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Maps · head to head

MapTiler vs OpenRouteService

MapTiler logo

MapTiler

Maps

Map hosting, styling, and APIs for developers with beautiful pre-built map styles

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: MapTiler the free tier is restricted to testing, personal or non commercial use and forces a MapTiler logo on the map; 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 MapTiler and OpenRouteService actually diverge.

Attributes where MapTiler and OpenRouteService differ
AttributeMapTilerOpenRouteService
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 MapTiler

Nothing recorded that OpenRouteService does not also cover.

Only in OpenRouteService

Nothing recorded that MapTiler 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.

MapTiler

  • Web and mobile mapping applicationsnot OpenRouteService
  • Vector tile and raster map hostingnot OpenRouteService

OpenRouteService

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

Where each one falls short

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

MapTiler

  • The free tier is restricted to testing, personal or non commercial use and forces a MapTiler logo on the map
  • Free is capped at 5,000 map sessions, 1,000 search sessions and 100,000 API requests a month
  • Free storage is 5 GB but limited to a single file
  • The Flex plan at $30 a month bills overage at $2.50 per 1,000 sessions and $0.15 per 1,000 API requests
  • Soft usage limits that prevent surprise overage bills are a Custom plan feature, so cheaper plans can run up charges
  • A 99.9% SLA requires the prepaid Custom contract

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

MapTiler

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 5 GB storage
    • 1 file maximum
    • 5,000 monthly sessions
  • Flex$30/monthly
    • 10 GB storage
    • 25,000 monthly sessions
    • 500,000 monthly API requests
  • Custom$null/prepaid
    • Custom storage and monthly sessions
    • Custom API request limits
    • 99.9 percent SLA

OpenRouteService

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenRouteService review.

Which should you pick?

Choose MapTiler if

  • You want to start without paying.
MapTiler review

Choose OpenRouteService if

  • You want to start without paying.
OpenRouteService review

Questions people ask

Is MapTiler or OpenRouteService better?
Neither clearly leads. MapTiler 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, MapTiler or OpenRouteService?
MapTiler starts at Free and OpenRouteService at Free.
Does MapTiler or OpenRouteService run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use MapTiler for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is MapTiler best used for?
MapTiler is most often used for web and mobile mapping applications, vector tile and raster map hosting. Of those, web and mobile mapping applications and vector tile and raster map hosting are not what OpenRouteService is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MapTiler: What happens if I exceed my session or API request limits on the Flex plan?

On the Flex plan, overage charges apply when you exceed limits. Sessions cost $2.50 per 1,000 over the monthly limit of 25,000. API requests cost $0.15 per 1,000 over the 500,000 monthly limit. Additional storage of 100 GB costs $20 per month.

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
MapTiler: Can I use the Free plan for commercial projects?

No, the Free plan is restricted to testing, personal, or non-commercial use only. Commercial use is only permitted on the Flex plan ($30/month) or Custom plans with prepaid volume contracts.

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
MapTiler: What is the difference between Flex and Custom plans?

The Flex plan costs $30 per month with preset limits and pay-as-you-go overages. Custom plans are negotiated per customer for high-traffic use cases and include 99.9 percent SLA, team account support, and prepaid volume contracts. All prices are in USD excluding VAT.

Source
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