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Maps · head to head

MAPS.ME vs OSRM

MAPS.ME logo

MAPS.ME

Maps

Free, offline maps application based on OpenStreetMap data

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: MAPS.ME mobile-only - no web or desktop navigation client; 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 MAPS.ME and OSRM actually diverge.

Attributes where MAPS.ME and OSRM differ
AttributeMAPS.MEOSRM
Pricing modelUnknownopen-source
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 OSRM does not also cover.

Only in OSRM

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

OSRM

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

OSRM

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

Pricing, plan by plan

MAPS.ME

Free

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

OSRM

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OSRM review.

Which should you pick?

Choose MAPS.ME if

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

Choose OSRM if

  • You want to start without paying.
OSRM review

Questions people ask

Is MAPS.ME or OSRM better?
Neither clearly leads. MAPS.ME 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, MAPS.ME or OSRM?
MAPS.ME starts at Free and OSRM at Free.
Does MAPS.ME or OSRM run on more platforms?
MAPS.ME runs on iOS, Android. OSRM 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 OSRM 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
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
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
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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