Why Drivers Are Looking for Circuit Alternatives
Circuit (now Spoke) has been a popular route planning tool for delivery drivers since 2017. But at $20/month for their individual plan and $40+/driver for teams, many solo drivers and small delivery businesses find the cost hard to justify — especially when you are just starting out or running a tight operation.
How Routes Compares to Circuit
Routes was built specifically for small delivery teams that need fast, reliable route optimization without the enterprise price tag. Here is how the two stack up:
| Feature | Circuit / Spoke | Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | 10 stops, limited | 10 stops, 5 routes/mo |
| Individual plan | $20/month | $19/month |
| Team plan | $40+/driver/mo | $49/month (up to 10 vehicles) |
| Google Maps export | Yes | Yes |
| CSV / Excel upload | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-vehicle routing | Team plan only | Operations plan |
| No app install required | App required | Works in browser |
Where Routes Wins
1. Price. At $19/month for the Starter Team plan, Routes is cheaper than Circuit's individual plan. And if you have a small fleet, $49/month for up to 10 vehicles is dramatically less than paying $40+ per driver.
2. No app install. Routes works entirely in your browser. Optimize routes on your laptop, then send the Google Maps link to your drivers. No app downloads, no device requirements.
3. Simplicity. Routes is built for speed: paste addresses, click optimize, export to Google Maps. No complex fleet management features you do not need.
Where Circuit Wins
Circuit has a mature mobile app with driver tracking, proof of delivery, and recipient notifications. If you need those features, Circuit is the better choice. Routes focuses purely on route optimization and export — the core task that saves you time and fuel.
Who Should Switch?
- Solo drivers who just need optimized routes exported to Google Maps
- Small dispatch teams (1-10 drivers) who plan routes centrally and share Google Maps links
- Budget-conscious businesses that want route optimization without per-driver pricing
Try Routes Free
The free tier includes 10 stops per route and 5 optimizations per month — enough to test whether it fits your workflow before committing. No credit card required.