8 Best MapQuest Alternatives for Route Optimization in 2024

Feeling frustrated with MapQuest? You’re not alone. Many users seek better mapping apps with more advanced features, a cleaner interface, and stronger privacy controls.

While MapQuest has been a reliable tool for years, it has limitations. Outdated technology, limited public transit information, and excessive ads have driven users to explore other options. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

This blog will introduce you to some of the top MapQuest alternatives that better meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for offline navigation, real-time traffic updates, or an improved user experience, we’ve rounded up the best options to make your navigation smoother and more efficient.

Let’s dive in and find a better mapping solution for you.

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Top 8 MapQuest Alternatives, Competitors & Similar Software

mapquest

1. Upper

Best for individual drivers

If you’re looking for a MapQuest alternative that truly meets your needs, consider Upper Route Planner. 

Unlike MapQuest, which has limitations like a 26-stop cap and outdated features, Upper delivers a comprehensive solution that enhances your route planning experience.

Here’s how Upper tackles the key weaknesses of MapQuest and offers a superior routing experience:

1. 26-stop limit

MapQuest restricts you to only 26 stops, which can be a significant limitation for complex deliveries. Upper removes this constraint, allowing you to manage hundreds of stops effortlessly.

2. Limited features and delayed updates

MapQuest is often slow to adopt new features. Upper Route Planner provides real-time route optimization with advanced customization options, enabling you to plan routes in just 5 minutes and stay ahead with up-to-date features.

3. Ad overload and poor user experience

The free version of MapQuest is cluttered with ads, which can be frustrating. Thanks to our intuitive design, Upper offers an ad-free experience, allowing you to focus on your routes without distractions.

4. Limited navigation options

MapQuest confines users to its navigation app, which can be frustrating. Upper allows you to choose from multiple navigation apps and integrate them with your preferred options. You can also export routes to GPS devices like Garmin.

5. Privacy concerns

With growing concerns over data privacy, MapQuest’s policies may not meet everyone’s standards. Upper prioritizes your privacy, ensuring better control over your data and keeping your personal information secure.

Upper Route Planner’s web and mobile apps are designed to simplify your delivery process while addressing MapQuest’s weaknesses. With Upper, you can import hundreds of stops, optimize your routes in just five minutes, adapt to changes in real time, and manage proof of delivery effortlessly. 

Fed up with MapQuest’s limitations?

Upper provides unlimited routes, real-time route adjustments, and a clean, ad-free interface. Choose from various navigation tools and benefit from enhanced data privacy.

Pros

  • Gain insights to make smarter routing decisions.
  • Easily capture and store delivery confirmations.
  • Seamlessly integrates with various navigation apps and GPS devices.
  • Streamline your delivery process with bulk address import and unlimited routes.
  • Tailor route planning to meet specific needs and priorities.

Cons

  • Relies on a stable internet connection 
  • Subscription-based pricing may not be ideal for all users.

Upper compared to MapQuest

Feature MapQuest Upper
Route Optimization Wrong Right
Time Windows Wrong Right
Number of Stops 26 500
Curbside Delivery Wrong Right
Driver's App Wrong Right
Driver Preference Right Right
One-click Dispatch Wrong Right
Detailed Reports Wrong Right
Choose Vehicle Type Wrong Right
Reassign Routes Wrong Right
Swap Routes Wrong Right
Print Routes Right Right
  • Feature upper logo Upper
  • Route Optimization

    Wrong

    Right

  • Time Windows

    Wrong

    Right

  • Number of Stops

    26

    500

  • Curbside Delivery

    Wrong

    Right

  • Driver's App

    Wrong

    Right

  • Driver Preference

    Right

    Right

  • One-click Dispatch

    Wrong

    Right

  • Detailed Reports

    Wrong

    Right

  • Choose Vehicle Type

    Wrong

    Right

  • Reassign Routes

    Wrong

    Right

  • Swap Routes

    Wrong

    Right

  • Print Routes

    Right

    Right

  • No credit card required

2. Google Maps

Best for navigation

Google Maps is a popular navigation app for planning routes from point A to point B. You can simply open the app and search for your favorite destination. You can also explore the details of the location and see nearby rest stops. The web mapping app also provides Google Street View to check the surroundings in case you are visiting your preferred location for the first time. 

Whether navigating through a busy city road or exploring your favorite countryside, Google Maps will help you get the routes along with turn-by-turn directions. Plus, if you want to add stops in between your routes, Google Maps will allow you a maximum of 9 stops. Hence, this comprehensive mapping app has covered your worldwide journeys.

Want to master Google Maps route planning? 

Check out our guide on using Google Maps’ route planner for tips and tricks on optimizing your travel routes.

