MyRouteOnline vs MapQuest: Which Route Planner is Better?
The quick answer: MyRouteOnline is better for professional delivery operations needing advanced optimization and unlimited stops, while MapQuest excels at simple, quick route planning for casual users. But if unlimited stops per route and a completely free option matter to you, EZRoutePlanner deserves consideration.
Now let's break down why—and which tool fits your specific use case.
TL;DR
MyRouteOnline offers unlimited stops and advanced features for professional users, but requires a paid subscription. MapQuest provides a free 26-stop option that's perfect for simpler needs. Choose MyRouteOnline for complex routes and professional use; choose MapQuest for quick, simple planning.
MyRouteOnline
MyRouteOnline is a web-based route planning and optimization tool designed for businesses and professionals who need to plan routes with many stops. It focuses on advanced optimization algorithms and supports unlimited stops per route, making it popular among delivery companies and field service operations.
MyRouteOnline is best for:
Professional delivery operations, logistics companies, and users who need unlimited stops with advanced optimization features
Features
MyRouteOnline positions itself as a professional-grade route planning solution with several advanced capabilities:
- Unlimited stops — No cap on addresses per route, suitable for large delivery operations
- Advanced optimization — Sophisticated algorithms for route efficiency
- Bulk address import — Import addresses from CSV, Excel, or paste multiple addresses
- Multiple optimization options — Choose between time, distance, or balanced optimization
- Export capabilities — Export routes in various formats including GPX, KML, and CSV
- Paid subscription required — No free tier available; requires paid plan to use
- Learning curve — More complex interface may require time to master
Pricing
MyRouteOnline operates on a subscription model with no free tier. Pricing typically starts around $9.99 per month for basic plans, with higher tiers available for more advanced features. All plans include unlimited stops per route.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Unlimited stops per route, advanced optimization algorithms, bulk import capabilities, multiple export formats, professional-grade features, suitable for large operations
Cons: No free tier, requires paid subscription, steeper learning curve, may be overkill for simple route planning needs
MapQuest
MapQuest has been a household name in online mapping since 1996, predating Google Maps by nearly a decade. As one of the first digital mapping services, it built a loyal user base and offers a route planner that supports up to 26 stops on its free tier—generous compared to many competitors that cap free users at 10 or fewer stops.
MapQuest is best for:
Casual users who need 26 stops or fewer, want fuel cost estimates, and prefer a free, established tool
Features
MapQuest's route planner includes several useful features, though some limitations become apparent with larger routes:
- 26-stop limit — Free tier allows up to 26 stops per route, which covers most casual users' needs
- Fuel cost estimates — Calculates estimated fuel costs for your route (U.S. only), helpful for budgeting
- Traffic-aware routing — Considers real-time traffic conditions when optimizing routes
- Free to use — No subscription required for basic route planning
- 26-stop cap — Hard limit on free tier that prevents planning larger routes
- Ad interruptions — Free users encounter banner ads that can disrupt workflow
- Limited export options — Fewer export formats compared to professional route planning tools
Pricing
MapQuest offers a free tier with 26 stops per route. Premium plans are available for users who need more stops or want to remove ads, though pricing details vary.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Established brand with 25+ years of history, fuel cost estimates (unique feature), 26 stops on free tier (more than many competitors), traffic-aware routing, completely free for basic use
Cons: 26-stop limit on free tier, ad interruptions for free users, less modern interface design, occasional route inaccuracies reported by users, limited export formats
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | MapQuest | MyRouteOnline |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited stops per route | ||
| Free tier available | ||
| Bulk address import | ||
| Ad-free experience | ||
| Fuel cost estimates | ||
| Multiple export formats | ||
| Advanced optimization | ||
| Traffic-aware routing | ||
| 26+ stops support | ||
| No subscription required |
Use Case #1: Daily Delivery Driver with 30+ Stops
MyRouteOnline: Handles this scenario perfectly with unlimited stops per route and advanced optimization. The paid subscription is worth it for drivers who plan routes daily with many stops.
MapQuest: Hits the 26-stop wall immediately. You'd need to split your route into multiple segments or upgrade to a premium plan (if available).
Winner: MyRouteOnline — Unlimited stops make it the clear choice for high-volume routes
Use Case #2: Occasional Route Planning (Under 26 Stops)
MyRouteOnline: Requires a paid subscription even for simple routes. Overkill if you only plan routes occasionally.
MapQuest: Free tier handles up to 26 stops perfectly. No subscription needed, and the interface is simple enough for occasional use.
Winner: MapQuest — Free tier and simplicity make it ideal for occasional users
Use Case #3: Professional Logistics Operations
MyRouteOnline: Designed for professional use with advanced optimization, bulk imports, and multiple export formats. The subscription cost is justified for businesses.
MapQuest: Too limited for professional operations. The 26-stop cap and basic features don't meet enterprise needs.
Winner: MyRouteOnline — Professional features and unlimited stops suit business operations
Pricing Comparison
MyRouteOnline: Requires paid subscription starting around $9.99/month. No free tier, but all plans include unlimited stops per route.
MapQuest: Free tier with 26 stops. Premium plans available but pricing varies. Free users see ads.
Verdict: It's a tie — MapQuest wins for free users, MyRouteOnline wins for those needing unlimited stops (worth the subscription)
Which Should You Choose?
Choose MapQuest if:
- • You need 26 stops or fewer per route
- • You want a completely free option
- • You prefer an established, well-known brand
- • You want fuel cost estimates (U.S. only)
- • You don't mind occasional ad interruptions
- • You plan routes occasionally, not daily
Choose MyRouteOnline if:
- • You need more than 26 stops per route
- • You plan routes regularly (daily or weekly)
- • You need advanced optimization features
- • You're running a professional delivery operation
- • You can justify a monthly subscription cost
- • You need multiple export formats
Final Verdict
The choice between MyRouteOnline and MapQuest comes down to your route planning volume and budget. MyRouteOnline is the better choice for professional users and anyone needing unlimited stops per route, though it requires a paid subscription. MapQuest suits casual users who need 26 stops or fewer and want a completely free option.
If you're looking for unlimited stops per route without a subscription, consider EZRoutePlanner. Its free registered tier offers unlimited stops per route (with monthly credit limits), no ads, and a modern interface—making it a strong alternative that bridges the gap between MapQuest's limitations and MyRouteOnline's subscription requirement.
Both MyRouteOnline and MapQuest have their strengths. Try MapQuest first if you're under 26 stops and want free planning. If you need unlimited stops and can pay for a subscription, MyRouteOnline is the professional choice.
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