Softwr

Maps · head to head

Nominatim vs OSRM

Nominatim logo

Nominatim

Maps

Open-source geocoding tool for OpenStreetMap data, providing address search and reverse geocoding capabilities

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: Nominatim the public API allows an absolute maximum of 1 request per second; 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 Nominatim and OSRM actually diverge.

Attributes where Nominatim and OSRM differ
AttributeNominatimOSRM
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 Nominatim

Nothing recorded that OSRM does not also cover.

Only in OSRM

Nothing recorded that Nominatim 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.

Nominatim

  • Geocoding and reverse geocoding servicesnot OSRM
  • Address lookup and location searchnot OSRM
  • OpenStreetMap-based geolocation datanot OSRM

OSRM

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

Where each one falls short

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

Nominatim

  • The public API allows an absolute maximum of 1 request per second
  • Bulk geocoding must run in a single thread and cannot be distributed across machines
  • Scripts running longer than a day or on a schedule are limited to 4 requests per minute
  • Autocomplete search against the public API is explicitly prohibited
  • Systematic queries such as grid based reverse lookups and complete data downloads are prohibited
  • Reselling geocoding results or acting as an API intermediary is prohibited
  • Every request must send a valid HTTP Referer or User-Agent identifying the application, and default library headers are rejected
  • Results must be cached client side, and repeated identical queries can lead to blocking
  • Attribution to OpenStreetMap under ODbL must be displayed

OSRM

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Nominatim

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Nominatim review.

OSRM

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OSRM review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Nominatim if

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

Nominatim review

Choose OSRM if

  • You want to start without paying.
OSRM review

Questions people ask

Is Nominatim or OSRM better?
Neither clearly leads. Nominatim 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, Nominatim or OSRM?
OSRM has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Nominatim and Free for OSRM.
Does Nominatim 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. Nominatim starts at On request.
What is Nominatim best used for?
Nominatim is most often used for geocoding and reverse geocoding services, address lookup and location search, openstreetmap-based geolocation data. Of those, geocoding and reverse geocoding services and address lookup and location search are not what OSRM is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Nominatim: Is Nominatim free?

Nominatim is open source software built on OpenStreetMap data. It appears to be free to use, though commercial usage may require separate licensing or terms. Check the project repository or contact support for clarity on licensing.

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
Nominatim: What is Nominatim's pricing model?

Nominatim does not publish a standard pricing model on its website. As open source software, it is available for free, but commercial or large-scale deployments may require reviewing their licensing terms or contacting project maintainers.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Nominatim

More on OSRM

Keep looking

Other head to heads