptimoRoute, and Route4Me offer these capabilities, while consumer apps and basic route planners do not.

Time Windows and Constraints

Professional delivery requires:

• Customer time windows
• Driver shifts and availability
• Vehicle capacities
• Service durations at each stop
• Priority levels for specific deliveries

Free tools and basic planners typically ignore these constraints, generating routes that may be geographically logical but operationally impractical.

Route Optimization vs. Basic Sequencing

Basic Sequencing: Many tools simply arrange stops in geographic order without true optimization.

Professional Optimization: Advanced systems consider traffic patterns, time windows, vehicle capacity, driver schedules, road restrictions, and fuel costs to generate truly efficient routes. The difference between basic sequencing and professional optimization can mean 20-40% more stops completed per day.

Benefits of Route Planning Software

Cost Efficiency

Predictable Pricing Models:

• Per-User Pricing: Badger Maps charges $58-69 per user per month ($696-828 annually per user when billed monthly, $49-105/user/month based on various sources)
• Per-Driver Pricing: OptimoRoute charges $35-44 per driver per month for the Lite and Pro plans respectively when billed annually ($39-49/month when billed monthly)
• Flat-Rate Pricing: Maptitude offers a single-user license at $695/year with no per-user, per-driver, or per-stop charges

Eliminated API Costs

Cloud-based solutions often charge per geocode, route calculation, and map tile request. These API fees scale with usage and can total thousands annually. Offline solutions eliminate these recurring costs entirely.

Operational Efficiency

Time Savings:

• Automated route optimization reduces manual planning time by up to 80%
• Drivers spend less time on the road and more time with customers
• 20-40% more stops can be completed per day with professional optimization

Fuel Cost Reduction:

• Optimized routes minimize travel distances
• Reduced fuel consumption directly impacts bottom-line costs
• Lower vehicle wear and tear reduces maintenance expenses

Scalability

Usage-Based Limitations:

• Per-user and per-driver pricing models cause costs to escalate as teams grow
• Stop-based caps (like OptimoRoute's 1,000 orders across entire operation) can bottleneck expansion

Unlimited Growth Potential:

• Flat-rate pricing enables business growth without proportional software cost increases
• No restrictions on team size, number of routes, or total stops processed
• Ability to handle seasonal demand fluctuations without subscription changes

Data Security and Control

Cloud Solutions:

• Customer data and route information stored on third-party servers
• Dependent on vendor's security practices and data handling policies
• Subscription expiration may result in loss of access to historical data

Local/Offline Solutions:

• Complete control over customer and route data
• Data remains on company-owned systems
• One-time purchase provides permanent access to software and data

Reliability and Business Continuity

Cloud Dependency Risks:

• Service outages halt operations
• API rate limits can interrupt business during peak times
• Internet connectivity issues prevent route planning and navigation

Offline Advantage:

• Operational continuity regardless of network conditions
• No dependency on third-party service availability
• Reliable performance in rural or low-connectivity areas

Professional Features Enable Growth

Advanced capabilities like commercial vehicle routing, time window management, and multi-depot optimization transform route planning from a basic mapping exercise into a strategic operational advantage. Professional tools help businesses:

• Handle complex delivery constraints
• Manage larger fleets efficiently
• Scale operations without proportional cost increases
• Maintain customer satisfaction through accurate ETAs and reliable service
• Make data-driven decisions about territory management and resource allocation

Return on Investment

For businesses requiring professional routing capabilities, the right software delivers measurable ROI through:

• Reduced fuel costs (often 10-30% savings)
• Increased daily delivery capacity (20-40% more stops)
• Lower labor costs through improved efficiency
• Reduced vehicle maintenance from optimized routes
• Improved customer satisfaction and retention

The cost difference between solutions becomes secondary when comparing total capabilities and long-term value. The $695/year flat-rate Maptitude solution with unlimited capacity often delivers superior ROI compared to per-user solutions costing several thousand dollars annually with artificial limitations.

