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Maps · head to head

GraphHopper vs OSRM

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
O

OSRM

Maps

High-performance open-source routing engine designed for OpenStreetMap data, providing fast route calculations

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only OSRM 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; OSRM free and open source routing engine under the 2-clause BSD license, no commercial tier
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GraphHopper and OSRM actually diverge.

Attributes where GraphHopper and OSRM differ
AttributeGraphHopperOSRM
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 OSRM does not also cover.

Only in OSRM

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 OSRM
  • Map matching GPS traces and generating isochronesnot OSRM

OSRM

  • Calculating efficient delivery routes across continental-sized road networks in millisecondsnot GraphHopper
  • Building navigation features for mobile apps without constructing routing infrastructurenot GraphHopper
  • Customizing route optimization for car, bicycle, and pedestrian transportation modesnot GraphHopper
  • Integrating OpenStreetMap data for real-time routing in web applicationsnot 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

OSRM

  • Free and open source routing engine under the 2-clause BSD license, no commercial tier

Pricing, plan by plan

GraphHopper

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the GraphHopper review.

OSRM

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OSRM review.

Which should you pick?

Choose GraphHopper if

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

GraphHopper review

Choose OSRM if

  • You want to start without paying.
OSRM review

Questions people ask

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

Project OSRM is completely free and open source, distributed under the permissive 2-clause BSD license with no licensing costs or fees.

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
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
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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