Circuit is one of the most popular route planning apps for delivery drivers, and for good reason — it's well-designed, has a great mobile app, and offers features like proof of delivery and real-time tracking. But if you're looking for something simpler and completely free, MapTools Route Planner might be worth considering.
Circuit vs MapTools: Quick Comparison
| Feature | MapTools.uk | Circuit (Free) | Circuit (Paid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stops per route | 100 | 10 | ✓ Unlimited |
| Price | Free forever | ✓ Free | From £16/mo |
| Sign-up required | ✓ No | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | Web-based | ✓ iOS & Android | ✓ iOS & Android |
| Distance calculation | Straight-line | ✓ Road distances | ✓ Road distances |
| Proof of delivery | No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| UK postcode extraction | ✓ Automatic | Manual | Manual |
| Privacy | ✓ Browser only | Cloud stored | Cloud stored |
When Circuit is the Better Choice
Let's be honest — Circuit offers features that MapTools doesn't:
- Native mobile app — Circuit's iOS and Android apps are excellent. You can plan and navigate all in one app.
- Road-distance routing — Circuit calculates actual driving distances and times, accounting for traffic and road conditions.
- Proof of delivery — Capture signatures, photos, and notes at each stop.
- Driver tracking — For businesses managing multiple drivers, Circuit offers real-time tracking and analytics.
- Time windows — Set delivery time slots and Circuit will optimise around them.
If you're running a delivery business with multiple drivers and need these features, Circuit's paid plans are worth considering.
When MapTools Might Work Better
You Don't Want to Pay Monthly Fees
Circuit's free tier limits you to 10 stops per route. Most delivery drivers do more than that in a morning. To unlock unlimited stops, you need a paid plan starting at £16/month.
MapTools gives you 100 stops per route, completely free, with no subscription.
You Don't Want to Create an Account
Circuit requires sign-up before you can use it. MapTools doesn't — just open the page and start planning. No email, no password, no account management.
You Just Need Route Optimisation
If all you need is to figure out the best order to visit your stops, MapTools does that quickly and simply. You can then use Google Maps, Waze, or any sat-nav for the actual navigation.
Sometimes simpler is better — especially if you're already comfortable with your preferred navigation app.
You Want to Paste Postcodes Without Formatting
MapTools automatically extracts UK postcodes from any text you paste. Copy from emails, spreadsheets, messy notes — we'll find the postcodes. Circuit requires more structured input.
Paste this into MapTools:
John Smith - SW1A 1AA (call first)
Delivery #452 to EC1A 1BB, leave in porch
URGENT W1A 0AX by 2pm
Mrs Jones, E1 6AN
We extract: SW1A 1AA, EC1A 1BB, W1A 0AX, E1 6AN
Privacy is Important to You
MapTools processes everything in your browser. Your delivery addresses are never uploaded to any server. Circuit stores your routes and customer data in the cloud — which enables their tracking features, but means your data sits on their servers.
Using Both Together
Some drivers use MapTools and Circuit together:
- Use MapTools to quickly optimise a large route (50+ stops) for free
- Use Circuit's app for navigation and proof of delivery on the road
There's no rule saying you have to pick just one tool.
How to Try MapTools
It takes about 30 seconds:
- Go to the MapTools Route Planner
- Enter your start postcode
- Paste your delivery postcodes
- Click "Optimise Route"
- Open in Google Maps or share via WhatsApp
The Bottom Line
Circuit is a polished product with features that justify its price for many businesses. But if you're an individual driver who just needs to optimise routes without monthly fees or account creation, MapTools offers a fast, free, and private alternative.
Try both and see which fits your workflow better.
Questions or feedback? Get in touch — we're always improving based on what drivers tell us.