MakeRoutes vs RouteXL vs Spoke (Circuit) vs Google Maps

Up to 11 stops, MakeRoutes optimizes the order completely free with no signup. Beyond that it depends on the job: for big one-off routes of up to 20 stops free — or 100–200 paid — RouteXL is the tool. For professional daily deliveries with proof of delivery, Spoke (the app formerly called Circuit) earns its subscription. And if you have 10 stops or fewer and do not mind ordering them yourself, plain Google Maps is enough.

The comparison, side by side

MakeRoutes RouteXL Spoke (Circuit) Google Maps
Price Free, everything Free to 20 stops; €35/mo (100) · €70/mo (200); day passes €5/€10 Free to 10 stops; $10/mo Lite · $20/mo Standard, unlimited stops Free
Optimizes the order Yes Yes Yes No — you drag stops by hand
Stop limit 16 20 free / 200 paid 10 free / unlimited paid 10 destinations
Signup required No Yes Yes Google account on mobile
Navigation Opens the route in Google Maps Exports to navigation apps Built into the app It is the navigation
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Proof of delivery No No Yes (Standard) No
Genuinely best for Everyday multi-stop trips; addresses in Spain Occasional big routes Couriers delivering daily Simple trips you order yourself

Prices and limits verified on 26 August 2026 against RouteXL's pricing page and Spoke's pricing page. Circuit was renamed Spoke in 2026 — same product, same apps, and getcircuit.com now redirects to spoke.com.

When MakeRoutes is not the best choice

When it wins

Try it with your own stops

Frequently asked questions

Is Circuit Route Planner the same as Spoke?

Yes. Circuit was renamed Spoke in 2026 — the same product and apps under a new name. Free up to 10 stops per route; the paid plans ($10/month Lite, $20/month Standard) remove the limit.

What is the cheapest way to optimize more than 10 stops?

Up to 11 stops, MakeRoutes — free, no signup. From 12 to 20, RouteXL's free tier. Beyond 20, you are choosing between RouteXL's €5 day pass or €35/month, and Spoke at $10/month with no stop limit.

Does Google Maps optimize the order of stops?

No. It keeps the order you type and you drag stops by hand, up to 10 destinations. We cover the manual method in how to reorder stops in Google Maps.

Which one handles Spanish addresses best?

MakeRoutes — its address search queries CartoCiudad, the official address dataset of Spain's Instituto Geográfico Nacional, before OpenStreetMap Nominatim, which is what resolves portal numbers and street names repeated across municipalities. For routing itself, MakeRoutes, RouteXL, Spoke and Google Maps all work worldwide.

When should I pay instead of using MakeRoutes?

When your rounds exceed 11 stops regularly, or when you need delivery-business features: proof of delivery, notifications, several drivers. That is Spoke's and RouteXL's territory, and they are good at it.