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Maps · head to head

Mapzen vs OpenRouteService

Mapzen logo

Mapzen

Maps

Mapzen was an open-source mapping platform that provided geocoding, routing, and map rendering services

From
On request
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

  • Only OpenRouteService has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Mapzen no pricing information published on main product page describing services and features; 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 Mapzen and OpenRouteService actually diverge.

Attributes where Mapzen and OpenRouteService differ
AttributeMapzenOpenRouteService
Starting priceOn requestFree
Free tierNoYes

Identical on both: pricing model (freemium), 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 Mapzen

Nothing recorded that OpenRouteService does not also cover.

Only in OpenRouteService

Nothing recorded that Mapzen 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.

Mapzen

  • Mapping platform with vector tiles and terrain datanot OpenRouteService
  • Search, routing, and navigation servicesnot OpenRouteService

OpenRouteService

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

Where each one falls short

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

Mapzen

  • No pricing information published on main product page describing services and features
  • No clear indication of whether Mapzen is still actively maintained or in legacy status
  • No published tier structure or usage limits visible to potential customers

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

Mapzen

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Mapzen review.

OpenRouteService

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenRouteService review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Mapzen if

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

Mapzen review

Choose OpenRouteService if

  • You want to start without paying.
OpenRouteService review

Questions people ask

Is Mapzen or OpenRouteService better?
Neither clearly leads. Mapzen starts at On request and OpenRouteService at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Mapzen or OpenRouteService?
OpenRouteService has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Mapzen and Free for OpenRouteService.
Does Mapzen or OpenRouteService run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use OpenRouteService for free?
Yes. OpenRouteService has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Mapzen starts at On request.
What is Mapzen best used for?
Mapzen is most often used for mapping platform with vector tiles and terrain data, search, routing, and navigation services. Of those, mapping platform with vector tiles and terrain data and search, routing, and navigation services are not what OpenRouteService is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Mapzen: What is Mapzen's pricing model for mapping and routing services?

Mapzen does not publish pricing information on its main website. The platform describes various services including map display, search, turn-by-turn navigation, routing (isochrone, map matching, optimized routes), and data products (vector tiles, terrain tiles, elevation data), but no cost details are disclosed.

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
Mapzen: What data products does Mapzen offer?

Mapzen offers vector tiles, terrain tiles, and elevation data products. Specific pricing for accessing these data products is not published on the website. Interested customers should contact Mapzen directly for commercial licensing information.

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
Mapzen: Does Mapzen provide turn-by-turn navigation and routing services?

Yes, Mapzen includes turn-by-turn navigation and routing services including isochrone, map matching, and optimized routes functionality. Pricing and API rate limits for these services are not disclosed on the main website.

Source
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