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Maps · head to head

MapQuest vs OSRM

MapQuest logo

MapQuest

Maps

Free driving directions, live traffic updates, and road conditions for trip planning and navigation

From
On request
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

  • Only OSRM has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: MapQuest subscription tiers cost more per transaction than the pay as you go rate at low volume, since $119 a month for 30,000 transactions is roughly $0.004 each against $0.0045 on demand; 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 MapQuest and OSRM actually diverge.

Attributes where MapQuest and OSRM differ
AttributeMapQuestOSRM
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumopen-source
Free tierNoYes

Identical on both: platforms (Web), 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 MapQuest

Nothing recorded that OSRM does not also cover.

Only in OSRM

Nothing recorded that MapQuest 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.

MapQuest

  • Geocoding, routing and static maps over an APInot OSRM
  • Adding directions and place search to an applicationnot OSRM

OSRM

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

Where each one falls short

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

MapQuest

  • Subscription tiers cost more per transaction than the pay as you go rate at low volume, since $119 a month for 30,000 transactions is roughly $0.004 each against $0.0045 on demand
  • The 50,000 free pay as you go transactions are described as available for a limited time rather than as a standing allowance
  • Plan allowances are monthly and do not carry over
  • Enterprise volume is custom priced

OSRM

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

Pricing, plan by plan

MapQuest

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MapQuest review.

OSRM

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OSRM review.

Which should you pick?

Choose MapQuest if

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

MapQuest review

Choose OSRM if

  • You want to start without paying.
OSRM review

Questions people ask

Is MapQuest or OSRM better?
Neither clearly leads. MapQuest starts at On request and OSRM at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MapQuest or OSRM?
OSRM has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for MapQuest and Free for OSRM.
Does MapQuest or OSRM run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use OSRM for free?
Yes. OSRM has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MapQuest starts at On request.
What is MapQuest best used for?
MapQuest is most often used for geocoding, routing and static maps over an api, adding directions and place search to an application. Of those, geocoding, routing and static maps over an api and adding directions and place search to an application are not what OSRM is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MapQuest: What is the cheapest way to use MapQuest APIs?

The MapQuestGO plan offers 50,000 free transactions for a limited time, then charges $0.0045 per transaction. Monthly subscription plans start at $119/month for 30,000 transactions.

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
MapQuest: Can I cache or store geocoding results on a monthly MapQuest plan?

No. Storing or caching geocodes is not allowed on monthly plans. Only Enterprise accounts can store geocodes off-map with the Extended Rights Geocoding feature.

Source
MapQuest: What happens if I exceed my MapQuest monthly transaction limit?

The MapQuest pricing page does not specify overage charges. Users can modify their plan selection from their account dashboard at any time to scale up.

Source
MapQuest: Can I change my MapQuest plan mid-cycle?

Yes. Users can modify their plan selection from their account dashboard at any time, making it easy to scale as needs evolve.

Source
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