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Maps · head to head

GraphHopper vs GRASS GIS

GraphHopper logo

GraphHopper

Maps

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

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
GRASS GIS logo

GRASS GIS

Maps

Long-running open source geospatial analysis engine for raster, vector and terrain processing

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only GRASS GIS 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; GRASS GIS the location and mapset data model requires importing data into a structured database with a fixed coordinate system before analysis, which is a real barrier for anyone used to opening files directly.
  • They diverge on capability: GraphHopper covers Core Functionality, GRASS GIS covers Raster analysis.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GraphHopper and GRASS GIS actually diverge.

Attributes where GraphHopper and GRASS GIS differ
AttributeGraphHopperGRASS GIS
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumOpen source, no licence fee
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebLinux, Windows, macOS

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps).

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 GRASS GIS

  • Raster analysis
  • Hydrological modelling
  • Terrain analysis
  • Vector topology
  • Temporal framework
  • Image processing
  • Python API
  • QGIS integration

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 GRASS GIS
  • Map matching GPS traces and generating isochronesnot GRASS GIS

GRASS GIS

  • A hydrologist delineating watersheds and modelling flow accumulation over a large digital elevation modelnot GraphHopper
  • A research group building a reproducible time series analysis of satellite imagery that must be rerunnable years laternot GraphHopper
  • An environmental agency running viewshed and solar radiation analysis for planning assessments without buying commercial GIS seatsnot GraphHopper
  • A QGIS user who needs a specific processing algorithm that only exists in the GRASS toolboxnot 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

GRASS GIS

  • The location and mapset data model requires importing data into a structured database with a fixed coordinate system before analysis, which is a real barrier for anyone used to opening files directly.
  • The native graphical interface is dated and inconsistent compared with QGIS or ArcGIS, so most users end up running GRASS through QGIS and never learn the tool they are actually depending on.
  • There is no vendor, so contractual support, service levels and liability do not exist by default and must be arranged with an independent consultancy that may not cover your jurisdiction.
  • Cartographic output and map layout are weak relative to the analysis capability, meaning a second tool is always needed to produce a publishable map.
  • Module naming and argument conventions are idiosyncratic and long-standing, so scripts are durable but the learning curve is steep and transferable skills from other GIS packages help less than expected.

Pricing, plan by plan

GraphHopper

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the GraphHopper review.

GRASS GIS

Free
  • GRASS GISFree
    • GNU GPL licence
    • All modules included
    • No user or seat limits

Which should you pick?

Choose GraphHopper if

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

Choose GRASS GIS if

  • You need raster analysis.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, macOS.
  • You also want hydrological modelling.
GRASS GIS review

Questions people ask

Is GraphHopper or GRASS GIS better?
Neither clearly leads. GraphHopper starts at On request and GRASS GIS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GraphHopper or GRASS GIS?
GRASS GIS has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for GraphHopper and Free for GRASS GIS.
Does GraphHopper or GRASS GIS run on more platforms?
GraphHopper runs on Web. GRASS GIS runs on Linux, Windows, macOS.
Can I use GRASS GIS for free?
Yes. GRASS GIS 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 GRASS GIS is typically brought in for.
What can GraphHopper do that GRASS GIS cannot?
GraphHopper covers Core Functionality, User Interface. GRASS GIS covers Raster analysis, Hydrological modelling, Terrain analysis, Vector topology.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

GraphHopper: Is the free plan actually usable for production?

No. The free tier is limited to non-commercial use only and includes 500 daily credits. To use GraphHopper in production, you need a paid plan starting at 69 euros per month.

Source
GRASS GIS: Who maintains GRASS GIS?

An international volunteer and academic developer community under the Open Source Geospatial Foundation. It originated at the US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory in 1982.

GraphHopper: What happens if I exceed my daily credit limit?

The page does not specify. Each tier has a daily credit limit (500 for free, 5,000 for Basic, 15,000 for Standard, 50,000 for Premium), but no overage policy is documented.

Source
GRASS GIS: Can I buy commercial support?

Not from a vendor. Independent consultancies in the OSGeo ecosystem offer paid support and development, and availability varies by region.

GraphHopper: Does GraphHopper offer a trial period?

No. There is no trial period. You can start with the free plan to test, but commercial use requires a paid subscription.

Source
GRASS GIS: Do I need to use its interface?

No. Most people run GRASS algorithms through the QGIS processing toolbox or from Python.

GraphHopper: How much does the Premium plan cost and what do I get?

Premium is 479 euros per month and includes 50,000 daily credits, up to 200 locations per request, up to 20 vehicles, email and phone support, and access to all APIs including routing and optimization.

Source
GRASS GIS: Is it suitable for production use?

Yes for analysis pipelines, and it is used by agencies and research institutions. Plan for community support rather than a service level agreement.

GraphHopper: Is there a discount if I link back to GraphHopper?

Yes. A 20% discount is available with proper attribution. The page also mentions a 99.5% uptime SLA on paid plans only.

Source
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