Key features

  • Real-time traffic updates: Gives real-time traffic data to help drivers avoid congestion and plan optimal routes.
  • Voice-enabled navigation: Allows hands-free audio instructions for safe, distraction-free navigation while driving.
  • Alternative route options: It suggests multiple route choices based on preferences like shorter distances or less traffic.
  • Street view exploration: Enables virtual exploration of locations with realistic street maps for better recognition.

Pros

  • Comprehensive global mapping data
  • Frequent updates with the latest information  
  • Integrates multiple travel modes seamlessly

Cons

  • Requires active internet connection  
  • Privacy concerns over data collection
  • Inconsistent mapping in remote areas

Concerned About Privacy?

Upper prioritizes your data security with enhanced privacy controls, ensuring your personal and operational information remains protected.

Google Maps compared to MapQuest

  • Google Maps provides offline functionality, allowing users to travel hassle-free in low-network areas, a feature lacking in MapQuest.
  • Unlike MapQuest, Google Maps offers real-time traffic updates, displays congestion, and suggests alternate routes to avoid queues.
  • In comparison, Google Maps emerges as the clear winner due to its offline functionality and real-time traffic updates.
  • Google Maps satisfies all navigation needs, establishing itself as one of the top Mapquest alternatives.

PRO TIP: Upgrade your mapping game with the top-notch Google Maps alternatives featured in our blog; click here to read more.

3. Apple Maps

Best for providing directions

If you’re a MapQuest user willing to try a similar app for better route navigation, your search ends on Apple Maps. Being one of the best navigation apps, Apple Maps can find the fastest routes at your fingertips. Once you start the route, you get turn-by-turn directions and lane guidance to avoid last-minute confusion. It also has a voice-enabled guidance feature, which you can turn on while heading towards your destination. 

Apple Maps offers a 3D picture of your location to get a clear view of your newly added location. This will ensure you find the right place before kicking off the journey and require no last-minute changes. Notably, you can also report hazardous accidents to fellow drivers while en route.

Need help with planning routes on Apple Maps? 

We’ve got a handy guide on how to use the Apple Maps route planner that walks you through everything you need to know to make the most of Apple Maps for your travels.

Key features

  • Standard navigation: The default mapping and navigation solution for iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices.
  • Lane assistance: Visual guidance to help users position themselves in the correct lane for upcoming turns or exits.
  • 3D mode exploration: Enables users to explore specific locations in a detailed 3D view with realistic renderings.
  • Hazardous zone reporting: Users can report hazardous zones or incidents on the road to alert other users.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
  • 3D detailed maps and flyover views  
  • Frequent updates with the latest data

Cons

  • Limited offline maps and navigation
  • Lacks advanced route optimization tools
  • Inaccuracies in mapping data reported

AppleMaps compared to MapQuest

  • Apple Maps excels with a visually appealing interface, unlike MapQuest.
  • Apple Maps seamlessly integrates with iOS devices, enhancing user experience.
  • MapQuest lacks essential features like 3D-street level view, lane guidance, and hazardous report sending.
  • Apple Maps is free, allowing unlimited route planning without any charges, unlike MapQuest.
  • Apple Maps outperforms MapQuest in terms of user-friendliness and performance.

4. HERE WeGo

Best for local and global travelers

In recent years, HERE WeGo has raised its standard by competing with many popular apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and MapQuest. With its feature-rich web mapping services, HERE WeGo has turned the heads of many business owners running logistics and transportation services. It is not only for businesses; it also has unique navigation tools to guide solo travelers. 

Going head to head with route mapping giants, HERE WeGo has rolled out offline maps to access routes in areas with no internet. Therefore, you can continue to explore your location without any hassle. This web mapping service app offers speed assistance to send alerts in specific city areas. If you’re planning a multi-stop trip, then it will allow you to add waypoints in between.

Key features

  • Speed assistance: Provides real-time alerts and guidance to help you adhere to legal speed limits while driving safely.
  • Multi-modal integration: Seamlessly integrates various transportation modes for efficient and convenient travel transitions.
  • Bookmarking favorites: Conveniently save and access frequently visited locations within the app for quick navigation and planning.

Pros

  • Excellent offline navigation capabilities
  • Can download map data for offline use
  • Ideal for public transportation users

Cons

  • The comparison focuses on advantages over MapQuest

HERE WeGo compared to MapQuest

  • HERE WeGo features excellent offline functionality, a feature notably absent in MapQuest.
  • Unlike MapQuest, HERE WeGo doesn’t offer offline route access or the option to download routes beforehand.
  • Offline mode proves invaluable when navigating unfamiliar areas with limited internet connectivity.
  • For offline capabilities, HERE WeGo emerges as the superior choice over MapQuest.
  • HERE WeGo stands out as the preferred option for users reliant on public transportation.

