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Maps · head to head

MAPS.ME vs OpenRouteService

MAPS.ME logo

MAPS.ME

Maps

Free, offline maps application based on OpenStreetMap data

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OpenRouteService logo

OpenRouteService

Maps

Open-source routing, geocoding, and isochrone APIs based on OpenStreetMap data for developers and enterprises

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: MAPS.ME mobile-only - no web or desktop navigation client; OpenRouteService free tier limited to 500 Isochrones requests per day
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MAPS.ME and OpenRouteService actually diverge.

Attributes where MAPS.ME and OpenRouteService differ
AttributeMAPS.MEOpenRouteService
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsiOS, AndroidWeb
Founded2011Unknown

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 MAPS.ME

Nothing recorded that OpenRouteService does not also cover.

Only in OpenRouteService

Nothing recorded that MAPS.ME 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.

MAPS.ME

  • Downloading offline maps for travel without connectivitynot OpenRouteService
  • Turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without datanot OpenRouteService
  • Finding points of interest and hiking trailsnot OpenRouteService
  • Following built-in travel guidesnot OpenRouteService
  • Hotel booking via Booking.com integrationnot OpenRouteService

OpenRouteService

  • Directions routing for cars, trucks, bikes, walking, hiking, wheelchairnot MAPS.ME
  • Reachability analysis with isochrones for time and distance calculationsnot MAPS.ME
  • Many-to-many distance matrix calculationsnot MAPS.ME
  • Location geocoding and conversion to coordinatesnot MAPS.ME
  • Points of interest discovery and mappingnot MAPS.ME
  • Elevation data enrichment using SRTM satellite datanot MAPS.ME
  • Vehicle routing problem optimizationnot MAPS.ME

Where each one falls short

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

MAPS.ME

  • Mobile-only - no web or desktop navigation client
  • Free tier limits offline map downloads and shows monetization prompts
  • No native Windows, macOS, or Linux app
  • Map data comes from the OpenStreetMap community rather than a commercial map provider

OpenRouteService

  • Free tier limited to 500 Isochrones requests per day
  • API restrictions exist but details not fully documented on main page
  • Specific pricing tiers and costs not published on primary website

Pricing, plan by plan

MAPS.ME

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the MAPS.ME review.

OpenRouteService

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenRouteService review.

Which should you pick?

Choose MAPS.ME if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
MAPS.ME review

Choose OpenRouteService if

  • You want to start without paying.
OpenRouteService review

Questions people ask

Is MAPS.ME or OpenRouteService better?
Neither clearly leads. MAPS.ME starts at Free and OpenRouteService at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MAPS.ME or OpenRouteService?
MAPS.ME starts at Free and OpenRouteService at Free.
Does MAPS.ME or OpenRouteService run on more platforms?
MAPS.ME runs on iOS, Android. OpenRouteService runs on Web.
Can I use MAPS.ME for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is MAPS.ME best used for?
MAPS.ME is most often used for downloading offline maps for travel without connectivity, turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without data, finding points of interest and hiking trails, following built-in travel guides. Of those, downloading offline maps for travel without connectivity and turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without data are not what OpenRouteService is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MAPS.ME: Is MAPS.ME free to download and use?

MAPS.ME is available as a free download for both iOS via App Store and Android via Google Play. No pricing information is published on the MAPS.ME website, suggesting a free service model.

Source
OpenRouteService: How much does OpenRouteService cost?

OpenRouteService is free to use and open source. The free tier includes up to 500 Isochrones requests per day. Specific pricing for higher usage tiers is not published on the main pricing page.

Source
MAPS.ME: What features are included in MAPS.ME?

MAPS.ME is marketed as 'not just an app but a friend in all your adventures.' Full feature details require downloading the app from App Store or Google Play. Specific limitations or premium features are not disclosed on the website.

Source
OpenRouteService: Is there a free version of OpenRouteService?

Yes, OpenRouteService is completely free to use and built on open source technology. All services are presented as free to use and based on user-generated and collaboratively collected geographic data from OpenStreetMap.

Source
MAPS.ME: How does MAPS.ME make money if the app is free?

MAPS.ME does not publish pricing or monetization details on its website. The app is available free on both iOS and Android platforms, but the business model for generating revenue is not disclosed publicly.

Source
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