The 12 Best Route Planning Tools

1. Maptitude – Best for Business Route Planning

Looking for a top-notch route optimizer? Look no further than Maptitude! Packed with handy features like distance calculators, radius tools, and other analytics, Maptitude is your go-to solution for slashing both time and costs by reducing the number of miles driven and the amount of fuel consumed.

Maptitude is primarily a paid tool, but its 30-day free trial allows users to access its advanced route optimization features, including unlimited stops, multi-depot routing, and traffic considerations. The 2024 updates introduced variable time window handling and Maptitude Online for cloud-based collaboration, reinforcing its position as the best option for businesses.

The Maptitude route planner and route optimizer are tailor-made for balancing routes, whether you're managing one vehicle or a whole fleet. It considers crucial factors like historical traffic, time windows, and vehicle capacity to ensure optimal efficiency. Plus, it goes beyond the basics, offering advanced options that outshine simpler tools like Google Maps. Here's what sets it apart:

• Maptitude is the ideal tool for businesses large and small who need to plan, analyze, and model routes and stops for their salespeople, vehicles, and delivery drivers.
• Maptitude has a comprehensive suite of tools such as multiple drive-time rings, distance and travel time calculators, and multiple vehicle routing.

Pros

Maptitude considers factors like estimated traffic conditions, delivery windows, and vehicle capacities.

Can be run completely offline, ensuring privacy, connectivity, and minimizing ongoing costs.

Can map an impressive 1000 stops per route.

Can plot/geocode unlimited numbers of addresses with no additional fees.

Multiple optimization options: Optimize routes for factors like distance, time, weight, capacity, fuel costs, and vehicle types.

Multivehicle scheduling: Can simultaneously optimize unlimited numbers of routes with no additional fees.

Can simultaneously optimize multiple origins/depots with multiple vehicle fleets.

User-friendly interface: Has an intuitive Wizard-driven interface with step-by-step instructions.

Provides a 1-month free trial period, with live human and USA-based support.

Optimizes routes for the most efficient trip.

Allows for modification of driving speeds by road type.

Allows for control of schedules, breaks, rests, and costs.

Allows you to compare routes with those calculated in other services such as Google Maps, Bing Maps, and HERE.

Provides comprehensive points-of-interest data such as businesses with logos

Uses commercial grade HERE Maps data.

Provides turn-by-turn direction reports.

Allows choice of map background, including aerial and satellite imagery.

The no-code routing tools can be used immediately and provide the full functionality available for optimizing routes, allowing anyone to perform sophisticated route planning quickly and easily.

The SDK allows you to fully customize how routing is performed when you need integration with your own or other software applications.

Additional features: Maptitude includes a range of features beyond routing, including sales territory management, market analysis, and demographics, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.

Cons

• Is a paid for product, not a free app, requiring either a one-off purchase or a subscription. There is a 30-day trial.
• Provides extensive functionality which may require use of support materials when exploring every option.

Routing, Directions, and Drive Time Videos

Why It's #1: Professional-grade tools, even during the trial period, make it the most versatile on the list

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2. Google Maps

Google Maps offers intuitive route planning with real-time traffic data and multiple route options. While limited to 10 stops per route, its usability and integration with other Google services make it a go-to tool for basic routing. The 2024 updates introduced sustainable routing and immersive views for improved planning.

Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of using Google Maps as a route planner:

Pros

• User-friendly interface that allows users to map their data and start optimizing their routes quickly.
• Free tier with 10-stops per route.
• Real-time traffic updates: Google Maps provides real-time traffic updates that can help you avoid congestion and delays. This can be a major benefit for commuters who travel during peak hours or for travelers who are unfamiliar with an area.
• Multiple route options: Google Maps provides multiple route options for each trip, allowing you to choose the fastest, shortest, or most scenic route. You can also specify your preferred mode of transportation, such as driving, biking, or walking.
• Turn-by-turn directions: Google Maps provides turn-by-turn voice navigation that can guide you to your destination. This can be helpful for drivers who are unfamiliar with an area or who are easily distracted.
• Points of interest: Google Maps shows points of interest along your route, such as gas stations, restaurants, and rest stops. This can be helpful for planning your trip and making stops along the way.
• Offline maps: You can download offline maps for areas where you may not have a data connection. This can be helpful for travelers who are visiting remote areas or when planning your vacation travel.