5. Roadtrippers

Best for adventure seekers and explorers

Roadtrippers is an adventure-driven alternative to MapQuest that focuses on route navigation for frequent travelers who want to go on adventure trips. So, if you are up for an unplanned trip, worry-free rely on Roadtrippers. This route-mapping app will ensure you don’t miss out on the best experience at your favorite destination. 

Since manual route planning is a tedious task that may affect your trip itinerary, integrating Roadtrippers for effortless planning can give you a breather. Also, it can help you uncover new locations with point-to-point directions and lesser-known attractions that otherwise you would miss. That’s why choosing Roadtrippers means having a personal assistant when you go for a trip.

Looking for more options? 

Explore top alternatives to Roadtrippers that offer unique features and enhanced functionality to elevate your adventure planning.

Key features

  • Multi-stop routes: Plan efficient routes with multiple stops for a smooth journey, catering to various destinations and activities.
  • Turn-by-turn navigation: Receive clear, voice-guided directions at each turn, ensuring you stay on track and reach your destination hassle-free.
  • Gas cost calculator: Estimate fuel expenses using the integrated gas cost calculator based on your vehicle type and planned route.
  • Driving statistics: Track essential driving metrics such as distance covered, travel time, and fuel consumption to optimize future trips and budgeting.

Pros

  • Collaborative trip planning with friends made easy
  • Tailored itineraries for adventure seekers provided

Cons

  • Limited navigation capabilities for urban areas observed
  • Real-time traffic updates are absent

Break Free from Limited Navigation Capabilities

With Upper, you can choose from various navigation apps and integrate with GPS devices like Garmin.

Roadtrippers compared to MapQuest

  • Roadtrippers help with custom itineraries and covering famous attractions along the route, which is missing in MapQuest.
  • It suggests scenic routes, major landmarks, and points of interest between start and endpoints, a functionality not available in MapQuest.
  • Roadtrippers facilitates collaborative planning, a feature that sets it apart from MapQuest.
  • It ensures tailored experiences for cross-country trips or weekend getaways, catering to diverse preferences.

Ready to discover new options? Find out about the top alternatives to Roadtrippers that offer even more features and flexibility.

6. Maps.me

Best for city travel and outdoor activities

Maps.me is an essential tool for anyone traveling out of the country or on any outdoor adventure trail. It is quite easy to use compared to complex navigation apps and has offline map functionality, which can be a boon in regions with less familiarity and weak internet connections. So, if you are a travel enthusiast who often goes off-trail, Maps.me is undoubtedly made for you. 

Additionally, Maps.me offers multiple transportation modes that are even accessible if you go offline. This means if you use public transportation, it will display several options available to reach your destination. This convenient and easy-to-use tool makes it an affordable and reliable alternative to carry with you wherever your adventures take you.

Key features

  • Save favorite routes: Easily store preferred routes as favorites within the app for quick and easy access.
  • Traffic density awareness: View real-time traffic conditions to gauge route congestion levels and plan accordingly.
  • Share points of interest: Effortlessly share interesting location data with friends or contacts directly from the app.

Pros

  • Offline map access without an Internet connection 
  • Completely free to download and use, no hidden fees 
  • Integrates user-generated travel content seamlessly

Cons

  • Limited route optimization capabilities  
  • Lacks voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation  
  • Map data may become outdated over time
  • No real-time traffic information or updates are provided

Maps.me compared to MapQuest

  • Navigating Maps.me is simpler compared to MapQuest, enhancing user experience.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts like bikers and hikers benefit from Maps.me’s detailed trail maps, a feature absent in MapQuest.
  • Maps.me is free to use, unlike the paid versions of MapQuest, making it accessible to all users.
  • Maps.me allows offline usability, ensuring navigation without an internet connection, unlike MapQuest.

7. Waze

Best for community-based GPS navigation

If you are a daily commuter who desperately wants the mapping app to cater to your commuting needs, then Waze is all you need. You will love this app, as it can tackle traffic in city areas like a pro. It keeps sending accurate and real-time information so you can easily edge past the traffic hassles. Plus, it offers dynamic rerouting to avoid traffic congestion during peak hours. 

Notably, you can also contribute to the app by sending hazardous reports on the road to alert fellow drivers. This community engagement feature works well and updates others about police presence or incidents in real time. With Waze, you can save the most time spent on the road.

Learn how to use Waze route planner for effective navigation and real-time traffic updates.

Key features

  • Accurate navigation: This app provides precise and dependable directions for efficient travel planning and seamless driving experiences.
  • Live traffic updates: Provide drivers with real-time information about current road conditions, accidents, and potential traffic congestion.
  • Multi-language support: It offers navigation options in various languages and dialects to cater to diverse user preferences and regional needs.
  • Drive-sharing option: This option allows users to share their current location or planned route with friends and family members for enhanced coordination and safety.

