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Software · head to head

CARTO vs OpenLayers

C

CARTO

Software

Location Intelligence Platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OpenLayers logo

OpenLayers

Software

High-performance, feature-packed JavaScript library for creating interactive maps on the web with

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only CARTO has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: CARTO no prices are published; the committed tiers are all quote-only; OpenLayers free and open source under the 2-clause BSD License, with no commercial tier
  • They diverge on capability: CARTO covers Spatial Analysis, OpenLayers covers Core Functionality.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which CARTO and OpenLayers actually diverge.

Attributes where CARTO and OpenLayers differ
AttributeCARTOOpenLayers
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierYesNo
Founded2012Unknown

Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in CARTO

  • Spatial Analysis
  • Interactive Maps
  • Data Observatory
  • Workflows
  • APIs
  • Snowflake
  • BigQuery
  • PostgreSQL

Only in OpenLayers

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

CARTO

  • Spatial analysis over data already in a cloud warehousenot OpenLayers
  • Building interactive maps and location dashboardsnot OpenLayers
  • Geocoding and routing through location data servicesnot OpenLayers
  • Site selection and territory planningnot OpenLayers
  • Self-hosted geospatial analytics for regulated environmentsnot OpenLayers

OpenLayers

No use cases recorded yet. See the OpenLayers review.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

CARTO

  • No prices are published; the committed tiers are all quote-only
  • Metered on four separate axes: workflow runs, map loads, API calls and location data service operations
  • API access and tokens are limited on pay-as-you-go and unlimited only from the Strategic tier
  • Self-hosting is available on Enterprise and included only on the Custom tier
  • The 14 day trial explicitly forbids production use

OpenLayers

  • Free and open source under the 2-clause BSD License, with no commercial tier

Pricing, plan by plan

CARTO

Free
  • Professional$199/month
    • Spatial Analysis
    • Data Observatory
    • Builder

OpenLayers

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenLayers review.

Which should you pick?

Choose CARTO if

  • You need spatial analysis.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want interactive maps.
CARTO review

Choose OpenLayers if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You also want user interface.
OpenLayers review

Questions people ask

Is CARTO or OpenLayers better?
Neither clearly leads. CARTO starts at Free and OpenLayers at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, CARTO or OpenLayers?
CARTO has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for CARTO and On request for OpenLayers.
Does CARTO or OpenLayers run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use CARTO for free?
Yes. CARTO has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. OpenLayers starts at On request.
What is CARTO best used for?
CARTO is most often used for spatial analysis over data already in a cloud warehouse, building interactive maps and location dashboards, geocoding and routing through location data services, site selection and territory planning. Of those, spatial analysis over data already in a cloud warehouse and building interactive maps and location dashboards are not what OpenLayers is typically brought in for.
What can CARTO do that OpenLayers cannot?
CARTO covers Spatial Analysis, Interactive Maps, Data Observatory, Workflows. OpenLayers covers Core Functionality, User Interface.
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