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Maps · head to head

GraphHopper vs QGIS

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
Q

QGIS

Maps

Free, open-source desktop GIS application that supports viewing, editing, and analysis of

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: GraphHopper the free plan is non commercial use only; QGIS requires technical knowledge to use effectively for advanced GIS analysis
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GraphHopper and QGIS actually diverge.

Attributes where GraphHopper and QGIS differ
AttributeGraphHopperQGIS
PlatformsWebWindows, macOS, Linux

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (freemium), free tier (No), 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 QGIS does not also cover.

Only in QGIS

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 QGIS
  • Map matching GPS traces and generating isochronesnot QGIS

QGIS

  • Creating thematic maps showing population density by regionnot GraphHopper
  • Digitizing building footprints from satellite imagery for urban planningnot GraphHopper
  • Analyzing proximity of retail stores to competitor locationsnot GraphHopper
  • Performing spatial analysis of wildlife habitat suitabilitynot 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

QGIS

  • Requires technical knowledge to use effectively for advanced GIS analysis
  • Desktop application does not include built-in web publishing capabilities

Pricing, plan by plan

GraphHopper

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the GraphHopper review.

QGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the QGIS review.

Which should you pick?

Choose GraphHopper if

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

GraphHopper review

Choose QGIS if

  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
QGIS review

Questions people ask

Is GraphHopper or QGIS better?
Neither clearly leads. GraphHopper starts at On request and QGIS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GraphHopper or QGIS?
GraphHopper starts at On request and QGIS at On request.
Does GraphHopper or QGIS run on more platforms?
GraphHopper runs on Web. QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
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 QGIS 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
QGIS: Is QGIS free and open source?

Yes. QGIS is free and open-source software, licensed under the GNU General Public License, available for download and modification by anyone.

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
QGIS: What operating systems does QGIS support?

QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installers available for each platform.

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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