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In this post, we’re going to be comparing route optimization software RouteXL, against our own platform, MyWay Route Planner.
MyWay Route Planner is the #1 alternative to RouteXL
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RouteXL and MyWay Route Planner both can optimize multi-stop routes. But which one's right for you depends on how complex your route planning needs to be? The difference comes from the purpose. RouteXL is route optimization software, and MyWay is more like a delivery planning software offering route optimization, proof of delivery, advanced information about delivery, and much more.
This article dissects RouteXL core features and pricing while showing you how each can help your delivery team. Honestly, the two platforms are very different, and it is difficult to compare one to one directly, but hopefully, after reading this article, you should be able to choose the tool that's right for your team.
So, it's pretty hard to compare RouteXL to MyWay Route Planner as the RouteXL is not available on iOS, which means you have to plan routes on a computer(works with Mac or Windows) and save them to your RouteXL account. Of course, you have all the necessary features to plan your route like time slots and different vehicle types, but a need for a computer is a downside. Another step, after you plan your route, is either print the routes off and hand them to your drivers, or you can have your drivers log into your RouteXL account on their phone. This can cause complications if you have multiple drivers logging into one account. First, you'd need to share your password with all your drivers, and it's a security risk. Second, drivers have access to all saved routes, not just their own, which may cause confusion. You have an option to download your route into various file types, such as a GPX file. This file can be uploaded into Garmin, so if your delivery team uses Garmin, you can now drive along RouteXL's optimized route using the tools you already own, which is definitely a plus.
Another downside is that drivers can skip stops and re-plan the route based on skipped stops, but they can't add new stops on the route. RouteXL does have one solution to having multiple users on the same account and not being able to add stops mid-route, but that solution will require you to use another software, and the whole set-up will start looking a bit ugly and bulky.
In opposite to RouteXL - MyWay Route Planner is an iOS app that works perfectly on iPhones and iPads. It has some great features that will make the whole delivery process looks easy. If you're looking for a platform to help you with simple route planning and route optimization, it's much easier to start with MyWay Route Planner app, which you can download from the Apple App Store (for iPhone/iOS) or Google Play Store* (for Android). Unfortunately, MyWay Route Planner does not have a web version, so if your business requires a web version, MyWay is something you probably can skip for now. Our experience tells us that the web version is not a must these days (after all, iPad even replaced bulk and complex cash registers), but having a web version can be pretty handy in some cases.
Actually, MyWay looks more like a simple "get and run now" software when RouteXL is a serious system for big courier companies that are invested in hardware (like Garmin) and do not want to modernize or upgrade now. Of course, RouteXL will require some education and time to set up, but every enterprise software does.
The main difference between RouteXL and MyWay is that MyWay has Proof of Delivery functionality and allows you to track your progress along the route.By using MyWay, you actually can start gaining real insights into what your delivery process looks like. MyWay also provides you with a statistic on actions you perform in a delivery process, like when you closed that specific stop, how much time it took to complete the whole route, what stops you skipped, etc. MyWay provides you with data to improve your business.
While RouteXL doesn't have an official mobile app, its site works on a smartphone. Keep in mind - that having a website working on a smartphone is great, but it's never will be able to provide you with a great user experience. Elements are small, data is hard to read, and it's ok to use a website on a smartphone from time to time, but it's not a future-proofed solution. All those issues with account access, security and additional software will require you to become a system engineer and spend time (and money) first.
However, adding stops and route optimization is pretty simple, and RouteXL uses pretty solid route optimization algorithms to make sure your route is pretty well optimized.
If we talk about usability and user experience, you can find that MyWay is the app which is optimized for operation efficiency. The interface is simple and straightforward. All critical information is highlighted, so it's pretty easy to find it. The majority of gestures are intuitive, and you will not spend hours looking for that one crucial setting you need.
However, to be able to get most of MyWay, you should actively use it. If you want to gain insights into your delivery process, you have to close stops after delivery. Yes, you can switch an app to list mode and continue as it's on paper, but you will not get anything from it. MyWay provides you with a lot of info when the app gets feedback from the user and not being just a simple screen to watch.
If we close our eyes to the dramatic difference in feature sets and try to compare prices, we will not be able to close our eyes to a dramatic price difference. Also, you should keep in mind there is a hidden cost to using RouteXL, especially if you decide to go with additional software which will improve the whole experience of you working with RouteXL, but we will leave it out of scope.
RouteXL is a web-based route optimizer that lets you optimize routes on their website for free for routes of 20 stops or fewer. If you need more than 20 stops in a route, you’ll pay about $40 per month. If you have a route that needs more than 100 stops, you’ll pay almost $80 per month.
MyWay Route Planner pricing structure is pretty simple. You can enjoy a free plan with no features or amount of routes limited. On a free plan, you can get up to 20 stops. MyWay Route Planner has three types of premium subscriptions: 3 days plan, a 1-month plan, 1-year plan. Each plan has a limit of 200 stops and no other limitations. Simple, choose how many stops you need to optimize and pick the best plan for you.
When it comes to route planning and optimization, both RouteXL and MyWay use robust routing algorithms, which help drivers save time and money daily.
The three main differences between RouteXL and MyWay in route optimization are the ability to add stops and re-optimize mid-route, the fact that MyWay has a mobile app for delivery drivers, and functionality when it comes to looking up locations without complete addresses.
Speaking of price, we believe MyWay is a better option as it's almost three times cheaper than RouteXL. This makes MyWay more cost-efficient regardless of the amount of stops you have on your route. MyWay is simply a more affordable option.
RouteXL has a clean advantage of having a web version, but it is also more expensive and does not have a mobile app. RouteXL is designed for delivery companies but it's not a full scale delivery solution, it's just a route optimization software which does not provide you with ideas on how to improve your delivery business or how much taxes you can cut by tracking your delivery process and claiming your expenses.
The MyWay Route Planner app is designed specifically for delivery drivers, and it's trusted by more than 10,000 drivers worldwide (and counting). With a much easier interface and well optimized for operation efficiency, it looks simpler and more robust. It provides valuable insights into the delivery process and can simplify the delivery operation. MyWay Route Planner is not just a route optimizer, it's actually delivery planning software. Our goal in MyWay is to save time and money for our customers, and we're constantly talking to customers and developing new features based on their feedback.
MyWay app helps you to build efficient routes and saves you up to 30% of your time and money on fuel
"I use this app everyday for work and it’s never let me down! The address coverage is outstanding and the app interface is very simple. This app does not cost a fortune like others do and has all features I need for work.”
MyWay Route Planner is a lifesaver for truck drivers navigating unfamiliar routes. Its comprehensive maps and real-time traffic updates ensure smooth journeys. The app's ability to factor in truck-specific restrictions makes it indispensable for long-haul trucking. Simply fantastic!
"MyWay Route Planner has transformed the way I shop for clients! It helps me plan efficient shopping routes, saving time and energy. The app's user-friendly design and accurate directions make it an essential tool for any personal shopper. Love it!"
"This app gets better with every update. The developer clearly has an understanding of transportation and routing. Every update makes this even better. Excellent route planning tool with many cool features. A clear winner for me.”
"This app gets better with every update. The developer clearly has an understanding of transportation and routing. Every update makes this even better. Excellent route planning tool with many cool features. A clear winner for me.”
"After endless hours spent on choosing a good delivery planner, I finally have found this one. Good looking, with good address coverage, allows you to optimize stops without any need to buy a subscription. Just amazing.”
