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Maps · head to head

GraphHopper vs OpenLayers

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
OpenLayers logo

OpenLayers

Maps

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only OpenLayers 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; OpenLayers no commercial support included; community-driven library
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GraphHopper and OpenLayers actually diverge.

Attributes where GraphHopper and OpenLayers differ
AttributeGraphHopperOpenLayers
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumopen-source
Free tierNoYes

Identical on both: platforms (Web), 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

Nothing recorded that OpenLayers does not also cover.

Only in OpenLayers

Nothing recorded that GraphHopper does not also cover.

Both cover

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

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 OpenLayers
  • Map matching GPS traces and generating isochronesnot OpenLayers

OpenLayers

  • Embedding interactive maps showing store locations on retail websitesnot GraphHopper
  • Visualizing GPS tracking data for delivery routes on web dashboardsnot GraphHopper
  • Creating choropleth maps displaying regional sales performancenot GraphHopper
  • Building mapping interfaces for real estate property searchesnot 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

OpenLayers

  • No commercial support included; community-driven library

Pricing, plan by plan

GraphHopper

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the GraphHopper review.

OpenLayers

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenLayers review.

Which should you pick?

Choose GraphHopper if

Nothing in the data separates GraphHopper from OpenLayers on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

GraphHopper review

Choose OpenLayers if

  • You want to start without paying.
OpenLayers review

Questions people ask

Is GraphHopper or OpenLayers better?
Neither clearly leads. GraphHopper starts at On request and OpenLayers at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GraphHopper or OpenLayers?
OpenLayers has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for GraphHopper and Free for OpenLayers.
Does GraphHopper or OpenLayers run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use OpenLayers for free?
Yes. OpenLayers 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 OpenLayers is typically brought in for.

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
OpenLayers: How much does OpenLayers cost?

OpenLayers is completely free, open source JavaScript library released under the 2-clause BSD License (FreeBSD License) with no cost for use, modification, or distribution.

Source
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
OpenLayers: What license does OpenLayers use?

OpenLayers is released under the 2-clause BSD License (also known as the FreeBSD License), allowing free use, modification, and distribution.

Source
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
OpenLayers: Can I use OpenLayers commercially?

Yes, OpenLayers is free to use commercially without any licensing fees. The open source license permits commercial use without restriction.

Source
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
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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