Planning routes

Connect = Garmin fitness world (cycling computers, sports watches). Explore = outdoor world (outdoor handhelds, outdoor watches).

Many devices work with both the Connect app and the Explore app. But indeed not all.

Imo there's something to say for having different apps for fitness and outdoor because the use cases are different. But the distinctions becomes blurry because devices like the Fenix support both outdoor and sport activities. 

Basecamp is kind of "the old way". It is still used by many people but it's not actively developed or promoted by Garmin anymore.

To me the strange one here is Explore web. It lacks many features the Explore app has, like creating courses or using Outdoor Maps+ maps. Except for the inReach functionality (MapShare) I find it utterly outdated, useless and slow.

As for planning routes/courses, I mostly use 3rd party tools like Komoot or AllTrails. The planning functionality is much better, but unfortunately for many of these platforms you need to get a subscription.