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Software · head to head

GraphHopper vs Waze

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
Waze logo

Waze

Software

Community-driven GPS navigation app that uses real-time traffic data from its users

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: GraphHopper the free plan is non commercial use only; Waze no offline maps capability, requiring constant internet connectivity

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GraphHopper and Waze actually diverge.

Attributes where GraphHopper and Waze differ
AttributeGraphHopperWaze
PlatformsWebiOS, Android, Web
FoundedUnknown2008

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (freemium), free tier (No), 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

Nothing recorded that Waze does not also cover.

Only in Waze

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 Waze
  • Map matching GPS traces and generating isochronesnot Waze

Waze

No use cases recorded yet. See the Waze review.

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

Waze

  • No offline maps capability, requiring constant internet connectivity
  • Routing reliability declined with reports of longer routes and restricted road directions
  • Privacy concerns with location data collection and location-based ads after Google acquisition
  • Stability issues including crashes on CarPlay and slow loading times

Pricing, plan by plan

GraphHopper

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the GraphHopper review.

Waze

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Waze review.

Which should you pick?

Choose GraphHopper if

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

GraphHopper review

Choose Waze if

  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
Waze review

Questions people ask

Is GraphHopper or Waze better?
Neither clearly leads. GraphHopper starts at On request and Waze at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GraphHopper or Waze?
GraphHopper starts at On request and Waze at On request.
Does GraphHopper or Waze run on more platforms?
GraphHopper runs on Web. Waze runs on iOS, Android, Web.
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 Waze is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Waze: Does Waze work offline?

No, Waze relies on real-time data and does not support offline maps, limiting usability when without internet connectivity.

Source
Waze: How does Waze handle my location data?

Since Google's 2013 acquisition, Waze shares location history with Google's ad network and serves location-based ads. This differs from privacy-focused alternatives like Apple Maps.

Source
Waze: What platforms can I use Waze on?

Waze is available on iOS and Android mobile apps, and via web through the Live Map feature accessible from any computer or tablet.

Source
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Related pages

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