# PlaceMaker Route Planner vs TandemGPS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TandemGPS at none against PlaceMaker Route Planner's 8. TandemGPS also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (13.4 vs 15.0). PlaceMaker Route Planner's advantage is ratings volume (4.2K vs 1) and chart position (#129 vs unranked). 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. TandemGPS asks for nothing beyond the download.

TandemGPS holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PlaceMaker Route Planner has 4.2K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

PlaceMaker Route Planner ships an update every 10 days, TandemGPS every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PlaceMaker Route Planner | TandemGPS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (4.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/placemaker-route-planner/id951375734/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tandemgps/id6451143132/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **4.2K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 85.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#129** | — |
| Size | 55 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.4** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Resting Cranes LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/647767938) | [Tandem Enterprises, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1696942615) |

## What reviewers say

### PlaceMaker Route Planner

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

**Currently charting:** #129 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


### TandemGPS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tandemgps/id6451143132)

This navigation app offers a unique, non-intrusive way to display speed data using light signals. It allows for customizable ride experiences, group sharing of routes, and detailed ride management, prioritizing driver safety and reduced screen interaction.

**Highlights:** GPS-based speedometer, Light-Spectrum Signaling (LSS), Customizable ride environment, Group ride sharing, Ride management and saving, Biker-influenced navigation, Dash-less speed data

**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 TandemGPS free?

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

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

TandemGPS is rated higher. PlaceMaker Route Planner averages 4.7 out of 5 from 4.2K ratings, while TandemGPS averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

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

Neither PlaceMaker Route Planner nor TandemGPS shows ads.

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

PlaceMaker Route Planner ships an update every 10 days, and TandemGPS every 2 weeks. Most recently, PlaceMaker Route Planner was updated on September 25, 2026 and TandemGPS on June 1, 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.*