# PlaceMaker Route Planner vs Route Optimize

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PlaceMaker Route Planner at 85% against Route Optimize's 42%. PlaceMaker Route Planner also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.1) and ratings volume (4.2K vs 16). Route Optimize's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PlaceMaker Route Planner sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Route Optimize asks for nothing beyond the download.

PlaceMaker Route Planner holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PlaceMaker Route Planner has 4.2K ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of PlaceMaker Route Planner's written reviews are positive against 42% of Route Optimize's.

PlaceMaker Route Planner ships an update every 10 days, Route Optimize every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PlaceMaker Route Planner | Route Optimize |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (4.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/placemaker-route-planner/id951375734/reviews)** | [3.1 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/route-optimize/id1573304062/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.2K** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | **85.2% of reviews** | 41.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 11 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#120** | — |
| Size | 55 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.5** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Resting Cranes LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/647767938) | [CHRIS HODGE](https://appshunter.io/developer/903916651) |

## What reviewers say

### PlaceMaker Route Planner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/placemaker-route-planner/id951375734)

**Currently charting:** #120 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

Plan efficient routes with multiple stops and optimize your travel. Easily enter addresses via text or barcode scanning. Share your lists and integrate with popular navigation apps.

**Highlights:** Route planning up to 500 stops, Text and barcode address scanning, Route optimization (premium), Map and navigation app integration, List sharing via Google Drive, CSV import support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plus Route Optimization | $4.99 | per month |
| 25 Stops Per List Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Up to 150 stops per list | $9.99 | per month |
| Routific Route Optimization | $14.99 | per month |
| Over 150 stops per list | $14.99 | per month |
| Up to 25 stops per list | $44.99 | per year |
| Up to 150 stops per list | $89.99 | per year |
| Over 150 stops per list | $119.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🚀 Efficient route planning
- 🚀 Accurate address lookup
- 🚀 Helpful for deliveries and multi-stop routes
- 🚀 Saves time and money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes or freezes
- 🐛 Inaccurate address mapping or routing
- 🔒 Subscription model concerns
- 🔒 Lack of free features
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly

**Reported bugs**

- Addresses disappear when planning routes
- Text scanning feature not working
- Camera freezes when exiting live text mode
- Optimization errors or poor route choices

**Requested features**

- Add ability to set default stop times
- Improve route optimization algorithm
- Allow more customization of map views
- Integrate with more navigation apps
- Add ability to mark stops as complete


### Route Optimize

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/route-optimize/id1573304062)

Plan and optimize your travel routes by distance. Get turn-by-turn directions, estimated travel times, and street view information. Easily share your planned journeys with others.

**Highlights:** Route optimization by distance, Turn-by-turn directions, Estimated travel time, Street view integration, Route sharing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PlaceMaker Route Planner free?

PlaceMaker Route Planner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Route Optimize free?

Route Optimize is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, PlaceMaker Route Planner or Route Optimize?

PlaceMaker Route Planner is rated higher. PlaceMaker Route Planner averages 4.7 out of 5 from 4.2K ratings, while Route Optimize averages 3.1 from 16 ratings.

### Do PlaceMaker Route Planner or Route Optimize have ads?

Neither PlaceMaker Route Planner nor Route Optimize shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PlaceMaker Route Planner or Route Optimize?

PlaceMaker Route Planner ships an update every 10 days, and Route Optimize every 11 days. Most recently, PlaceMaker Route Planner was updated on October 13, 2026 and Route Optimize on October 4, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*