Pros

  • Provides real-time and accurate traffic updates
  • Street View is available for enhanced navigation
  • Waze has a user-friendly and intuitive  interface

Cons

  • Lacks voice guidance functionality
  • Relies on outdated mapping data
  • Poor route optimization and algorithmic efficiency
  • Limited customization options and flexibility

Unlock Limitless Customization Options

Upper offers extensive customization options, allowing you to set time windows, manage service times, prioritize stops, and adjust routes in real time to fit your needs.

Waze compared to MapQuest

  • Waze seamlessly integrates hazard reporting and gamification features for a more immersive experience, unlike MapQuest.
  • It relies on crowd-sourced updates for superior real-time navigation accuracy, while MapQuest lacks this feature.
  • Waze offers ride booking integration, providing a unified navigation and transportation solution, a feature absent in MapQuest.
  • This routing app incentivizes incident reporting with points, fostering community-driven navigation, a unique feature compared to MapQuest.

8. OpenStreetMap

Best for routing and navigation

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an ad-free route mapping app that has redefined how we interact with online maps. Ditching the traditional mapping process, OpenStreetMap relies on data shared by community members familiar with the specific region. 

It comes with customization options to meet users’ changing demands. This also helps developers understand customer preferences and enhance online mapping services for better usability.

OSM is open to people from every corner of the world, making it a perfect pick for adventurers exploring less-traveled areas. Such a feature-loaded mapping app can work as a virtual assistant for you, no matter your chosen terrain.

Key features

  • Real-time community-driven data: It allows users to constantly update and refine maps, providing accurate and current information.
  • User-enabled map editing: This empowers users to actively contribute to map accuracy and detail through collaborative edits and suggestions.
  • Offline functionality: Access maps without internet connectivity are useful for navigating areas with limited or poor connectivity.
  • Free web mapping: Access the service at no cost, making mapping accessible to all users regardless of financial constraints.

Pros

  • Community-driven and crowd-sourced data sources
  • Highly customizable and versatile mapping features
  • Worldwide accessibility, usage, and availability

Cons

  • OSM provides Limited offline mode and availability
  • Complexity and learning curve for inexperienced users
  • Incomplete and insufficient global map coverage

OpenStreetMap compared to MapQuest

  • OpenStreetMap offers a wide range of features compared to MapQuest.
  • OSM uses community-driven data for frequent updates, unlike MapQuest’s static data.
  • OpenStreetMap is more user-friendly and easier to navigate than MapQuest.
  • OpenStreetMap provides real-time road hazard alerts, which MapQuest lacks
  • OSM supports offline map access, whereas MapQuest requires an internet connection.
  • OpenStreetMap offers more detailed and accurate route mapping than MapQuest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Upper is the ideal alternative to MapQuest, as it has budget-friendly route planning and optimization plans. With Upper, you can plan, schedule, and optimize routes in a fraction of a second and reach your destination three times faster.

No, Google Maps is widely used for route planning but not route optimization. If you require route optimization, consider using Upper, a reliable Google Maps alternative, to find efficient routes and reach your destination on time. So, whether you are a solo traveler or a business owner, Upper will get you optimal routes without wasting a minute.

Yes, Upper (a MapQuest alternative) offers API integration to connect your laptop or tablet and transfer the stop details. Transferring the data lets you plan and optimize routes easily with just a few taps. With such an integration feature, you don’t have to add stops manually in the software.

You can include up to 14 additional stops in your route plan as an Apple Maps user. Apple Maps will not allow more than 15 stops on any route. Using Upper will be the best bet if you have more stops.

Yes, some people still use MapQuest, but its popularity has declined due to outdated features and limited functionality compared to newer navigation web apps. Many users are now exploring alternative options for more advanced and efficient route planning.

Yes, route planning on Upper means your routes and multiple stops’ details will be saved automatically for future use. So, next time you plan routes, you don’t need to add stop details repeatedly.

Yes, several MapQuest competitors offer better features. Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps provide real-time traffic updates, offline capabilities, and enhanced route planning, making them superior to MapQuest for navigation.

Refine Your Routing Experience with Advanced Solutions

The world of mapping and interactive maps is evolving rapidly, with many web mapping services now competing to be the top choice. Unfortunately, once a popular option, MapQuest is losing ground due to its failure to keep up with user demands and lack of essential features. 

If you are currently using MapQuest and feeling the limitations, it’s time to explore other options. Consider trying Upper, a comprehensive solution that meets all your routing needs. Take advantage of our 3-days free trial and experience the difference firsthand.

Author Bio
Jeel Patel
Jeel Patel

Jeel Patel is the Chief Executive Officer at Upper. With 5+ years of experience in dev, outbound, and inbound sales, He is committed to growing conversion through inbound and outbound activities. Outside the office, Jeel loves to spend time with his dog and take him on long walks. Read more.