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Software · head to head

GraphHopper vs CARTO

GraphHopper logo

GraphHopper

Software

Open-source routing engine for road networks, providing fast route calculations, turn-by-turn navigation

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
C

CARTO

Software

Location Intelligence Platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only CARTO has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: GraphHopper the free plan is non commercial use only; CARTO no prices are published; the committed tiers are all quote-only
  • They diverge on capability: GraphHopper covers Core Functionality, CARTO covers Spatial Analysis.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GraphHopper and CARTO actually diverge.

Attributes where GraphHopper and CARTO differ
AttributeGraphHopperCARTO
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierNoYes
FoundedUnknown2012

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 GraphHopper

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

Only in CARTO

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

What people use each for

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

GraphHopper

  • Routing, distance matrix and route optimisation over an APInot CARTO
  • Map matching GPS traces and generating isochronesnot CARTO

CARTO

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

Where each one falls short

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

GraphHopper

  • The free plan is non commercial use only
  • Free allows 500 credits a day, 5 locations per request and a single vehicle
  • Request complexity is capped per plan, at 30 locations and 2 vehicles on Basic at 69 EUR a month, rising to 200 locations and 20 vehicles on Premium at 479 EUR
  • Isochrone range is limited by plan, at 15 minutes on Basic and 30 on Premium
  • Credits are a daily allowance, so a busy day cannot draw on a quiet one

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

Pricing, plan by plan

GraphHopper

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the GraphHopper review.

CARTO

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

Which should you pick?

Choose GraphHopper if

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

Choose CARTO if

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

Questions people ask

Is GraphHopper or CARTO better?
Neither clearly leads. GraphHopper starts at On request and CARTO at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GraphHopper or CARTO?
CARTO has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for GraphHopper and Free for CARTO.
Does GraphHopper or CARTO 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. GraphHopper starts at On request.
What is GraphHopper best used for?
GraphHopper is most often used for routing, distance matrix and route optimisation over an api, map matching gps traces and generating isochrones. Of those, routing, distance matrix and route optimisation over an api and map matching gps traces and generating isochrones are not what CARTO is typically brought in for.
What can GraphHopper do that CARTO cannot?
GraphHopper covers Core Functionality, User Interface. CARTO covers Spatial Analysis, Interactive Maps, Data Observatory, Workflows.
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