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Maps · head to head

Mapzen vs OSRM

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
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: Mapzen no pricing information published on main product page describing services and features; 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 Mapzen and OSRM actually diverge.

Attributes where Mapzen and OSRM differ
AttributeMapzenOSRM
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 Mapzen

Nothing recorded that OSRM does not also cover.

Only in OSRM

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 OSRM
  • Search, routing, and navigation servicesnot OSRM

OSRM

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

OSRM

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Mapzen

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Mapzen review.

OSRM

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OSRM review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Mapzen if

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

Mapzen review

Choose OSRM if

  • You want to start without paying.
OSRM review

Questions people ask

Is Mapzen or OSRM better?
Neither clearly leads. Mapzen 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, Mapzen or OSRM?
OSRM has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Mapzen and Free for OSRM.
Does Mapzen 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. 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 OSRM 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
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
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
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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