EZRoutePlanner vs MapQuest: Complete Comparison Guide

Picture this: It's 6 AM, you have 47 deliveries to make, and your route planning tool just informed you that you've hit your daily limit. Sound familiar?

If you're comparing EZRoutePlanner and MapQuest to avoid this situation, you're in the right place. Both tools promise to optimize your routes, but they take fundamentally different approaches—and one will fit your workflow better than the other.

EZRoutePlanner

EZRoutePlanner launched as a modern alternative to route planning tools that impose artificial limits. Built specifically for delivery drivers, field service technicians, and anyone planning routes with many stops, it removes the barriers that frustrate users of traditional tools.

Features

EZRoutePlanner's core strength is removing limitations that other tools impose. Here's what sets it apart:

• Unlimited stops per route — Free registered tier allows unlimited stops per route (monthly credit limits apply)
• Anonymous option available — Start planning immediately without registration (limited tier)
• Bulk address import — Paste multiple addresses at once for rapid route creation
• Drag-and-drop reordering — Manually adjust stop order visually on the map
• Multiple export formats — Download as CSV, JSON, or share directly to Google Maps
• Real-time route statistics — Distance and time calculations update as you add or modify stops
• Ad-free interface — Clean, distraction-free experience

Pricing

EZRoutePlanner offers multiple tiers:

• Free Anonymous Tier: Limited stops/routes, no registration required—start planning immediately
• Free Registered Tier: Unlimited stops per route, but limited monthly credits. Registration required (free)
• Paid Plans: Truly unlimited routes and credits

Pros and Cons

Pros: Unlimited stops per route on free registered tier, anonymous option available, no ads, modern interface, multiple export formats, drag-and-drop functionality, free tier with generous limits

Cons: Newer platform with less brand recognition than established players like MapQuest; doesn't offer fuel cost estimates; free registered tier has monthly credit limits (paid plans are unlimited)

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.

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
• Multiple input methods — Add stops line-by-line, copy/paste addresses, or import from files
• Ad interruptions — Free users encounter banner ads that can disrupt workflow
• Limited export options — Fewer export formats compared to modern route planning tools
• No drag-and-drop reordering — Less intuitive interface for manually adjusting stop order

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, detailed street-level views

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, no drag-and-drop functionality

Head-to-Head Comparison

Stop Limits and Route Capacity

EZRoutePlanner: Free registered tier allows unlimited stops per route—plan routes with 10 stops or 200 stops without hitting a per-route limit. This makes it ideal for delivery drivers with high-volume routes or field service technicians managing multiple job sites. Note: Free tier has monthly credit limits; paid plans are truly unlimited.

MapQuest: Caps free users at 26 stops per route. While this covers most casual users' needs, it becomes a hard barrier for anyone planning larger routes. Premium plans may offer more, but require payment.

Winner: EZRoutePlanner — Unlimited stops per route (on free registered tier) beats a 26-stop cap

User Experience and Interface

EZRoutePlanner: Modern, clean interface designed in the 2020s. Drag-and-drop stop reordering makes manual adjustments intuitive. No ads interrupt your workflow. The interface feels responsive and purpose-built for route planning.

MapQuest: Interface reflects its 1996 origins, though it has received updates. Some users find the navigation cluttered compared to modern tools. Free users see banner ads that can disrupt planning sessions.

Winner: EZRoutePlanner — Modern design and ad-free experience provide better workflow

Route Optimization Quality

EZRoutePlanner: Uses advanced algorithms that consider distance, traffic patterns, and efficiency. Routes are consistently optimized, and the tool processes even large route sets quickly.

MapQuest: Reliable for shorter routes and city navigation. Traffic-aware routing helps, but some users report routes that aren't as efficient as they could be. Occasional time estimate inaccuracies have been noted in user reviews.

Winner: EZRoutePlanner — More consistent optimization results

Export and Integration Options

EZRoutePlanner: Multiple export formats including CSV, JSON, and direct Google Maps link sharing. This flexibility makes it easy to integrate routes into other tools or share with team members.

MapQuest: Limited export options compared to modern alternatives. You can print routes or view them in the app, but fewer formats for integration with other systems.

Winner: EZRoutePlanner — More export formats enable better workflow integration

Pricing and Value

EZRoutePlanner: Free anonymous tier (limited) and free registered tier (unlimited stops per route, limited monthly credits). Paid plans offer truly unlimited routes and credits. No ads on any tier.

MapQuest: Free tier with 26 stops is generous compared to many competitors, but hitting that limit requires upgrading to a paid plan. Premium pricing varies. Free users see ads.

Winner: EZRoutePlanner — Unlimited stops per route on free registered tier provides better value than 26-stop cap

Which Should You Choose?

Final Verdict

For most users, especially delivery drivers, field service technicians, and anyone planning routes with more than 26 stops, EZRoutePlanner offers the better overall experience. Its free registered tier provides unlimited stops per route (with monthly credit limits), modern interface, and completely ad-free environment make it ideal for professional use.

MapQuest remains a solid choice for users with simpler needs who don't require more than 26 stops and want fuel cost estimates. Its established brand name provides familiarity, though the interface feels dated compared to modern alternatives.

Both tools offer free tiers, so trying both is the best way to determine which interface and feature set works best for your specific workflow. If you're planning routes with 30+ stops regularly, EZRoutePlanner's unlimited stops per route (on free registered tier) will save you from hitting MapQuest's 26-stop cap. Keep in mind that EZRoutePlanner's free tier has monthly credit limits, while paid plans are truly unlimited.