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Maps · head to head

LocationIQ vs OsmAnd

LocationIQ logo

LocationIQ

Maps

Enterprise-grade location APIs at affordable prices

From
Free
Rated
-
OsmAnd logo

OsmAnd

Maps

Open-source map and navigation application based on OpenStreetMap data

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: LocationIQ smaller ecosystem of integrations compared to Google Maps; OsmAnd free version limited to only 7 map downloads at once, restricting users who need multiple regional maps
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which LocationIQ and OsmAnd actually diverge.

Attributes where LocationIQ and OsmAnd differ
AttributeLocationIQOsmAnd
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsAPIiOS, Android, Desktop Editor, Huawei AppGallery
FoundedUnknown2010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 LocationIQ

Nothing recorded that OsmAnd does not also cover.

Only in OsmAnd

Nothing recorded that LocationIQ 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.

LocationIQ

  • Geocoding and reverse geocoding addresses at scalenot OsmAnd
  • Store locators and address autofill in web and mobile appsnot OsmAnd
  • Asset and vehicle tracking with route optimisationnot OsmAnd
  • Serving static and dynamic map tilesnot OsmAnd
  • Distance matrix and route planningnot OsmAnd

OsmAnd

  • Offline navigation in areas with no data connectionnot LocationIQ
  • Turn-by-turn voice guided drivingnot LocationIQ
  • Bicycle and pedestrian routingnot LocationIQ
  • Hiking and trail running navigationnot LocationIQ
  • Motorcycling and travel using per-country or per-region offline mapsnot LocationIQ

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

LocationIQ

  • Smaller ecosystem of integrations compared to Google Maps
  • Less documentation than industry-leading platforms
  • Less brand recognition than Google or Mapbox

OsmAnd

  • Free version limited to only 7 map downloads at once, restricting users who need multiple regional maps
  • Poor performance with slow map rendering and navigation lag reported on older devices
  • Route calculation limited to approximately 200 kilometers or less for offline calculation
  • Map accuracy issues due to reliance on community OpenStreetMap data which may contain outdated information

Pricing, plan by plan

LocationIQ

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 5,000 requests/day
    • Limited commercial use with attribution
  • Maps Lite$45/month
    • 10,000 map views/day
    • Geocoding APIs
    • No routing
  • Developer$100/month
    • 25,000 requests/day
    • All APIs (geocoding, routing, maps)
  • Startup$200/month
    • 60,000 requests/day
    • Priority email support

OsmAnd

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OsmAnd review.

Which should you pick?

Choose LocationIQ if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on API.

Choose OsmAnd if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Desktop Editor, Huawei AppGallery.

Questions people ask

Is LocationIQ or OsmAnd better?
Neither clearly leads. LocationIQ starts at Free and OsmAnd at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, LocationIQ or OsmAnd?
LocationIQ starts at Free and OsmAnd at Free.
Does LocationIQ or OsmAnd run on more platforms?
LocationIQ runs on API. OsmAnd runs on iOS, Android, Desktop Editor, Huawei AppGallery.
Can I use LocationIQ for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is LocationIQ best used for?
LocationIQ is most often used for geocoding and reverse geocoding addresses at scale, store locators and address autofill in web and mobile apps, asset and vehicle tracking with route optimisation, serving static and dynamic map tiles. Of those, geocoding and reverse geocoding addresses at scale and store locators and address autofill in web and mobile apps are not what OsmAnd is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

LocationIQ: How much does LocationIQ cost?

LocationIQ offers a Free plan with 5,000 requests/day, Maps Lite at $45/month for 10,000 map views/day, Developer at $100/month for 25,000 requests/day, and higher tiers up to Business Plus at $950/month for 30M requests/month. All plans are billed monthly with 2 months free for annual prepayment.

Source
OsmAnd: Does OsmAnd work offline?

Yes. OsmAnd works fully offline after downloading maps for specific regions. Route calculation, turn-by-turn navigation, and POI search all work without an internet connection.

Source
LocationIQ: Is LocationIQ free?

Yes, LocationIQ offers a free tier with 5,000 requests/day, providing access to geocoding and mapping APIs. Free tier users must include attribution and cannot use for commercial purposes.

Source
OsmAnd: What is OsmAnd's pricing?

OsmAnd Free version is available with limitations including only 7 map downloads allowed at once and no 3D map views. OsmAnd Pro subscription costs 2.99 euros per month or 29.99 euros per year, offering 3D maps, hourly map refreshes, and cloud storage.

Source
LocationIQ: What support levels does LocationIQ offer?

Free and early paid tiers receive best-effort email support. The Startup plan ($200/month) includes priority email support. Business Plus ($950/month) includes priority live chat support with dedicated AWS endpoints for improved performance.

Source
OsmAnd: What maps does OsmAnd use?

OsmAnd uses free OpenStreetMap data, which is updated monthly or hourly through OsmAnd Live. Wikipedia POI data is available for sightseeing, and users can add optional online tile map overlays.

Source
OsmAnd: Can I use OsmAnd on iOS and Android?

Yes. OsmAnd is available on both iOS via Apple App Store and Android via Google Play Store, with identical offline functionality on both platforms.

Source
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