Cons

• Doesn't optimize stop order.
• Offers only 10 stops by default.
• Limited customization: Google Maps offers some customization options, but it is not as customizable as some other route planning tools. For example, you cannot create custom waypoints or add notes to your routes.
• Privacy concerns: Google Maps can collect data about your movements. This can be a concern for some users who are privacy conscious.

Google Maps is a versatile route planning tool that offers a variety of benefits for travelers and commuters. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of the tool and to take steps to mitigate the risks, such as using offline maps and being mindful of your data usage.

Why It's #2: Accessible and easy to use, but limited stop counts keep it from the top spot

3. HERE WeGo

HERE WeGo is a free and unlimited route planner app that offers turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to download offline maps. Developed by HERE Technologies, it is designed for use on both iOS and Android devices.

HERE WeGo is a popular alternative to Google Maps and Apple Maps, as it competes with them in terms of accuracy, speed, and user experience. According to a Medium article, HERE WeGo has over 100 million downloads and 4.4 stars on the Google Play Store. The app is also available on iOS, Windows, and Amazon devices, as well as on the web. HERE WeGo is especially useful for travelers, as it covers over 200 countries, and supports multiple languages. The app also allows users to book taxis, car rentals, and bike shares directly from the app, making it a convenient travel companion.

Using HERE WeGo as a route planner or optimizer comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

• HERE WeGo is free.
• According to the HERE WeGo website, you can plan your journey with multiple stops using the app. However, it does not specify the exact number of stops you can add.
• HERE WeGo's platform provides real-time updates on traffic and road conditions, allowing users to adjust their routes on the fly and avoid delays.
• Offline capability to get directions for driving, walking, and cycling.

Cons

• HERE WeGo's Route Planner and Route Optimizer may not be suitable for businesses that require a high degree of customization or integration with other software systems, off-the-shelf.
• Doesn't optimize the route.

HERE WeGo excels in providing free multi-stop routing and offline navigation, making it ideal for users without consistent internet access. Its 2024 updates improved offline functionality and public transportation data.

Why It's #3: Offline functionality gives it a unique advantage for travelers and small businesses

4. OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an open-source platform that supports free multi-stop routing through third-party integrations. Its 2024 updates improved map accuracy and added compatibility with routing-focused applications. OpenStreetMap (OSM) stands out as an open-source project that offers a collaborative world map created and maintained by individuals. It's freely available for use under an open license, empowering users with data capable of handling multiple stops.

As an alternative to proprietary map databases, OpenStreetMap is both affordable and flexible, with a permissive licensing model. Being a community-driven project rather than a commercial endeavor, it provides users with freedom in utilizing and storing street data. The OSM community's growth and continuous data updates provide extensive coverage of the road network especially in urban areas.

Here are some considerations to keep in mind when using OpenStreetMap as a route planner or optimizer:

Pros

• OpenStreetMap is free and opensource.
• OpenStreetMap's platform is highly customizable and can be integrated with other software systems.

Cons

• Limited coverage in some regions, leading to potential inaccuracies or missing data, especially in less populated areas.
• The quality of data may vary depending on the contributions of volunteers, potentially resulting in inconsistencies, errors, and outdated information.
• Lack of official support and customer service compared to commercial mapping services, which may hinder troubleshooting and resolution of issues.
• Less user-friendly interface and fewer advanced features compared to some proprietary mapping platforms, which may result in a steeper learning curve for users.
• Limited routing options and customization compared to dedicated routing software, potentially restricting flexibility for complex routing needs.
• Dependency on third-party applications or tools for specific functionalities, such as turn-by-turn navigation or real-time traffic updates, which may not always integrate seamlessly with OpenStreetMap data.

