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Maps · head to head

LocationIQ vs OSRM

LocationIQ logo

LocationIQ

Maps

Enterprise-grade location APIs at affordable prices

From
Free
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

  • Each has a real cost: LocationIQ smaller ecosystem of integrations compared to Google Maps; 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 LocationIQ and OSRM actually diverge.

Attributes where LocationIQ and OSRM differ
AttributeLocationIQOSRM
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
PlatformsAPIWeb

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 OSRM does not also cover.

Only in OSRM

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 OSRM
  • Store locators and address autofill in web and mobile appsnot OSRM
  • Asset and vehicle tracking with route optimisationnot OSRM
  • Serving static and dynamic map tilesnot OSRM
  • Distance matrix and route planningnot OSRM

OSRM

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

OSRM

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

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

OSRM

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OSRM review.

Which should you pick?

Choose LocationIQ if

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

Choose OSRM if

  • You want to start without paying.
OSRM review

Questions people ask

Is LocationIQ or OSRM better?
Neither clearly leads. LocationIQ starts at Free and OSRM at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, LocationIQ or OSRM?
LocationIQ starts at Free and OSRM at Free.
Does LocationIQ or OSRM run on more platforms?
LocationIQ runs on API. OSRM runs on Web.
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 OSRM 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
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
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
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
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