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Maps · head to head

LocationIQ vs Waze

LocationIQ logo

LocationIQ

Maps

Enterprise-grade location APIs at affordable prices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Waze logo

Waze

Maps

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: LocationIQ smaller ecosystem of integrations compared to Google Maps; Waze no offline maps capability, requiring constant internet connectivity
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which LocationIQ and Waze actually diverge.

Attributes where LocationIQ and Waze differ
AttributeLocationIQWaze
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
PlatformsAPIiOS, Android, Web
FoundedUnknown2008

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 Waze does not also cover.

Only in Waze

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

Waze

  • Real-time navigation and route planning with live traffic updatesnot LocationIQ
  • Reporting hazards and roadway conditions to community driversnot LocationIQ
  • Finding alternative routes to avoid congestion and accidentsnot LocationIQ
  • Connecting with first responders and emergency servicesnot LocationIQ
  • Community-driven mapping and road condition improvementsnot 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

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

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

Waze

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Waze review.

Which should you pick?

Choose LocationIQ if

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

Choose Waze if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
Waze review

Questions people ask

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