Why It's #4: A flexible tool for developers and tech-savvy users needing custom routing solutions

5. Circuit

Circuit is a provider of route optimization software, offering features tailored to meet the needs of businesses for last mile delivery. Here are the pros and cons to using Circuit as a route planner or optimizer:

Pros

• Optimizes routes with up to 500 stops in a single route for paid plans.
• Exports routes to GPS devices and mobile apps.
• Has a mobile app for drivers to access their routes and receive updates.
• Proof-of-delivery features: Capture signatures and photos for delivery verification.

Cons

• Free plan limits stops to 10 per route, with limits on total stops by paid plan.
• Costly for heavy users: Paid plans can be expensive for high-volume usage.
• Focus on delivery: Primarily designed for delivery businesses, might not be ideal for other use cases.

Why It's #5: Its ease of use and focus on delivery routes make it highly competitive

6. RouteXL

RouteXL offers free route planning for up to 20 stops, with a focus on optimizing routes to minimize travel time and distance. It remains one of the most accessible tools for small-scale users.

Why It's #6: Ideal for users with moderate routing needs and no budget for premium tools

7. Bing Maps

Bing Maps provides reliable routing and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft tools. Its 2024 updates included improved geospatial data processing and Azure integration, enhancing its appeal for businesses in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Bing Maps offers the flexibility to add up to 25 destinations or stops to your itinerary, allowing you to plan trips by walking, biking, taking public transportation, or driving. Additionally, you can print and save your routes to your computer, and easily share them with others.

As a route planner and navigation program, Bing Maps provides driving directions, real-time traffic updates, and access to aerial and satellite photography. Although it doesn't have dedicated mobile apps for Android (there isn't a dedicated Bing Maps app, but the Bing search app has similar map search and driving directions functions) or iOS, it offers an SDK for developers to create mapping applications.

While Bing Maps lacks features specifically tailored for commercial users, such as inventory tracking or driver GPS tracking, it does offer waypoint optimization via the SDK. This feature allows you to input up to 25 waypoints and optimizes their order to minimize travel time or distance. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses needing to create optimized routes for multiple addresses.

Here are the pros and cons to using Bing Maps as a route planner or optimizer:

Pros

• Offers a multi-itinerary optimization API capable of supporting up to 10 agents and 100 waypoints.
• Provides real-time updates on traffic and road conditions, allowing businesses to adjust their routes on the fly and avoid delays.
• Offers a free plan that allows for up to 25 destinations or stops per route.

Cons

• The free plan is limited to 25 destinations or stops per route, not unlimited stops.
• Route Optimizer requires a paid subscription for any number of stops.
• Bing Maps' Route Planner and Route Optimizer may not be suitable for businesses that require many stops or destinations, as it has a limit of 100 stops per route.

Why It's #7: Best for Microsoft users, but its complexity for casual users keeps it mid-ranked

8. Route4Me

Route4Me’s free version is limited but allows unlimited stops during its trial period. The 2024 updates added real-time re-routing and better bulk address import features, improving its usability for small businesses. Their route optimization software enables you to plan routes with hundreds or thousands of addresses. Route4Me's routing engine (HyperMatrix™) uses open-source OpenStreetMap data, but also leverages Google Maps to improve the OSM data's accuracy and ability to optimize.

While Route4Me offers numerous benefits, it's essential to consider both its advantages and limitations when using it as a route optimizer:

Pros

• Optimization algorithms: Route4Me offers routing algorithms that optimize routes based on various factors such as traffic patterns, delivery windows, and vehicle capacities.
• Mobile-friendly: Route4Me provides mobile applications that enable drivers to access and navigate optimized routes directly from their smartphones or tablets.
• Additional features: Route4Me offers a range of features beyond basic routing, including route tracking, geofencing, and analytics, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.

Cons

• Pricing: Route4Me's pricing structure can be expensive, especially for businesses with large fleets or complex routing needs, potentially posing budget constraints.
• Learning curve: The complexity of Route4Me's features and interface may require a learning curve for new users, particularly those without prior experience with routing optimization software.
• Dependency on internet connectivity: Route4Me's routing tools heavily rely on internet connectivity, which may pose challenges for users operating in areas with limited or unreliable internet access.
• Route4Me uses OpenStreetMap (OSM) as a primary data source, that has potential downsides for routing

Why It's #8: A great entry-level tool for businesses exploring route optimization

9. OptimoRoute

OptimoRoute provides a free trial for its advanced route planning features, including time window optimization and delivery scheduling. Its focus on scalability makes it an excellent choice for growing businesses.

