Circuit Vs Routific: Which One is Better?

Whether you manage an e-commerce store, a logistics company, a food delivery service, or a retail chain, the right route planning and optimization software makes all the difference.

Operation managers, logistics professionals, and business owners are constantly seeking ways to improve delivery efficiency, reduce operational costs, and stay ahead of industry trends. 

That’s where two prominent players in the route planning space, Circuit and Routific, come into play. Both software allow businesses to optimize their delivery routes and improve operational efficiency.

But which one is right for your business?

This blog aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between Circuit vs Routific. We’ll delve into their features, strengths, limitations, pricing structures, and user experiences to help you make an informed decision. 

On what basis did we compare both platforms?

To ensure an objective and well-rounded assessment, we’ve gathered information based on our industry expertise and analyzed public user reviews on reputable platforms like Capterra and G2. Additionally, we’ve tested and compared both platforms on the basis of their features, usability, and user-friendliness.

So, let’s take a look at the detailed comparison between the two.

Product Comparison at a Glance

Circuit: Suitable for Small Businesses with Multiple Drivers

Circuit is a delivery route planning software specifically designed for businesses with multiple drivers, aiming to enhance route efficiency and simplify delivery operations. 

While not as feature-rich as some competitors, Circuit provides essential tools for optimizing routes and driver management. 

The software aims to provide basic functionality, making it accessible to businesses seeking a straightforward solution for route planning without the need for advanced features. 

Circuit for teams focuses on core functionalities such as route planning, live tracking, and dispatching. It is a viable option for smaller businesses or those just starting with route optimization.

Circuit pricing plans

Starter

• Price: $100/month
• Includes: First 500 stops, additional stops at $0.20 each
• Best for: Couriers and large retailers needing high-quality delivery at low volume

Essentials

• Price: $250/month
• Includes: First 1,000 stops, additional stops at $0.05 each
• Ideal for: Businesses optimizing delivery routes and tracking multiple drivers

Standard

• Price: $500/month
• Includes: First 2,000 stops, additional stops at $0.06 each
• Suitable for: Collecting proof of delivery and sending customer notifications

Pro

• Price: $750/month
• Includes: First 5,000 stops, additional stops at $0.07 each
• Designed for: Analyzing performance and improving delivery efficiency

Key strengths of Circuit

Circuit’s key strengths and features include:

1. Route planning: Circuit provides route planning capabilities to optimize delivery routes efficiently. However, its optimization algorithms may not be as robust or flexible as those offered by more advanced solutions.
2. Multiple drivers and depots: It caters to businesses with multiple drivers and depots, allowing them to manage their operations effectively across various locations.
3. Route tracking: Circuit for teams enables passive tracking of delivery drivers, allowing businesses to monitor driver progress and respond promptly to deviations or unnecessary delays. While this feature enhances visibility, some users may find the tracking functionality basic as it lacks active driver tracking.
4. Dynamic customer notifications: Circuit provides dynamic customer notifications, keeping recipients informed about their delivery status and estimated arrival times. 
5. Proof of delivery: With Circuit, businesses can collect proof of delivery, such as signatures and photos, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the delivery process.
6. Dispatcher view and driver app: Circuit offers a dispatcher view for efficient route management. It also offers a dedicated driver app that uses navigation apps like Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions and facilitates smooth communication between dispatchers and drivers.

Circuit’s positive reviews

• Nina H., Owner, Retail, 1-10 employees- “I’m so grateful for Circuit – it has been essential in my business thriving during this difficult time. I just wish it worked better for small companies with one-two drivers and was cheaper!”
• Cameron F., Owner, Food & Beverages, 11-50 employees- “Being able to manually enter delivery information makes Circuit very user friendly for a one driver business.”
• Safa M., Co-Founder, Food & Beverages, 1-10 employees- “Editing routes on the app can be a bit of a pain, but once you get used to it and reupload from an edited spreadsheet it’s a real breeze! Just takes some getting used to the workflow.”

Circuit’s weaknesses

1. Limited route optimization capabilities: While Circuit offers route optimization, its algorithm may not be as advanced or comprehensive as some of Circuit’s alternatives, making it less suitable for complex routing scenarios or large-scale operations.
2. Lack of real-time tracking: Circuit for teams offers passive tracking, which means it does not provide live tracking of drivers’ locations. This can limit the ability to monitor deliveries in progress and make dynamic adjustments as needed.
3. Limited customization options: Circuit lacks some of the customization options offered by competitors, such as the ability to create custom data fields, set vehicle load constraints, or prioritize stops based on specific criteria.
4. Stop-based pricing limitations: Circuit’s pricing plans are structured around a specific number of included stops, with additional charges applying for exceeding those limits. As operations grow, businesses may face unexpected costs or the need to upgrade to higher-priced plans.
5. Limited reporting and analytics: While Circuit offers basic route summaries and reports, its reporting and route analysis capabilities may not be as comprehensive or detailed as those of some of its competitors. This potentially limits the ability to gain actionable insights for performance improvement.

Circuit’s negative reviews

Circuit’s weaknesses

1. Limited route optimization capabilities: While Circuit offers route optimization, its algorithm may not be as advanced or comprehensive as some of Circuit’s alternatives, making it less suitable for complex routing scenarios or large-scale operations.
2. Lack of real-time tracking: Circuit for teams offers passive tracking, which means it does not provide live tracking of drivers’ locations. This can limit the ability to monitor deliveries in progress and make dynamic adjustments as needed.
3. Limited customization options: Circuit lacks some of the customization options offered by competitors, such as the ability to create custom data fields, set vehicle load constraints, or prioritize stops based on specific criteria.
4. Stop-based pricing limitations: Circuit’s pricing plans are structured around a specific number of included stops, with additional charges applying for exceeding those limits. As operations grow, businesses may face unexpected costs or the need to upgrade to higher-priced plans.
5. Limited reporting and analytics: While Circuit offers basic route summaries and reports, its reporting and route analysis capabilities may not be as comprehensive or detailed as those of some of its competitors. This potentially limits the ability to gain actionable insights for performance improvement.

Circuit’s negative reviews

Routific: Suitable for Small to Medium-sized Businesses with Fleets of Delivery Vehicles

Routific is a route optimization software designed to streamline delivery operations for businesses across various industries. Its routing algorithms enable businesses to plan efficient routes, saving time and resources while ensuring timely deliveries. 

Routific is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses with multiple vehicle fleets. It offers features like real-time tracking, route optimization, and customer notifications. While it excels in route planning and optimization, it comes with a steeper learning curve and higher pricing compared to some other Routific alternatives. This potentially makes it less suitable for businesses with simpler routing needs or limited budgets.

Routific pricing plans

Essential

• Price: $49 per vehicle/month (or $39 per vehicle/month billed annually)
• Includes: Intelligent route optimization, dispatch routes to driver mobile apps

Professional

• Price: $69 per vehicle/month (or $59 per vehicle/month billed annually)
• Includes: Everything in Essentials, plus live GPS tracking, proof of delivery, end-of-day reports, API integrations

Professional+

• Price: $93 per vehicle/month (or $78 per vehicle/month billed annually)
• Includes: Everything in Professional, plus customer notifications, customizable templates, real-time delivery tracker link

Key strengths of Routific

Routific’s key strengths and features include:

1. Advanced route optimization: Routific’s sophisticated algorithms generate highly optimized routes by analyzing various factors such as traffic patterns, driver preferences, and business priorities. While generally effective, some users have noted occasional inaccuracies in route suggestions, requiring manual adjustments.
2. Real-time driver tracking: Routific offers real-time live tracking capabilities, providing dispatchers and route managers with a comprehensive view of their delivery team’s movements. This enables better coordination and decision-making.
3. Proof of delivery: Businesses can capture proof of delivery, including signatures and photos, directly through Routific’s platform, ensuring accountability and facilitating dispute resolution.
4. Mobile accessibility: Routific is compatible with mobile devices, enabling users to access and manage routes on the go. This feature benefits delivery drivers who can receive route updates and notifications directly on their mobile devices
5. Customer Support: Routific provides customer support to assist users with technical issues or inquiries. However, some users report mixed experiences with support responsiveness and effectiveness, citing occasional resolution delays.

Routific’s positive review

Routific’s weaknesses

1. Higher pricing: Routific’s pricing is generally higher than that of some of its competitors, offering similar features. This makes it less cost-effective for certain businesses, particularly those with smaller operations or limited budgets.
2. Lack of GPS tracking in the lite version: Routific’s GPS tracking feature is only available if the driver is using the regular Routific driver’s app and is not available on the lite version, which may limit visibility for some users.
3. Expensive customer notifications: Customer notifications, a crucial feature for delivery businesses, are exclusive to Routific’s professional plan. They require an additional fee per vehicle, making them an expensive add-on for some users.
4. Limited route customization options: Routific lacks some advanced route customization options, such as the ability to reverse routes, swap routes between drivers, or lock specific stops, which can limit flexibility and control over the routing process.
5. Confusing user interface: Some users have reported that Routific’s timeline interface can be confusing to navigate and may require a significant learning curve to become proficient with the software.
6. No barcode scanning: Routific does not offer barcode scanning functionality, which can be a limitation for businesses that rely on this feature for their delivery operations and supply chain management processes.

Routific’s negative reviews

Pricing Comparison: Circuit Vs Routific

1. Pricing structure: Circuit’s pricing is based on a fixed monthly fee with additional charges for exceeding stop limits, while Routific’s pricing is based on a per-vehicle monthly fee.
2. Stop limits: Circuit imposes stop limits on its plans, with additional charges for exceeding those limits, whereas Routific does not mention any specific stop limits.
3. Feature availability: Some key features, such as customer notifications and real-time delivery tracker links, are only available in Routific’s higher-priced Professional+ plan. However, Circuit includes these features in most of its plans.
4. Billing options: Routific offers a discounted annual billing option, while Circuit does not mention any annual billing discounts.