OptimoRoute is a cloud-based route planning and optimization software offering a range of features. It appears that OptimoRoute refers to stops as “Orders” with different maximums per paid plan, currently being: Lite at 700; Pro at 1000; and Custom in the thousands. Some OptimoRoute pros and cons are listed below:

Pros

• Vehicle Tracking: OptimoRoute efficiently handles complex routing scenarios, calculating optimal routes for multiple vehicles. It considers factors like traffic conditions, delivery windows, and vehicle capacities.
• User-Friendly Interface: OptimoRoute's web application automates route and schedule planning, improving service levels with accurate estimated times of arrival and narrow time windows.

Cons

• Initial Complexity: Setting up and using OptimoRoute can be complex initially. The interface may not be as intuitive as some other route planning software, resulting in a steeper learning curve.
• Unexpected Changes: In urgent situations, it might be challenging to quickly make unexpected changes, such as switching navigation apps or editing stops.

Why It's #9: Flexible and scalable, ideal for businesses needing advanced delivery planning

10. Mapbox

The Mapbox Directions API supports routing for cars, riding bicycles, and walking. Requested routes can include as many as 25 stops.

The Mapbox Optimization API allows you to include up to 12 locations (waypoints or stops) in a single route calculation. These locations can represent various destinations or points of interest along the route. Both the start and end points count toward this limit, as well as any intermediate waypoints. Therefore, you can select up to 9 additional points beyond the start and end locations. If you need to optimize a route with more than 12 stops, you must request an increase from Mapbox by reaching out to them. Keep in mind that exceeding the free tier might incur additional costs.

Mapbox’s 2024 updates improved its 3D visualization tools and faster map rendering, making it more appealing for developers creating custom routing applications.

Here are the pros and cons to using Mapbox as a route planner or optimizer:

Pros

• Mapbox offers extensive customization capabilities for routing, allowing users to tailor routing algorithms and preferences to their specific needs.
• Mapbox provides developer-friendly APIs and SDKs for integration of routing functionality into applications and platforms.

Cons

• Costly: Can be expensive compared to other routing solutions, especially for high usage.
• Complexity: Requires technical knowledge and coding skills for advanced features.
• Not as user-friendly: Interfaces might be less intuitive for non-technical users. Mapbox Streets uses OpenStreetMap (OSM) as a primary data source, that has potential downsides for routing

Why It's #10: Best suited for developers, but not as user-friendly for general routing needs

11. FarEye

FarEye focuses on delivery management and provides route optimization during its free trial. Its 2024 updates improved analytics and proof-of-delivery tools, making it suitable for larger delivery operations.

Fareye's route planning tools empower businesses to optimize delivery routes for efficiency, offering real-time updates, proof-of-delivery features, and customizable workflows, but may be costlier for high-volume users. Here is an assessment of the strengths and limitations of FarEye as a route planner or optimizer:

Pros

• Customization: FarEye offers an API, and customizable workflows and integrations, allowing businesses to tailor the platform to their specific delivery processes.
• Proof-of-delivery features: FarEye offers proof-of-delivery features, like capturing signatures and photos, which cater specifically to delivery businesses.

Cons

• Learning curve: While intuitive, some advanced features require training or familiarity with routing tools, especially for non-technical users.
• Industry focus: Fareye caters specifically to the delivery and logistics industry, offering features and integrations tailored to those needs. Their options lack a more general-purpose tool, appealing to a wider range of use cases but potentially lacking industry-specific features.
• Target audience: Fareye primarily targets enterprise-level businesses, while competitors offer plans suitable for smaller companies or businesses with lower volume needs.