Expert Insights on Pricing💡

Drawing from expert insights and industry analysis, here’s a summary of the pricing structures and key considerations:

• Routific’s pricing structure can be more suitable for businesses with a smaller number of vehicles
• Circuit’s pricing could be more cost-effective for larger operations with a higher volume of stops.
• Circuit’s additional charges for exceeding stop limits can potentially make it more expensive for businesses with higher delivery volumes.
• If you are looking for a better solution, Upper stands out as a superior software solution by offering:
  • Unlimited route creation
  • Transparent pricing without additional charges
  • A comprehensive feature set
  • High scalability and flexibility
• While Circuit and Routific may be suitable for businesses with specific needs and budgets, Upper’s overall value proposition and adaptability make it a preferred choice for delivery businesses seeking advanced routing solutions and long-term growth potential.
• Upper offers competitive monthly subscription rates and discounted annual billing options, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes.

Key Feature Comparison Between Circuit and Routific

Circuit and Routific both offer route optimization and delivery management solutions, but they differ in their approach and feature set. 

Let’s delve into a comprehensive feature analysis and comparison:

1. Route optimization

Both route planners excel at route optimization. However, Routific’s route optimization engine is particularly renowned for handling complex routing scenarios, making it ideal for businesses with varied delivery needs. 

Circuit, on the other hand, focuses more on user-friendliness and quick setup. It caters to small businesses seeking straightforward solutions.

2. Driver tracking

Driver tracking is a crucial feature offered by both Circuit and Routific. This functionality allows businesses to monitor the progress of their delivery fleet, respond promptly to any deviations or delays, and provide accurate estimated arrival times to customers. 

While both platforms offer this capability, Circuit takes it a step further by integrating dynamic customer notifications, keeping both drivers and recipients informed about delivery updates.

3. Proof of delivery

Ensuring accountability and transparency is essential in delivery operations, and both platforms offer proof of delivery (POD) capabilities. Both the software match in this department.

4. Customer notifications

Circuit excels in customer communication by offering dynamic customer notifications. This feature keeps recipients informed about their delivery status, estimated arrival times, and any changes or updates.

In contrast, customer notifications are only available in Routific’s higher-priced Professional+ plan, which can be a limitation for businesses prioritizing customer engagement.

5. Integrations

Both platforms offer API integrations, allowing businesses to connect with existing systems and automate workflows. 

However, Routific’s integrations are tailored for large-scale operations, while Circuit focuses on seamless integration with common eCommerce platforms, making it highly accessible for online businesses.

6. Route and dispatch management

Circuit provides a comprehensive dispatcher view and driver app, facilitating efficient route management and communication between dispatchers and drivers.

Routific also offers a driver app and enables dispatch of routes to drivers’ mobile devices, replacing paper manifests.

7. Reporting and analytics

While Circuit’s reporting capabilities are pretty much basic, Routific includes end-of-day reports to analyze driver performance and measure efficiency. This feature allows businesses to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.

8. Route customization

Routific offers more extensive route customization options. Users can adjust routes with drag-and-drop functionality, add last-minute deliveries, manage vehicle loads, and assign drivers to familiar territories. 

Circuit does not provide customization options such as drag’n drop functionality or route organizing using color-coded pins, and it does not have vehicle capacity management features.

Expert Insight on Overall Functionality💡

Circuit and Routific both offer valuable features for route optimization and delivery management, catering to businesses with varying needs. 

• Both Circuit and Routific are efficient delivery management software with reasonable route optimization capabilities.
• Routific’s optimization engine is renowned for handling complex routing scenarios, making it ideal for businesses with varied delivery needs.
• Circuit focuses on user-friendliness, quick setup, and dynamic customer communication, catering to small businesses in the eCommerce space.

While both Circuit and Routific have strengths in their respective domains, businesses should consider their specific needs and priorities.

However, if you’re looking for a better solution that offers a comprehensive suite of features and superior scalability, Upper stands out as the preferred choice.

• Advanced features: Upper offers advanced route optimization algorithms, real-time tracking, proof of delivery options, and dynamic customer notifications.
• Flexibility: Upper’s transparent pricing, unlimited route creation, and customizable features, like color coding for route organization, drag-and-drop functionality, and vehicle load distribution, make it suitable for businesses of all sizes and delivery volumes.
• Cost-effectiveness: Upper’s competitive pricing and discounted annual subscriptions ensure cost-effectiveness and scalability.
• Minimal manual editing: Upper’s route planning functionality requires minimal manual editing, saving planners several hours each day.
• Clean and untangled routes: Upper’s routes are clean and untangled, reducing crisscrossing that can annoy drivers and ensuring smoother deliveries.
• Reduced fuel consumption and emission: Upper generates the most efficient routes that allow users to achieve the same number of deliveries with fewer drivers, reducing fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.
• Comprehensive support: Upper provides dedicated support managers, technical consulting services, and extensive customization options for personalized assistance and optimized delivery operations.

In summary, while Circuit and Routific have their strengths, Upper offers a more holistic and adaptable solution. This makes it a better choice for businesses seeking advanced routing solutions and long-term scalability.