Why It's #11: Best for businesses prioritizing delivery analytics and operational insights

12. Waze

Waze is a popular free navigation app with live traffic updates and driver-contributed alerts. While not designed for complex multi-stop routing, its real-time traffic insights make it a valuable tool for personal navigation.

Why It's #12: Great for individual users needing live traffic updates, but limited for business routing

Why They Didn't Make the Top 12 List

Carto

Carto focuses primarily on geospatial analysis and location intelligence, offering tools for visualizing and analyzing spatial data rather than practical multi-stop route optimization. Its features are tailored more for data-driven decision-making rather than logistics or delivery planning, which made it less relevant for this list.

Carto, a cloud-based platform provides routing based on 3rd party data. The Carto API supports routing services via TomTom, Mapbox, and HERE. These provide turn by turn directions and a choice of mode of transport to see differences in routing for pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles.

The Carto routing module in their Analytics Toolbox for BigQuery can generate routes based on time or distance for one or several origins and destinations and relies on the OpenStreetMap road network that is publicly available through Carto's Data Observatory (for which a subscription is required).

Here are the pros and cons to using CARTO as a route planner:

Pros

• Carto offers routing algorithms that can provide efficient optimized route directions.
• Carto's routing solutions are designed to scale effectively, accommodating growing user bases, and increasing demand without sacrificing performance or reliability.

Cons

• Carto provides native routing functions within its platform, but they may be limited compared to specialized routing services or libraries. For instance, Carto's native routing functions in BigQuery are currently in beta (as of February 2024) and could be subject to changes, while they may not offer the same level of sophistication as dedicated routing tools.
• Carto's native routing functions rely on OpenStreetMap data, that has potential downsides for routing.

Maptive

Maptive offers basic mapping and routing features but lacks advanced capabilities like time window management, real-time re-routing, or delivery-specific tools. Its simplicity and limited feature set make it less competitive compared to more robust free or trial-based tools.

Upper Route Planner

While Upper provides strong route optimization features, such as handling up to 500 stops and proof of delivery, it is restricted to a 7-day free trial. This limited trial duration doesn’t align well with the criteria for a "free route planner" list, where tools need to offer long-term free use or broader trial accessibility.

Upper allows for 250, 500, and 500+ stops at once based on the paid pricing plan you are on. While Upper offers numerous features, it's essential to weigh both its pros and cons when considering it for routing:

Pros

• High stop limit: Supports many stops per route, suitable for complex delivery plans.
• Multiple optimization options: Optimize routes for factors like distance, time, traffic, fuel efficiency, vehicle types, and driver skills.
• Real-time traffic updates: Integrates live traffic data for dynamic route adjustments.
• Multivehicle scheduling: Plan routes for multiple vehicles and drivers simultaneously.
• Mobile app and web interface: Accessible from various devices for flexibility.
• Proof-of-delivery features: Capture signatures and photos for delivery verification.

Cons

• Costly for heavy users: Paid plans can be expensive for high-volume usage.
• Learning curve: Some advanced features might require training or familiarity with routing tools.
• Not ideal for individuals: Primarily designed for businesses and fleet management.
• Limited free plan: Only a 7-day trial.

Best Route Planner with Unlimited Stops for Businesses

As we step into 2025, free route planners with unlimited stops continue to provide essential tools for businesses and individuals seeking to optimize logistics and travel. This year’s advancements emphasize greater accessibility, sustainability, and user-focused features, from the professional-grade capabilities of Maptitude to Circuit’s delivery-specific tools and Google Maps’ real-time navigation. Each platform on this list caters to unique needs, ensuring users can find the right solution—whether for personal use, small businesses, or large-scale delivery operations. With ongoing innovations, these tools make efficient route planning more accessible than ever, empowering users to save time, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity.

Maptitude stands out for its balance of user-friendliness, powerful features, and data-driven insights. Whether you're a business development professional seeking informed decisions, a logistics analyst uncovering improved efficiencies, or a salesperson planning the best route to visit clients, Maptitude is your best bet for professional route optimization.

Ready to experience the power of route planning? Dive into Maptitude and discover improved efficiencies with time and cost savings.

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